Want to See the Teacher in a Student Uniform

"Wait, so he really is a fraud!?" Mike's initially furious expression suddenly revealed a hint of delight.

He glanced at the twins. "If we report this to Father and he finds out Evelyn brought some shady man back to parade around as a fraud, he’ll be utterly disappointed in her."

"That’s right," Laney nodded with a smile. "The reason Father always brings up Evelyn in front of you, using her to belittle you, isn’t because her talent or potential are that impressive. It’s just lingering guilt over what happened back then."

"Of course, she’s not that great," Mike scoffed. "At best, she’s only slightly better than me."

As he spoke, he shot a resentful glare at Evelyn. The earlier fight hadn’t gone in his favor at all, and the thought of Father constantly comparing him to her only darkened his expression further.

Laney smiled at Mike, her lips curling slightly.

"So, if you want Father to truly acknowledge you, you need to shatter that bias. Make him see that she’s nothing but a fraud, unworthy of competing with you."

"I get it now," Mike narrowed his eyes. "I’ll go find Father soon. Heh, I can’t wait to see that arrogant woman get scolded by him."

Laney and Lairs exchanged a glance, both wearing knowing smiles.

"Are you two coming with me? To back me up?" Mike suddenly turned to them.

Laney’s smile faded as she shook her head worriedly. "You know how Father barely pays us any attention. This generation’s spotlight is only on the two of you—we don’t have much sway in his eyes."

"Fine," Mike nodded. "I won’t put you in a tough spot. I’ll go alone."

While the three whispered among themselves, Monica watched everything unfold, her eyes gleaming with mockery.

"I suggest you go now," Lairs urged with concern. "If she gets to him first and twists the story, it’ll be trouble. That woman’s full of schemes."

"Right!" Mike grew eager, but paused when he noticed guests approaching.

"Wait a second... Huh? Isn’t that Father’s friend, Master Denton?"

Everyone turned to see Master Denton curiously making his way toward them.

"Ah, you’re all here?" Master Denton greeted them warmly as he approached Luo Wei and Evelyn.

"Headmaster," Luo Wei and Evelyn greeted him with smiles.

Master Denton glanced around in confusion. "I heard some commotion earlier and came to check. Didn’t expect to find you all here. Did something happen?"

Luo Wei gestured toward the group of four. "Nothing much. Professor Evelyn just isn’t very welcome at home."

"I see," Master Denton frowned, quickly piecing things together.

He studied Evelyn’s calm expression and sighed. "I was surprised to hear you were returning to the family. Honestly, you don’t need to come back. Why not stay at Callen University and continue shining there?"

Evelyn immediately clarified, "Who told you that, Headmaster? I’m not rejoining the family—I cut ties with them long ago. I’m only here for his birthday."

She crossed her arms with a huff. "He practically begged me to come. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered."

Master Denton burst into laughter. "That sounds more like you. The stubborn girl who fought tooth and nail to stay at Callen University hasn’t changed a bit."

"Headmaster..." Evelyn groaned. "That was ages ago..."

"What was Professor Evelyn like as a student?" Luo Wei couldn’t resist asking. He’d never heard much about her past.

Master Denton reminisced with a nostalgic smile. "Even after all these years, I remember it clearly. We got word that a vampire was posing as a human student, and it sent everyone into a panic. We were about to call the Church Knights to arrest her, but after they clashed, they nearly demolished the entire lecture hall..."

Luo Wei listened with the glee of someone uncovering a scandal, while Evelyn buried her face in her hands.

"Headmaster, must you embarrass me in front of him? This is so awkward..."

"Don’t listen to her, Headmaster. Keep going," Luo Wei insisted, grinning.

Master Denton chuckled and continued, "But when we realized this young vampire was genuinely here to learn, it was quite a shock—especially when we found out she was Duke Victor’s daughter."

"Still, seeing her determination moved me," Master Denton said, looking at Evelyn. "It aligned with my mentor Gould’s philosophy—that knowledge should be shared equally with all seekers, regardless of nation or race."

"I’ll always be grateful to you, Headmaster," Evelyn said sincerely. "After leaving my family, I wandered for so long without purpose. Callen University gave me direction."

"No need for formalities," Master Denton waved it off. "I never expected you to excel so quickly—graduating, becoming a professor, even publishing groundbreaking research. The university owes you just as much."

"Professor’s research?" Luo Wei perked up. "Which paper was it?"

"A Study on the Living Conditions of Non-Human Species within the Empire," Master Denton replied. "Due to longstanding conflicts, academia had little understanding of non-humans, often relying on absurd misconceptions. Evelyn’s work documented every hidden community, pioneering an entirely new field of study. The university even introduced new courses because of it."

"It wasn’t that impressive," Evelyn feigned modesty, though her lips betrayed a proud smirk. "Just a small contribution."

Luo Wei teased, "I assumed your paper was Skincare Secrets: How to Look Even Better Tomorrow."

Evelyn rolled her eyes dramatically. "Is that really what you think of me?"

Luo Wei grinned. Wasn’t it obvious?

"Hmph!" Evelyn pouted. "I’m an academic at heart, you know. I take my work seriously!"

"Sure..." Luo Wei gave her a once-over. The "serious professor" act only lasted during lectures.

At home, who’d believe the woman sprawled on the couch, barefoot and snacking lazily, was the same poised and profound scholar?

Still, he’d seen her stern teacher persona plenty. Now, he couldn’t help but wonder—what was Evelyn like as a young, earnest student? The thought alone sent a thrill through him.

"Teacher, did you ever take photos when you were a student?" Luo Wei asked quietly. "Preferably ones where you looked really youthful, wearing a school uniform skirt with white knee-high socks!"

Evelyn shot him an exasperated look. "No! Keep dreaming!"