Chapter Fourteen: An Elegant Scholar? No, She Is a Lethal, Obsessed Beauty

Click.

The doors to the conference room slowly parted, and Wen Wan entered, clad in a sleek black dress and cradling a book in her hands.

Every gaze in the room was drawn to her—not merely for her stunning beauty or alluring figure, but for the poise and aura she exuded. Each step of her black high heels was measured and precise, as if treading upon the very hearts of those present, causing an involuntary tremor in every chest, even their breathing unconsciously adjusted to the rhythm of her stride.

Under the scrutiny of so many, her every gesture radiated elegance and an unmistakable scholarly air, presenting the image of an erudite academic.

When Wen Wan reached the side of the president, he rose with a broad smile and extended his hand toward her.

“It is truly our great honor at Hangzhou University to have you join our faculty.”

Wen Wan lightly touched his hand, her manner gentle as a dragonfly skimming the water. “President Qi, I hope we can proceed swiftly.”

“Of course, understood. I will make the announcement now.”

Facing the gathered faculty, Qi Tianxing introduced her: “This is our new Head of the Department of Finance, Professor Wen Wan. She is—”

“Wait! President, I have something to say!”

The Head of the Department of Finance—or rather, the former head, Feng Ming—could no longer hold back.

“Why was I not informed in advance about the appointment of a new department head? And as far as I know, Professor Wen Wan is not a member of our faculty. She’s so young—how much teaching experience could she possibly have? What qualifies her to head the largest department in our school?”

Feng Ming’s words were laden with pointed barbs, expressing his dissatisfaction not only with his sudden removal, but also attacking Wen Wan’s credentials and age, implicitly suggesting she owed her appointment to connections. He implied that the president’s decision would not win the faculty’s support.

Qi Tianxing seemed to have anticipated Feng Ming’s challenge. Unhurried, he replied, “Professor Feng, regarding your position, the school leadership has decided to transfer you to the Infrastructure Office as director. This was a unanimous decision.”

The director of the Infrastructure Office was indeed a position of authority, comparable to department head—a lateral move.

Feng Ming wanted to protest further, but Qi Tianxing turned to the head of Human Resources. “Director Su, please read Professor Wen Wan’s résumé.”

Director Su immediately understood, picked up a document, and began to read.

“Wen Wan, native of Beijing, age twenty-three. Undergraduate studies at Qingbei University, master’s and doctorate from Harvard University. At twenty-one, awarded full professorship at Beijing University. Has published...”

Hiss, hiss.

As Wen Wan’s résumé was recited, the entire room seemed to turn into a pit of rattlesnakes. Her academic credentials directly eclipsed most professors present; only a handful of the most senior faculty could surpass her. Moreover, this new professor had achieved such heights at a remarkably young age—calling her a genius would be an understatement; she was nothing short of extraordinary.

Even Feng Ming, who had just been so combative, was left speechless. At forty-two, he was still only an associate professor—a respectable achievement at the university, yet insignificant compared to Wen Wan’s meteoric résumé.

“Well, it seems no one has any objections. Let us welcome Professor Wen Wan to our faculty.”

Applause erupted under Qi Tianxing’s lead, thundering for a full minute before subsiding.

“Now, let’s invite Professor Wen Wan to greet everyone,” Qi Tianxing prompted.

Wen Wan stepped forward, her gaze sweeping the assembly. Under her eyes, almost everyone felt a surge of fear, instinctively avoiding her stare.

“I have just assumed the role of Head of the Finance Department and am unfamiliar with its current state. We must ensure a smooth transition. Director Feng Ming—”

“Yes, yes!” Feng Ming responded nervously, like a student answering a teacher.

“I am giving you one hour to compile and send me a list of all departmental matters.”

“And, notify the adviser for Class Two of Finance—I intend to take on the role of adviser for that class to familiarize myself with student management. I will conduct this afternoon’s class meeting in her stead.”

“Yes, yes! I’ll arrange it at once!”

Feng Ming was completely subdued by Wen Wan’s presence, responding as an underling would to a superior. He even left the room to carry out her instructions before the president had formally adjourned the meeting.

Those present felt odd—technically, Wen Wan and Feng Ming were equals, and issuing orders in this manner shouldn’t be appropriate.

Yet with Wen Wan, it seemed perfectly natural, not at all out of place.

If one were to describe the feeling, it would be akin to a commanding general dispatching her troops to charge into battle, decisive and unyielding.

Clearly, this new head of department was no ordinary figure; everyone silently resolved to be cautious in their dealings with her.

After these proceedings, the president declared the meeting adjourned and led Wen Wan to her office.

“President Qi, I truly thank you,” Wen Wan said, bowing slightly in a subdued gesture of gratitude.

“No need for such formality. With your abilities and academic background, our school is fortunate indeed. Besides, your father and I are old friends—this is no great matter. Remember to send him my regards when you go home.”

At the mention of her father, Wen Wan’s eyes darkened for a moment, but she soon regained composure. After a few more exchanges, Qi Tianxing departed.

Wen Wan closed the door behind him, slowly took a seat, and shut her eyes. Before her was an endless darkness; her whole body trembled, fingers gripping the chair so tightly her knuckles turned pale.

A sheen of sweat appeared on her brow, as though her consciousness was about to be swallowed by that abyss. Then, a beam of light flashed in her mind—it was the image of Chen Luo.

“Mm!” Wen Wan suddenly opened her eyes, her body no longer trembling, fully restored to herself.

“My treasure, you’ve saved me yet again. I really do miss you.”

A faint smile curved Wen Wan’s lips. “I wonder, when you see me at the class meeting this afternoon, what expression will you wear? I’m truly looking forward to it.”

…

At the university gates, beside a fragrant hotpot restaurant.

Chen Luo stood at the entrance, browsing the latest trends in anime and related industries on his phone, when suddenly a voice sounded behind him.

“Dark Lord! Prepare to face the judgment of the Lance of Eternity!”

“Ah!” Chen Luo felt something hard jab him in the back, causing him to stumble forward.

Steadying himself, he turned to the girl before him and shouted, “You Liuhua! How many times have I told you—stop poking me with your umbrella every time we meet!”