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Chapter 31: You’re Awesome

The three of them—two individuals and one wolf—walked in silence.

Unlike Alice’s serene vibe, Xue Nuo’s silence made the air feel extra stiff.

One word: awkward.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the girl beside me didn’t seem to mind the awkwardness at all; her expression was just fine, while Roy looked a bit conflicted.

Seriously, can you say something?!

Unable to handle it anymore, Roy broke the silence first, “Sorry for the trouble earlier, Teacher.”

“As a mentor, I only did what I was supposed to,” Xue Nuo replied softly.

The air fell silent again.

Roy was at a loss.

You were the one who decided to follow me; why are you saying nothing? Is this some kind of punishment play?

However, Xue Nuo didn’t want to remain quiet, she simply didn’t know how to speak.

As a teacher, she should praise and recognize an outstanding student.

But having grown accustomed to scolding, punishment, and a cold demeanor towards everything, she found it hard to compliment anyone.

She stole glances at the boy next to her, trying to think of something to say but was at a complete loss.

Just as they passed the teaching area and were nearing the dormitory in their building, Xue Nuo finally forced herself to speak.

“Roy, classmate.”

“Teacher?”

“You… are awesome.”

The boy stood frozen in place.

A cold wind blew through the air.

The silver wolf looked up, puzzled as to why the two suddenly stopped walking.

Xue Nuo lowered her gaze, her lips trembling.

What on earth am I saying?!

What does “you’re awesome” even mean?! I must have lost my mind to say that!

Feeling embarrassed as if about to sink into despair, the silver-haired girl didn’t know how to face the boy anymore and hurriedly turned away, pretending nothing happened, wanting to escape the scene.

“Just forget I said anything.”

However, the response was a stifled chuckle.

“Teacher Xue Nuo, were you complimenting me?”

Xue Nuo turned back, somewhat surprised that he understood her meaning.

“I guess. You did great; perfect score on your written test, so you’re in the clear about not getting held back. Complimenting you is only right… Sorry, I can’t say anything too nice,” Xue Nuo admitted, slightly embarrassed as she averted her gaze.

Even the original Xue Nuo was like this.

Her usual cold self rarely showed a gentle side, so even when she tried, it felt clumsy; but beneath her ice-like exterior hid a warmth as soothing as water.

Roy grinned, “Thank you, Teacher. Just hearing that is enough for me.”

“And also, getting a perfect score wasn’t just thanks to me; I had the blessings of my teacher.”

Without Xue Nuo’s tutoring, relying solely on himself might have earned him barely a passing grade. Who knows if he’d have to repeat a year.

His warm expression in spring made Xue Nuo feel sweetly grateful, yet also inspired a deep sigh within her.

This kid is really a good child.

When Xue Nuo looked over, her cold eyes sparkled, beautiful like an icy gem. “But that’s all your achievement. In the same class with the same teacher, so many people, yet only you got a perfect score.”

“So, you are the best.”

With that, Xue Nuo unconsciously stepped closer, reached out, and gently ruffled Roy’s hair.

Her soft silver hair brushed against him with a faint cool fragrance, the softness of her touch unfurling from the top of his head, catching Roy off guard.

Noticing his surprise, Xue Nuo halted her hand, a hint of apology creeping in: “Sorry, it was just instinct… Do you dislike it?”

This action felt a bit like patting a little puppy, definitely too forward.

Roy shook his head and smiled, “Not at all.”

With his reassurance, Xue Nuo felt relieved and continued to pat him for a little while longer, her fair hand moving gently through his dark hair.

She usually strokes the little maid’s head; being petted by someone else felt oddly refreshing.

Especially when those after “The Ice Rose” learned that this high and mighty silver-haired girl had such a gentle side; they’d probably be envious for sure!

Roy couldn’t help but smile bitterly inside.

At a time like this, he decided to drop the pretense.

But wait, didn’t she say she wouldn’t compliment? Now I feel a little proud.

“Except…”

Except, you’re ultimately not my student.

You could say that the days spent teaching Roy were among the happiest moments of her teaching career.

But with the tutoring over, this short teacher-student relationship was coming to an end.

If only those tutoring days could last a little longer.

Thinking thus, Xue Nuo felt a pang of regret, a faint shadow passing through her eyes.

“Except?”

“It’s nothing.”

Reluctantly pulling her hand back, Xue Nuo faced Roy’s concerned expression and shook her head, successfully hiding her sorrow.

No matter what, finishing off the tutoring and avoiding the issue of repeating a year was ultimately a good thing for Roy.

As his mentor, she should be happy for him. How could she let her own feelings disturb his happiness?

Ahead lay the small path leading to their building, while the classroom’s dormitory was in the opposite direction.

Xue Nuo took the lead to walk the other way, casting a faint smile back at Roy.

“I’ll go this way. I won’t walk you back.”

Roy beamed brightly, “Goodbye, Teacher.”

“…Mhm, goodbye.”

Watching the boy’s departing figure, Xue Nuo waved slightly but hesitated, unwilling to leave.

Thus, the brief teacher-student relationship came to an end.

Upon their next meeting, they were likely to be like strangers.

Until the original boy disappeared from view, until the silver wolf nudged her gently, urging her to leave, until the chilly autumn wind blew by, Xue Nuo finally snapped back to reality.

“Goodbye.”

Once she stepped inside, a panel lit up before the boy.

【Congratulations on completing the reverse fate node!】

【Current reverse fate node: Snow Wolf】

【Snow Wolf reverse fate progress】: 10%

【Nia Molly】: Affection +11, current affection 6 (Admiration)

【Reward】: Reverse fate point +1

Can’t deny, Xue Nuo seems to have had quite a change of heart about me.

Shouldn’t have to worry about being targeted by “The Ice Rose” now, right?

Roy finally sighed in relief.

Among the four leading ladies, Xue Nuo was the most dangerous one.

Being seen as prey by her was like being targeted by a vicious wolf—impossible to shake off and quite tough to deal with.

Especially since she held both noble and teaching positions; as a student, being her enemy was a losing game.

But as long as he fulfilled his duties as a student and followed the school rules, she shouldn’t develop any extra interest in him—after all, she naturally had a nonchalant nature, rarely showing interest in others.

Walking down the road, guessing she wouldn’t even bother to spare him a glance.

The current situation was exactly how Roy wanted it.

Thinking of this, he picked up the milk tea prepared by the little maid and took a blissful sip to celebrate his momentary victory.

Seeing her master smile so widely, Alice keenly caught a hint of something off.

She leaned closer to Roy, her nose twitching slightly.

There was a faint, unfamiliar fragrance.

Not gardenias, not jasmine, nor hydrangeas; it was a cool and strange scent.

The little maid’s pupils shrank, her heart race quickened.

It seemed like her master had got himself another woman!

 

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