"Teacher!"
At Bibi Dong's words, Su Yu's face immediately flushed, as though it had been steamed by hot air.
Bibi Dong chuckled at the sight and gently brushed a finger down his nose, her fingertip cool against his skin:
"I was only making a passing remark. Why are you getting so shy, child?"
Su Yu grew even more embarrassed, lowering his head and not daring to look at her, while the tips of his ears quietly turned crimson.
Watching him, Bibi Dong's eyes filled with deeper amusement. She reached up and gently stroked his head, her touch somewhat doting.
"All right, thank you for your efforts tonight, too."
She changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of probing that might or might not have been serious.
"Would you like to rest with me?"
"Teacher! Can I really?"
Su Yu abruptly raised his head, his eyes shining as though starlight had fallen into them. He stared unblinkingly at Bibi Dong before him, brimming with anticipation.
"No, you little lecher."
Seeing how impatient he was, Bibi Dong could not help covering her mouth and giggling.
Then she extended a finger and tapped his forehead gently, the touch light but distinctly teasing.
"You little lecher, you're all grown up now. You can't keep clinging to me and sleeping with me like you did when you were little."
Bibi Dong's voice held a touch of reproach, yet concealed a trace of barely perceptible tenderness.
"Then... all right."
Su Yu's voice dropped, carrying obvious disappointment. He turned around and silently walked toward the door.
His shoulders sagged slightly, and his steps were slow, like a puppy neglected by its owner. There was a helpless loneliness about him that softened the heart of anyone watching.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bibi Dong watched