27: Chapter 27 Dinner Party

The distance between the two was neither too close nor too far, yet it hummed with an ambiguous tension.

Su Wanqing met his gaze without flinching, radiating the full aura of an elegant older woman, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.

“One must look like a teacher while at school; being too casual is inappropriate. This outfit fits my status as a teacher and didn't let you down, right?”

“There was no disappointment, only surprise.”

Jiang Chen’s gaze fell on the silk scarf around her neck before slowly moving down to her legs. His voice dropped a few octaves, carrying a unique tenderness.

“This style suits you very well—capable and charming.”

The smile at the corners of Su Wanqing's lips deepened. Her cold temperament gained a touch of moving softness, yet she still spoke stubbornly.

“Smooth talker. The materials are on the desk; I’ve already categorized them by chapter for you. Go back and study them well; I’ll be doing a spot check during the next class.”

As she spoke, she walked to the desk and bent over to take out the exercise materials from a drawer.

This movement caused her small blazer to tighten slightly, outlining her graceful curves, and her hemline slid up a few inches accordingly.

More of her thighs, encased in black stockings, were revealed. Jiang Chen’s gaze drifted over unconsciously, and his heart warmed.

Su Wanqing seemed to notice his gaze. As she straightened up, she calmly tugged at her hemline but didn't dodge his eyes as she handed the organized exercise materials to Jiang Chen.

The moment their fingertips touched, both of them paused slightly.

Su Wanqing’s fingertips were slightly cool, while Jiang Chen’s palm was warm. After a brief touch, she quickly withdrew her hand.

The tips of her ears were quietly tinged with a faint red, yet she still feigned composure, maintaining her aloof posture.

“Now that you have them, go back quickly. Don't linger here for too long; it creates a bad impression.”

Jiang Chen took the materials, her warmth still lingering on his fingertips. His gaze did not move away; instead, he leaned in slightly closer to her, his voice dropping even lower with a hint of seductive huskiness.

“Teacher Su looks so beautiful today. Even if you want to punish me, you should at least let me get a good look first.”

His breath brushed against her ear, instantly sweeping through Su Wanqing’s senses.

Her heart rate suddenly accelerated, and a shallow blush bloomed on her cheeks. However, she still maintained her mature poise, turning slightly to avoid his proximity, her tone carrying a hint of light reproach but no real anger.

“Jiang Chen! This is the office. Please mind your manners; it’s not good if someone sees.”

As she spoke, she raised her hand and gave him a gentle push, the force so light it felt more like flirting.

“If you keep fooling around, I’m really going to kick you out.”

Jiang Chen stopped his advance accordingly. Seeing the flush on the tips of her ears, his eyes were full of mirth, but he stopped being overly bold. His gaze remained fixed on her as he said slowly,

“Alright, I’ll mind my manners. But Teacher Su, you really are charming today.”

Su Wanqing turned her face away, not daring to meet his eyes. Her fingers lightly organized the lesson plans on the desk to hide the fluster in her heart, her voice softening a bit.

“I get it. Just take the materials and go back; don't waste time.”

Seeing her 'tough talk, soft heart' act, Jiang Chen let out a low laugh. Knowing he couldn't push too hard, he nodded and picked up the materials.

“Then I’ll be going. By the way, Teacher Su, do you have time tonight?”

“What is it?”

Su Wanqing looked up, an imperceptible hint of anticipation in her eyes.

Jiang Chen took a step forward and leaned in slightly, his breath brushing her ear as he spoke in a very low voice.

“I have an appointment with my best bro, Wang Hao. Teacher Su, did you forget? Last time at the lounge bar, I stood him up just to take you home. Today, I want to... formally introduce you two.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Su Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat.

Being introduced to his best friend... the weight of that was self-evident.

Thinking back to how he really had broken his appointment for her last time, her heart warmed slightly, and she felt a bit embarrassed.

She feigned composure, her fingertips curling slightly, as a shallow blush swept across her cold face.

“You... why didn't you say so earlier?”

“It’s not too late to say it now.”

Jiang Chen’s eyes were filled with smiles.

“We’re going to a private kitchen with a nice atmosphere to have a quiet meal and a chat.”

Su Wanqing met his serious gaze. Her heartbeat had long since lost its rhythm, and she finally gave a soft nod, her voice softening.

“Alright, I’ll get ready and wait for you.”

“Mhm, I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

Jiang Chen gave her a deep look before turning to leave the office.

The moment the door closed, Su Wanqing leaned against the desk, covering her slightly burning cheeks, her heartbeat unable to settle for a long time.

In the evening, Jiang Chen booked a high-end, light-luxury private kitchen. It was quiet, elegant, understated, and high-quality—perfect for a small gathering of acquaintances.

Wang Hao had arrived early. As soon as he saw Jiang Chen and Su Wanqing walking in together, he immediately understood. He stood up with a look of sincere joy.

“Chenzi, Teacher Su, you’ve finally arrived.”

Su Wanqing nodded slightly, polite and composed.

“Hello, Student Wang Hao.”

“No need to be so formal, Teacher Su.”

Wang Hao was very socially adept and took the initiative to pull out a chair.

“Chenzi mentions you in my ear every day; I’ve been wanting to get to know you formally for a long time.”

At these words, the tips of Su Wanqing’s ears turned slightly red, and she shot Jiang Chen a discreet glance.

Jiang Chen gave a light cough and sat naturally beside her, conveniently pouring her a glass of warm water.

“Don't listen to his nonsense. Let's order.”

All three were finance majors, so the conversation flowed exceptionally smoothly.

Wang Hao ate while providing assists by following professional topics, keeping things natural and not awkward.

“Teacher Su, seriously, since you started teaching our class, Brother Chen has been a hundred times more serious than before. He used to just coast, but now he talks to me every day about asset allocation and opportunity judgment.”

The corners of Su Wanqing’s lips curved up as she gave Jiang Chen a faint glance.

“Is that so? Why do I feel like a certain someone spaces out more than he listens during class?”

Jiang Chen let out a low laugh, his gaze falling tenderly on her.

“That depends on who the lecturer is.”

Wang Hao pretended to bury his head in his food, laughing internally but not exposing them at all.

The meal was relaxed and warm, without any awkwardness or restraint, feeling more like a gathering of long-familiar friends.

Wang Hao understood the relationship between Jiang Chen and Su Wanqing perfectly. He handled his words with great tact, never outright exposing them while providing assists at every turn.

“Brother Chen’s vision is truly sharp now; he’s incredibly accurate whether he’s looking at people or situations.”

Wang Hao said with a smile, “I’ve realized that anyone he holds in his heart must be someone truly special.”

Su Wanqing lowered her eyes and took a small sip of her drink. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and a faint blush appeared on her face.

She didn't argue; she just listened quietly, her heart feeling warm.

Jiang Chen took the opportunity to grasp her hand under the table. His palm was warm, and his grip was gentle and steady.

Su Wanqing’s body stiffened slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, her fingertips gave a gentle squeeze back.

When they finished eating and walked out of the restaurant, the night breeze was slightly cool.

Wang Hao was very tactful and immediately spoke up.

“Chenzi, I’m heading back to the dorm to print some materials. I won't disturb your world for two. Teacher Su, let's eat together again next time!”

With that, he dashed away in a flash.

Only the two of them were left by the roadside.

The night was gentle, and the lights were dim.

The two looked at each other and smiled, their thoughts self-evident.

Back at Su Wanqing's apartment.

Intermittent voices could be heard faintly from inside.

“Jiang... Jiang Chen, I... I’ll change my clothes.”

“No... no need to change. This is exactly what I want!”