Chapter 10: A Morning of Mischief

The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in a golden glow as Yu and his group of friends made their way toward the classroom. Laughter and chatter filled the air, with Yu leading the group as always, his mischievous grin firmly in place.

Just as they turned the corner, Yin Zian appeared, walking gracefully and carrying his usual composed demeanor. The moment Yu caught sight of him, his eyes lit up with mischief. "Heyyy, Beauty! Are you ready for another day of babysitting us?" Yu called out, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Zian didn't respond, his face remaining as calm as ever, but Yu wasn't one to give up easily. "You're so beautiful, you know," Yu added, smirking. "But you speak so little. How mysterious."

Before Zian could react, Master Jiang appeared out of nowhere, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "Yu, my dear boy, who are you calling 'Beauty' now?"

Yu froze for a second before quickly putting on an innocent smile. "Dad—I mean, Master—I was just joking! You know, nothing serious. Zian is just so handsome, I couldn't help but say it. But please, no punishments for speaking the truth!"

Yu spun around dramatically and addressed Zian. "Beauty—I mean, Zian—say something! Did I offend you? You can tell me if I did!"

Zian's calm façade faltered slightly, his ears turning a faint shade of red. He avoided Yu's gaze and remained silent, much to Yu's delight.

Master Jiang sighed, shaking his head. "Enough of your nonsense, Yu. It's time for class. Everyone, inside!"

"Yes, Master!" the students chorused, falling into line behind him. Master Jiang led the way, with Zian, Yu, and the others trailing behind.

As they walked, Yu sidled up closer to Zian and leaned in, whispering, "You really are beautiful, Zian. Don't you think so too?"

Zian stiffened, and for the first time, he turned sharply to face Yu. His composed expression was replaced by one of mild disbelief, his cheeks now matching the redness of his ears. Yu grinned, satisfied with the reaction.

Before Zian could respond, Master Jiang's sharp voice broke in. "Yu, stop pestering Zian! I don't know where you get this endless energy for nonsense."

Yu flashed an innocent smile. "Dad—uh, Master—I'm not pestering him! I'm just complimenting him! Isn't it a good thing to appreciate beauty?"

Master Jiang walked over and grabbed Yu by the ear. "You're too young to be spouting such nonsense. And by the way you're talking, one would think you consider yourself the ugliest boy in the world!"

Yu winced but didn't lose his playful tone. "Ouch, Dad—I mean, Master—don't say that! How can I be ugly when I'm surrounded by beautiful people? Zian here is my best friend, and because of that, he's as beautiful as me!"

Master Jiang couldn't help but chuckle despite himself. "You truly are incorrigible, Yu. Now enough of this silliness. Into the classroom—all of you!"

The students filed into the room, but not before Yu cast a final wink in Zian's direction. "See you inside, Beauty," he teased, earning another flustered look from Zian.

As the class began, Zian tried to focus, but Yu's antics lingered in his mind. For the first time, someone had called him beautiful—repeatedly, no less—and it left him with a strange, unfamiliar warmth. Meanwhile, Yu grinned to himself, proud of the chaos he'd managed to stir so early in the day.