I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 486

Chapter 33: Is This Bowl of Water Balanced?

Xue Nuo stood up and slightly bowed in respect.

The old man in the gray robe waved his hand casually and said, “No need for such formalities; I was just asking.”

He stroked his beard, reminiscent of all wise teachers, and sighed, “After teaching for three or four years, it’s about time you took on an apprentice.”

Xue Nuo’s expression didn’t change as she politely declined, “Thank you, but like in previous years, I still haven’t found a suitable student.”

Logically, after such a refusal, the topic should have ended there.

Even though 19% of teachers had taken on personal apprentices, and some even had dozens at once, there was no school rule mandating teachers to do so.

However, the old man didn’t give up; instead, he sat beside Xue Nuo and subtly revealed her true meaning: “Taking on an apprentice is an essential experience for teachers, young lady, it would be a pity to pass up on this.”

Xue Nuo’s cold, beautiful face twitched slightly.

Indeed, she was intentionally not taking on apprentices.

Since her intention had been seen through, she decided to drop the act.

It seemed that to deal with the Sage, she needed to give a sufficiently reasonable excuse.

“Let me explain. I’m not interested in fame or leaving behind a legacy.”

“Ha ha, Teacher Xue Nuo, don’t joke. Why must taking an apprentice be so utilitarian? Passing on knowledge to young minds is a joy in itself.”

“Forgive my frankness. I will fulfill my duties as a teacher, but personally, I’m not that passionate about teaching and can’t understand the joy in it.”

The silver-haired girl’s defense was as solid as an imperial fortress, impermeable and watertight.

In fact, every word she said was true; she had no great interest in taking on an apprentice even without the lure of fame and fortune, and she preferred the leisure of solitude.

Surely, even the Sage would have nothing more to say?

However, the old man wore an expression of knowing expectation, nodding slightly as his eyes narrowed.

Those wise eyes revealed a hint of deeper meaning.

“Well, that’s hard to say. The reason you lack interest might simply be because you haven’t met the right child yet.”

Xue Nuo furrowed her brow: “To reiterate. Just like in previous years, I haven’t found anyone that…”

Halfway through her sentence, the figure of the black-haired boy flashed through her mind.

A suitable child.

If forced to say, there might not be none?

“Everything comes down to trying. If you open your heart and take on an apprentice, it might not be as boring as you think.”

Thinking of that black-haired boy, this time, the silver-haired girl instinctively didn’t retort.

After a moment of silence, Xue Nuo quietly said, “Apprenticeship is about mutual choice, not the teacher’s unilateral decision.”

“Even if I choose him, he may not choose me.”

“How would you know without trying?”

The old man’s remarks were like a gentle breeze, creating ripples in the calm waters of the girl’s heart.

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The end-of-term written exam had concluded, meaning the students were finally liberated from a semester’s worth of studies.

Tonight, the streets and alleys of Academy City were crowded with boys and girls out celebrating, their laughter echoing and adding to the lively atmosphere.

But inevitably, people began to compare themselves with one another.

Groups of same-sex friends looked at the couples holding hands and couldn’t help but grimace, feeling a twinge of longing. Among those couples, some would glance at a handsome pair, feeling a momentary envy.

The food chain of envy and resentment spread, but at the top sat in a lavish high-end restaurant.

Regardless of whether they were single or in couples, onlookers gazed toward a private room in the corner where a black-haired boy was surrounded by four girls, feeling an intense pang of jealousy.

The Lionheart Princess, the Elven Nightingale, the Student Council President, and the little blonde maid—all stunning in their own right, they each stood out as dazzling sights when walking alone.

Now that the four gathered together, it was hard not to look a few extra times.

Especially when they were all hovering around the boy, it made countless men grind their teeth in jealousy.

Of course, the black-haired boy’s own handsome and refined face made many women secretly envy the girls’ circumstances.

However, feeling the sour looks around him, Roy silently shook his head.

Family, who understands? You all just can’t grasp my pain!

To outsiders, it seemed like a rich young master surrounded by four beauties, enjoying the soft embrace of their affection.

But in reality, these were three relentless demons!

To celebrate the end of the exams, they decided to go out and eat together.

But from the moment they stepped out, every question about what to wear, what to eat, and where to go turned into a fierce debate, as the three girls each tried to steer the conversation back to themselves.

“Roy, what do you think?”

What do I think? Am I supposed to use Sharingan here?

Roy utilized all his wit, complimenting one, pacifying another, praising this one, and comforting that one, barely managing to keep things balanced.

But when it came time to sit down, even his verbal skills couldn’t solve this one.

“Anywhere is fine; it’s not that big of a deal, right?”

“Ha ha, then why not sit in the innermost seat?”

“Really, they’re just two little underclassmen, and they’re fighting over where to sit.”

“Bad woman! If you don’t care about the seat, why are you still holding onto Roy? Just sit in the innermost seat!”

The seating in the private room consisted of a row of exquisitely upholstered velvet sofas.

However, since only three could sit, the girls were fighting to sit with Roy, leading to a huge argument.

The nearby servants had never seen such a scene and awkwardly smiled, casting cold glances at the boy.

Damn, someone blow up this love triangle!

Roy was indeed at his wit’s end.

Sure enough, unable to decide, the girls turned to look at him at the same time.

“Roy, you decide. I believe you’ll make the right judgment.”

“Ha ha, don’t be nervous, it’s not like some bad-tempered flat-chest will get mad no matter what we choose!”

“Junior, actually, no matter what your decision is, it doesn’t matter to me.”

The three laughed more in unison than the last.

But Roy couldn’t laugh at all!

Not mad? Doesn’t matter? The things you’re saying are something even a steel-hearted man wouldn’t believe, right?

One looks like she’s about to explode, one has her eyes wide open, and one is practically bubbling with rage!

He could only sit with two girls at once, yet with this setup, it would be ridiculous for the one left out not to be angry!

Roy looked around, trying to find inspiration from the other males nearby, only to realize he was the only one stuck in this tragic scenario of needing to juggle three girls at once.

Forget asking for help; I’ll just do it myself.

Alright, let’s go for it!

Moments later.

The three girls looked at the boy sitting with the little maid opposite them, simultaneously dropping their faces.

“What are you all staring at me for? Let’s eat.” Roy cheerfully picked up his knife and fork first.

What’s fair is fair, he’ll treat them equally.

He couldn’t make everyone happy, but he could make everyone unhappy!

So I ask you, is this bowl of water balanced?