Chapter 56

Chapter 56

The next morning, Jing Xiu saw the message Liang Chenglei had sent him late at night. The brief words somehow revealed a cautious probing.

[Liang Chenglei: Mianfeng, are... are you in a relationship?]

Jing Xiu narrowed his eyes at the words 'in a relationship'. He wished he was, but the person he wanted to be with still hadn't caught on. What could he do? He planned to subtly and gradually conquer his heart, not believing the National Master would never be moved. But before that, he needed to eliminate any potential rivals. Fortunately, no such person had appeared yet.

Jing Xiu, stroking his chin, thought for a moment and replied with a simple no.

Liang Chenglei's response came almost immediately: [Actually, it's fine if you are. Don't you want to stay out of the spotlight? Now that you're a major shareholder of the company, the boss won't say much. Of course, if you do get into a relationship, tell me in advance so I can arrange PR if needed. And if there's anything on your mind, you can ask me, don't keep it all to yourself.]

Jing Xiu: [You're not still awake, are you?]

Liang Chenglei was quick to deny any involvement, but he had been restless, particularly suspecting that Jing Mianfeng was indeed in love, as no one would become a major shareholder and then write someone else’s name for no reason.

Yet, hearing the denial, he was left confused, ultimately not daring to ask.

Jing Xi shifted the topic to Liang, mentioning that the boss had overcome the crisis and was seeking new projects, investing in a few with promising returns, ensuring Liang that his investment would double in value.

Jing Xi was indifferent, as his investment was merely to avoid being forced back into the limelight and disturbing his time with the master.

While Jing Xi seemed unbothered, Liang, his manager, couldn’t take it lightly but refrained from suggesting a visit to a psychologist. For now, he had to wait, hoping Jing wouldn’t stay away from B city indefinitely.

Xie Qingfeng had classes in the morning and was up early. Breakfast was still prepared by Jing Xi, who, as usual, accompanied him to school. As they opened the door, they saw their neighbor’s door open immediately, as if someone had been eagerly waiting to burst out at the first sound.

Jing Xi squinted unhappily at the onlookers, annoyed at being disturbed during his private time with the National Teacher. He didn't need to look to know who it was; they had just saved this neighbor's life last night. He probably came to express his gratitude.

But with one glance, Jing Xi became even more displeased.

Seeing Wu Shu, Xie Qingfeng also took a second look, suddenly understanding why their male classmate, even after his unexpected death, couldn’t forget the neighbor. Previously, this neighbor was either looking down in despair or exuding a sense of loss.

With overgrown hair covering his face and a beard, he looked unkempt and gloomy, always reeking of burnt paper money. But now, he appeared entirely refreshed, with possibly self-cut hair revealing a full forehead and a clean-shaven face, dressed in white shorts and a shirt. Despite dark circles under his eyes, his complexion was fair.

"Looking up, his gaze towards Xie Qingfeng was filled with admiration and gratitude. With his large, expressive eyes, he seemed approachable and endearing, almost like a puppy eagerly looking at someone, quite charming."

"Jing Xi’s deep eyes narrowed. It seemed like a coincidence, but the Master always had a soft spot for such expressions. In the past, his junior disciples would use this look to seek mercy from the Master, who, no matter how busy, would plead on their behalf. This habit frustrated Jing Xi, especially since becoming the Crown Prince and later the Emperor, as he couldn’t behave as he did in his childhood anymore."

"He could only watch as the Master grew increasingly distant from him. Now, seeing Wu Shu with the same look, a sense of crisis arose: Does this guy like men? He’s just graduated, how old is he?"

"Wu Shu, holding a gift in his hands, raised it nervously: 'Thank you so much, masters, for last night. Without you, I might have lost my life. These are cookies I baked myself, just out of the oven and still warm. You can eat them on the way.'"

"He had been listening for them, knowing they often left at this time, so he stayed up all night baking these delicious cookies. This batch was the latest from the oven, and the taste was absolutely top-notch."

"Jing Xi looked at the paper bag, the enticing aroma of baked goods wafting out even with it sealed, a testament to his skill. But he assumed the Master wouldn’t accept, as they had already been paid last night, and transactions were usually final."

"To his surprise, Xie Qingfeng reached out and took one side of the brown paper bag: 'Thank you.'"

"Jing Xi: '…'"

Wu Shu's face turned slightly red with excitement, not expecting the master to actually accept his gift. He was thrilled to have finally found a way to repay the master. So the master likes these kinds of treats!

But he couldn't shake the feeling that the other master had been glaring at him. Perhaps it was just his nerves getting the better of him.

Jing Xiu followed Xie Qingfeng into the elevator, remaining unusually silent the whole ride.

Xie Qingfeng, leisurely holding the paper bag filled with cookies, would not normally accept such gifts. However, the neighbor's baking skills were evidently excellent. He had been faintly smelling the aroma of baking all night, initially thinking it was a dream. But upon waking up to an even stronger scent, he lost his appetite for the lovingly prepared fried eggs by Jing Xiu, not because they were not delicious, but because the cookies... smelled too good.

After enduring a night of tempting aromas, how could he resist a bag full of freshly baked cookies? He couldn't.

As they neared the school, Xie Qingfeng noticed Jing Xiu's unusual silence: "What's wrong?"

Jing Xiu glanced at him darkly: "Nothing." So it took him five minutes and thirty seconds to notice? Was he that engrossed in those cookies? Jing Xiu could learn to bake, too.

Xie Qingfeng gave him a careful look and noticed Jing Xiu eyeing the bag. He took out a portion and handed it over: "Here, two portions. We each have one. They smell delicious; they must be good."

Jing Xiu was torn about accepting or refusing.

To accept meant accepting cookies meant for the National Master; to refuse, however, meant rejecting something personally handed to him by the National Master, which would signify that the National Master cared enough to share it with him.

Eventually, Jing Xiu accepted, watching Xie Qingfeng leave before lowering his gaze to the cookies, deep in thought.

Xie Qingfeng had a full schedule of classes that morning. He hadn't eaten the cookies for breakfast and brought them to the large lecture hall. Sitting in the back row, he was soon joined by a few others.

He usually arrived just in time and sat in the last row, inside corner. Wearing a mask and hat, he seldom drew attention. No one usually sat near him, but today was an exception. He glanced at the three boys who joined him, recognizing one from a brief encounter.

It was during the beginning of the semester when he and Jing Xiu went to hang an off-campus tag in their dormitory. The boy was one of his three roommates, named Liu Wenzheng.

Liu Wenzheng, noticing Xie Qingfeng looking at him, smiled broadly and whispered, "You're in our dorm, right? We met before. I'm Liu Wenzheng. These are our other two roommates, Niu Zhicheng and Yi Yanrui."

It had been a week since the semester started, and they had barely seen their new roommate. Observing that he attended classes daily but was very low-key, leaving immediately afterward, they had never really met.

Xie Qingfeng nodded to the three: "Hello, Xie Qingfeng."

Liu Wenzheng had met him and Xie Weihuan in the dormitory and likely knew about his situation, so the other roommates probably knew as well. Ignoring the curious glances of the other two roommates, he acted as if he hadn't noticed.

Fortunately, once the professor arrived, Liu Wenzheng and the others didn't speak further. When the first class ended and they had to move to another building, Xie Qingfeng began to pack up. Liu Wenzheng and his roommates enthusiastically caught up with him: "Have you joined any clubs?"

Since their sophomore year at University C was when military training occurred, their freshman year was immediately immersed in a rigorous academic schedule. With a lot of theoretical knowledge to memorize and limited time, they only joined one club.

Xie Qingfeng had noticed many club recruitment posters around campus at the start of the semester. He wasn't interested and didn't pay attention, but now hearing Liu Wenzheng's query, he asked, "Is it mandatory for everyone to join a club?"

Liu Wenzheng shook his head: "No, it's all based on personal interests and hobbies. Of course, if you're considering joining the student council or want to enhance your resume, it's good to join one."

Hearing it wasn't necessary, Xie Qingfeng declined: "Then I'll pass." He wasn't interested in these activities, though he sensed no ill intentions from the three, just a friendly reminder.

Liu Wenzheng and his friends were extremely curious about their mysterious roommate, especially since he had been a constant topic on the University C forum recently, though there were no new photos of him. Seemingly elusive, but clearly present on campus, he had become the 'heartthrob' of their Medical Department based solely on his photo from the first day of school.

They initially thought someone of his apparent wealthy background would be more conspicuous, but on the contrary, he seemed to have vanished after the start of school. However, they observed he was always present for assignments, concluding he was just low-profile, not absent.

Liu Wenzheng asked, "Xie, haven't you joined the class group?"

Xie Qingfeng acknowledged: "Yes, is there something?"

Liu Wenzheng nodded: "There is. There's a class gathering tonight, organized by the class monitor in the group chat. The monitor had informed everyone at the beginning of the semester by visiting each dorm, but since you don't stay in the dorm, we guessed you wouldn't know." They thought to acquaint themselves with the enigmatic new roommate, hence they intentionally lagged to strike up a conversation.

Xie Qingfeng considered the sudden invitation, suspecting the gathering might be mandatory: "Is everyone expected to attend?"

Liu Wenzheng scratched his head, looking around before whispering, "Technically, attendance is voluntary. But everyone in the group is going. If you're the only exception, Xie, you might be labeled as unsociable. Plus... the class monitor isn't too pleased about you being the 'heartthrob' of our department, saying you're just photogenic. If you don't go, I'm afraid it'll give him more reason to criticize."

Although the role of class monitor in college is just a position, future activities and coursework could be affected by any friction. Considering this, Liu Wenzheng thought it was good to kindly inform his new roommate.

Xie Qingfeng understood. He wasn't too familiar with these dynamics, but it didn't matter to him. He didn't particularly enjoy such group gatherings, especially dining with so many people. As for the title of 'heartthrob,' he cared even less: "Add me to the class group later. As for the gathering, I won't be attending."

Liu Wenzheng and his friends exchanged glances. Although they had guessed Xie Qingfeng might decline, they had done their part by informing him. His unwillingness to attend was no big deal to them.

They admired such a person who lived freely and unbound by others' expectations. However, they were cautious around their class monitor, who reportedly came from a wealthy family that owned a large hospital. Since they were studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, they might end up working at his hospital, so offending him wasn't wise.

Xie Qingfeng appreciated their kindness and remembered the uneaten baked cookies, which were plentiful. Having nothing else at hand, he offered, "Baked by my neighbor, smells great. Want some?"

Liu Wenzheng and his friends, hungry after two hours of classes, eagerly accepted: "Yes!"

"Wow, we like our new roommate even more now, so considerate!"

Tasting the cookies, they found them delicious indeed. "What an amazing neighbor to bake such thoughtful treats!"

Xie Qingfeng, tasting the cookies himself, confirmed they were as delicious as he had anticipated. After all, the enticing aroma had promised as much.

Nearby, a group of students surrounding a young man with books were listening to his classmates' flattery, but the young man didn’t seem pleased. Following his gaze to Liu Wenzheng and his friends, one of them commented, "Isn't that the newly crowned 'heartthrob' of our department?"

The young man’s expression darkened upon hearing this, but he remained silent.

Another student jokingly nudged the first speaker, "What are you talking about? There hasn’t been an official selection. Just because of a photo he's the heartthrob? Maybe self-proclaimed?"

The first speaker defended himself, "It’s not nonsense. It’s all over the forum. The photo is indeed good-looking, even better than senior Wu. They say he’s senior Wu’s cousin, but I’ve never heard senior Wu mention him."

Another student chimed in skeptically, "I think Xuan Shao looks better. Photos can be deceiving. If he's really that handsome, why doesn’t he show his face? I saw the video linked in the 'disowning' post – his hair covers his eyes, you can’t even see his face clearly... And about being senior Wu's cousin, who has heard about this in the time senior Wu has been here?"

Some looked at Xuan Bingjian, the class monitor and grandson of the large hospital's president, also referred to as Xuan Shao. "Xuan Shao is indeed more handsome."

Yet, someone whispered, "I heard it was senior Wu himself who confirmed the relationship at the scene. If you want to know the truth, just ask Xuan Shao. Their families are close, and they’ve known each other since childhood."

The crowd's attention shifted to Xuan Bingjian, who seemed to have just heard their conversation. Glancing at the person walking ahead, he smiled slightly, "You're asking the wrong person about this. I don't frequent forums and am not sure about it. I've known He Rong's family for a long time, and he never mentioned having a cousin named Xie. But it might be a distant relative who just got into University C and reached out for favors through connections."

The group murmured among themselves, recalling that only a few people on the forum had mentioned Xie Qingfeng knowing senior Wu, and no one had actually seen them together. Perhaps their relationship wasn’t as close as rumored.

Most tended to believe Xuan Shao, especially since his family had closer ties to the Wu family.

Unaware that he had become the topic of discussion for the next two hours, Xie Qingfeng ignored the stares and prepared to leave the classroom to meet Jing Xiu when a few students blocked his path.

Xie Qingfeng calmly looked at them: "Is there something I can help you with?"

The leading boy smiled at him, focusing on Xie Qingfeng's eyes visible above his mask, "I'm Xuan Bingjian, the class monitor. We're having a gathering tonight, and I've reserved a private room. Would you like to join us, Xie Qingfeng?"

Xie Qingfeng replied, "I have other plans, so I won't be attending. I've already mentioned this in the group chat at noon."

Xuan Bingjian drew out his words, "Is that so? I must have missed it. But since everyone is here, don't be so antisocial, Xie Qingfeng. We're one big class community, and if everyone goes but you, does that mean you have an issue with me as the class monitor?"

The remaining students, overhearing this and realizing they had a full schedule today and no classes tomorrow morning, crowded around, curious about the new 'heartthrob' that had been the talk of the forums.

Xie Qingfeng gave Xuan Bingjian a sharp look, clearly sensing the hostility in his demeanor, "I had no issues with you before, but I do now. I declined once in the group chat at noon, and just now for the second time. If you didn’t hear either, it's either selective hearing or deliberate targeting. Why wouldn't I have an issue with someone deliberately targeting me?"

The crowd was taken aback, not expecting such forthrightness from Xie Qingfeng. They had all been treading carefully around Xuan Bingjian, knowing their future careers might involve working in his family's hospital. They dared not be so outspoken, even if they had reservations.

Xuan Bingjian's maintained smile almost faltered, clearly not expecting such a direct challenge. As he opened his mouth to respond, Xie Qingfeng glanced outside to see Jing Xiu waiting.

Xie Qingfeng swiftly gathered his things and strode out.

Xuan Bingjian’s temple throbbed a few times with irritation, a surge of displeasure rising within him as he briskly walked out.

The crowd exchanged glances, sensing trouble brewing. The new student might have just offended the class monitor. With the semester just beginning, this could lead to an awkward situation for everyone.

Xuan Bingjian quickly caught up to Xie Qingfeng, dropping his pretense. He had intended to make things difficult for Xie Qingfeng through the crowd but didn't expect such a direct confrontation and refusal. Feeling his pride wounded, he insisted on teaching Xie Qingfeng a lesson: "I'm the class monitor, and this is a class group gathering. You must attend! If you don't want to go, either take over as class monitor or transfer to another class. It's your choice."

The crowd, including Liu Wenzheng and his friends, felt the class monitor was overreacting. It wasn’t a big deal, so why escalate it to this extent?

Xuan Bingjian's face was extremely displeased. He had been a popular figure in high school, always praised wherever he went. He had expected university to be the same.

But before he could make his mark, he found himself overshadowed by Xie Qingfeng, who seemed to have come out of nowhere.

Especially when a forum post suggested he might be the freshman heartthrob of University C, only to be mocked in the comments, stating his looks couldn’t compare to the new 'heartthrob.'

Xuan Bingjian had seen this post and was infuriated, holding a grudge against Xie Qingfeng for overshadowing him.

Jing Xiu, noticing the commotion, approached and chuckled coldly, his hostility palpable. Xie Qingfeng calmed him down and addressed Xuan Bingjian, "Go talk to the principal. If he agrees to transfer me, I'll go."

Xuan Bingjian laughed derisively, "Why should I?"

Xie Qingfeng retorted, "Why shouldn’t you? Didn't you present me with two options?"

Just then, a voice rang out, "What's going on here? All this noise, someone looking for me?"

The principal, who happened to be passing by on his way to lunch, initially thought it was just students being lively but approached upon hearing his name mentioned.

When everyone saw the approaching figure, they turned as timid as quails, realizing they were in trouble for running into the principal.

Xuan Bingjian stiffened, not expecting to encounter the principal, whom his father had introduced him to after getting admitted to University C. The principal recognized Xuan Bingjian and was surprised: "Isn't this the Xuan family's boy? Just finished class? What were you shouting about? Why look for me? Transferring what?"

Xuan Bingjian's entourage exchanged glances, about to speak first, but Liu Wenzheng and his friends, sensing they might distort the story, quickly explained: "It’s nothing major, just a small matter about a class gathering. One of our classmates can’t make it, but our class monitor insists on him attending, even suggesting he either take over as class monitor or transfer classes if he doesn't go."

The principal’s expression turned stern: "What kind of rule is this? I’ve never heard of such a requirement. Not attending a class gathering warrants a transfer? Young man, are you applying your father's methods in our campus?"

Xuan Bingjian inwardly cursed his misfortune and quickly shook his head: "Grandpa Principal, it’s not like that, it's a misunderstanding!"

"The principal, clearly skeptical, was about to say something when a middle-aged man beside him peeked out, and upon closer inspection, recognized the Master. Hesitant at first due to his short stature, but the long hair of the person next to the Master was too distinctive. He squeezed through the crowd excitedly, about to call out 'Master,' but remembering they were at a school, he changed to: 'Mr. Xie! It’s me, Old Yin!'"

"Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi looked over, surprised to see Mr. Yin, especially since they had heard that Yin Jinhui had been hospitalized from the fright he experienced. What was he doing here?"

"As Mr. Yin spoke, everyone’s attention turned towards him. The principal, puzzled, asked, 'Mr. Yin, who is this?'"

"Mr. Yin clapped his hands and trotted over to Xie Qingfeng, introducing: 'This is the namesake for the building I’m donating, the [Qingfeng Building], named in honor of Mr. Xie. He’s our family’s lifesaver. I have nothing else but money, so I decided to donate a building.'"

"The Master saved his son, and after much thought, he realized a direct monetary gift would likely be refused. Yet, he wanted to do something for the Master. Hearing that donations were meaningful, and as his son finally started to make an effort, although he got into C University by the skin of his teeth and wasn’t in a good major, he took this opportunity to both thank the Master and try to change his son’s major through the principal."

The crowd glanced at Mr. Yin, then the principal, and at Xuan Bingjian, whose face was turning green, before finally turning their gaze to Xie Qingfeng: ??? Just, donate a building?

"In this day and age, is donating a building all it takes?"

Xie Qingfeng, forced to witness Boss Yin's inhuman extravagance, remained speechless: “…”