Chapter 22: A Brief Discussion on the Allure of Women

"Well, you weren't pretty yesterday," Lin Yu grinned, teasing her.

"Really? Was it because the school uniform didn't look good?" Yang Zhiling frowned instantly, clearly taking it seriously.

"Of course I'm joking. Can't you tell such an obvious lie? So our school's belle and Class Seven's pride is actually so foolish, haha." Lin Yu teased her.

Facing the fresh, orchid-like Yang Zhiling, it was impossible for Lin Yu not to feel anything. But he was self-aware; with Qi Yue around, and knowing that he and Yang Zhiling belonged to different worlds, he felt no need to be cautious with her.

Yang Zhiling, always holding her head high with a hint of coolness in her eyes, quickly responded to his teasing, "So, by your logic, I'm still pretty? Then, between me and your Qi Yue, who is more beautiful?"

"...Why does every girl like to ask this question!" Lin Yu was speechless. But he didn't hesitate, and with a roguish tone, said, "Well, in terms of looks and temperament, you have a slight edge. But Qi Yue is more lively and cheerful, and her legs are more alluring, haha. So, both of you are very charming. But it's hard to compare."

"So you're saying each has her own merits?" Yang Zhiling replied playfully, a hint of clarity in her eyes.

"That's fair. A woman's charm comes in many forms, but ultimately, it boils down to certain qualities," Lin Yu nodded, speaking with the relaxed air of a seasoned flirt from his past life.

"For example?" Yang Zhiling asked, her curiosity piqued by his words.

"Go to the restroom first, we'll continue when you come out," Lin Yu smiled, pointing to the sign ahead.

Yang Zhiling nodded, slowly walking into the restroom, amused at herself for nearly forgetting her original purpose.

A few quiet minutes passed. When Yang Zhiling emerged, Lin Yu asked curiously, "This cool, aloof temperament you have—is it innate?"

"It's not innate; it's a habit I cultivated," Yang Zhiling shook her head. "When I was young, my father was just a minor official. Our family had the worst conditions in the entire government compound, and my hair and eyes weren't pure black, so I was often mocked by other children. One evening, after dinner, I asked my father how I could become noble, like a princess."

She walked as she spoke. "My father said, keep your distance from all boys, always respect your body and soul. No matter the era or culture, a girl who is untouchable will instantly seem noble to boys. To possess noble temperament is to be a princess. In the boys' world, you'll be admired. Other girls might envy you, but they'll never look down on you."

"At the time, I only half-understood my father's words. But I followed his advice. Over time, it became who I am." As she finished, Yang Zhiling pursed her lips slightly.

"I never thought you'd ever been looked down upon," Lin Yu said, astonished. Then he laughed, "The boys in your compound, seeing you become the school's belle, must regret how they treated you back then."

"It's not so bad. A few confessed to me in middle and high school, but I rejected them all. I never liked those rich boys," Yang Zhiling replied, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

Afterward, she continued, "Lin Yu, you never said which qualities determine a woman's charm."

"Alright, let me share," Lin Yu replied. "To be a charming woman, you don't need to be breathtakingly beautiful, but you need certain traits: for example, reserve. A woman who understands reserve often inspires a man's protective instincts, brings out his gentlemanly side, and makes him want to cherish her. Generally, the most attractive qualities in a woman are ten."

"Oh? What are the ten?" Yang Zhiling stopped, signaling Lin Yu to pause as they neared the Perfumed Pavilion.

Lin Yu habitually reached into his pocket, only to find it empty—reminding himself he was not in his past life. Awkwardly, he continued, "The ten qualities that drive men wild are: naturalness, sincerity, reserve, pleasing appearance, sense of fun, kindness, peacefulness, composure, wisdom, and refinement. Honestly, possessing just one or two is enough to captivate a man. But men are visual creatures; if a woman is too much of a disappointment, like our classmate Wang Yuyan at over two hundred pounds, you know…"

"How can you talk about someone like that behind their back!" Yang Zhiling glared at Lin Yu but didn't dwell on it, and continued, "What you said about pleasing appearance—doesn't that mean being pretty?"

"Of course not," Lin Yu shook his head. "Pleasing appearance means making yourself look your best: clean, refined, a touch of fashion, harmonious combinations, pleasant colors. When a man sees you, he imagines a beautiful life. That's the charm of pleasing appearance—a woman who reminds men of a beautiful life is truly worth cherishing. Take Karen Mok—she's not a classic beauty, but she makes herself look lovely, so she exudes charm. But that's not relevant to you; with your natural beauty, you could wear a burlap sack in the street and still be pleasing to the eye."

"I never noticed how glib you can be," Yang Zhiling's lips curled slightly, then she continued, "So what does it mean to be natural?"

"A natural woman doesn't pretend to be reserved just to seem reserved, doesn't try to act ladylike for others. She's poised, always giving off an appropriate impression," Lin Yu leaned against the wall, gazing at Yang Zhiling.

"My mother often says the same," Yang Zhiling agreed, then asked with a bright smile, "How did Xiao Yue fall for you? Was it because you're so eloquent?"

"Definitely not," Lin Yu laughed, explaining, "In seventh grade, she transferred to our class. Many thought she was an outsider and came from a wealthy family, so they bullied her and asked her for money. I stood up and fought some of them. After that, she began to rely on me."

"And how did you fall for her?" Yang Zhiling asked.

"I don't really know. After spending a lot of time together, even without those heart-fluttering moments, feelings just grew naturally," Lin Yu admitted honestly. Then he added, "Anything else you want to ask?"

"No," Yang Zhiling shook her head, then walked ahead toward the private room.

As she reached the entrance to the Perfumed Pavilion, she suddenly turned and smiled, "There are so many questions I want to ask, but out of self-respect, I hesitate. Isn't that what you call reserve?"

A wise woman always keeps a touch of elegance and clarity about her, never resorting to desperate pursuit. Though Yang Zhiling was still just a girl, she understood this well.

Lin Yu nodded, "Haha, let's talk more next time."

At that moment, inhaling the faint fragrance of orchids in the corridor, he felt that women truly were the most perfect gift time had bestowed upon humanity.

Unconsciously, a wicked smile crept across his lips.