Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 50: Ye Qingxuan’s Misunderstanding

“Jiang Feng?” Ye Qingxuan froze for a moment.  

Xu Minmin had been suffering from stomach issues lately. While the two were out shopping, Xu Minmin suddenly doubled over in pain. Ye Qingxuan had accompanied her to the hospital, intending to wait in the car to avoid unwanted attention. But seeing Xu Minmin drenched in sweat and barely able to walk, she quickly disguised herself with sunglasses and a baseball cap before helping her inside.  

The doctor diagnosed Xu Minmin’s condition as gastritis caused by excessive dieting. After prescribing some medication, they prepared to leave—only for Ye Qingxuan to unexpectedly run into Jiang Feng.  

“What’s wrong?” Ye Qingxuan asked, puzzled. Even if they had crossed paths here, Xu Minmin’s reaction seemed excessive.  

Xu Minmin gritted her teeth. “Qingxuan, didn’t you hear? That girl is pregnant with Jiang Feng’s child, and he’s trying to force her to get an abortion! They’re arguing about it right now.”  

Her expression twisted in anger. “And to think you defended him before—even went to his school to apologize! I always said he was scum. Now his true colors are showing. A leopard can’t change its spots!”  

“Minmin, stop. Maybe it’s not what you think,” Ye Qingxuan sighed softly.  

“Not what I think? I heard it with my own ears! Listen for yourself!” Xu Minmin grabbed Ye Qingxuan’s hand, dragging her closer despite her reluctance.  

*****  

Jiang Feng had never expected things to escalate like this. Pei Ruoxi was clinging to him like a madwoman. Under normal circumstances, he would’ve shaken her off long ago—but with so many onlookers, he could only suppress his irritation.  

“Pei Ruoxi, what the hell do you want?” he snapped.  

“Nothing much. I just don’t want you to leave,” she said, blinking innocently.  

“Spit it out. I don’t have time for childish games.”  

“Fine. Come with me to meet my grandfather. After that, you can do whatever you want.”  

Jiang Feng scoffed. “Do I look stupid to you?”  

Pei Ruoxi hastily clarified, “No! I mean no harm. My grandfather might even like you—who knows? It could benefit you!”  

Her grandfather was obsessed with traditional medicine, and Jiang Feng’s acupuncture skills earlier had been nothing short of miraculous. As for their past grudges? She’d already forgotten them.  

“Not interested.” Jiang Feng cut her off. He didn’t know who her grandfather was, but anyone aware of the Ginkgo Tree’s significance was undoubtedly influential. He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but he wasn’t seeking it either.  

“Please? I’m begging you!” Pei Ruoxi pleaded.  

Before Jiang Feng could respond, a sharp voice cut in:  

“Begging him? For what? Just because he knocked you up and won’t take responsibility? Have some self-respect!”  

Xu Minmin, unable to hold back any longer, stormed over. “And you!” She glared at Jiang Feng. “What’s so great about you that girls throw themselves at you? If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to show my face!”  

“You?” Jiang Feng was taken aback.  

“Yes, me! What, scared your dirty little secret got exposed?” Xu Minmin sneered.  

Jiang Feng initially considered explaining, but her tone made him dismiss the idea entirely. Pei Ruoxi, meanwhile, stared at the stranger who’d just berated her.  

“Hey, do I know you? Who gave you the right to yell at me?” she shot back, her temper flaring.  

Xu Minmin stiffened. “I was trying to help you!”  

“Help? I don’t even know you!”  

“You—!” Xu Minmin’s face flushed with rage.  

“Let’s go, Minmin.” Ye Qingxuan sighed, pulling her away.  

Any lingering doubts she’d had were now gone. She’d foolishly believed Jiang Feng had changed—even apologized to him. But he was the same as ever, just better at hiding it.  

As for Pei Ruoxi? She pitied her. Loving the wrong man, defending him even when he hurt her—there was nothing more to say.  

Jiang Feng’s face paled slightly when he noticed Ye Qingxuan. Her gaze swept over him before she turned away, interpreting his reaction as guilt.  

Xu Minmin, however, wasn’t done. “Qingxuan, you heard everything! Was I wrong?”  

Pei Ruoxi interjected lazily, “Not wrong, just nosy.”  

“Fine! Don’t come crying when he dumps you!” Xu Minmin spat before storming off with Ye Qingxuan.  

Once they were gone, Pei Ruoxi smirked. “Who was that woman? So annoying. You should thank me for chasing her off.”  

Jiang Feng watched Ye Qingxuan leave without a word.  

“Hey, earth to Jiang Feng! Was that your girlfriend?” Pei Ruoxi teased.  

“No.”  

“Hmph, I knew it! As if Ye Qingxuan would date you.”  

Despite Ye Qingxuan’s disguise, Pei Ruoxi had recognized her. She’d considered greeting her, but Xu Minmin’s outburst ruined the chance. Unbeknownst to her, her defense of Jiang Feng had only deepened Ye Qingxuan’s misunderstanding.  

“I’m leaving. Don’t follow me—I’m not meeting your grandfather.”  

“You—!” Pei Ruoxi huffed. “Fine! But don’t think I’ll let you keep my jade Buddha!”  

Jiang Feng ignored her tantrum and walked away—only to nearly collide with Xia Dongxue.  

*****

The hit-and-run case had escalated from a traffic accident to a criminal investigation. Xia Dongxue, having just arrived from the scene, was stunned to see Jiang Feng.  

Her expression darkened. “So it was you. Care to explain?”  

Jiang Feng frowned. First Ye Qingxuan, now Xia Dongxue—accusing him without proof.  

“What’s your problem?” he said coldly.  

“My problem? You’re the one who needs to explain!”  

Jiang Feng had no patience for this. “Pei Ruoxi, tell her what happened. I’m leaving.”  

Xia Dongxue blocked his path. “You’re not going anywhere. This is an official interrogation. Cooperate, or file a complaint later.”  

Pei Ruoxi, still irritated with Jiang Feng, couldn’t help but laugh at his predicament. “Officer, I’m a witness. Ask me anything—I’ll be very cooperative.”  

Xia Dongxue ignored her, focusing on Jiang Feng. “You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say can be used against you.”  

Jiang Feng shoved past her and strode out. Xia Dongxue’s hand flew to her holster, startling Pei Ruoxi into hastily recounting the truth.  

Xia Dongxue’s jaw dropped. “You’re saying he saved the victims?”  

“Yes, and I stand by every word.”  

Xia Dongxue hesitated before rushing outside—but Jiang Feng was already gone. Her face paled.