Mute Beauty

Chapter 89: The Hook

Yu Ting was intent on making a good impression now and, without compromising safety, managed to get Ran Ling to her destination on time. What was supposed to be a twenty-minute drive took her only thirteen, leaving Ran Ling with two minutes to get ready.

Even though Ran Ling remained rather reserved, Yu Ting mentally awarded herself another point for her efforts.

After finishing breakfast, Ran Ling took out her lipstick to touch up in the car's mirror. In her rush to get out, she accidentally left the lipstick behind. Yu Ting picked it up, playfully held it in her hand for a moment, inhaled the scent, and even dabbed a bit on herself to brighten her own look before carefully putting it away.

Ran Ling had left in such a hurry that she hadn't given Yu Ting any instructions. So, should she stay or leave? Of course, the answer was obvious: she'd follow Ran Ling to the studio, even if it meant facing her disapproval... being scolded was worth it.

Being near Ran Ling was all that mattered. Besides, Yu Ting had come here entirely for her.

After parking the car, Yu Ting found her way into the studio, her resolve firm.

The studio was quiet, with all students and staff being deaf-mute individuals. Out of respect, Yu Ting instinctively softened her footsteps and soon found herself outside Ran Ling's classroom. She slipped in through the back door.

Ran Ling was at the front, signing fluently to the class. Yu Ting quietly took a seat on a small stool in the back. A student turned around to glance at her, and Yu Ting signed back, telling them to focus on the lesson.

The student was taken aback, surprised that this unfamiliar woman knew sign language. Was she a new teacher?

Ran Ling noticed her as well but, with so many people around, chose not to address her presence directly, allowing her to stay. Yu Ting felt triumphant, her gaze fixed on Ran Ling.

Ran Ling was breathtaking today, dressed in an ink-green, watercolor-inspired long dress. She had a penchant for traditional style dresses, and the green complemented her fair skin while the fitted fabric accentuated her graceful figure. With a sheer shawl draped over her shoulders, every movement exuded elegance.

Yu Ting noticed how composed Ran Ling was as a teacher—gentle yet firm, serious yet patient, radiating a charm Yu Ting hadn't seen before.

A memory flashed through Yu Ting's mind: when she'd bought a Lin Jian painting back in China during happier times. It had recently arrived at her home. She wondered whether she should surprise Ran Ling with it now or wait until they returned.

When would Ran Ling go back, anyway? Yu Ting was tempted to ask, but she held back, not wanting to seem pushy or make Ran Ling feel pressured.

As she mused, the students had already started practicing their painting. Ran Ling moved between them, checking their work, passing by Yu Ting.

Whether by accident or design, Ran Ling brushed past her so closely that her skirt grazed Yu Ting's knee.

Yu Ting didn't even have time to savor the moment before Ran Ling moved on, not even sparing her a sidelong glance. All that remained was a faint jasmine fragrance that lingered in the air, slowly dissipating but drawing Yu Ting's head to the side, as though hooked by an invisible lure, her heart stirring.

Yu Ting stayed seated in the back for nearly an hour. Eventually, the students took a break, and Ran Ling finally had a moment to herself. She sat down, reaching into her bag for her water bottle.

Yu Ting stood up, approached her, and smiled. With no other chair nearby, she decided to squat in front of Ran Ling, resting her hands on her knees.

Ran Ling glanced down but didn't pull her knees away.