I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

Maria had initially furrowed her brows, ready to scold the student in front of her for being so disrespectful.

But the moment her eyes met Gu Ran's effortlessly charming and slightly roguish smile, she felt a jolt—like an electric current passing through her.

...Damn.

Why is there such a ridiculously handsome student at Southampton Private School?

How did I not notice him before?

Maria quickly composed herself, adjusting her posture. She straightened her back, subtly pushing out her chest, exuding confidence and elegance. With a smooth motion, she ran her fingers through the waves of her red hair, brushing them away from her forehead.

"...Student, what did you just say?"

She had been too distracted looking at his face. She vaguely recalled hearing words like "teacher" and "like" but wasn't quite sure what else was said.

Seeing Maria's momentary daze, Gu Ran relaxed a little.

This meant that his Irresistible Smile skill was working.

At least, it worked on Maria.

So why the hell didn't it work on Sophie?

Maybe he should find another chance to test it on her again…

Speaking of which, Maria was actually quite stunning.

Her flawless makeup, hourglass figure, and that mature, sultry charm—all wrapped up in a white doctor's coat over black stockings—made for quite an irresistible combination.

Even her dual role as a doctor and a teacher added to the allure.

Gu Ran cleared his throat and spoke seriously. "Miss Maria, my name is Gu Ran. I just said—I really enjoy watching your classes."

Maria giggled, covering her mouth. "Oh my, what an interesting way of putting it. You mean you enjoy attending my classes, right?"

Gu Ran sighed in feigned regret. "Well, you see, Miss Maria, my schedule clashes with your class times. So, I had no choice but to watch recorded versions of your lessons on disc."

Maria blinked in surprise. "On disc?"

Gu Ran nodded. "Yes. I even asked someone to burn your lectures onto CDs so I could watch them." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course, don't worry. It's strictly for personal study—never for sale."

He was lying through his teeth without even blinking.

Whatever it takes to get Maria in a good mood. If she's happy, this medical exam will go smoothly.

Sure enough, Maria's eyes sparkled with delight. "I've always heard that Chinese students are incredibly dedicated to their studies, but Gu Ran, you've really impressed me. Burning my lectures onto discs? If all my students were as diligent as you, I'd be laughing in my sleep."

No, if all your students were doing that, you should probably call the police.

Gu Ran coughed lightly and seized the moment. "Miss Maria, I really need you to conduct a professional medical exam for me. It's very important. If I miss this chance, I won't be able to represent Southampton Private School in the National High School Football Championship."

Maria hesitated. "Well… I have to teach a class soon, and after that, I have something important I need to attend to…"

Shit.

Even with the Irresistible Smile, I can't change the outcome?

Am I really going to miss my shot at the championship?

A hint of disappointment flashed through Gu Ran's eyes.

Beside him, Drummer sighed and tugged at his sleeve. "See? I told you—it wouldn't work, no matter how much you tried. Let's just go."

Gu Ran, however, flashed one more Irresistible Smile. "Alright, I understand. But still, thank you for your time, Miss Maria."

With that, he turned to leave, casual and unfazed.

"Wait a second!" Maria suddenly called out.

Huh? There's still hope?

Gu Ran immediately turned back, his signature smile still in place. "Miss Maria, is there something I can help you with?"

Maria swallowed subtly before speaking. "Gu Ran, I have a compromise. Would you like to hear it?"

Gu Ran nodded without hesitation. "Of course!"

Drummer, standing off to the side, looked completely dumbfounded.

What the hell is going on?

Maria had been so cold to him just a minute ago, but now she was being all soft and accommodating?

Miss Maria, is your indifference only reserved for me?

I literally just asked you the same thing, and you were about to kick me out.

Now you're bending over backwards to help him find a 'compromise'?!

Is this what double standards look like?!

Should I just leave? Do you two need some alone time???

Drummer was on the verge of losing his mind.

Maria cleared her throat and began explaining. "Gu Ran, here's the situation—I have to teach my medical students soon. After class, I really must leave for something important. But at the same time, you urgently need your medical exam completed. So, my compromise is…"

She smiled.

"I will conduct your medical exam during my class as a live demonstration for my students. That way, I fulfill both obligations. What do you think?"

Gu Ran froze for a moment.

That's… actually a solid compromise.

It would solve everything, but there was just one problem…

Football medical exams require you to strip down to your underwear.

And this would be in front of an entire class of students.

On top of that, his height, weight, body fat percentage, and all other stats would be exposed.

Gu Ran let out a wry chuckle. "Miss Maria, wouldn't there be… too many people?"

Maria waved a hand dismissively. "Not at all! My elective class isn't that big—just about a dozen or so students."

A dozen is still way too many!

Gu Ran was internally screaming.

Maria, on the other hand, smiled sweetly. "Don't be shy, Gu Ran. To doctors and medical students, the human body is just flesh. I promise my students will look at you with nothing but professionalism."

She paused, then added with a smirk, "Of course—if you're uncomfortable with this arrangement, then you'll just have to wait until tomorrow."

Fck.

I can't miss this chance to compete in the championship.

This is my only shot!

Screw it.

It's just stripping down to my boxers.

Didn't I always say I loved football? Well, this is the time to prove it.

For football—I will sacrifice my dignity!

Gu Ran took a deep breath. "Miss Maria, when do we start?"

Maria clapped her hands excitedly. "Wonderful, Gu Ran! We can start right now. Follow me."

Drummer awkwardly cleared his throat. "Uh, Miss Maria… what about me?"

Maria waved him off. "Go to Classroom 8 and tell my students we're having a special live demonstration in the medical exam room today."

"…Got it."

Drummer gave Gu Ran a look filled with both envy and pity.

"Gu Ran… good luck."

What the hell am I supposed to do with 'good luck'?!

Gu Ran rubbed his face in exasperation.

Maria, wearing her black high heels, elegantly strode toward the elevator, leading Gu Ran to the top-floor medical exam room.

The elevator ride was filled with an oddly thick tension.

Maria's perfume was intoxicating, and Gu Ran's thoughts were all over the place.

Even though he was a grown man at heart, the idea of stripping down in front of a room full of medical students still made him nervous.

Maria, sensing his tension, smiled. "Is this your first time?"

Gu Ran nodded hesitantly.

Maria giggled. "It's normal to be nervous your first time. But don't worry—I'm very experienced."

Yeah, no sh*t.

Gu Ran gave a weak nod.

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open.

Maria stepped out first, her hips swaying confidently as she led the way.

Gu Ran took a deep breath and followed.