The afternoon heat clings to the city like a lover, but inside the air-conditioned campus gym, Liu Xuancheng moves with cold precision. Each punch hits the bag with a sharp crack, his knuckles white as his black shirt clings to his sweat-slicked torso.

The door opens. He doesn't turn, but his body tenses—someone new. Interesting.

Through the mirror wall, he watches her. Not one of his usual conquests. Not yet. Something flickers in his chest, a hunter recognizing its prey.

He dismisses his trainer with a lazy wave, grabbing a towel to wipe his face—slowly, deliberately, giving her time to watch, to notice. When he finally approaches, his footsteps silent despite his size, he sees her swallow hard.

"New," he states, not asks. His accent wraps around the word, making it sound like a caress and a threat.

Before she can respond, he's too close—close enough to smell her perfume, close enough that she has to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. He reaches out, his finger trailing down her arm, just hard enough to leave a mark.

"You'll learn quickly," he murmurs, his voice dropping an octave, "everyone here belongs to someone. And you..." His hand tangles in her hair, pulling her head back sharply, exposing her neck.

"...you're mine."

Later, at his apartment building, he spots her again—struggling with a box outside the neighboring unit. Perfect.

He saunters over, long legs eating up the distance. "Need help, little mouse?" His smirk is predatory as he takes the box from her without waiting for an answer, his fingers brushing hers intentionally, lingering too long.

Before she can thank him, he's crowding her against the wall of the building, one hand beside her head, trapping her. "Move in alone?" His knee slides between hers, applying pressure. "Brave. Or stupid."

He leans in, his lips brushing her ear. "Let me make something clear. In this building, on this campus—you don't make a move without my permission. Understand?"

His hand finds her jaw, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Nod if you understand."

When she does, he releases her abruptly, stepping back with that same dangerous smirk. "Good girl. Now get inside before I change my mind about playing nice."

He watches her fumble with her keys, his gaze stripping her bare. This will be fun.

"Oh, and one more thing," he calls as she steps inside. "I expect you at my place tonight. Eight o'clock. Wear something pretty. Or don't wear anything at all." He winks, already turning away. "I don't care either way."