Returning to his doorway, Chen Tianming saw his neighbor, Teacher He Tao, returning from grocery shopping. He Tao, who taught music, was also from the county city and had been assigned here last year. People often say musicians carry a certain grace, and in He Tao's case, that rang true. With her tall stature and phoenix eyes, she possessed an alluring charm. Yet, she didn't come off as flirtatious but rather gave off an aura of unattainability—an opinion Chen Tianming shared. He believed He Tao was out of his league, so if he had to pick any female teacher in the school, it would be her. He Tao was his ideal woman. However, He Tao wasn't fond of mingling, especially with male colleagues, leaving Chen Tianming clueless on how to approach her. "He, He Teacher, back from shopping?" For some reason, the usually eloquent Chen Tianming stuttered; yes, he was nervous, even he could feel it. "Yes, you're back from class," He Tao replied with a light smile, also politely. "Yes, yes, back from class," Chen said. He glanced at her briefly before heading to his room. Living next to Chen, He Tao resided in the second room, while the third was occupied by a retired teacher who seldom stayed due to owning another house. Thus, the bungalow was primarily occupied by just the two of them, making other single male teachers joke that heaven had granted Chen Tianming a golden opportunity. He Tao's arrival drew the attention of young bachelors and lechers alike from the school and beyond. Among her admirers were rumored to be county city magnates and high-ranking officials' sons — a true testament to beauty attracting suitors like moths to a flame. "Knock, knock, knock, Teacher Chen, are you there?" someone knocked at the door. "Coming in," Chen paused before saying, recognizing the voice as He Tao's. Upon seeing He Tao enter, Chen quickly stood up, "He Teacher, it's you, please, come in." "I wanted to ask, do you have electricity? My room seems to be out," said He Tao. "Yes, of course!" Spotting the fan whirring away, Chen hastened to respond, his wits short-circuiting in her presence — the beauty effect, indeed. "It's strange, my room's out. Could you…?" He Tao hesitated. "Of course! You can use my electricity," Chen boomed, eager to accommodate her wishes. Such was Chen Tianming's disposition towards the fairer sex. He'd gladly let He Tao use his electricity till tomorrow if needed. "No, I meant could you come and check what the problem might be? It's too hot without a fan," He Tao clarified. "Oh, I see. Sure, I'll have a look right now," realizing his misunderstanding, Chen responded. Though he thought his fan could spare her the heat for a couple of days, he dared not voice this aloud. Chen noted how much more refined her room appeared compared to his, likening his own to a kennel. It was likely a reflection of the occupant's character. Inspecting the situation, Chen suspected a fuse issue and asked for a stool to check. Up close, He Tao's slightly perspiration-dampened attire rendered an involuntary, stolen gaze from Chen. As he stood atop the stool, an unsteady foothold caused him to sway. Rushing to his aid, He Tao exclaimed, "Let me help!" A wave of her fragrance made Chen even more unsteady. Upon discovering the blown fuse, he directed, "He Teacher, there are spare fuses in the first drawer of my desk. Could you fetch one?" "Sure, just hold on tight," He Tao conveyed with concern. Holding the fuse, Chen had a clearer vantage point, thinking, "My goodness, I've seen a glimpse... no, maybe a tenth." His face flushed, throat parched. "Here's the fuse," He Tao noted Chen's distracted state, pulling up her collar with a crimson face, "Teacher Chen?" Jolted back to reality, Chen took the fuse, embarrassed. "Could you check if the power's back?" he barely managed, mortified by his lapse in decorum. "It's back on!" He Tao chorused within the room, delighted. "That's great," handing back the stool, Chen said, "I should head out then," torn between staying and the awkwardness of his earlier indiscretion. "Have you shopped for groceries yet, Teacher Chen?" inquired He Tao. "Not yet," he shook his head. "Why not join me for lunch then?" He Tao offered. "How could I impose?" "It's no fuss. Consider it thanks for fixing the fuse. Just don't critique my cooking," she said, waving it off with a smile. Chen, still eager but wishing to show modesty, joked about forgetting to shop due to the electricity issue yet leaned towards departing. Knowing when to play one's cards could indeed pave the way to greater opportunities. "That settles it. You helped me, so missing out on grocery shopping was the least you could do for a meal here. It's decided then. I've got to start cooking; I have afternoon classes. Go on with your day; I'll call you when it's ready," insisted He Tao, not giving Chen a chance to rebut and heading to the kitchen. Chen, wanting to say more but realizing He Tao had made up her mind, acknowledged his quirky luck. Dining with his muse, without lifting a finger, was serendipitous. Deciding not to push his luck further, he returned to his room, contemplating the unexpected lunch invitation.