James maintained his cool, confident smile, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint. He glanced down at William's hand resting on his shoulder, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. Then, he gently raised his hand and slowly moved William's hand away from his shoulder. The motion was soft, as if brushing off dust, yet it contained an undeniable strength and resolve.
William froze for a moment, feeling James's cold rejection. His arm hung in the air, unsure of how to retract it. He struggled to mask his inner embarrassment, forcing a strained smile, but the anger within him was boiling over.
James stood up from his chair, his movements slow and graceful, exuding an air of elegant confidence. He leaned slightly closer to William's ear, speaking in a voice so soft it seemed to be merely sharing a mundane detail, yet every word was laced with icy determination and an unmistakable threat: "This is just the beginning, dear Director. I will reclaim everything, and in the end, you will be left crying for me..."
His voice was low and chilling, carrying a pressure that sent shivers down William's spine. Those words slithered into William's ears like a venomous snake, stirring up anxiety and rage within him. James's tone was both gentle and cruel, as if announcing the revenge plan he was about to unfold.
William was stunned; his pupils dilated in disbelief as an expression of incredulity spread across his face. James's words felt like an outright provocation, pushing him into a corner. He had never imagined that the once subservient James, who had always been ready to back down before him, would become so brazenly defiant and openly declare war.
He suddenly turned his head sharply, fixing his gaze on James with a mix of red and white flushing across his face. His throat felt dry as if something were lodged in it. He wanted to retort, to shout at James in anger, but at that moment, he found himself unable to utter a single word; all his thoughts were trapped in his throat, leaving only rapid breaths behind. The feelings of powerlessness and humiliation erupted within him but were completely suppressed by James's indifference and confidence.
James watched as William’s face turned red with frustration yet remained unable to respond. A hint of mockery flickered in his eyes. He didn’t spare William another glance; instead, he reached for the briefcase resting on the table, moving with unhurried composure. Then he lifted his head and walked toward the office door with steady elegance, seemingly unconcerned about their earlier exchange.
The other professors in the office silently observed the scene unfolding before them, their gazes shifting between James and William, their faces etched with shock and confusion. Yet no one dared to speak up. In this confrontation, William had completely lost the supreme authority he once held in their eyes.
As James reached the door, he paused briefly and glanced back at William with a meaningful smile on his face—cold and contemptuous—full of the confidence of a victor as if he could see through to William’s inner fear and helplessness.
"Do your job well, Director," James said coldly before turning away and leaving. The door closed softly behind him. The corridor light illuminated his back as it cast a long shadow while James’s steps remained steady as if everything that had just transpired was merely part of what he had anticipated.
William stood rigidly in place, the anger and humiliation surging within him like molten lava in his chest. The silence in the office made his complexion even paler; he knew that in this invisible war, he had utterly lost to James.
The moment James stepped into the classroom, all the students who had been chatting, scrolling through their phones, or dozing off seemed instantly captivated by him. His youthful appearance became an undeniable focal point. The suit that had appeared somewhat loose now fit him with a mature charm. His once-wrinkled face was now smooth and taut; he seemed to have returned to his prime at around thirty-five years old. The black hair at his temples hinted at a blend of youthfulness and maturity that made it hard for anyone to look away.
His jawline was sharp, and his features were deep and well-defined, exuding an undeniable mature charm. In those profound eyes, wisdom and an unfathomable depth shone through, as if he could see right through everything. This version of James seemed reborn from the past, shedding the image of a weary old professor; now, he was the most captivating presence in the entire classroom.
"He really looks so young now..." a female student in the back row whispered, resting her chin on her hands, her gaze fixed intently on James at the podium. The students around her nodded in agreement, many girls blushing slightly, their eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity.
"Yeah, he looks incredibly charming like this... and he teaches so well!" another girl murmured, her voice filled with admiration, as if suddenly this class had become one of their most anticipated subjects.
James stood at the front of the room, his back to the blackboard, holding a textbook with a focused and calm demeanor. His deep, magnetic voice resonated throughout the classroom, steady and persuasive. His explanations were not only logical and profound but also infused with a captivating passion that brought ancient historical tales to life as if they were unfolding right before their eyes.
The once listless students, often drowsy during lectures, now perked up their ears and listened intently. The atmosphere in the classroom was more vibrant than ever; students were glued to James, completely forgetting their phones and notes. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, as if they had never been so genuinely immersed in learning before.
At that moment, James had fully mastered the rhythm of the podium. A subtle smile played at the corners of his mouth; he showed no excessive pride or excitement in response to the adoring gazes from his students but continued his lecture with calm composure. His steady and confident face made it impossible to guess his true thoughts. Each word he spoke was powerful and self-assured, as if he were not merely imparting knowledge but showcasing a new side of himself to these young students—a James who had regained his strength and allure.
This transformation made students unable to resist wanting to draw closer and learn more about him. In their eyes, James was no longer that dull old professor but a mysterious mentor radiating infinite attraction. His maturity and reborn charm completely captivated everyone in the classroom.
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