Chapter 90: Study Motivation, Massage, Kiss

Chapter 90: Study Incentives, Massages, and Kisses

Zhou Xingshi's yelling wouldn’t stop, and even the Quan and Shen families next door could hear.

"Xiao Feng, did you bully Xingshi again?" Gao Shuang asked curiously.

Quan Ruifeng calmly shook his head.

"No, I helped him. He’ll thank me later."

"Pfft, your idea of ‘help’ is something else."

Gao Shuang knew all about her son’s mischievous schemes. She clicked her tongue and shook her head; she could only pity poor Zhou Xingshi.

Hearing Zhou Xingshi’s howls, Shen You’s father set down his chopsticks and asked her, "What’s wrong with Xingshi? Did something happen?"

"Dunno."

Shen You continued eating indifferently, not even glancing at her father.

Shen’s father wanted to say more, but his younger wife stepped on his foot under the table. He sighed and shut up.

Whatever. They rarely ate in peace—best not to stir things up and risk another argument.

"Then take care of yourself. If you ever need help, just tell me."

"Mhm."

The father and daughter exchanged a few lukewarm words before the conversation fizzled out.

The next day, the Xinjing F4 Study Squad was officially in session!

Xia Xian, Quan Ruifeng, Shen You, and Zhou Xingshi—all four were present!

"I’ve prepared a study outline. We can follow this first and supplement as needed."

Quan Ruifeng said matter-of-factly while distributing the materials to the group.

Xia Xian and Shen You immediately lowered their heads to review the documents, but Zhou Xingshi glared at Quan Ruifeng like Quan had killed his dog.

"Why are you staring at me? What, is there a textbook on my face?"

"Lower your head. Read the materials."

"If you fail the college entrance exam, you’ll repeat the year until you pass."

Quan Ruifeng’s tone was light, but he pulled out a ruler and whacked Zhou Xingshi’s arm hard.

"Ow!"

Seeing that damned ruler again gave Zhou Xingshi flashbacks. Why was this cursed thing still around?!

He rubbed his arm frantically and finally lowered his head to read, listening attentively.

Watching Zhou Xingshi’s reaction, Xia Xian couldn’t help but grow curious about the ruler. She leaned over and whispered to Shen You.

"Did you guys use this ruler to hit him often before?"

She asked quietly.

*"Spare the rod, spoil the child."* "He was a total menace and dumb as a brick as a kid. If it weren’t for Quan Ruifeng and me whipping him into shape, he’d be stuck at home doing laundry and playing househusband instead of bragging at the police station."

Shen You was just as ruthless, airing all her fiancé’s embarrassing childhood dirt.

"You You! Can’t you spare me some dignity?!"

Zhou Xingshi was ready to bawl! He was a grown man now—this was no different from showing everyone his childhood bedwetting photos!

"Be good. Knowing yourself is what matters most. Even if you’re an idiot, I won’t abandon you. But whether Quan Ruifeng will is another story."

Shen You smiled sweetly, ruffling Zhou Xingshi’s hair like he was a puppy, offering gentle comfort.

Somehow, their roles seemed reversed. And with the way they were acting, Xia Xian couldn’t help but feel like a third wheel.

She subtly inched sideways.

Quan Ruifeng sat down beside her.

"Don’t mind them. Just pretend they don’t exist."

Quan Ruifeng stroked Xia Xian’s soft hair and leaned into her. Now, it was two couples—double the awkwardness!

The four of them settled into an orderly study session. Things only got chaotic when it came to teaching Zhou Xingshi, but overall, the atmosphere remained productive.

Studying together was lively. Whenever someone got stuck, they could ask for help. Quan Ruifeng and Shen You were sharp and had excellent memories—even after years away from school, they got it in one glance. Xia Xian, having lived an extra lifetime, had her own insights and occasionally played tutor, which made her feel like a genius!

Of course, Quan Ruifeng and Shen You also taught her plenty of techniques. They complemented each other, making rapid progress.

Zhou Xingshi, though? Hopeless. The second he opened a book, he’d conk out. A smack from Shen You’s ruler woke him up, but soon he’d doze off again, only to be jolted awake by Quan Ruifeng’s strike. He’d sulk and pretend to read.

Eventually, even Quan Ruifeng and Shen You grew tired of hitting him and handed the ruler to Xia Xian. At first, she hesitated, but a light tap did nothing—his skin was too thick. So she let loose with a loud *CRACK*!

"YOWCH!"

"I’m awake, I’m awake! Stop hitting!"

Zhou Xingshi leaped to his feet, tears welling from the pain.

Blinking back tears, he picked up his book again—only to flop onto Shen You like a sack of potatoes moments later, mumbling pitifully.

"I’d rather be chasing criminals…"

"Go ahead."

Shen You didn’t persuade or force him. Instead, she cupped his face and pressed her lips softly against his, shutting him up with a slow, sweet kiss.

Zhou Xingshi’s jaw dropped!

"Still want to leave? If you stay, I’ll kiss you every half hour you nap. And every three days, I’ll—"

She didn’t finish, simply gazing at him with a look that could melt glaciers.

"Never going back to the station! STUDY! I’LL STUDY TILL I DROP!!!"

Zhou Xingshi was pumped up, more energized than any ruler could ever make him.

I almost forgot, now that everyone is an adult, there's no need for the disciplinary ruler method anymore—there are better ways than that.

Quan Ruifeng's indifferent gaze shifted back and landed on Xia Xian.

Xia Xian immediately understood what he meant, but she was a top student—she didn’t need any pep talks!

She shot him a refusing look.

Since when do top students not need motivation?

Quan Ruifeng wasn’t asking Xia Xian to motivate him—he wanted to motivate Xia Xian.

He set the book aside and began massaging Xia Xian’s shoulders.

"Tired?"

He asked in a low, deep voice.

Well… after such intense studying, sitting here for most of the day, of course she was tired.

Unsure of his intentions, Xia Xian honestly nodded, curious where he was going with this.

"You need balance between work and rest."

"How about this—for every hour you study, I’ll give you a ten-minute massage?"

"Every three hours, I’ll help you relax. And every two days, I’ll—"

Quan Ruifeng began playing up his role as her personal assistant again, making his demands.

If he was a tool, he might as well serve his purpose. Otherwise, what was the point? That wouldn’t be a tool—that’d just be decoration!

"Uh… alright, I’ll give it a try?"

To be honest, Quan Ruifeng’s massage skills were pretty good. His hands worked out the soreness in Xia Xian’s shoulders quite effectively. She had been firm in her refusal, but under the temptation of this "Quan Daji" (a sly fox-like temptress, referencing Daji from Chinese lore), she caved, hesitantly agreeing.

It’s not like it’d disrupt anything, right?

Turned out, it was way better than expected. Quan Ruifeng took care of Xia Xian flawlessly—doing laundry, cooking, massages, even keeping the bed warm. He adapted to whatever pleased Xia Xian, and she lived like royalty. Of course, Quan Ruifeng was more than happy with the arrangement too.

Shen You and Zhou Xingshi were also fired up. The four of them focused on making their shared life great above all else.

However, this comfortable life only lasted a few days before the bomb Chen Wenwen had planted at the class reunion finally blew up in their faces.