Heart Pounding, Winds Howling – A Stolen Touch
His heart thumped wildly, the wind howled fiercely.
Cars streamed endlessly along the highway, crowds surged in the peak after-work rush. One vehicle after another sped by.
Just then, a young boy climbed the long stone steps beside the road, heading home. Suddenly, an electric scooter whizzed past him, whipping up his hair and blocking his view. Shock flashed across his face. Once he recovered, he angrily lifted his head, smoothed his hair, and cursed, "Fuck, how do you even ride like that? Blind or what?!"
His words barely left his mouth when he glanced toward the scooter. There were two people on it. Up front was a woman in a black professional suit that hugged her full, perky hips. Her legs were long and straight, her face radiating cold arrogance.
A high nose bridge held up her glasses, her full lips pressed tight in aloof detachment. Her stunning features were framed by ink-black hair tied in a neat bun, her watery eyes gleaming with icy light. She exuded unparalleled beauty and poise, like a millennium-old block of ice that inspired awe and fear.
The boy stared, dumbfounded, at this peerless beauty. It was the first time he'd seen a girl so gorgeous—she was straight out of his dreams, a goddess incarnate.
Sitting behind her was a somewhat youthful teen, maybe fourteen or fifteen, fair-skinned and handsome with clear brows and bright eyes. He looked sunny and healthy in a short-sleeved T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers, exuding a steady, cool vibe.
What pissed him off most was that the kid's hands were wrapped around the ice beauty's slender waist—an intimate pose, like a pair of lovers lost in sweet nothings. Jealousy boiled in the boy's chest. Fuck, this little punk's such a show-off already? he fumed inwardly.
He cursed silently but didn't dare say it aloud. He just kept staring at the ice beauty, eyes darting between her and the boy, his heart seething with envy and resentment.
I've never even had a girlfriend, and this brat gets to hold a waist like that? And she's throwing herself at him? This is bullshit!
The more he thought, the angrier and more miserable he got.
...
These two were, of course, Xu Ruizhi and Li Wenshi on their way to the hospital.
Suddenly, Li Wenshi slammed on the brakes. Xu Ruizhi's body lurched forward from inertia, crashing into her back. His hands instinctively shot up, and he felt a soft, warm fullness—her plump, perky breasts pressed right into his palms.
Xu Ruizhi froze, his mind exploding. He recalled the Huangdi Neijing's notes on Li Wenshi's sensitive spots and, on impulse, brushed her nipple through her blouse.
Li Wenshi shuddered, her body igniting as his large hand kneaded her breast. Heat flooded her veins like a thousand ants crawling inside—itchy, tingling, electric. A soft moan escaped her lips unbidden.
Shock crossed Xu Ruizhi's face. He hadn't expected the haughty Teacher Li to let out such a soul-melting groan, nor that a simple touch would have this effect. Unbelievable.
After trembling for a moment, Li Wenshi steadied herself, her mind clearing. Her frosty expression returned. "Had enough?" she said flatly.
Xu Ruizhi yanked his hands back at her words, stammering, "Uh... s-sorry... I didn't mean to. You braked so hard—it was pure reflex. Really, I'm sorry!"
Li Wenshi ignored him, giving him a cool glance before dismounting and walking off.
Watching her graceful, swaying figure, Xu Ruizhi felt a pang of loss.
He cursed himself inwardly. Sure, it was the Huangdi Neijing's aftereffect, leaving him a bit tipsy, but still—he'd seen the world. His mom and Aunt Song were national-level stunners, outshining Li Wenshi in looks and figure. Especially Mom—if Qian Ming hadn't knocked last night, who knows, he might've already been tangled up with her in bed.
As Xu Ruizhi shook off his wandering thoughts and prepared to ride away, he glanced ahead and saw Li Wenshi returning with a fruit basket and some supplements.
Stunned, he froze. When she reached him, he hesitantly asked, "Y-you... didn't leave?"
"Leave for where?" Li Wenshi arched a brow, glancing indifferently at him.
"I thought you were mad and leaving."
Xu Ruizhi scratched his head with a sheepish grin.
"I'm not mad," she said lightly.
"Oh!"
Xu Ruizhi nodded, at a loss for words, inwardly relieved. If he'd left right then, he'd have pissed off this ice queen teacher—disaster.
Doesn't even tell me she's buying stuff.
He sulked to himself, blaming her silently.
Fine, my fault first. I'll just steer clear from now on. Dealing with this frosty beauty is exhausting.
Li Wenshi stowed the items in the scooter's front basket, then turned to him. "Get on back."
"Huh?"
Xu Ruizhi blinked, then obediently scooted back. She mounted up but didn't start the engine right away. "Hold on tight!" she said coldly.
"Huh?"
He blinked again.
"Hold on tight!" Her tone stayed icy, but a hint of concern and impatience crept in.
"Oh!"
Xu Ruizhi snapped to it, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.
So fragrant!
Feeling her slim, silky, springy waist again, Xu Ruizhi's mind raced, fire stirring in his gut.
But he'd learned his lesson. He reined in his thoughts fast—no more mishaps.
Seeing him behave, Li Wenshi relaxed a bit, though a twinge of disappointment flickered inside.
What's wrong with me? Why do I feel a pull toward him? No way...
Impossible! I've ignored all those elite suitors. How could I fall for my own student? And he's only sixteen!
Perplexed, she shook her head and started the scooter toward the hospital, shoving the thoughts aside.
She didn't know it was all the Huangdi Neijing's doing. After millennia, it wasn't just a book anymore—it was infused with the Yellow Emperor's life's work, a sentient treasure. Though Xu Ruizhi hadn't cultivated yet, it was amplifying his charm bit by bit. He knew it, but even he hadn't expected it to rattle the aloof Li Wenshi like this, making her flustered.
And during flirtatious moments with women, the manual boosted his allure even more.
Otherwise, proud Li Wenshi would never feel this unnatural pull toward a sixteen-year-old kid. Dream on!
...
The boy watched slack-jawed.
He'd seen the kid grope the ice beauty's chest. He'd thought she'd storm off mad, but she'd just gone shopping and come back to let him hold her waist again.
"Is there no justice in this world?!" he yelled furiously.
He was dead certain the kid barely knew her—the awkwardness proved it. No way they were close.
"Does acting all innocent after copping a feel work better the younger you are? Pfft! What a despicable, shameless, filthy bastard—total scum!"
The boy spat venomously, wishing he could swap places and take the "punishment" himself.
********************
They rocketed along, Li Wenshi delivering a still-dazed Xu Ruizhi to the hospital entrance. She parked the scooter.
"Xu, which room?"
Li Wenshi brushed back wind-tossed strands with her fair hand, grabbed the fruit from the basket, and strode inside, asking coolly.
"Uh? Oh, Room 17."
Xu Ruizhi snapped out of it. No helping it—she drove like a maniac. His heart had pounded the whole way. He swore off her rides forever... unless she let him hold her waist again. Cough.
Truth be told, Xu Ruizhi didn't want Li Wenshi visiting Song Lianwei—or tutoring him, at least not these next few days.
He needed to work on Mom at the hospital, maybe snag Aunt Song too. No guarantees, but why not try?
Since hearing yesterday that Song Lianwei might've attempted suicide over some guy, he'd been restless.
Plain and simple: unfair. How could a spoiled rich prick drive capable, intellectual, gentle Aunt Song to that?
He doesn't deserve her!
The more he dwelled, the more indignant he felt.
Decision made: he'd conquer his bonus target here—Aunt Song! No way he'd let her pine for that loser.
He had a rough plan, and her hospital stay was prime time—seize the moment.
But he'd never dreamed the new ice queen teacher would show up to visit her and tutor him. What a third wheel.
Guess evening action it is, he thought.
He didn't know Li Wenshi's word was iron—she wouldn't ditch him after using him for the ride.
Xu Ruizhi and Li Wenshi entered, reaching Room 17 quickly under his lead. They pushed in to find Song Lianwei still unconscious but improving—breathing steady, pulse calm.
Seeing her stable eased Xu Ruizhi's worries.
Li Wenshi's eyes flashed admiration at Song Lianwei.
On the bed, bare-faced and pale with illness, she still held an ethereal beauty that tugged at the heart—like a fragile yet resilient orchid in the mountains.
Li Wenshi inhaled deeply, withdrawing her gaze. For a split second, she thought: if she were a man, she'd stop at nothing to claim Xu Ruizhi's aunt and cherish her forever.
Such a heavenly beauty shouldn't wither here—that wasn't their fate. Subconsciously, she included herself; though she downplayed her looks, deep down she was confident in them.
A flicker of pride crossed her face, then vanished like an illusion, her stray thoughts quelled.
They say a warrior dies for a bosom friend; a woman adorns for those who adore her. No beauty is truly indifferent to her charms.
"Mom...?"
Xu Ruizhi glanced around—no Yang Zhurou. He called softly.
"Ruirui, who's this?"
A gentle voice sounded behind them. They turned to see Yang Zhurou at the door in her knit top and shorts—timelessly alluring, curves perfectly outlined, especially those long legs, her fair calves gleaming like jade in the sunset glow.
"Mom!"
Xu Ruizhi grinned, pulling her into a hug, nuzzling her smooth neck. "This is our new math teacher, Li Wenshi."
"Hello, Teacher Li. I'm Yang Zhurou."
Yang Zhurou flushed shyly, her body softening as she subtly nudged him aside.
"Ah... hello, Ms. Yang."
Li Wenshi smiled faintly, nodding politely.
As she greeted, her eyes sized up Yang Zhurou. What a stunning woman! Looks, poise, figure—even in the capital's elite circles, she stood out.
Even self-assured Li Wenshi felt outclassed.
This kid... surrounded by beauties that make even me feel plain.
"I look a bit older, so if you don't mind, call me 'sis'—'Ms.' feels so formal."
Spotting the supplements and fruit, Yang Zhurou added, "And this is...?"
"Oh, I heard from Xu his aunt was hospitalized, so I came to visit and brought some nutrition stuff—a small gesture."
Yang Zhurou nodded graciously. "Coming here after class—thanks for your trouble, Teacher Li! Did Ruirui mess up at school? Tell me freely; I'll discipline him at home."
She shot Xu Ruizhi a mock-stern glance.
Xu Ruizhi grinned wryly—Mom, you know me; what trouble could I cause? Before he could protest, Li Wenshi spoke.
"No, not at all."
Surprised but understanding, she explained, "Sis Yang, misunderstanding. Xu hasn't broken any rules. I'm not here to complain—his math lags behind other subjects, so I'm tutoring him specially."
"I see! My mistake then."
Relieved it wasn't mischief, Yang Zhurou relaxed—her boy had always been good.
She ruffled his hair fondly. "Then he's in your hands, Teacher Li!"
After more polite exchange, Yang Zhurou offered to fetch food, urging Xu Ruizhi to obey. He promised sweetly.
Xu Ruizhi cleared a table in the room, settling in for one-on-one with the beauty teacher.
Li Wenshi reviewed his last big exam paper, pinpointing weaknesses, then targeted them.
Xu Ruizhi wasn't hopeless at math—just shaky in spots. Smart as he was, pointers made it click fast.
Soon, Li Wenshi inwardly approved of her new student, getting immersed, inching closer unconsciously.
But Xu Ruizhi keenly felt the gap shrinking to nothing.
A hot-blooded teen, he was hyper-aware.
Their arms soon touched.
Her faint fragrance and soft brush against his skin made him sneak a glance at her intellectual beauty.
Bad move—his peripheral caught a glimpse of snowy cleavage.
His gaze dropped slyly, peeking down her slightly open collar.
"...Got this part... right...?"
Deep in explanation, Li Wenshi glanced up to check—and caught him staring. Worse, a tent pitched in his lap!
Her face iced over.
"Xu Ruizhi!!! If you're not listening, I'm leaving now!"
Her voice pierced like icy needles. He jolted back to reality.
Caught red-handed, his face burned, heart hammering like a temple bell.
Flustered, he stood awkwardly. "Um... Teacher, sorry, gotta hit the bathroom. Be right back—wait here."
He bolted.
Li Wenshi watched his back, her chill softening. She shook her head.
Fair enough—even worldly heirs chased her; how could a teen resist up close?
Was she too harsh? She shared blame too—as teacher, ignoring distance with a male student.
She didn't know the Huangdi Neijing was influencing her. Without it, she'd have exploded at his pervy look—not just anger. And without it, he wouldn't be this flustered either.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, water splashed from the faucet. Xu Ruizhi splashed cool handfuls on his burning face, shook his head to cool his throbbing brain. The Neijing's side effects are ramping up. Gotta dual cultivate soon—but needs a virgin or long-abstinent woman full of primal yin. Headache.
...
Moments later, Li Wenshi saw him return, beads of water at his hairline.
He felt guilty meeting her eyes.
Sitting primly, he said stiffly, "T-Teacher Li, let's continue..."
She paused, then nodded. They resumed.
This time, he restrained himself—no wandering eyes, focused on the page. She kept a slight distance too.
Soon, Yang Zhurou returned laden with bags.
Seeing her son studying diligently under Li Wenshi, she beamed with pride and pity. "Ruirui, break time? Teacher Li, join us—you came straight after class with him, probably haven't eaten. Don't starve."
Li Wenshi politely declined, saying she'd eat at home.
Turning to Xu, "If you're hungry, eat first. I'll tutor after."
He shook his head. Smiling at Mom, "You eat first, Mom. I'll finish these problems, then eat. Teacher Li, if you're hungry, go ahead."
After back-and-forth, Yang Zhurou relented, setting bags aside to cut fruit for them.
Xu Ruizhi hunkered down on the exercises she'd assigned.
Li Wenshi watched him work intently—serious focus suiting his handsome, sunny face. She zoned out, entranced.
Snapping back, she blushed. What am I doing, staring at my student like that?
Memories flooded: his stolen peek earlier, the steamy ride after school.
And that brat, right off... hitting her most sensitive spot. Normally, she'd slap him senseless—maybe worse. Yet she'd oddly shopped and returned, letting him hold her waist.
What's wrong with me?!
Xu Ruizhi finished the last problem, looked up—and caught her propped on her chin, staring fixedly. He flushed.
Li Wenshi startled, mortified. She straightened, cleared her throat, reverted to ice queen, and checked his answers.
Her face stayed stern, but a unnatural flush lingered.
...
Yang Zhurou finished the fruit and approached from behind, catching their awkward glances and colors.
A strange feeling stirred in her.
...
Sky fully dark by 7:30, the tutoring wrapped.
Xu Ruizhi exhaled, stretching.
Li Wenshi packed lightly, bid Yang Zhurou farewell, and left.
Outside, Yang Zhurou insisted Xu escort her home. He couldn't refuse.
After a few steps, Li Wenshi said coolly, "Xu, head back. I'll cab it."
He knew he'd erred but persisted. "Mom said to see you home safe."
"No need. Go."
Her tone brooked no argument.
Knowing better than to push, he turned silently.
Li Wenshi watched his back, a flicker of reluctance in her eyes—gone in a flash. Ice queen again, she walked ahead without looking back.
Steps later, a black sedan pulled up. Two bodyguard-types hopped out.
"Miss."
One bowed respectfully.
She acknowledged faintly. "Let's go."
They opened the door. She slid in; they shut it, got in, and drove off.
Li Wenshi closed her eyes to rest, but Xu Ruizhi's boyish face surfaced. An odd discomfort settled in her chest.
Eyes opening for her phone, she glanced in the rearview—froze.
Xu Ruizhi was slowly walking back.
She smiled—genuinely happy, a bit lost. Her lips quivered; her eyes misted.