C12 Taking the Initiative to Make a Move

When Chu Yang stepped into the principal's office once more, his demeanor was notably hostile, as he was someone who never kowtowed to anyone.

Chen Le, catching sight of Chu Yang entering, was expressionless. The night before, his underling had informed him that their plan had failed; they hadn't managed to eliminate Chu Yang. Hence, this morning, he was faced with the sight of Chu Yang striding confidently into his office.

"Have you finished weighing your options? When are you planning to leave?" Chu Yang asked bluntly, a stark shift from his previous attitude.

Chen Le couldn't muster a rebuttal, especially after receiving a call from Grandfather Meng that very morning. He wondered if Chu Yang had complained to him about Chen Le overstaying his welcome. Ultimately, Grandfather Meng seemed to believe that Chen Le was reluctant to leave, and after mistreating Chu Yang, he made it clear to Chen Le that he expected to see Chu Yang in charge today, leaving Chen Le powerless.

"I'll have all my belongings out and be gone by tonight," Chen Le stated, already tidying up his desk. He was determined not to leave a single item behind that could betray his secrets.

Grandfather Meng's call had indeed been effective. Chen Le had vowed to vacate by evening, but in reality, he departed before the afternoon, taking all his possessions with him.

Saint Peter Academy, an institution renowned for shaping leaders, would now have Chu Yang at its helm. Starting today, he was the principal and chairman, overseeing all affairs of the school.

The news sent shockwaves through the campus. Those unfamiliar with Chu Yang assumed the young, newly appointed principal lacked experience. Meanwhile, students who knew him were dumbfounded. What had transpired? Even Chu Yang himself was unclear about the details. Regardless, from this day forward, the school was his to command.

This academy marked the onset of Chu Yang's darkest days, but it also held cherished memories of his sister. As a result, Chu Yang managed the school with exceptional care and attention.

His efforts did not go unnoticed; even those who had once underestimated him began to regard him with newfound respect. For Chu Yang, this was a welcome development. Winning the hearts of the people was akin to conquering the world, and having their support would make implementing future policies and strategies far more effective.

The tranquil life Meng Jingxian had grown accustomed to was suddenly disrupted when Gu Panpan asked Chu Yang out to dinner today, and to Meng's disbelief, he accepted. She couldn't sit still after that.

I had already confessed my feelings to Chu Yang, making it crystal clear how much I liked him. Yet, he hadn't given me any sort of response. Sure, his silence was preferable to an outright rejection, but it left me feeling incredibly insecure.

Today, Meng Jingxian was unhappy, her temper flaring. Chu Yang was well aware of her feelings, but he didn't reciprocate them at the moment. He couldn't deny a certain fondness for her, though. Perhaps it was because Meng Jingxian reminded him so much of his sister, stirring a strong desire to protect her.

Meng Jingxian, on the other hand, detested being looked at with that indulgent gaze. Under such scrutiny, she was relegated to the role of Chu Yang's sister, but what she longed for was to be his girlfriend.

Already feeling stifled, Meng Jingxian's sense of injustice became overwhelming upon learning that Gu Panpan had arranged to dine alone with Chu Yang. When a young girl feels wronged, her instinct is to run home, to the comfort of her family's embrace. But Meng Jingxian couldn't afford that luxury. If she did, her family would assume Chu Yang was treating her poorly and urge her to let him go.

At five o'clock this afternoon, Gu Panpan had set up a dinner with Chu Yang at a Western restaurant, inviting him and him alone. She claimed she had something important to discuss, and Chu Yang, being who he is, would surely accept. Even without an excuse, it was unlikely he'd turn her down.

Gu Panpan was cunning, timing her invitation to ensure Meng Jingxian was present to witness it. She wanted Meng to see firsthand Chu Yang accepting her offer. Meng Jingxian's reaction confirmed for Gu Panpan that she had hit her mark: Meng was indeed green with envy.

Chu Yang was none the wiser about the intricate situation unfolding. He genuinely believed Gu Panpan had serious matters to discuss with him. As for her insistence on meeting privately, Chu Yang naively assumed it was because Gu Panpan wanted to keep the matter confidential, away from prying eyes.

Meng Jingxian watched the clock strike five and saw Gu Panpan and Chu Yang leave together. Frustrated, she retreated to her room much earlier than usual.

"Just wait for me there, I'll join you in half an hour," Gu Panpan said, flicking her hair flirtatiously as she locked eyes with Chu Yang.

But her efforts were in vain; Chu Yang was oblivious to Gu Panpan's subtle cues, thinking she had legitimate business with him. After dropping her off halfway, he proceeded to the destination alone.

He arrived at an exceptionally charming Western restaurant. Unlike most that quieted down at night, this one buzzed with patrons. Chu Yang entered, puzzled, but quickly grasped why it was still bustling after dark. The restaurant's intimate lighting and soft music made it the perfect spot for romantic dates.

Chu Yang wasn't clueless; he began piecing together Gu Panpan's intentions. Recalling how she had spoken to him earlier in front of Meng Jingxian, he realized the complexity of women.

Reflecting on Gu Panpan's background, Chu Yang understood her situation. Coming from a modest family, yet securing a teaching position at St. Peter's, she had to have some savvy to navigate such a cutthroat world.

True to her word, Gu Panpan arrived promptly within half an hour, but her appearance had transformed dramatically. She had swapped her homely dress for a stunning, fiery red number that turned heads. Her high heels added inches, and her makeup was flawlessly applied.

The previously bustling environment hushed as she stepped in. All eyes were glued to Gu Panpan. In her red dress, she was a vision, with every curve tastefully accentuated and just enough left to the imagination to entice and captivate the onlookers.

Despite being clad in a dress, it created the illusion of a bikini, with its long sleeves fully covering her arms, yet the plunging neckline left little to the imagination. The expanse of bare skin at her back was equally revealing.

Chu Yang found himself staring at Gu Panpan, transfixed. Apart from that one time she flaunted her legs at his place, Gu Panpan was always in her modest school uniform, a far cry from the provocative display before him.

Catching Chu Yang's unwavering gaze, Gu Panpan couldn't suppress a chuckle. This was the reaction she was aiming for; knowing men found her attractive gave her an immense sense of satisfaction.

"Have you ordered yet?" Gu Panpan asked, breaking the quiet.

Chu Yang quickly averted his daring stare, "Not yet, I was waiting for you." He summoned the waiter and handed the menu to Gu Panpan with a flourish of chivalry.

Gu Panpan was charmed by the gesture. She hadn't just found Chu Yang handsome; his gentlemanly demeanor confirmed he'd make an excellent boyfriend. She was determined to make the most of this chance.

Without any fuss, Gu Panpan ordered her favorites and then chose for Chu Yang, confident in her knowledge of his preferences after their days of cohabitation. She wasn't worried about getting the order wrong.

Afterward, they lapsed into silence, perhaps unwilling to disturb the peace, or maybe the setting was too enchanting to do anything but soak it in.

The stage was set, the moment ripe, and the partner present—all awaited Gu Panpan's initiative. She wasn't one to shy away or suppress her desires.

"How do you think I look today?" she ventured, knowing that a confession needed a proper lead-in.

"You look stunning, gorgeous, and it suits you perfectly," Chu Yang replied instantly, his words a reflection of the obvious, no pretense necessary.

After hearing Chu Yang's words, Gu Panpan felt a wave of contentment wash over her. She had dressed up with the sole intention of catching his eye and earning his compliments. Now that she had accomplished her goal, her happiness was undeniable.

"So, what do you think it would be like if we were together?" As expected, teachers really do have a different way of approaching things.

"Hmm?" This caught Chu Yang off guard. The thought that Gu Panpan might have feelings for him had never crossed his mind. He was well aware of his ordinary appearance, yet he also knew he was no ordinary person—he was an Immortal Venerable. But this was a secret known only to him on Earth.

Seeing that her feelings weren't reciprocated as she had hoped, a shadow of disappointment crossed Gu Panpan's face, dulling the sparkle in her once lively eyes. "Do you think we're not a good match?"

"No, that's not it. I just never imagined you'd have feelings for me. It's quite surprising," he admitted. Indeed, it was a shock. Gu Panpan had no shortage of admirers—wealthy, capable, and scholarly men surrounded her. Yet, against all odds, she had taken a liking to him. It was utterly astounding.

Chu Yang's response was something Gu Panpan could come to terms with. Maybe she had been too hasty. They had only been acquainted for a few days, and she had already made such a bold confession. But she didn't feel embarrassed. Her real fear was that if she didn't act quickly, Chu Yang might develop feelings for someone else—especially since there was already someone at home who was fond of him.