The crisp, ringing sound of the slap echoed through the vast hall.

Everyone present froze in sheer disbelief. Not a single person had anticipated that the frantic newcomer bursting through the doors would be Lucian—let alone that Lucian would take a direct, unresisted

All eyes in the hall instantly snapped to Lucian.

*Has he lost his mind? There is no way Lucian would ever apologize to a scholarship student.*

Expressions shifted across the room in a blur of shock and disbelief.

Beside him, Jing Lin was already lunging forward, ready

*"Tap."*

Like a single drop of water landing right between her brows.

*A kiss?*

*...Can I really?*

Lucian regained a fleeting moment of clarity. Borrowing strength from some unknown reservoir within, he suddenly shoved past Shao Ying, scooped Serena into his arms, a