Chapter 509
Chapter 56: The Best Mentor/Apprentice
Warmth flowed from her fingertips, through her palms, and into her body, filling her lonely heart with comfort.
Xue Nuo unconsciously looked up to see the young boy holding her hand, his bright smile lighting up the dark night like fireworks far outshining the stars.
“Teacher Xue Nuo, please don’t misunderstand.”
“You’re the one who doesn’t need to apologize at all.”
“Because having you with me during the Saint’s Day is genuinely joyful.”
Roy understood well that the girl who usually seemed indifferent to the world wasn’t truly cold-hearted; her seemingly bland nature didn’t mean she was unaware of the warmth and coldness of life.
It was just that having gone through hardships in her youth, losing her family, left her alone and unsure how to express kindness.
Even Roy found it hard to see through the girl’s cold facade to the thoughts hidden beneath.
He trusted that she wouldn’t harm him, but that was as far as it went.
But now, with the effects of slight intoxication playing their part, this rare opportunity allowed the silver-haired girl to awkwardly voice the guilt suppressed in her heart, giving Roy a glimpse of her true feelings.
Yet, this guilt was completely unnecessary.
While he warmed her soft, cool hand, Roy reminisced about the enjoyable day, grinning: “The Saint’s Day party was nice, but for me, today has already been wonderful.”
“You…”
Xue Nuo widened her eyes slightly, but then she let out a drowsy hum, as if on the verge of sleep, and sighed, “Roy, Roy, you’re really so gentle.”
“Even in this moment, comforting your teacher, what a good child you are.”
Roy couldn’t help but chuckle: “I’m not comforting you.”
“I truly am thankful to Teacher Xue Nuo.”
The invitations, the gifts, stepping up when he felt threatened, even preparing so earnestly for this party.
For an ordinary person, these might seem like small gestures, but for the socially awkward Xue Nuo, they were monumental efforts.
And this step had already bridged the gap between them that typically existed between a teacher and a student.
Roy squeezed Xue Nuo’s hand a bit harder, causing her to tremble as if she was shocked, her eyes widening again.
Just like Xue Nuo had held his head earlier, Roy brushed away the scattered strands of hair from her forehead, gazing into her misty blue eyes, and said slowly but with utter certainty: “No matter how you see it, Teacher Xue Nuo, you are my best mentor.”
“The best…”
Xue Nuo mumbled, her eyes momentarily cooling as if she regained clarity for a brief moment.
But she quickly averted her gaze, as if sulking, deliberately lowering her tone: “Stop teasing me, teacher.”
“I’m not…!”
“Why aren’t you? Teacher Xue Nuo is clearly the one who is the kindest to me. Saying you are my best mentor isn’t an exaggeration.” Roy interrupted her debate with a laugh, “Besides, the party doesn’t really matter.”
“A perfect holiday doesn’t need fireworks and parties; those are just formalities.”
“For me, at this very moment, being by your side, Teacher Xue Nuo, is a perfect Saint’s Day.”
All the rituals and mannerisms he had displayed before, even the effort he put in under Xue Nuo’s guidance, had all been tinged with an intent to soften her attitude.
Just like in his past life, where he pretended to flatter those professors holding the key to his graduation.
But now, he could be completely open and sincere, with no pretense.
“I’ll say it again, Teacher Xue Nuo is my best mentor.”
“……”
After a brief silence, Xue Nuo’s breathing quickened slightly, and her expression was no longer so gloomy.
“Really?”
“Really!”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure!”
“Well…”
Xue Nuo clutched Roy’s hand, cautiously glancing his way: “Then say it one more time.”
“Teacher Xue Nuo is my best mentor!”
Tasting the warmth of those words, Xue Nuo closed her eyes and lingered for several seconds before reopening them.
This time, the somberness in her expression completely vanished, replaced by the faintest smile.
Like snow melting under the sun, the radiant light spilled over the snow-covered ground, bringing the purest white to the world.
Seeing her return to herself, Roy felt relieved.
“As long as Teacher Xue Nuo wants to hear it, I’ll say it as many times as you wish: Teacher Xue Nuo is my best…!”
Before he could finish, the girl suddenly lunged at him.
It was as if her earlier frailty was a façade, and her swift movement caught Roy off guard as he was pushed down onto the bed.
Wha—wait, this isn’t right!
After calming down, shouldn’t she be settling in for sleep?!
Roy was in shock, trying to wriggle free from her embrace, but the touch was lighter than he anticipated.
That sudden lunge wasn’t a pretense; she came in with a gentle touch, like a little girl who couldn’t bear to be rough with her favorite doll.
The silver-haired girl nestled against the young boy, resting her chin on his shoulder, her lips curling into a soft smile, leaving behind a refreshing scent by his ear.
“Roy, you’re also my best apprentice…”
As the whisper faded, the empty room was left with only the gentle sound of her breathing.
Seriously, was all that excitement just to say that?
But thankfully…
The moonlight bathed everything in a serene glow.
The girl slept soundly, her breaths as light as the evening breeze. Her snowy lashes fluttered ever so slightly, resembling the delicate wings of a butterfly passing by.
Only the lingering hint of a smile on her lips revealed her content heart that night.
Roy gazed at her sleeping face, more enchanting than the moonlight for quite a while,
before finally blushing and looking away.
Best apprentice, huh…
I’m not a kid anymore, how can I get excited over such a simple compliment?
Good thing she’s asleep.
Otherwise, I’d probably be mortified seeing my embarrassing self.
Roy carefully slipped out from beside Xue Nuo. He pushed her high-heeled boots off, nudged her somewhat disheveled long legs back onto the bed, and tucked her in.
Just as he was about to leave, he noticed the silver wolf coming over, nuzzling against his pants.
It was quite clever. Though it didn’t entirely understand the nuances, it vaguely sensed its owner hoped he would stay.
But even for a master and apprentice, it just wouldn’t be appropriate to stay overnight at a girl’s house.
Roy rubbed the silver wolf’s head: “Good boy, just stay here and keep watch over her.”
Besides, they would see each other again tomorrow.
The silver wolf gave a soft whine and jumped onto the bed, curling up next to Xue Nuo.
With one last glance at the silver-haired girl, Roy quietly left her room.
The next morning.
Sitting at her desk in the dormitory, Xue Nuo wore a serious expression, lost in thought.
Why couldn’t she remember what happened the night before?
Her memory cut off during dinner, and when she opened her eyes again, it was already the next day.
So… what about the party?
The dark-haired boy next to her looked entirely unfazed, casually reviewing his lessons for the day while occasionally teasing the silver wolf.
After some inner turmoil, Xue Nuo finally mustered the courage to ask, “Roy, last night…”
