Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Xie Qingfeng certainly didn't expect Boss Yin to silently donate a building, but considering Boss Yin's wealth and Yin Jinhui's near-fatal mishap, he guessed Boss Yin had lost hope in his son inheriting the family business.

"Might as well do something meaningful, accumulate some virtue for the younger generations."

This was indeed what Boss Yin thought; he and his wife had worked hard for their fortune, all for their son's better life. But the boy, foolish enough to risk his life for the likes of Xie Weihuan, had disappointed him.

After such a mess, he realized that leaving mountains of gold and silver for his son would be futile if he didn't change his ways. The wealth might even attract danger, possibly costing his life one day.

So, why leave anything at all? Better to invest in a good education and let the grandson fend for himself in the future.

Yin Jinhui, fretting over his two million debt in the hospital, suddenly sneezed and sighed, wondering who cursed him again. How pitiful he was! Working in a tea shop, when could he ever repay two million?

Waking up to many messages on his phone, all saying not to forget them if he switches majors, he felt touched by the brief but meaningful bond.

Yin Jinhui: "?? Switch majors?"

A few minutes later, after reading messages from classmates and friends, Yin Jinhui was completely flustered.

During his hospital stay, his father had managed three major things: First, he arranged a transfer to a different major for him; second, he donated a building; and third, he changed his living arrangements from off-campus to on-campus housing.

Trembling, Yin Jinhui called his father. When the call connected, he asked with a pale face, "Dad, am I still your biological son? I understand changing my major since I didn’t like the old one, but at least inform me? Moreover, why did you switch me to on-campus housing? Are there even any dorm rooms available? I know I made mistakes, but why don't I have the choice to live at home anymore?"

On the other end, Boss Yin listened with a smile until Yin Jinhui finished, "Oh? Choice? Your choice was to recklessly save someone else's life and nearly lose your own? Your mother and I still acknowledge such a foolish son, that's already your ancestors’ blessing. We're just worried about not being able to face our ancestors in the afterlife."

Yin Jinhui, recalling his foolish actions, felt somewhat embarrassed and touched his nose with reduced confidence, "Dad, I really realize my mistakes now. I'm determined to change and have even planned to work earnestly to repay the money. Which major did you transfer me to? Finance? That’s a good major."

Most importantly, the major matched his future role. He couldn't earn four million by working during these four years, but once he graduated, he could take over the family business and easily repay the debt.

He had his little plans all worked out, thinking he could even afford to slack off a bit over the next four years.

Boss Yin knew exactly what his son was thinking, his voice even more cheerful, "Still planning to hang out with those people? The family business doesn't depend on you. I've thought it through. With your intelligence, you're likely to be deceived in the future. Our family fortune might be squandered by you. So, you better focus on studying and earn a living with your own hands."

Yin Jinhui shuddered, sensing something ominous, "Dad, you wouldn’t...” betray your own son?

Boss Yin: "I was initially unsure about which major to transfer you to, but then I thought, the Traditional Chinese Medicine department has the most courses and is difficult to graduate from if not studied properly. Luckily, Master Xie just applied for off-campus accommodation, so his dorm spot is now available. I've topped up your student card. Use it for food and daily necessities at the campus supermarket. Besides that, you'll have to rely on part-time work."

Yin Jinhui was struck by thunder: This is really my own father!

Boss Yin hung up unceremoniously, smiling at Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu nearby, "Sorry for the spectacle. This rascal needs to taste the bitterness of life to understand his past foolishness. I hope this ordeal turns him around. Thank you for giving up your dorm spot. From now on, you can command him as you like, don’t worry about me."

Xie Qingfeng shook his head, "Boss Yin, there’s no need for formality. I wasn’t using that spot anyway. Besides, you’ve donated a building on my behalf, so I'm the one who has benefited."

Boss Yin scratched his head, "I'm just glad Master Xie doesn't mind my presumptuous decision."

Xie Qingfeng didn’t mind, especially since Boss Yin unintentionally helped him get rid of an annoyance. He decided to keep a closer eye on Yin Jinhui for Boss Yin.

Boss Yin had to discuss matters with the principal, knowing Master Xie disliked such formalities, so he excused himself quickly.

As Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu left the school, Xuan Bingjian and his group, still lingering nearby, were seething, especially Xuan Bingjian, who had nearly suffocated from holding back his anger. He never expected to be the one embarrassed in his attempt to shame Xie Qingfeng.

Particularly since he had insinuated earlier that Xie Qingfeng was a poor relative clinging to the Wu family, playing on the fact that everyone knew Xie Qingfeng’s adoptive parents were street food vendors.

So, what was the result? Someone immediately donated a building in Xie Qingfeng’s name, and he didn’t need to think twice to know that the forums would elevate Xie Qingfeng to an unmatched status, while he, Xuan Bingjian, would become a laughingstock.

Liu Wenzheng and his friends glanced at Xuan Bingjian, whose face was darkening, and suddenly laughed: "The class monitor has such power, threatening people with ultimatums. We ordinary folks dare not dine with the class monitor; we might also get kicked out if we’re not careful. We have commitments and won't be attending tonight's gathering either."

Having said this, they didn’t wait for Xuan Bingjian to respond and promptly left.

The rest of the students exchanged glances and shared awkward smiles. They wanted to leave too but were afraid of Xuan Shao’s pettiness and potential retribution. Despite his lesser financial power compared to Xie Qingfeng’s connections, he had a family member who was a hospital director...

Xuan Bingjian could clearly see their reluctance. Fuming, he covered his chest, "Fine, very well. Does everyone not want to go? Then never go again!" Saying this, he stormed out, not wanting to endure their looks that seemed to trample his pride.

The others exchanged glances, accepting his words as a dismissal, and quickly dispersed. However, it wasn’t long before the forum was abuzz with this incident. Xuan Bingjian didn’t gain popularity as a heartthrob but rather for this controversy. The 'Qingfeng Building' named after Xie Qingfeng also gained fame.

Wanting to avoid further encounters with classmates, Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu chose a restaurant far from the school.

Both having hearty appetites, they comfortably finished a table full of dishes without disturbance. After the meal, Xie Qingfeng noticed Jing Xiu, who had been thoughtful since leaving school, and encouraged him at home, "If you want to ask something, just ask."

Jing Xiu cleared his throat, "Are you happy about Boss Yin donating a building in your name?"

Xie Qingfeng looked at him, "Happy or not, what difference does it make?" He was curious about this? "Why, do you want to donate a building in your name too?" It was possible, considering Jing Xiu’s background from ancient times to modern days, and the fact he used to own an entire empire. He didn’t need to name anything back then, but now that he was giving Jing Xiu pocket money, it was understandable he might think along these lines.

Jing Xiu shook his head, "What do I need that for? Just curious." Especially since Boss Yin knew how to please the National Master – something he hadn't considered!

He lamented his lack of cultural knowledge – after all, he hadn't been in the modern world for long and didn't know about donating buildings.

But considering the National Master didn’t object to the naming, he wondered if he could also please him by naming things after him in the future. First, though, he needed to ensure he wasn’t outdone by Boss Yin, or perhaps he should give Agent Liang a few boxes of gold to invest in some property and name it after the National Master?

Xie Qingfeng, unable to guess Jing Xiu's thoughts, simply looked up the cost: "Generally, donating a building to University C means a standard educational building, several stories high, costing between fifty to eighty million yuan."

Hearing it wasn’t a billion, Jing Xiu felt relieved; Boss Yin hadn’t outdone him since the shares he put in the National Master's name were worth two to three billion.

With this thought, Jing Xiu’s mood brightened, his evening’s worries dissipated like mist. He urged Xie Qingfeng to rest.

Xie Qingfeng felt something was off, as if Jing Xiu had grown up and had secrets of his own, quite peculiar.

Meanwhile, Jing Xiu, after ensuring Xie Qingfeng was in meditation and oblivious to his surroundings, took out the oven he had specifically bought that day, embarking on his own baking journey.

While baking, he glanced at the door. Could he really be outdone?

The next morning, Xie Qingfeng woke up to a house filled with sweet aromas. The scent was so enticing that he thought he had walked into a bakery by mistake.

When he saw the variety of cookies and milk-rich small cakes displayed on the dining table, he was astonished.

Jing Xiu, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, came out: "I fried eggs and made sandwiches. Do you want something sweet or savory, or a bit of each?"

Xie Qingfeng stared at the virtuous Jing Xiu, taking a moment to gather his thoughts: "Have you taken up baking?"

Jing Xiu, without batting an eye, replied, "Yes, it's quite interesting and not that difficult, right?"

Xie Qingfeng eyed the appealing cakes, curious about their taste. After washing up and sitting down to eat, he had to admit that he had underestimated Jing Xiu’s quick learning ability. The baked goods might not be as good as their neighbor’s, but they were delicious in their own right.

With a hearty appetite, especially after a night of cultivation, Xie Qingfeng nearly devoured half of what was on the table, while Jing Xiu ate the other half.

So, when a satiated Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu stepped out to go to class, Wu Shu immediately opened his door, offering a bag of cookies just like yesterday: "Mr. Xie, Mr. Jing, these are some snacks for you."

Xie Qingfeng paused, touching his stomach, and declined, "Mr. Wu, you don’t need to get up so early to bring us food. We have baked cookies at home too."

As if to prove his point, Jing Xiu leisurely presented a bag of cookies he had prepared earlier: "Here’s something in return."

Knowing the National Master, Jing Xiu understood that Xie Qingfeng had accepted the cookies yesterday because he was enticed by the aroma and out of gratitude for saving Wu Shu. But he wouldn't accept a second time, as accepting gifts implied owing favors.

Even if his baking skills weren’t as good as the neighbor’s, Xie Qingfeng would definitely choose his.

Thus, in this game, Jing Xiu was the clear winner.

Wu Shu, somewhat dazed, accepted the cookies and watched the two men walk away. Looking down at the two bags in his hands, he sighed, feeling a mix of disappointment at not being able to repay them and regret for not being able to further develop a closer relationship with them.

In the following days, Xie Qingfeng continued to keep a low profile. Although he felt the increase in curious glances, no one dared approach him directly, which saved him a lot of trouble.

Soon after being discharged from the hospital, Yin Jinhui was sent straight to the university by his father. Probably feeling embarrassed, since not only was he in the same class as his benefactor but also occupying his dorm room and having been saved by him, Yin Jinhui kept to himself, hiding in corners with a mask and hat, avoiding contact with others.

Additionally, Boss Yin had indeed found him a part-time job off-campus. After classes, Yin Jinhui worked to exhaustion every day, motivated by the thought of the two million yuan debt. His father had made it clear that if he didn't repay it himself, the family company would be donated.

Yin Jinhui bravely faced the challenge. Initially, it was tough, but he gradually adapted and found life fulfilling. This new lifestyle distanced him from his previous circle of frivolous friends, as he lacked both money and time.

With the National Day seven-day holiday approaching and universities closing, Xie Qingfeng, who hadn't taken on any assignments recently, planned to use this time to accept more work, hoping to pay off Jing Xiu's debt to the company.

He estimated that Jing Xiu’s debt, although substantial, wouldn’t exceed one billion yuan.

On the first evening of the holiday, as Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu were heading home after dinner, Xie Qingfeng mentioned, "I need to go to B city tomorrow. Hao Jixin contacted me about a job there, and it’s also Master Zhang’s birthday soon. He sent me an invitation last week. I’ll attend if I have time. Do you want to come with me, or stay here to avoid running into Agent Liang?"

Jing Xiu replied, "Of course, I’ll come with you."

Xie Qingfeng hesitated slightly, "There’s another task involving a celebrity..." He hadn’t wanted to accept it, but the offer was too lucrative. After the busy National Day week, he should have enough money to free Jing Xiu from the company.

Jing Xiu understood the concern – being recognized – but didn’t want to be apart from Xie Qingfeng: "I’ll wear a mask and hat. Except for Liang Chenglei, others shouldn’t recognize me."

Xie Qingfeng thought it over: "Right, how much exactly do you owe the company? I’ve taken up quite a few jobs lately; we should be close to settling your debt."

Jing Xiu’s expression stiffened, "After the last payment, I think there are still a few tens of millions left."

Xie Qingfeng nodded, realizing it was as expected: "Okay, after the holiday, we’ll visit the company together and sever all ties with it." This would finally free Jing Xiu, resolving a significant concern for Xie Qingfeng.

Jing Xiu felt a complex mix of emotions, somewhat regretting the lie he had told before. Watching Xie Qingfeng work so hard, he was torn. He knew that if he hadn't concocted the lie, he wouldn't have any excuse to stay by Xie Qingfeng's side. He was also acutely aware that if Xie Qingfeng knew about his wealth, he would probably want to distance himself, preferring not to see him again.

Jing Xiu lowered his eyes, hiding his emotions: "Actually, there's no rush. Seeing the National Master work so hard makes me feel... rather useless."

Xie Qingfeng was taken aback. He just wanted to free Jing Xiu as soon as possible, saying helplessly, "Why would you think that? Even if it wasn’t for the Emperor, I would still take these jobs. Who wouldn't want to earn money?"

Jing Xiu felt somewhat reassured, but then it dawned on him that once Xie Qingfeng had earned enough money, he might be closer to being shown the door by the National Master.

After asking, Xie Qingfeng felt relieved and went back to his cultivation practice, while Jing Xiu stared at the closed door, his brows furrowed in worry.

"If only I could sell myself to the National Master," he thought. "Then he would never be able to let go of me. But how could that be possible?"

Unable to sleep, tossing and turning in bed, Jing Xiu decided to send a message to Liang Chenglei.

Liang Chenglei was in his boss's office when he received the message. Seeing it was from Jing Xiu, he almost couldn’t believe his eyes: "Is it raining miracles? Jing Xiu is actually initiating contact with me?"

[Jing: If someone wants to stay by another's side and make the other person willingly accept it as reasonable, what should they do?]

Liang Chenglei’s heart skipped a beat: [In what capacity?]

[Jing: Any.] The key was to stay by the National Master's side, to ensure a long-lasting presence. Otherwise, with so many people wanting to occupy the National Master's side, if he wasn't there, Jing Xiu feared Xie Qingfeng might be taken away.

Liang Chenglei remembered asking Jing Xiu if he was in love, and he had denied it. Now this... wasn't it the same?

Liang Chenglei frowned in thought, as his boss, Zhu Zong, enthusiastically discussed future business plans: "What are you doing? Did you hear what I just said? Our company has overcome its crisis, and it’s time to expand ambitiously. I’ve been eyeing several major projects. With the right investment, we could propel Minghuan Entertainment to the industry's forefront."

As Liang Chenglei listened, an idea struck him. He quickly replied: [Become partners. Once you're in the same boat with intertwined interests, it will be hard to separate in the future.]

[Jing: That won't work. What’s mine is his, and what’s his is his.] How could he ever consider counting money with the National Master?

Upon reading the last two messages, Liang Chenglei's vision darkened: Dr. Xu was right about him!

Liang Chenglei was speechless and decided not to reply to this lovesick fool. Still claiming not to be in love? Yes, because unrequited love isn’t love!

Raising his head, Liang Chenglei saw his boss, Zhu Zong, looking displeased. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Boss?"

Zhu Zong spoke with a hint of resentment, "Am I so unimportant in your eyes now?" He had been talking for a while, and Liang Chenglei hadn’t reacted at all, which was unlike him.

Liang Chenglei wouldn't divulge Jing Xiu's personal matters, "I was just dealing with something, boss. What were you saying?"

Zhu Zong didn't take it to heart and repeated, "Focus on managing the big names we've brought in. Since Jing Xiu isn’t returning to the industry, we need to cultivate new leading actors and actresses to take on major roles." These were talents he had acquired at great expense.

He felt regretful about missing out on several promising projects that could have been very profitable, but attracting investors was challenging. Their demands were high, and even with investment, the returns might not be significant, wasting great opportunities.

Liang Chenglei acknowledged and then his phone buzzed again. This time the message from the other side was finally sensible, much to his relief.

[Jing: In a few days, I’ll be going to B city with a friend. I need you and Zhu Zong to play along in a little act.]

Liang Chenglei felt a sense of foreboding: [What kind of act?]

[Jing: Continue playing the role of Liang Bapi, about the contract termination and owing money. I’ll explain the details when I get to B city. As for Zhu Zong, make him think about how I can stay by someone’s side in a reasonable way, considering I’ve invested so much money in him.]

Liang Chenglei, on the verge of tears, glanced at Zhu Zong, who asked cluelessly, “What’s up?”

Liang Chenglei touched his nose, "Jing Xiu says he’s coming to B city in a few days, and wants us both to play villains." He was already branded as Liang Bapi; the boss wouldn’t fare much better.

Zhu Zong’s eyes widened in disbelief, "Me, play a villain? How can I act like that…"

At that moment, another message from Jing Xiu came through.

[Jing: I can invest more money in him, so he can act his part well.]

Zhu Zong immediately came up to Liang Chenglei, and after seeing the message about the investment, he quickly smoothed out the wrinkles on Liang’s clothes, displaying an exceptionally gentle and flattering smile: "Quick, ask how much Jing is investing? I’d even play a villain who forcefully abducts men if needed!"

Liang Chenglei was speechless. Just moments ago, Zhu Zong hadn’t expressed this sentiment.

After Liang Chenglei inquired, unsure of how much inheritance Jing Xiu still had, he relayed the boss’s ambitious project plans. Zhu Zong might be unreliable at times, but he certainly had business acumen.

It was just a casual mention, but the other side bluntly asked: [Jing: How much for all the projects combined?]

Zhu Zong saw this too, his mind exploding with excitement. "Quick, tell him, altogether it's about two to three billion." He was already calling Jing Xiu 'Master Jing' in his mind, ready to play any role required.

Liang Chenglei almost threw his phone, incredulous at his boss’s audacity: How could he ask for such an amount?

However, when Liang Chenglei sent the message, the response came quickly.

Both Liang Chenglei and Zhu Zong leaned in to read the reply, which contained just one word: [Good.]

They exchanged looks, both thinking the same thing: Incredible!

Yet, Liang Chenglei felt a pang of foreboding: [Wait, Jing Xiu, you’re planning to put the investment under your own name, right?]

The response that came back stunned Liang Chenglei completely.

[Jing: Why would I put it under my name? Put it under Mr. Xie’s.] Jing Xiu was proud to spend for the National Master.

Liang Chenglei was speechless: Did Mr. Xie even know his assets were now worth several billion? With the returns from these projects, the amount would be unimaginable.