Pei Ruoxi came from a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Her grandfather was a renowned master physician in China, and growing up in such an environment, she had been exposed to many classical medical texts. In her eyes, anyone reading books like The Profound Secrets of the Suwen or Filial Piety in the Confucian Tradition could only be one of two types: either a rigid, old-fashioned scholar with thick glasses, or a pretentious poser trying to impress girls by pretending to be profound.
For one, these books were rare and seldom circulated in the market. Secondly, their content was so complex that even veteran traditional Chinese medicine practitioners might struggle to fully grasp them.
Judging by Jiang Feng’s age—barely in his twenties—there was no way he could truly understand such texts. He must be faking it to look impressive. To her, this was even more despicable than using an obscure literary work like “Limited Views” to deceive naive young girls.
Her disdain for him grew.
‘This guy ignores me, yet he’s putting on this act right in front of me to get my attention. How shameless!’
“Hey—” She pouted and rolled her eyes.
Jiang Feng was already regretting sitting here. ‘I should’ve just given her the seat back.’ He had zero interest in self-centered women like her who disregarded others’ feelings.
“What is it?” he asked flatly.
Pei Ruoxi replied with a mocking tone, “Oh, nothing much. I was just wondering—do you actually understand these books?”
“Somewhat,” Jiang Feng answered, not in the mood for her nonsense.
She sneered. “‘Somewhat’? Either you do or you don’t. Can’t you speak clearly?”
“What does it have to do with you?” he retorted coldly.
“Of course it does! What you’re doing is nothing short of blasphemy against the great sages of Chinese medicine. Pretending to understand when you clearly don’t—I’ve seen plenty of posers like you.” Her voice was sharp.
“If you dislike me so much, why bother talking to me?” Jiang Feng shot back.
Pei Ruoxi laughed in anger. “Oh? Did I expose your little act? Now you’re getting defensive? What, are you going to hit me? Think I’m an easy target just because I look delicate? Hmph, I’m not scared of you!”
Jiang Feng had no interest in arguing further. He gathered his books and stood to leave.
Pei Ruoxi hastily packed her things and chased after him.
“Hey, speechless now, huh? Let me tell you—making mistakes isn’t shameful. What’s shameful is refusing to admit them. If I were you, I’d return those books right now before you embarrass yourself further.”
Jiang Feng ignored her, quickening his pace.
She had to jog to keep up, still ranting, “I’m talking to you! Are you deaf? Can’t you even respond? How rude!”
Suddenly, Jiang Feng stopped.
Pei Ruoxi nearly crashed into him but managed to stumble back just in time.
He turned and said coldly, “You want to talk? Fine. First, what I read is none of your business. Second, whether I understand it or not has nothing to do with you. If you had any self-awareness, you’d shut your noisy mouth. My patience has limits.”
With that, he walked away without another word.
Pei Ruoxi was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to snap at her like that. Clenching her teeth, she shouted after him, “First, you’re right—I can’t control what you read. But you shouldn’t be reading these books! You have no idea what these ancient sages’ works mean to some of us! Second, you don’t understand them, and I wasn’t wrong! Why are you acting so tough? You think I don’t know you’re just using these books to get close to me? Too bad your acting sucks! I saw right through you! Keep pretending all you want—you’re still an idiot! What’s there to act so high and mighty about? If you’re gonna fake it, at least do it properly! Running away now? Coward!”
Jiang Feng had never intended to impress her. In fact, he hadn’t even known her name until she mentioned it. Finding the whole situation absurd, he ignored her and left.
*****
After classes, Jiang Feng considered returning to the library but decided against it, not wanting another encounter with that unreasonable woman. Instead, he looked for a quiet spot elsewhere.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was Ding Lin.
“Young Master Jiang, do you have time? President Hua would like to invite you to dinner.”
He was about to refuse but remembered it was time for Sister Hua’s second treatment. “Sure, I’ll head over now.”
Ding Lin replied, “I’m at the gate of Yanjing University. If you’re here, I can drive you.”
Hanging up, Jiang Feng made his way to the entrance—only to run into Pei Ruoxi again. Unbelievable.
She spotted him too and let out a loud “Hmph!” Jiang Feng ignored her and approached Ding Lin, who smiled.
“Young Master Jiang, I didn’t actually expect you to be here. I just came to try my luck.”
He chuckled. “I’ll be around campus for a while. If you need me, just come find me here.”
Ding Lin nodded, though she assumed his sudden presence at school had more to do with a certain female student than academics. Without prying, she opened the car door for him.
Just as Jiang Feng was about to get in, Pei Ruoxi suddenly rushed over, arms crossed, smirking.
Frowning, he asked, “What now?”
“Not you—I want to talk to this pretty sister.” She gave Ding Lin a once-over. “Miss, he’s your boyfriend, right?”
Ding Lin froze. “Huh?”
Pei Ruoxi barreled on, “Do you know how awful your boyfriend is? A guy like him doesn’t deserve you! He doesn’t even have a car—making you drive him around. Total freeloader! Dump him already. I’ll introduce you to someone better!”
Ding Lin was speechless, glancing helplessly at Jiang Feng. He rubbed his temples. Does this girl have persecution complex?
Afraid of misunderstandings, Ding Lin quickly clarified, “You’ve got it wrong. I’m not his girlfriend.”
Pei Ruoxi rolled her eyes. “Really? Then why’s he getting in your car? You shouldn’t let just any man in! Who knows if he’s after you or your money? Sis, the world’s full of bad people—you gotta be careful!”
Ding Lin, a seasoned professional, was baffled at being lectured by a college girl. “Thanks for the concern, but it’s not like that. He’s not that kind of person.”
“I can see right through him! I’m just looking out for you. And don’t worry—I’m a good person, unlike some wolves in sheep’s clothing!” She shot Jiang Feng a pointed glare.
Fed up, Jiang Feng snapped, “Are you done? If so, get lost.”
Pei Ruoxi stepped aside, sticking out her tongue. “No need to chase me—I’ll leave. But seriously, what’s so great about you? This gorgeous sister is defending you, yet you claim she’s not your girlfriend? Pfft. What, are you some celebrity hiding a marriage? Gross.”
With that, she pressed a button, and a white sports car nearby beeped. Gloating, she smirked at Jiang Feng.
“Pathetic. Even with a girlfriend, you’re still trying to hit on me. And your approach? Lame. Did you think waving around medical books would make me swoon? At least drive a nice car if you’re gonna pretend! Bet you’re living off her money while chasing other girls. Disgusting. You’ll get dumped sooner or later.”
Then, like a whirlwind, she was gone.
Jiang Feng stared after her, stunned. ‘She actually thought I was trying to impress her with those books? Her ego’s out of control.’
Before today, he’d never even met Pei Ruoxi, let alone had any interest in her. And even if he did, he wouldn’t resort to such cheap tactics.
Noticing Ding Lin’s amused look, he didn’t bother explaining and simply got into the car.
As they drove, Ding Lin considered addressing the earlier incident but saw Jiang Feng’s indifferent expression and let it go.
*****
The car stopped outside Huatian Club. Ding Lin led Jiang Feng to a luxurious private room where Sister Hua was waiting.
“Young Master Jiang, you kept me waiting so long!” Sister Hua greeted him with a radiant, rose-like smile, exuding charm.