"I wasn’t ignoring you—I just got a glass of water. I was a bit thirsty." Mason Alvarez said as she took a sip from the cup in her hand."Ah, that’s good. So, sweetheart, what do you think of the guy? First impressions?" Her mother’s voice was warm and eager."He’s alright." Mason replied nonchalantly."What does 'alright' even mean? Is it a yes or a no?" Her mother clearly wasn’t satisfied."I mean he’s pretty good! I think he’s decent too. You’re overthinking it—didn’t we hold hands? That already shows there’s mutual interest, doesn’t it?"Mason explained again, trying to sound patient."Right, right—we’re just being silly old folks, haha..." Her mother laughed."Sweetheart, when are you bringing him home? Your dad and I really want to meet him. He’s a handsome young man—takes after me! Back in the day, I was the most dashing lad in town!"Her father took the opportunity to boast."Oh, please. My daughter takes after me—youthful and beautiful, soft skin, delicate features. I ha

"I'm a doctor. Of course I know what it is," Joseph replied, clearly exasperated."As long as you know. Mr. Wilson, don’t you think I’m being especially considerate?" Mason sounded rather smug."Considerate? You’re the one who's been corrupting Alice," Joseph retorted."Corrupting her? Come on, she’s an adult. Do you really think she needs me to teach her this stuff?""I simply did what neither of you had the nerve to do. I know you’re both too shy to take the first step, so I gave you a little nudge.""Alice is a good girl. You're not planning on getting wild without protection, are you?"Mason's voice carried a sly undertone."Professor Alvarez, I’m not some irresponsible guy. You think I'd cross the line like that? I haven’t even touched her."Joseph tried to defend himself."Exactly, you haven't touched her—that is crossing the line. Not touching her is one kind of reckless. Touching her without protection is another. Know what I mean?"Mason looked like a seasoned veteran in such

Under the comment posted by the user with the James profile picture, a flood of inquisitive netizens gathered, all eager to uncover the identity of the man whose piano performance had touched their hearts so deeply.After keeping everyone in suspense long enough, the user finally revealed the answer. "I’m a student at Nova University. This gentleman is our teacher—Mr. Joseph Wilson. At least, I’m fairly certain it’s him." "Whoa, no wonder! Turns out he’s a big shot from Nova University’s Music Department. That explains the brilliance. He made Butterfly Lovers sound like a divine symphony. 'Today I heard him speak through the pipa, and it felt like celestial music piercing the soul.'" "Actually, just to clarify, Mr. Joseph isn't from the Music Department. He’s the youngest faculty member in the Traditional Medicine Department—just joined less than a month ago," James replied again. "I’m also a student at Nova University. The person in the video does resemble Mr. Wilson, but not ent

"Hello? Uncle Mason? What’s the matter?"Joseph answered the call, taking the initiative to speak first."My dear future son-in-law, are you alone right now?"Mason Morgan’s voice came through the line, sounding a little secretive."Uh, yeah. I’m the only one in the office at the moment. Everyone else is off—some are teaching, some are in the lab, and others are running errands."Joseph glanced around before replying."Good, that’s perfect. I’ve got a rather private question for you."Mason sounded visibly relieved."Sure, Uncle Mason. Ask whatever you want."Joseph blinked in surprise, but responded casually."Remember how you said my body would recover most of its function within three days?"Mason began cautiously."I did say something to that effect, yes."Joseph nodded, recalling the conversation."You definitely said it. So I want to ask—were you being serious?"Mason pressed."Of course I was serious. If it comes out of my mouth, it’s the truth. I don’t make empty promises.""B

Even before the final bell, Joseph was already sitting in his car, waiting patiently for Alice. He sat quietly, glancing idly into the left rearview mirror—only to spot a few familiar figures reflected within.Seeing the situation, Joseph reached out and adjusted the rearview mirror, giving himself a clearer view of the people behind the car. At that moment, on the balcony of the First Teaching Building, a few students stood, their gazes cold and sharp, fixed on Joseph’s car.Joseph recognized them all. Leading the group was Raymond Kim, flanked by his ever-present sidekick—someone named Jonathan, if he recalled correctly. Another figure was Scrappy, a non-student who Joseph had once taught a painful lesson. University campuses were generally open spaces; unless someone behaved outrageously, outsiders wouldn't be barred entry.What surprised Joseph was the presence of Griffin Bailey, who had relentlessly pursued Heidi before. Yet, thinking it through, it made sense—both Griffin'