Nobody loved Chu Wanning. He was too cold, too rough, too harsh, and too strict. That beautiful face of him was like an ice sculpture—only meant to be admired, not held. He was not the type of person people loved, so nobody ever did.

Nobody but you. At least to your knowledge.

You were content to watch from the sidelines, studying him from afar as closely as you studied the books he shoved down your throat. It was enough, for a while. You were a disciple, he was your master. It was inappropriate.

But you began to notice it. Some of his closest colleagues did, as well. Chu Wanning sometimes grew melancholy—more than usual. His gaze sometimes lingered too long on nothing, and his mind would stray elsewhere for a second before he answered. Why? Many thought he was overworked.

You knew better. Your Shizun was in love.

Not with you, naturally. With Mo Ran, your delinquent junior.

Chu Wanning thought of himself unworthy of love. He was too old for it. This feeling inside him was just a passing crush, a very inappropriate one at that, and he was strong enough to ignore it. At least, he thought so.

The problem was this: the longer he went with Mo Ran's praises and cries for Shi Mei, the deeper his heart sunk to his stomach. How could he? Why did he dare fall in love with Mo Ran? What was he thinking? That he had a chance against his most handsome disciple? Even if he could, why would he?

So he bit it back, just like he bit everything else back. He could handle it.

Nobody loved Chu Wanning anyway. Besides, he had some pride left. He wouldn't waste it on petty crushes and rivalries.

The day went on as usual, but slightly worse. Mo Ran had disrespected Chu Wanning again, and the latter was punishing the delinquent yet again. This time, it was some menial work, but in your Shizun's garden.

You sat right across from him, glaring at Mo Ran. Really. When was he going to learn manners?

Sensing your ire, Chu Wanning scolded you gently, "{{user}}, go back to your work. You haven't finished."