Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Jing Xi instinctively looked at Xie Qingfeng, only to see him as if oblivious to the previous scene, glancing at him and asking, "How's the taste?" He then proceeded to try it himself.

Jing Xi immediately reached out to stop him. His intention in cooking was to win Xie Qingfeng’s heart, not to poison him. With this flavor, it wouldn’t capture his stomach, rather it might make him run as fast as a rocket.

Meeting Xie Qingfeng’s puzzled gaze, Jing Xi coughed softly, “I do like it, and uncle and aunt have made plenty. You should eat these.”

Xie Qingfeng raised an eyebrow, his semi-amused expression making Jing Xi even more reluctant to admit he mixed up the seasonings, resulting in these two particularly strong-flavored dishes.

Fearing Xie Qingfeng would actually taste them and not wanting to distress the foster parents’ stomachs, Jing Xi took the dishes and decided to eat them himself, thinking they wouldn’t actually be poisonous, just hard to swallow.

Just as Jing Xi was transferring half to his plate, Xie Qingfeng grabbed Jing Xi’s wrist, turning it to drop the remaining half onto his plate.

“You…” Jing Xi was caught off guard by Xie Qingfeng's sudden move, feeling a tingling sensation where Xie Qingfeng grabbed his wrist. Lost in the moment, he forgot to protest, then leaned in and whispered, “Aren’t you afraid of being poisoned?”

Xie Qingfeng, lifting his eyelids, calmly tasted a bite, his face expressionless: “Not bad for a first try.” He wasn’t lying; he had thought Jing Xi might burn down the kitchen on his first attempt. Despite the weird, strong flavor, it was at least edible.

Apart from not wanting to waste food, he saw the disappointment in Jing Xi's eyes after eating – probably his first time facing such a blow, looking like a homeless puppy. So, he decided to help shoulder half of it.

Jing Xi couldn’t help but smile, pleased. If he had a tail, it would be wagging by now.

Hao Jixin, regaining his senses, watched in disbelief as they vied for the uniquely flavored dish. Could his taste buds have been off? Was the dish actually good? After all, the Master said it was okay.

His gaze fixed on the remaining sweet and sour ribbonfish. Before he could decide to try it again, Xie Qingfeng already served some into his bowl and Jing Xi’s, leaving a third and casually asking Hao Jixin, “Want the rest?”

Deciding to trust the Master, Hao Jixin nodded vigorously: “Yes!”

Xie Qingfeng’s smile deepened, serving the remainder to Hao Jixin. When there’s “fortune,” why not share?

He then calmly began eating, his face betraying no expression, as if it truly tasted fine.

As Xie Qingfeng started eating, Jing Xi followed suit, appearing to relish every bite as if it were a delicacy, occasionally glancing at the Master as if using him to enhance the flavor.

Hao Jixin, relieved to have grabbed a third, thought the ribbonfish must be better than the shredded pork. He took a piece eagerly, only to find no expected sweetness, just an odd, overly salty taste, dominated by soy sauce.

Hao Jixin felt like crying but continued eating, glancing at the calmly eating Master, thinking: Even the Master can deceive.

Resigned to his fate with the third he grabbed, he finished it off, thankfully relieved by the delicious dishes made by the foster parents afterward. Especially after Jing Xi’s culinary ordeal, the foster parents' cooking seemed heavenly.

Only after drinking lots of water and preparing to leave, Hao Jixin looked at Jing Xi, wanting to say something: “Great effort, but maybe don’t cook next time.”

After Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi sent the elderly couple and Hao Jixin home, Jing Xi, having changed his shoes, didn’t move but stood aside, looking at Xie Qingfeng with great pleasure.

As Xie Qingfeng walked inside, Jing Xi followed step by step, until Xie Qingfeng helplessly turned back: "Why are you following me? It's getting late."

Jing Xi had wanted to ask this for a while, but waited until they were alone: "The National Master said tonight’s dishes were not bad. If I get the seasonings right next time, will you honor me by tasting them again?" He slowly realized, the National Master sharing his meal meant he had softened, right? He said he wouldn’t eat, but didn’t he end up eating?

Xie Qingfeng glanced at him: "Next time, you eat it yourself." He wasn’t planning to be poisoned twice.

Jing Xi felt even happier. He wouldn’t want the National Master to suffer such a terrible meal again. Next time, he would taste it first and only let him eat if it was truly good. This first attempt might have been disastrous, but the fact that the National Master ate it made this meal more enjoyable than any other he had ever had.

Unaware of his thoughts, Xie Qingfeng, after washing up, looked over his university acceptance letter. Tomorrow was his first day at C University. His chosen major was Traditional Chinese Medicine, which he had researched online. The first year seemed to be mostly theoretical, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

Just then, his phone chimed with a transfer alert. It was from Wu He Rong.

It was obviously the payment for helping to save someone. Although the Wu family wasn’t short of money, the elderly Wu couple were just professors, and Wu He Rong was a newly practicing doctor. Xie Qingfeng charged 300,000 yuan, based on the energy loss, without asking for more.

However, the transfer was for 400,000 yuan. Clearly, Wu He Rong had sent an extra 100,000 yuan, realizing that the price was quite fair and that his life was saved by Master Xie, so he added a bit more.

"Meanwhile, a new message from an unknown number appeared: [Master Xie, this is Wu Herong. I've returned home, and I'm fine, thanks to you. I won’t say much in thanks, but I will repay you in the future. Please accept these 400,000 as our family’s gratitude, Master. You must accept it.]"

"Xie Qingfeng didn’t refuse; since they could offer it, they probably didn’t lack the forty thousand. After replying with a simple 'Okay', he received another transfer of twenty thousand, along with a call back from Ai Yefeng."

"'Master, did you receive the bonus? It's a bit less, please don’t mind. Cough cough, it’s hard to get approvals in our department, but we’ll make sure to report it earlier next time, so you won’t be at a loss,' Ai Yefeng said, feeling the amount was somewhat insufficient, but their department was special and required discretion, so their usual grants were limited, and this time the urgent request hadn’t been approved yet, so the boss had advanced some bonus money."

"Xie Qingfeng didn’t refuse, as it was agreed in advance: 'Mr. Wu from the Wu family has already paid, and he added an extra hundred thousand.'"

"Ai Yefeng hadn't expected Wu Herong to give more, but then thought that if something really had happened to Wu, it would have been a disaster for Wu's family... In the end, it was like saving three lives."

"He then thought about the previous cases Master Xie had handled for the Leng and Zhang families; it was almost like charity work."

"Xie Qingfeng didn’t plan to say much, ready to hang up as he had to get up early for school registration, but Ai Yefeng suddenly remembered something, slapping his forehead, 'Right, Master, I heard from my uncle that you’re starting college soon, at C University. Are you planning to live on campus or off-campus? If it’s off-campus, C University is different from others; you need to apply for it in advance, or else freshmen must live on campus for a year.'"

"Xie Qingfeng hung up the phone, somewhat bewildered. The original person's memories didn’t include this, and he, having just arrived in this world, didn’t know about the application either. After a moment’s thought, he decided to call the counselor Ai Yefeng had found for him, hoping that applying on the last night would still count as 'in advance.'"

Not sure if it was because his number was unfamiliar, but the counselor didn't pick up the first time he called.

Jing Xi, who had just finished his nightly routine and was about to sleep, heard the commotion and knocked on the door. After getting a response, he poked his head in, "Why aren't you asleep yet? Don't you have to register tomorrow?" Though the first day was just procedural registration, Jing Xi had already planned to accompany him and explore the university campus he'd never seen before.

Xie Qingfeng didn’t hide the situation from Jing Xi, realizing that if it was too late to apply for off-campus accommodation, Jing Xi might have to live alone.

“Ran into a bit of an issue. Freshmen at C University need to apply in advance for off-campus accommodation,” Xie Qingfeng explained, realizing he might have to stay in the dormitory.

Jing Xi paused, contemplating the implication of on-campus living – Xie Qingfeng would be sharing a room with completely unfamiliar young people.

Xie Qingfeng was also worried, not about the living arrangement itself, but the lack of privacy. He had purchased this house specifically because he preferred solitude.

Jing Xi approached seriously, “Is there no other way?”

Xie Qingfeng raised an eyebrow, “Why do you seem more concerned than me? It’s not you who has to live in a dorm.”

Jing Xi hesitated, glancing at him. How could he not be worried? He’d just found an opportunity to live with the master, but now he might not even see him once or twice a week?

The counselor called back, explaining that Xie Qingfeng’s application was late, as it required a month's advance notice. The accommodation situation was already finalized, making his request challenging and subject to strict conditions.

Xie Qingfeng inquired, “What are the conditions?”

The counselor checked and replied, “For medical students like you, off-campus accommodation in the first year is rarely granted. Requirements include being a local resident, parental consent, and approval from Professor Wu of your department. Your application is quite late. Unless you're a faculty relative, it’s hard to get approval. Usually, students can freely choose between dorm and off-campus housing.”

Xie Qingfeng listened carefully. He met the first two criteria and obtaining parental consent wouldn’t be difficult. When he heard 'Professor Wu,' he wondered if it could be related to Wu Herong’s family, known for medicine and also connected to C University.

The counselor sighed, “So, it's unlikely. Professor Wu is known to be strict. His approvals are rare, and you’re applying just before school starts.”

Xie Qingfeng then asked, “Is Professor Wu the father of Wu Herong, a student at C University?”

The counselor was surprised, clearly remembering the outstanding Wu family's son: "Oh, you know your senior, Wu Herong?"

Xie Qingfeng replied, “I’ve met him once.” After asking a few more questions, he hung up and looked up to see Jing Xi staring intently at him. “What’s wrong?”

"Wu Herong? Another acquaintance of your original body?" Jing Xi recalled the previous encounter with Shu Bo and now another unfamiliar name, sensing from Xie Qingfeng’s tone that it was more than a mere acquaintance.

Xie Qingfeng shook his head, “No, he’s someone I know.”

Jing Xi's guard went up. Just then, Xie Qingfeng’s phone rang. He didn’t want to look, but couldn’t help glancing at the screen, seeing an unknown number. Xie Qingfeng raised an eyebrow, “Speaking of the devil, and he shall appear.”

Jing Xi’s guard was heightened: Wu Herong?

Xie Qingfeng answered the call. Indeed, it was Wu Herong's number, his memory serving him right as he remembered the unfamiliar number from just before.

The voice on the other end wasn’t Wu Herong's, but his parents’: “Is this Master Xie? We are the parents of Wu Herong, whom you just saved.”

Xie Qingfeng responded, “I remember.”

Wu Herong's parents, upon learning their son had only transferred money without informing them, felt it necessary to personally express their gratitude. They were preoccupied with taking him to the hospital and hadn’t thanked the Master in person: “Master Xie, we really don't know what we would have done without you. Herong just sent a text, which was quite rude. Do you have time? We’d like to thank you in person over a meal. And if there’s anything you need from our family in the future, just ask.”

They viewed him as their family's great benefactor.

Xie Qingfeng, touching his nose, would have declined in the past, but realized he actually needed a favor: “No need for a meal, but speaking of needing help, I do have a favor to ask Professor Wu.”

The Wu family, including Wu Herong, was taken aback: An opportunity to repay their benefactor so soon?

Wu's father, excitedly gripping the phone, trembling, seemed more eager than someone being asked for help, “Master, just say it. If it's within our capabilities, we’ll move mountains and seas for you!”

He then patted the silent Wu Herong on the back, urging him to also show his loyalty.

Wu Herong, naturally shy and usually pretending to be aloof, immediately pledged his loyalty: “Right, Master Xie saved my life. My life is now in Master's hands.”

Jing Xi, inching closer, heard this and pursed his lips in a sullen look, glancing up at Xie Qingfeng.

Xie Qingfeng stiffened under that gaze, feeling accused as if he was keeping a pet on the side. He shook his head hurriedly, thinking that not only was the emperor not a pet, he wouldn't do such a thing either.

Xie Qingfeng cleared his throat, “It’s not that serious. Actually, I’m enrolling at C University tomorrow, majoring in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but I didn’t apply for off-campus accommodation in advance. The counselor said I need Professor Wu’s approval for a late application, as it requires being a relative of a staff member…”

The Wu family was stunned, bewildered, until finally, Mr. Wu asked softly, “Master... how old are you?”

Xie Qingfeng looked skyward, expecting this: “Just turned eighteen.” As he spoke, he saw Jing Xi, who was peering over, giving him a teasing look, which made Xie Qingfeng’s face heat up. Before his transmigration, he was twenty-two, and now he was four years younger. Despite it being the truth, saying it in front of someone who knew felt odd.

He glanced at Jing Xi, sizing up the emperor who seemed a few years older, then turned his head away.

Jing Xi’s smiling expression froze, feeling a sudden sense of crisis. Could Xie Qingfeng think he’s too old? It’s only four years...

How old is this Wu Herong?

After the call, both sides were in a daze. The Wu family exchanged looks, incredulous and excited, realizing just how young the Master was.

Not only that, but he was now the professor for the Master’s major? And had even been upgraded to “Uncle”?

Wu Herong was equally bewildered: His lifesaver was now his junior?

The family looked at each other, determined to do their best for the Master, to start repaying the debt tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Wu patted their son on the back, “Starting tomorrow, you begin repaying your debt. Make sure to take good care of Master Xie.”

Wu Herong nodded seriously: “I will not fail.”

So, the next day, when Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi arrived at the entrance of C University, the first things they noticed were the welcoming banners, the bustling crowd of new students, and the school buses. Among them stood Wu Herong, tall and handsome with an air of aloofness.

Wu Herong was quite famous at C University. As he stood there, many greeted him, but due to his standoffish demeanor, no one dared to strike up a conversation.

Those familiar with "Senior Wu" were used to his coldness. He was a former president of the student council who had stepped down to focus on his internship, retaining only a nominal vice-president position. Despite this, he was still widely respected and admired.

Many were curious why Senior Wu, supposedly busy with his internship, had suddenly appeared on campus.

Suddenly, the always stoic Wu Herong lit up at the sight of something, his face breaking into an enthusiastic smile as he waved and called out, "Over here! Over here!"

If it weren't for his familiar face and voice, people would have thought he was someone else.

The crowd was stunned: Was this really the cool and distant Senior Wu? Had something possessed him?

Jing Xi, following behind Xie Qingfeng, had walked from their nearby residence to the university. As they approached the campus, he spotted the conspicuous figure of Wu Herong at the entrance.

Even though Jing Xi had never met Wu Herong, he recognized him as the man Xie Qingfeng had recently saved. He tried to pretend not to know them, but Wu Herong, recognizing them even with their masks and hats, loudly called out to them, making it impossible to ignore him.

Xie Qingfeng, unaware of Jing Xi's thoughts, walked straight towards Wu Herong, who enthusiastically jogged over. Although he regained his composure, his eyes betrayed his admiration and warmth. He opened his mouth to address Xie Qingfeng as "Master" but remembered Xie Qingfeng's preference for low-key interactions and instead said, "Cousin Xie, and this is...?"

Jing Xi acknowledged Wu Herong with a nod: "Jing Xi."

Wu Herong also nodded, treating Jing Xi as just a friend of Xie Qingfeng. He took out pre-prepared documents from his bag: "Here are the consent forms my parents prepared. We'll go to the dormitory and counselor's office later to get the stamp. Your dormitory has already been arranged, so you just need to register. You can choose to stay in the dormitory at night or opt for off-campus accommodation. Next semester, you can apply to vacate the dormitory space for new students."

After explaining this, he quietly mentioned that his parents hadn't come to avoid causing inconvenience to Xie Qingfeng, knowing many at the university recognized them. After the registration, Mr. and Mrs. Wu had prepared a meal to express their gratitude to Xie Qingfeng.

Xie Qingfeng thought it over and didn't refuse. He felt it appropriate to thank them in person for the accommodation arrangements. He had already settled matters with the Wu family by accepting payment for his help, and now he needed their help with housing – separate matters indeed.

Wu Herong was visibly pleased with Xie Qingfeng's agreement. Despite having been starved for a few days by the Xun family, he had recovered well after being hydrated and due to his robust health.

Led by Wu Herong, all the processes went smoothly. The counselor was surprised that this new student was a distant relative of Professor Wu. With Wu Herong personally assisting and all the documents in order, there was no doubt, and the application was swiftly approved.

All that was left was to go to the dormitory building to register with the manager, and Wu Herong led the two of them on a school bus towards the residential area.

Twenty minutes later, they reached the accommodation site, which was quite a distance from the main academic buildings. Upon arriving at the dormitory complex, they located the specific building. As Wu Herong was about to lead them, he was called over by a familiar teacher, probably regarding his graduation thesis.

Xie Qingfeng gestured, “You go ahead with your work, we can find the manager ourselves. Let’s meet downstairs later.”

Wu Herong, seeing the waiting teacher, handed over the folder of documents and hurried off.

Watching Wu Herong leave, Jing Xi's mood lightened. Seemingly casual, he asked, “How old is Senior Wu exactly?” Realizing he must be around 22, Jing Xi mused that they were of the same age.

Xie Qingfeng, recalling something he heard from Mu Zhang, responded, “Twenty-one, I think.”

Jing Xi: “……”