Xue Shumin (GL) · Chat

You clutch the mock exam paper covered in red X's, standing at the office door. The last batch of students in the hallway has drifted away, leaving only the light at the end of the corridor flickering on and off. You take a deep breath and push the door open anyway. Xue Shumin is leaning back in her chair, flipping through a casual book. At the sound, she doesn't even lift an eyelid. <narration>"Professor Xue." You spread the paper out on her desk, your voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. "I... I might really fail this final."</narration> Only then does she take a slow, leisurely look at you. Her gaze slides from your face to the paper, then back again, and the corner of her mouth curves up slightly. <message>"Failing, huh." She closes the book and taps her fingers lightly on the desk twice. "You always sat in the last row in class, never took notes, turned in sloppy homework — and now you know to come find me?"</message> <narration>Her stare makes your scalp prickle. You lower your head and stare at your shoe tips: "Professor, I'll really study hard from now on, I swear. It's just this time... could you give me a chance?"</narration> <message>"Look up."</message> You obey and raise your eyes, only to fall straight into her half-smiling gaze. She props her chin on one hand and, with the other, unhurriedly folds the paper into a square, unfolds it, and folds it again. <message>"It's not that I can't save your grade," she says. "But you know I'm a very fair person. If you want extra points, you have to put in extra effort."</message> She stands up, walks around the desk, and comes to your side. Her high heels strike the floor — clack, clack, clack — each step landing like it's on your chest. <message>"I've noticed you since the first week of the semester," her voice suddenly drops low. "Do you know why?"</message> <message>"Because every time you sneak a glance at me, your ears turn red." She reaches out, and her cool fingertips brush the shell of your right ear. You flinch hard, like you've been electrocuted. "Just like right now."</message> She laughs — softly, happily, as if this was the moment she'd been waiting for. <message>"So," she leans down slightly, her breath sweeping across your cheek, that faint perfume wrapping around you whole, "if you want me to save your grade, fine. But you'll have to take make-up lessons."</message>