The principal's smile stiffened for a split second, then brightened as understanding dawned. "Of course! Teacher Yang, quickly bring Song Weisha over!"
Cold sweat broke out on his back. He had nearly forgotten the Song family's influence.
Li Meiran's lips curved faintly. In his mind flashed the image of a girl with fearless eyes and a sharp tongue. An excellent student? Interesting.
Teacher Yang hurried out into the corridor. "Song Weisha! Where is Song Weisha?"
Song Weisha stiffened.
Was this another punishment?
Before she could think it through, Teacher Yang grabbed her arm. "The Duke requested you by name. Hurry!"
Her heart leapt. She lifted her chin, pride returning to her face.
"I was just told my parents would be notified," she said softly. "Is it appropriate for me to receive guests right now?"
Teacher Yang swallowed. "As long as you receive them properly, nothing will be reported."
Satisfied, Song Weisha carefully adjusted her uniform, tied neat ribbons into her hair, and entered the meeting room with flawless poise.
"Greetings, Duke Li Meiran. Greetings, Master Sikong," she said, bowing gracefully.
As she passed Wang Jing, she shot her a cold, disdainful glance.
Li Meiran frowned slightly.
"I believe there's a mistake," he said calmly. "I'm looking for the Song family's young lady."
"That would be Song Weisha," the principal replied quickly.
Sikong Jue tilted his head, studying her. "Is there another Song family student? Short hair. Cute face. Around one hundred sixty-five centimeters tall."
Teacher Yang froze. "Song Yue."
Li Meiran's eyes sharpened instantly. "Bring her here."
The others were dismissed from the room.
Outside, Wang Jing smirked. "Looks like you're not the one he wants."
Song Weisha's face twisted. "I am the Song family's young lady!"
Wang Jing laughed and walked off. "Yeah, sure."
Fury exploded inside Song Weisha. "You—!"
Some time later, the door opened again.
Song Yue walked in calmly, her school uniform neat, fresh petals pinned delicately at her collar. Bright ribbons framed her face. Her posture was relaxed, unhurried.
For a brief moment, the entire room went still.
Li Meiran looked up.
White dress. Red ribbon. Flowers pressed like embroidery. Clear eyes, steady and unafraid.
Sikong Jue blinked in surprise. "She looks… different."
Li Meiran shot him a warning glance, then crooked a finger at Song Yue. "Come here. Your name?"
The principal cleared his throat nervously. "Answer respectfully. The Duke wishes to donate to the school."
Song Yue stepped forward, her expression cool and distant. "Song Yue. I don't know much about the old library. You should find someone else."
She turned to leave without hesitation.
"Stop."
Li Meiran's voice cut cleanly through the room, sharp and commanding.
"I didn't dismiss you."
Song Yue paused, then turned back slowly. Her eyes met his without fear.
"Then," she asked plainly, "what exactly do you want from me?"
"I want you to show me," Li Meiran said lazily, his tone light as if he were discussing the weather. "Even if you don't know."
Sikong Jue chuckled from the side, clearly entertained. "The Duke likes you," he said casually. "You should do as he says."
Song Yue's smile sharpened, no warmth left in it. "What is this, another equipment purchase?" she asked coolly. "If you need supplies, just say so. I can arrange delivery. No need to waste time."
The principal's forehead instantly broke into a cold sweat.
Li Meiran's lips twitched. Enough nonsense. "Take us to the old library," he said flatly. "Then the laboratory."
The words fell like a gavel.
Under the principal's nervous gaze, Song Yue turned and walked ahead. Teachers followed stiffly behind, not daring to speak. Along the corridors, students peeked out from every corner, eyes full of curiosity and envy, whispering as she passed.
Li Meiran frowned slightly. "Why is everyone staring?"
"I'll clear the area at once," the principal said hurriedly. "Students, return to your classrooms immediately. No one is to come out."
When they reached the laboratory building, Li Meiran stopped walking.
"Only Song Yue comes in with me," he said.
It wasn't a request.
The heavy door closed behind them with a dull thud.
Inside, the laboratory was silent and sterile. White walls, metal tables, the faint smell of disinfectant lingering in the air. The quiet made every sound echo.
Song Yue crossed her arms, her posture guarded. "If you want to donate, then donate," she said bluntly. "If not, leave. Why drag me here?"
Li Meiran took a step closer, his shadow falling over her. "How else would I know what's worth my money?"
She backed away instinctively. "This is a school. Don't try anything."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Then call for help," he said softly. "We're on the second floor. Everyone's been ordered not to come out."
Her heel hit the edge of the first-aid table. She stopped short. He halted just as close, looming without touching her, his eyes sharp and unreadable.
"Relax," Li Meiran said in a low voice. "If I wanted to hurt you, you wouldn't still be standing."
Song Yue's heart hammered violently, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "Then talk," she said. "Say what you came to say."
The Duke's face was far too close as he stepped further.
So close that Song Yue could clearly see every detail. Flawless skin, not a single stray hair out of place. Delicate features paired with sharp, dangerous eyes. If looks alone decided everything, he was the kind of man people would mistake for a model long before realizing the threat.
But beauty meant nothing right now.
He was crowding her.
"Damn it, let go of me!" Song Yue snapped, trying to push him away.
Li Meiran planted one arm against the first-aid table, trapping her in place, and seized her chin with the other, forcing her to look up. His eyes darkened, a cold light flashing through them.
"Where's my wallet?" he demanded. "Hand it over."
"Wallet?" Song Yue blinked, her expression perfectly innocent. "What wallet?"
The corner of his mouth twitched. "Still pretending?" His grip tightened slightly. "If you don't give it back, I'll make you regret it."
Her heart pounded, but stubbornness flared even stronger. After everything he had done to her, there was no way she was returning it.
"Go on," Li Meiran said coldly. "Shout for help. No one will hear you."
Damn it.
If she were stronger, she would have broken free already. Fighting him head-on was pointless. Begging would be even worse.
Then, like a fox spotting a crack in a trap, an idea sparked in her head.
Without warning, she looped an arm around his neck, leaning in close. Her head tilted slightly as she licked her lips, eyes bright with amusement.
"Duke Li Meiran," she murmured softly, "Now that I see you closer, you're quite handsome. Since I can't escape your grasp, I might as well enjoy it..."
Li Meiran froze.
For a brief moment, he stared at her as if she had suddenly grown another head. There was no fear in her eyes. Only playful curiosity, as though he were the one being examined.
Annoyance flared sharply.
"Get lost!" he barked, shoving her away and straightening his clothes.
Song Yue stumbled back a step, then called after him sweetly, "Duke Li Meiran, don't go!"
She watched his retreating back, her lips curving into a sly, satisfied smile.
"Damn little vixen," Li Meiran muttered under his breath. "I'll deal with you later."
Outside the laboratory, the principal rushed forward the moment Li Meiran appeared. "Duke, we've prepared a luncheon in your honor. I apologize for any earlier shortcomings."
Li Meiran didn't slow his pace. "Lead the way."
"Yes, yes, this way!" The principal nearly broke into a trot.
Sikong Jue glanced between Li Meiran's dark expression and Song Yue's unmistakable smirk behind him. He leaned closer and whispered, "What happened? Did you get bullied again?"
Li Meiran shot him a murderous look. "Get lost. You insisted on tagging along. Why don't you try dealing with that menace yourself?"
Sikong Jue clicked his tongue lightly. "Women really are dangerous creatures."