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In the dimly lit alley,
A wave of scorching heat came crashing down.
The pores on her exposed skin tightened instinctively,
An intense, invasive pressure enveloped Yu Hua completely.
At such close proximity, every sensation became unnervingly sharp.
So much so that even the slightest ripple in the air could be felt.
The boy's breath brushed past his lips and nose.
Seemed to carry a faint electric current.
Tingling spread from her ears to her cheeks to her neck.
It spread in a slow, numbing wave across her entire body.
A strange, inexplicable itch crept over her skin.
Under these circumstances, one might expect something inappropriate to happen.
Yet the boy remained just a few feet away. close, but never crossing the line.
It was already the second time today that he had approached her with such disregard for personal space.
Yu Hua parted her lips slightly, then bit down gently and ground her teeth in thought.
The loosened tie, the rolled-up sleeves...
She realized that, in this life or the last, the boy always carried himself in a relaxed, almost careless manner.
That subtle allure, born from his effortless laziness, often drew the secret gazes of many girls.
Their cheeks flushed red with barely concealed fascination.
Back then, he probably had no idea,just how many girls were secret voyeurs, lurking in the blind spots of surveillance cameras and violating him with their eyes, never looking away for even a second.
Yu Hua found this puzzling.
Are all men this oblivious?
Or is he just completely unaware of his own effect?
"Still playing dead? Little mute, are you really not going to tell me your name?"
The boy's voice held what she thought was a threatening tease.
But Yu Hua only smiled silently to herself.
How did I never notice this amusing side of him in my past life?
On the surface, she obediently raised her hand and signed.
—No.
Unaware that he embodied "adorable" in her eyes, Ji Mu continued playing the role of a villainous young master.
"Hurry up and tell me your lowly name."
His voice was clean and clear, truly ill-suited for such lines.
Calling it fierce would be too generous.
Of course, it wasn't entirely out of place; there were certain situations in which it fit quite well.
For example...
In bed.
Yu Hua's fingers unconsciously tightened, and her gaze shifted a few degrees with natural calm.
Strange. Why did my mind go somewhere so indecent?
Ji Mu, noticing this subtle movement, furrowed his brows.
Why are you turning your head away from me?
Do you hate acknowledging me that much?
[Host, this is great news!]
The ever-insightful Old Master Dongwang system offered its unique perspective.
[Looks like the female lead is starting to dislike you. Hehehe... Our bullying plan has officially taken its first successful step!]
Ah, so that's what it is.
Ji Mu was instantly invigorated.
Disgust is good. Hate me more! Come on, more, more!
"Hmph, you—"
"Yu Hua."
A soft, alluring female voice drifted through the air like a breeze over a lake, stirring gentle ripples and lightly tugging at the listener's heartstrings.
Ji Mu's attempt to increase the pressure with his intimidation spell was abruptly interrupted.
"Huh?"
The girl calmly repeated, "Yu Hua. That's my name."
He froze for a few seconds.
Then he gave a light, awkward cough.
"That's such an ugly name. The nickname I gave you, 'Little Mute,' sounds way better."
The girl nodded seriously. "Mm-hmm."
She wasn't being perfunctory; her whole vibe was, "Say whatever you want, as long as you're happy."
Damn it. That frustrating, nowhere-to-land feeling is back again.
No, I need to initiate Plan B immediately!
"Little Mute, do you know my name?"
"Um..."
"Oh?"
Perfect. The prey had taken the bait.
Suppressing his excitement, Ji Mu put on a show of disdain. "Then what should you call me?"
Heh. He already had it all planned out.
Given the female lead's personality, she would probably call him "Ji Mu" or "Classmate Ji Mu." Then he could pounce with: "What gives you the right to call me by name?" and continue his campaign of oppression.
An unstoppable, flawless scheme!
He had honed this move over several hours that afternoon.
Can you block this one?
[Oh my God, Host, your bullying tactics are truly unmatched!]
The system was in awe.
There are so many talented people in the world, yet none quite like you.
[Invincible. I hereby crown you the new King of Bullies!]
Ji Mu was secretly pleased. "Keep it low-key."
Just thinking about what she might say next nearly made him laugh out loud.
He was already pondering which tone would be best for scolding her.
Right then, the girl gave her answer.
"Master Mu."
"Heh, who gave you permission to—wait, what?"
The words that had just left her mouth did a sharp U-turn. Ji Mu wondered if he had misheard.
"You called me... what?"
Yu Hua tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the delicate lines of her shoulder and neck.
Her expression remained as cool and aloof as ever.
Her lashes fluttered, each blink a carefully orchestrated temptation carrying an indescribable allure that tugged at the soul.
Her lips parted slightly as she repeated her earlier response.
"Master Mu."
Her voice was soft and light.
It evoked the gentle murmur of a mountain spring: clear on the surface, yet laced with a dreamy, suggestive undertone.