The setting sun painted the city of Jiangcheng in hues of orange and lavender. Ye Tian had just parked his BMW M8 outside the entrance of the Yuehua Kindergarten, the school where his nieces attended. It was his first time picking them up, and he was dressed in casual but tidy clothes: a simple white shirt, slim black pants, and sneakers.
The moment he stepped through the school gate, he felt it.
Dozens of young and elegant women, either teachers or mothers, turned their heads his way. Some whispered, some giggled, and some gasped softly. His handsome appearance and the luxury car parked outside made him stand out like a beacon.
He ignored the attention and made his way to the pickup area, where several teachers were helping children prepare to leave.
Standing beside a silver-haired teacher was a woman who immediately caught Ye Tian's attention. Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she wore a form-fitting light blue dress with a teacher's badge on her chest. She was the epitome of grace and elegance—
Lin Xueyao.
Ye Tian recognized her instantly. His nieces had mentioned her name several times. She was Ye Yue and Ye Meng's homeroom teacher.
Before he could walk up, he noticed the strange atmosphere.
Several mothers who were volunteering at the pickup area whispered among themselves.
"Who's that guy? Looks like a poser. Probably rented that car just to show off."
"No way he's part of this school. Look at his plain clothes—probably some uncle acting rich."
One of the younger teacher interns, Xiaohui, frowned and stepped away from the group. She walked toward Ye Tian.
"Hello, sir. May I ask which children you're here to pick up?" she asked politely.
The older women behind her snorted. "Xiaohui, don't waste time on him. He probably walked in from the street to look at women."
But Ye Tian didn't lose his composure.
"I'm here to pick up Ye Meng and Ye Yue."
Before Xiaohui could respond, a soft voice interrupted them.
"They've been waiting for you."
Lin Xueyao had appeared, holding Ye Meng's hand. Her eyes were calm, her lips slightly curved in a faint smile. She looked at the gossiping mothers, and they quieted immediately.
Ye Tian smiled and walked forward. "Thank you, Teacher Lin."
Lin Xueyao gave him a small nod. "They often talk about you."
"Oh? I hope only the good things."
"They said you're a little lazy but treat them the best."
Ye Tian coughed lightly, while the twins ran up to him. "Uncle Tian!"
Lin Xueyao's eyes softened. Then, to Ye Tian's surprise, she laughed.
Not once, but twice.
It wasn't loud or exaggerated—just a light chuckle. But the teachers nearby went wide-eyed. It was the first time anyone had seen Lin Xueyao laugh in public.
> [Ding! Favorability Task Triggered] Mission: "The Calm Beneath the Ice" Objective: Raise Lin Xueyao's Favorability to 80 (Likes)** Current Favorability: 45/100 Reward: High-Grade Life Skill + Random Bonus Gift** Note: Favorability increases through sincerity, trust-building, emotional resonance, and shared moments.
Ye Tian's system buzzed in his mind.
He didn't expect the aloof Lin Xueyao to be the target of a favorability mission so soon, but he wasn't complaining. She was elegant, intelligent, and beautiful—the kind of woman who exuded quiet strength.
"I'll be picking them up for a few days," Ye Tian said casually.
"That's good," Lin Xueyao replied. "They always get excited talking about their family. It's rare to see such a close-knit home."
She adjusted Ye Meng's backpack, her fingers brushing Ye Tian's briefly. There was no awkwardness, but there was a spark. A hint of something budding.
"I'll see you tomorrow, then," she said, her voice calm again.
Ye Tian nodded. "See you."
As he walked the twins back to the car, he didn't need to look back to know she was still watching.
He didn't need a system prompt to know—
This was only the beginning.
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