Jiang Feng’s life remained largely unchanged, and for now, he had no desire for any major shifts. Without sufficient strength to protect himself, he lacked the confidence to survive a life-threatening crisis.
However, he had returned to attending classes—a decision forced upon him by Ji Yan after an hour-long lecture in the library. Jiang Feng eventually relented, not out of fear, but sheer annoyance. Besides, if he intended to stay at the university, maintaining decent relations with Ji Yan was pragmatic.
Of course, the day the school library no longer held books he wanted would be the day he left.
Carrying two borrowed books, Jiang Feng entered the classroom and took a seat in the back row. He had no interest in academics or exams; attending lectures was merely a formality. Though noisier than the library, the classroom didn’t hinder him from reading what truly captivated him.
No sooner had he sat down than a sly-faced young man sidled up and clapped him on the shoulder with exaggerated enthusiasm.
“Haha, you’re Jiang Feng, right?”
Jiang Feng frowned. “Take your hand off me.”
The intruder chuckled, withdrawing his hand and plopping down beside him. “Bet you’ve never seen me before, eh? I’m Yuan Lang.”
Jiang Feng had attended classes for two days without encountering this guy, though a girl named Liu Hong had pestered him relentlessly.
“I don’t care who you are,” Jiang Feng said coolly. “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, move.”
Yuan Lang, unfazed, grinned. “Man, you’re always this cold, huh? Not a great look. Everyone else avoids you—I’m the only one brave enough to approach. Ever think maybe you’re the problem?”
Amused, Jiang Feng smirked. “Feel free to join them. I didn’t invite you here.”
Yuan Lang laughed. “Oh, I’ve got a reason for sitting here. So…” He leaned in, his expression turning sly. “I skipped school the past few days, but the moment I came back, I heard the craziest rumor—some guy named Jiang Feng snagged Chen Siran! She even came to class looking for him. Saw you and knew it had to be you. Am I right?”
Jiang Feng paused. So Chen Siran had come to find him—likely for more than just the birthday invitation. But he couldn’t be bothered to clarify their relationship.
“Finished talking? Then leave.”
Yuan Lang waggled his eyebrows. “Hey, don’t rush me! I’m not done—”
A sharp, feminine voice cut in. “Yuan Lang, how thick is your skin? He told you to get lost—are you deaf?”
A young woman stomped over, glaring at Yuan Lang. Her features weren’t bad, but heavy makeup and overpowering perfume gave her the air of someone trying too hard—a youthful girl veering toward vulgarity.
Yuan Lang scowled up at her. “Liu Hong, what’s it to you? Oh, I get it—you’ve got a crush on him. But do you really think a plain Jane like you stands a chance? No looks, no figure, yet you’re throwing yourself at men? Take a good look in the mirror and wake up.”
Liu Hong did like Jiang Feng—or rather, she was pursuing him. Truthfully, she hadn’t even known who he was until recently. Her interest stemmed entirely from Chen Siran and another stunning, unnamed woman’s attention toward him.
That mystery woman aside, Liu Hong knew a little about Chen Siran. The Literature Department’s top beauty, one of the university’s Ten Great Flowers, rumored to come from an exalted background. Though Liu Hong didn’t know the details, she’d once glimpsed Chen Siran from afar—her elegant aura made Liu Hong feel painfully inadequate.
If a girl like Chen Siran fancied Jiang Feng, he had to be extraordinary—either wealthy or wildly talented. And so, Liu Hong set her sights on him.
She wasn’t delusional enough to think she could steal him from Chen Siran. But if she could squeeze some benefit out of him—maybe a Beijing residency, a future job—she’d gladly trade her dignity for it.
Yet Jiang Feng remained an unyielding block of ice, indifferent to her advances. Frustrated, she seized this chance to shoo Yuan Lang away, hoping to finally crack Jiang Feng’s defenses.
No way a man could resist her charm—right?
Yet how could she have known that Yuan Lang would outright expose her? Her face instantly flushed with humiliation as she shrieked, “Yuan Lang! What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever seduced any man?”
Yuan Lang shot back, “You dare deny trying to seduce Jiang Feng? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re scheming.”
Liu Hong, furious, sneered, “So what if I did? A man like you—poor and ugly—deserves to stay single forever!”
Yuan Lang burst into laughter. “Don’t worry. Even if every other woman in the world dropped dead, I’d never touch you.”
“You—!” Trembling with rage, Liu Hong could barely speak.
Yuan Lang ignored her and turned to Jiang Feng. “Take a good look at this woman. Better see her for what she is, or you’ll end up swindled out of money and dignity.”
He deliberately emphasized “swindled out of money and dignity,” ensuring everyone heard. Jiang Feng found it amusing—this guy was a clown, but if it kept Liu Hong from pestering him, so be it.
Though Liu Hong had entertained such ideas, being publicly exposed was another matter. Admitting it would ruin her reputation at school. Furious, she snapped, “Yuan Lang, stop twisting the truth! Who exactly have I swindled?”
“Him!” Yuan Lang jabbed a finger at Jiang Feng.
Liu Hong clenched her teeth and scoffed, “Look at him! Just because he’s wearing knockoff Givenchy, he thinks he’s some rich heir? And his looks are barely passable. What could I possibly want from him?”
Jiang Feng replied coolly, “I am a rich heir.”
“Wh—what?” Liu Hong’s jaw dropped.
Yuan Lang roared with laughter. “Hear that, Liu Hong? Now scram and stop wasting our time.”
Liu Hong was on the verge of tears. She turned to Jiang Feng, seething. “Fine, Jiang Feng! I must’ve been blind to ever like you. Don’t think I don’t know why Chen Siran came looking for you—who knows what shady business you’re involved in? Once your hypocritical mask falls off, let’s see how you’ll dare show your face in class again!”
Jiang Feng’s patience wore thin. This woman was not only unreasonable but now slandering him. If she weren’t just an ordinary girl, he’d have kicked her away long ago.
He shot her a cold glare. “Get lost.”
Having her scheme ruined, Liu Hong refused to back down. She was ready to unleash a torrent of curses—if her reputation was already ruined, she’d drag Jiang Feng down with her.
But before she could speak, a serene voice drifted in from the classroom door: “Excuse me, is Jiang Feng in this class?”
Even before seeing the speaker, Liu Hong could tell from the voice alone that this woman must be stunning. She turned and froze.
A woman stood at the doorway, motionless yet exuding effortless grace. Her lavender hair cascaded loosely down her back, tied with a matching ribbon. No other adornments—no makeup, no elaborate attire—yet her natural elegance was breathtaking.
If Chen Siran and Hua Jie’s beauty had once stunned Liu Hong, this woman’s radiance was almost suffocating—so dazzling it felt painful to look at her.
Liu Hong had never imagined such a woman could exist—let alone one seeking Jiang Feng.
She had just accused Jiang Feng of wrongdoing, claiming Chen Siran’s visit proved his guilt. And now, as if to spite her, this woman appeared. Liu Hong’s ears burned as if she’d been slapped.
Speechless, she stared for a moment before bolting out the other door.
Jiang Feng was equally surprised. He hadn’t expected Ye Qingxuan to come looking for him here.
Ye Qingxuan quickly spotted him in the back and approached. The classroom fell dead silent—only the occasional gulp of awe broke the stillness.
Stopping before him, she spoke softly, “Jiang Feng, do you have a moment? I’d like to talk.”
Uncertain of her intentions, Jiang Feng decided it was best to step outside—he had no interest in becoming a spectacle.
As they left, the classroom erupted in hushed gasps. Yuan Lang’s eyes nearly bulged out of his skull. With a wry chuckle, he muttered, “D*mn, Jiang Feng… and here I was gonna ask for dating advice. Guess I don’t need to anymore.”