"Wow, look at that car! It's a top-of-the-line Porsche Cayenne. How much does it cost?"
"Is it waiting for someone at the school gate? I'm so jealous. Sitting in that car must feel even more prestigious than sitting in a BMW."
"Enough with the daydreaming. Have you seen what you look like? Do you think the owner would even look at you?"
"Am I the only one who noticed how incredible that license plate is? 'Magic A·8888.' I've never seen a plate like that before."
"Sheesh... who is the owner and what kind of background this person have?"
"…"
The stylish car had captured the attention of many students.
Recognition of the make and model drew gasps and exclamations.
In the crowd—
Xia Mengyao also spotted the car, and she couldn't help but feel puzzled.
She had a sense that she'd seen it somewhere before, but couldn't quite place it.
However, when someone mentioned the license plate, her expression changed instantly.
She remembered. Wasn't this Xu Hao's car?
The last time they parted ways at a gathering, Xu Hao had left in this very vehicle.
The flashy license plate had left a lasting impression on her.
Strange, what was Xu Hao doing with his car parked at the school gate?
Could it be... that he was here to see her?
A terrible thought crossed her mind.
And as if her fears were being confirmed, the rear window rolled down and Xu Hao's extraordinarily handsome face appeared before the gathered students.
The crowd fell silent for a moment.
Xu Hao was just too good-looking, and the female students present were practically starstruck.
They couldn't help but wish they could immediately throw themselves at him.
The next moment, Xu Hao gestured toward the crowd with a wave of his hand.
Xia Mengyao felt her face go pale.
She knew very well that Xu Hao was beckoning her.
With a mixture of apprehension and dread, she made her way out of the crowd.
To the amazement of her fellow students, she got into Xu Hao's car and they drove away.
The students who remained were left dumbstruck for a long time.
"Oh my God, that guy was so handsome! He has stolen my soul."
"The one who just left, that's the school beauty, right? She got into that luxury car... Ah, my heart is broken."
"I know who that is, he's Xu Hao, the top young master of Magic City."
"What? I heard Xu Hao is a playboy. Why would our school beauty be interested in him?"
"Nonsense, look at him! He's handsome, wealthy, and influential. Why wouldn't she be interested in him?"
A cacophony of gossip buzzed around the school gate.
Just then, a striking figure exited the school gate.
Watching the car fade from sight, her brows furrowed slightly.
She was a professional course instructor at Magic City University.
This Xia Mengyao, the school beauty the students were talking about, was one of her students.
The thought of her student being involved with a notorious playboy filled her with worry and concern.
In the car—
Xia Mengyao sat in the backseat with Xu Hao, deliberately placing some distance between them as if he were some dangerous creature.
She felt indignant.
Did this young master Xu Hao have nothing better to do?
Why did he come looking for her?
The scene of her getting into his car was surely exposed by now.
Perhaps rumors of her dating Xu Hao had already started spreading.
[Ding! You have gained +345 points of anger emotion from Xia Mengyao...]
Xu Hao raised an eyebrow, pulled her closer to him, and lifted her chin. "What's the matter? I came to take you to dinner, and you're not pleased?"
Xia Mengyao shuddered, feeling a sense of bitterness within.
'Listen, I appreciate you, but can you please never come looking for me again?'
However, these were words she only dared to think in her mind.
She hastily shook her head, forcing a strained smile onto her face.
"No... I prefer having meals with my dad..."
"???"
Xu Hao paused.
What the hell?
Is she actually taking this seriously?
He had thought she was merely saying things online, but now he was beginning to question it.
For a moment, Xu Hao's gaze towards her turned strange.
'Should I find this exciting or not?' Stroking Xia Mengyao's hair, Xu Hao seemed lost in thought.
He had no idea what was going on in Xia Mengyao's mind. 'This devil is a real freak. He actually wants me to call him 'dad.' And I have no choice but to comply to appease him. I'm so miserable.'
After making several turns, the car finally arrived at an esteemed restaurant. Yes, the same place where Xu Hao had previously indulged in a luxurious Manchu-Han Imperial Feast.
Even though he had only sampled a portion of the feast during his last visit, there were still several courses left to enjoy today.
…
The Manchu-Han Imperial Feast was indeed one of the most luxurious banquets one could experience. Even with only a fraction of the courses served, the meal was worth tens of thousands.
However, Xia Mengyao hardly touched her food, eating with obvious discomfort.
Xu Hao didn't seem to mind her state of mind at all.
As far as he was concerned, his own enjoyment was all that mattered.
"Dad, some tea for you..." As soon as she finished eating, Xia Mengyao offered a cup of tea.
Had it not been for her forced expression of obedience, Xu Hao might have said: such a good daughter.
Seeing that he accepted the tea, Xia Mengyao cautiously ventured to ask,
"Dad, I... I have class this afternoon at school. May I... leave early?"
Xu Hao glanced at her, silencing her instantly. "You may!"
Xia Mengyao's eyes lit up.
She wished she could bolt from this devilish man immediately.
However, Xu Hao quickly changed his tune: "But..."
Hearing this, Xia Mengyao felt uneasy.
"Have you forgotten our farewell ritual?"
Xu Hao spoke with an enigmatic smile.
Xia Mengyao paused, her face turning red as she recalled their last encounter on the streets.
Both embarrassed and angry, she hesitated.
"What's the matter? Not willing?"
"Dad, I am willing, I like it very much…"
She couldn't finish her sentence.
"Well then, why don't you come into my arms?"
Xu Hao pointed to his lap, indicating for her to sit.
"Eh?"
Tentatively approaching Xu Hao, Xia Mengyao was torn—should she sit down or not?
Unfortunately for her, Xu Hao didn't give her time to consider.
He pulled her into his arms, and before she could react, her lips were sealed.
Her expression dazed, she didn't notice that her waist had already been embraced.
[Ding! You have gained +789 points of embarrassment and anger emotion from Xia Mengyao...]