Chapter 552

"Who were you guys just talking about?" Tony asked, his brow furrowed, a hint of tension in his expression.

Everyone knew Tony didn't like idle chatter, which made them all a bit uneasy. Someone cautiously glanced at him and replied, "Just a freshman."

"She's really cute, and she aced the interview. Plus, she's Amor's sister, and we were just..."

"Just shooting the breeze."

"I think you guys are more than just chatting, you're considering dating," Tony interjected. Despite many sign-ups for the international chess club, Tony was picky, and the club had few members, mostly guys. A stunning woman with top scores in the interview would definitely turn heads.

"Boss, her interview score is impressive. You're not gonna kick her out just 'cause she's pretty, right?"

"I see where your minds are wandering," Tony chuckled lightly.

"Boss, no, we were just..."

Suddenly, Tony grabbed a pen from the side. Instantly, everyone tensed up!

Finding someone attractive wasn't easy. Hopefully, Tony wouldn't dismiss her. After all, beauty isn't a crime.

"What's her name?" Tony raised an eyebrow.

"Phoenix."

Tony casually flipped through the interview records and found Phoenix's name, circling it. "I need an assistant, you guys figure out the rest."

"I've got plans tonight, so I won't make the meeting. Vice President, take charge, and text me if needed." With that, he left.

The group was left in shock.

What was Tony up to?

"Is he keeping Phoenix close?"

"Is he planning to give Phoenix a hard time? He's always been a step behind Amor in chess. Is he out for revenge?"

"Phoenix's in for a rough ride!"

"Tony's thinking is that if we, a bunch of guys, bring in such a gorgeous girl, our heads will be spinning, not focused on chess. Since she aced the interview, but we can't boot her out, might as well have him take the lead. He's got serious focus and won't get sidetracked."

"So, if we go along with Tony, does that mean we can't make a move?"

"If you even think about making a move near Tony, he might cut you off."

"The cream of the crop got chosen. Tony plays hardball."

As the group sighed and contemplated, they silently hoped for Phoenix.

However, when they crossed paths with Phoenix again, things took a surprising turn.

Because, at that moment, Tony was holding Phoenix's hand.

Meanwhile,

Phoenix had told a few classmates she had something to do and waited downstairs for Tony. As a few girls departed, their chatter still revolved around Tony.

"I didn't expect to see him on interview day, he's so tall."

"Mostly, he's really good-looking, but I wonder if he'll make it into the club. Otherwise, we'd definitely see him around more."

"Even just getting to ogle him more is a win."

Lost in thought, Phoenix gazed at the tip of her shoe.

When Tony emerged, he scanned around before spotting her in a corner. Today, she wore a simple white t-shirt and a short skirt, showcasing her long, slender legs. Not particularly tall, but with great proportions, making others envious inexplicably.

In high school, she mostly sported a uniform with her hair tied back. Now, her long hair cascaded down, adding a hint of allure to her innocence.

There was a sense of maturing.

"Getting antsy waiting?"

Lost in her thoughts, Phoenix didn't understand why Tony asked her to stay. Anxiously preoccupied, she didn't notice him approaching until she glanced up slightly, finding him already close by.

"Getting impatient waiting?" Tony observed her distracted expression and repeated the question.

"Nah."

"Feeling the heat today?" There wasn't much shade by the building, and where Phoenix stood, a patch of greenery provided some cover overhead. The sunlight created dappled patterns on her face.

He lifted his hand a bit, blocking the light, casting a shadow on her face.

"I'm good."

"Your cheeks look a tad rosy from the sun."

Phoenix wasn't actually sunburned.

But in that moment, with them so near, Tony's closeness felt like he could brush against her face with a slight lean.

The cicadas chirped loudly, and the warm breeze made her feel cozy inside.

"Got any plans for the afternoon?" His tone was soft.

"Not really."

"Dinner together tonight?"

"I have evening study at 7."

"I got it, I'll make sure to get you back on time."

Phoenix followed him into the car, her heart still racing, until they entered a residential area, and only then did she snap back to reality. "Where are we headed?"

"My place."

Tony used to reside in Starry Capital, at his father's place. Last year, he purchased a house there. Besides national team training, he stayed there. When he moved in, James and Emily visited for dinner, bringing gifts. At that time, Phoenix was deep into her studies, in a sprint mode, aware of his new place but never having been there.

Tony and James shared a good bond, also being close friends with Amor due to their honest natures.

Despite their intense battles where Tony sometimes had the upper hand and other times Amor did, their off-stage relationship wasn't as rocky as people thought.

"Your place?" Phoenix's fingers tensed slightly.

"Wanna go somewhere else?"

"I didn't expect this spot from you."

"It's not easy for me to be out and about now, and my place offers more privacy."

Naturally, he had to pick a spot with good privacy, considering the intimate nature of their plans.

Phoenix gave a slight nod. Indeed, as a public figure now, he couldn't freely move around like before.

Tony resided on the 22nd floor. Phoenix followed him in, finding the spacious apartment empty yet showing signs of habitation. He casually grabbed a pair of slippers for her from the entrance.

Phoenix glanced down, spotting the brand-new white slippers with bunny ears, stirring something within her.

"These..."

"Yours, fresh out of the box."

Phoenix pursed her lips, changed her shoes, and scanned the room. "It feels so empty here."

"It's lively with you around," Tony remarked casually, causing Phoenix's face to flush slightly. "It's been a while since we last hung out, so it feels a bit awkward."

Their relationship wasn't overly passionate; it was more of a spontaneous pursuit. They had grown close before, but suddenly, things had cooled off for almost a year. Even with someone familiar, there was a sense of distance. Plus, it was Phoenix's first time at Tony's place, and being alone together made her nervous.

"You were swamped with school, didn't want to intrude."

Tony had many thoughts, but this was a crucial phase in her life, and he couldn't be selfish, only thinking about himself.

"Heard from your mom that you applied to some foreign schools and got offers. After the SAT, your family went out, and I figured you might be heading abroad for studies."