Jaylene: “Wow, such a gentleman!”

Shi Yao replied: “Of course. I’m not someone who kicks at the drop of a hat.”

Alarieka saw black.

Nie Guanyu cautiously pulled back his neck, whispering: “This handsome… guy, Alaricka and I really are just friends. It’s not what you think.”

Shi Yao glanced at his face, his expression finally easing: “Better be.”

Alaricka snapped: “Just shut up already.”

Jaylene teased: “Don’t be shy! He’s a total catch–totally normal you’d fall for him. No big deal. I get it.”

Alarieka: ….

She grabbed the textbook Nie Guanyu bought, lowered her head, and started reading line by line, tuning out the world.

She recognized every word, but none registered.

Suddenly, a slender hand reached from beside her, pulling the textbook away.

Alaricka reacted instantly, slapping her palm down on the book. She glared at Shi Yao: “What now?”

Shi Yao raised an innocent brow: “What’s wrong with looking?”

Alarieka smiled coldly: “Given our… less than peaceful relationship, I’d advise against touching my things.”

Shi Yao tugged at the book: “Fine. This distance works too–I can still see clearly.”

Alarieka yanked the book back, deliberately turning her body to block his view.

Jaylene chimed in: “It’s just some book—”

“Computer Principles?” Shi Yao said.

Alarieka froze, glancing down to confirm the book lay open facing her—impossible for him to see the title from his angle. She whipped her head around.

Nie Guanyu voiced her suspicion: “You can tell?”

Three pairs of eyes fixed on Shi Yao. He lifted a corner of his mouth, feigning nonchalance: “Just something I read in elementary school. Recognized it after seeing it so many times.”

Nie Guanyu murmured: “Elementary school?”

Shi Yao sipped his coffee, eyebrow arched as if stating the obvious: “Yeah. I started learning computers in grade school. Didn’t you?”

Jaylene Irwin, Nie Guanyu: …

Alarieka: Seriously? He’s putting on airs already?

Nie Guanyu got a bit worked up: “Of course we’re not.”

Shi Yao asked: “Then what are you doing?”

Nie Guanyu, being honest to a fault, spilled everything before Alarieka could stop him. “I majored in computer science in college. I’ve graduated and work now. Alaricka and Jaylene said they wanted to learn too, so I’ve been teaching them. They’re quick learners–almost finished with this textbook already.”

Shi Yao raised an eyebrow, looking smug: “Just starting now?”

Alaricka finally cut in: “None of your business.”

Nie Guanyu, who’d been about to explain, promptly shut his mouth.

Shi Yao snorted, leaning back against the cushions: “Wasn’t that your college major?”

Alarieka pursed her lips.

Jaylene blinked: “Didn’t you know, handsome?”

Shi Yao asked: “Know what?”

Jaylene glanced at the visibly uncomfortable Alarieka, suppressing a grin: “She’s taking the National College Entrance Examination in a few months. Still a high school senior–hasn’t started college yet.”

The air in the space seemed frozen for an eternity. Shi Yao appeared almost catatonic until Jaylene Irwin spoke, then he slowly turned to look at Alarieka, staring for a long while.

“High school senior?”

Jaylene nodded earnestly.

Shi Yao glanced at Nie Guanyu, who also nodded with sincerity.

Frowning at Alarieka, Shi Yao demanded, “You’re still a senior?”

Alaricka arched an eyebrow. “Got a problem with that?”

Abruptly, Shi Yao checked his phone, and his brow furrowed deeper.

“It’s Wednesday. School hours. Why aren’t you in class?”

Alaricka shrugged. “None of your business. I go where I please.”

Jaylene spoke for her: “She’s exceptionally well academically. The school permits her independent study.”

Shi Yao’s gaze turned complicated. “How old is she?”

Jaylene beamed. “Relax, she’s eighteen. Legally an adult.”

Shi Yao’s frown remained. Just as Alaricka braced for criticism about skipping school, she heard his frustration–laden voice: “Shouldn’t seniors focus on academics?”