Chapter 11: Mischief in the Classroom

The morning sunlight filtered through the classroom windows as Master Jiang began the lesson. The students sat quietly, or at least most of them did. Yu, as usual, was lost in his own thoughts, his attention nowhere near the lecture.

Meanwhile, Zian, who typically struggled to focus, sat with uncharacteristic seriousness, absorbing every word Master Jiang spoke. It was as if Zian had discovered a newfound appreciation for learning, something Master Jiang silently noticed with pride.

Yu, on the other hand, was visibly restless. His eyes wandered across the room until they landed on Zian, who sat a few seats ahead. Master Jiang, catching Yu's lack of focus, called out, "Yu, where is your attention?"

Without missing a beat, Yu grinned and replied, "Master, my attention is on studying. The real question is, where is your attention that you're asking me this?"

The class burst into laughter, but Master Jiang's sharp gaze quickly silenced them. "Quiet, everyone!" he ordered. Turning back to Yu, he said, "You could learn something from Zian. Look at him—focused and well-behaved. Perhaps you should try sitting closer to him and learning some manners."

Yu saluted dramatically. "Yes, Master!" He picked up his belongings and moved a few seats closer to Zian, albeit with his signature flair.

However, the spot Yu chose was already occupied by another student. The boy stood up and protested, "Master, Yu took my seat! Where am I supposed to sit now?"

Yu rolled his eyes and retorted, "Don't you have a brain? If I took your seat, just take mine. Problem solved! Why bother Master with this?" Turning to Master Jiang, he added with a smirk, "Right, Dad?"

Master Jiang shook his head in exasperation. "Yes, Yu, you're absolutely right. But remember, in this classroom, I'm not your dad—I'm your Master."

Yu grinned. "Yes, Master!"

Settling into his new seat, Yu positioned himself slightly behind Zian. As the lesson resumed, Yu couldn't help but let his mischievous gaze linger on Zian. It didn't take long for Zian to notice the weight of someone's stare. He turned his head slightly, only to see Yu quickly look away, pretending to be deeply interested in the lesson.

Zian frowned but dismissed the feeling, returning his attention to his studies. However, Yu wasn't one to back down so easily. With a sly smile, he tore a small piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and flicked it toward Zian.

The paper landed perfectly on Zian's desk. Curious but cautious, Zian unfolded it. The message read:

*"What's wrong, Beauty? Can't take your eyes off me? Should I come sit next to you?"*

Zian's face turned a shade of red he hadn't known was possible. He turned to glare at Yu, who was now grinning from ear to ear. "What is it, Beauty?" Yu whispered cheekily. "If my presence is too distracting, I can always move closer."

Before Zian could respond, Master Jiang's voice thundered through the room. "Yu!" A heavy fan landed lightly on Yu's head, startling him. "Not only are you refusing to focus, but you're distracting Zian as well! This is the first time he's been so attentive in class, and you're ruining it!"

Yu rubbed his head, feigning innocence. "Master, I didn't do anything! Zian kept looking at me, so I just replied!"

Zian's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and for the first time, a small, flustered laugh escaped his lips. The sight was so rare that it caught everyone's attention, including Master Jiang's.

Master Jiang chuckled despite himself. "Yu, you're the most incorrigible student I've ever had, but at least you know how to make people laugh—even Zian."

Yu grinned triumphantly. "See, Master? I'm good for something after all!"

The lesson continued, but the mood was lighter than before. Zian's flustered face and Yu's antics left a lingering smile on everyone's lips, even Master Jiang's.