Chapter 252

Mu Li lifted her gaze, the corners of her eyes slightly upturned.

"Got it."

Zhou Lulu froze for two seconds before bursting into laughter.

"Your reaction time is painfully slow."

Mu Li didn't respond, only giving her a cool glance.

They parted ways at the school gate. Zhou Lulu headed back to the dorm while Mu Li turned toward the café.

She had arranged to meet Dong Cheng for tutoring today.

Standing in front of the café, Mu Li hesitated—an unfamiliar emotion that made her frown.

Zou Ming spotted her through the glass door and was about to greet her when he noticed her standing there, lost in thought.

Interesting.

He stroked his chin and pulled out his phone, dialing Han Lichen's number. "Boss, Miss Mu is here, but she's just standing outside."

Han Lichen stood by the second-floor window, his gaze fixed on the slender figure. He hadn't looked away since she appeared.

Leng Yue stood beside him, confused.

After the call ended, Mu Li still hadn't moved. Han Lichen's eyes darkened as he strode downstairs.

He was afraid she might actually turn and leave.

Han Lichen paused at the staircase landing, his black shirt accentuating his pale complexion. Leaning casually against the railing, he exuded an air of aloof elegance.

Mu Li looked up, their eyes meeting.

Now she understood why so many people were drawn to him.

Pushing the door open, Mu Li walked straight to Zou Ming. "An iced Americano."

She needed to cool her head.

As she ascended the stairs, she addressed Han Lichen, who blocked her path. "Move."

Leng Yue, who had just rushed down, tensed at her tone.

Han Lichen stepped aside without expression. "Fine."

They brushed past each other, neither sparing the other a glance.

Mu Li entered the tutoring room and sat down, lost in thought.

When Dong Cheng and the others arrived, they exchanged bewildered looks. Qin Sheng blurted out, "Boss, where's Brother-in-law?"

Brother-in-law?

So in everyone's eyes, it had always been him accompanying her?

Qin Sheng noticed her expression. "Boss, you look off."

Mu Li shook her head. "Take out your assignments."

The group sighed in relief, scrambling to pull out their textbooks.

Normally, Mu Li would have started lecturing by now, but today she just stared blankly at the homework.

They exchanged glances—something was definitely wrong with their boss.

Mu Li was distracted. Han Lichen's "You're ruthless," the way he had laughed with that woman, and his retreating figure earlier—all of it replayed in her mind.

Her chest tightened.

A knock broke the silence. Zou Ming entered with her coffee, sensing the odd atmosphere.

"Your Americano."

Mu Li nodded in thanks.

After he left, she took a sip and nearly choked.

It suddenly struck her that Han Lichen usually brewed her coffee himself.

The bitterness brought her back to reality.

By the time the tutoring session ended, dusk had fallen.

Mu Li packed her bag slowly. Dong Cheng asked worriedly, "Boss, are you sure you're okay?"

Her phone rang. Motioning for them to leave first, she stepped outside to answer.

"Xiao Li, could you come to the principal's office?" Principal Han's voice was warm.

Mu Li agreed.

"Wonderful! I'll have dinner prepared so we can talk over a meal." Principal Han hung up quickly, as if afraid she might refuse.

Mu Li sighed at her phone.

In the principal's office, three place settings were arranged on the dining table. Principal Han beamed. "Come, have a seat."