Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 52: Petty People and Women

Jiang Feng grabbed a quick meal at a small diner, picked up some groceries from the supermarket, and returned to his rented place to continue his cultivation. Today, Pei Ruoxi had accidentally barged in, disrupting the tranquility of this secluded spot.  

He wasn’t sure how much longer the secret of the Hundred-Fruit Tree could be kept, but one thing was clear—he had to seize every second to cultivate. If this place were ever compromised, the chances of finding another suitable cultivation site would be slim to none.  

Several hours had passed since he set up the Spirit Gathering Array, and the spiritual energy in the courtyard had grown noticeably denser. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Feng felt invigorated. Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged beneath the Hundred-Fruit Tree and resumed his practice.  

*****

The next morning, just as Jiang Feng was about to leave for school, the sound of a car horn blared outside. Moments later, Zhao Wuxia walked in.  

Seeing her, Jiang Feng paused. “What brings you here?”  

Zhao Wuxia replied softly, “I came to check if there’s anything else you need.”  

After a brief pause, she added, “Also, Captain Xia Dongxue called me last night looking for you. I tried your phone, but it was off, so I came to let you know.”  

Jiang Feng’s phone hadn’t been turned off—it must have run out of battery. “What did Xia Dongxue want?”  

Zhao Wuxia hesitated. “She said she acted impulsively and made a mistake. She asked for your forgiveness and hoped to treat you to a meal. She also mentioned having something else to discuss.”  

As she spoke, Zhao Wuxia’s expression turned slightly odd. She knew Xia Dongxue somewhat—a woman infamous in the capital for being the bane of spoiled young masters, renowned for her uncompromising sense of justice. No one dared cross her.  

Yet here she was, inviting Jiang Feng to dinner. Though Xia Dongxue had been vague over the phone, Zhao Wuxia’s intuition told her there was more to the story.  

Jiang Feng guessed that after he left the hospital yesterday, Pei Ruoxi must have explained the car accident to Xia Dongxue. He hadn’t expected Xia Dongxue to admit her mistake so bluntly, let alone invite him to dinner.  

He hadn’t taken the incident to heart in the first place. With a light chuckle, he said, “I don’t have time. You can decline the invitation for me.”  

Zhao Wuxia nodded, then suddenly remarked, “Young Master, this place you’ve rented has a nice atmosphere. The air feels fresher than anywhere else.”  

Jiang Feng smiled. “Is there something else you want to say?”  

Zhao Wuxia’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I… I was wondering if I could move in too?”  

Moving in with Jiang Feng had been the old master’s idea. But since the words were coming from her, Zhao Wuxia still felt embarrassed.  

After discovering Jiang Feng had moved out, the old master had summoned her for a talk and made the request. She had agreed almost instantly—like the old master, she was deeply curious about Jiang Feng’s reasons for leaving.  

But saying it out loud now was still mortifying.  

Jiang Feng was taken aback but quickly replied, “If you’re willing, of course you can.”  

As his life assistant, Zhao Wuxia was supposed to live with him per the old master and his father’s arrangements. Though her presence might cause some inconvenience, Jiang Feng also knew some things couldn’t stay hidden forever. Perhaps letting Zhao Wuxia relay certain details to the old master would save him trouble.  

Besides, living here alone made daily chores like laundry and meals a hassle. With Zhao Wuxia around, at least those would be taken care of.  

Zhao Wuxia hadn’t expected Jiang Feng to agree so readily. For a moment, she was stunned, then broke into a happy smile.  

***  

Zhao Wuxia drove Jiang Feng to school. She was also a student at Yanjing University, though she enjoyed privileges most students didn’t. Still, if work wasn’t too busy, she attended classes—not so much for the academics, but because she liked the simplicity of campus life.  

Jiang Feng had Zhao Wuxia drop him off at the library entrance. As he walked inside, Zhao Wuxia watched him go, then prepared to drive off.  

Just then, someone knocked on her car window. She turned to see a tall young man holding a large bouquet of roses.  

Her delicate brows furrowed as she rolled down the window. “Qian Kai, what do you want?”  

The man, Qian Kai, smiled. “Wuxia, I’m serious—be my girlfriend?”  

“Qian Kai, I’ve told you before—there’s no chance between us. Stop wasting your time and mine,” Zhao Wuxia replied coldly.  

“No, Wuxia, I’ve loved you since the first day of freshman year. Please believe me—I’m sincere. I swear, if you’re with me, I’ll make you the happiest woman alive!” Qian Kai insisted urgently.  

“I’m already happy. I don’t need someone else to give me happiness. And please, show some respect—don’t call me so casually. If you must, use my full name. I’m sure your teachers taught you manners,” Zhao Wuxia retorted impatiently.  

“It’s not the same,” Qian Kai argued. “You might think being alone is fine now, but women need a home eventually. I believe I’m a decent man—please give me a chance.” He thrust the roses toward her.  

“Qian Kai, I won’t repeat myself. If you keep harassing me, I’ll call the police.” With that, Zhao Wuxia rolled up her window and drove off.  

Watching her car disappear, Qian Kai’s eyes darkened with malice. “Zhao Wuxia, I’ve given you three years, yet you still reject me. If you’re this heartless, don’t blame me for what comes next.”  

***  

Jiang Feng quickly selected a few books he needed and headed to class. At the classroom door, he ran into Liu Hong coming out.  

Seeing him, Liu Hong smirked coldly and walked away.  

Jiang Feng was baffled until Yuan Lang sidled up with a grin. “Jiang Feng, ignore that crazy woman. She’s hitting menopause—her brain’s not working right.”  

“Are you hitting menopause too, talking this much?” Jiang Feng couldn’t care less about Liu Hong’s attitude and replied indifferently.  

Yuan Lang chuckled. “Hey, that’s harsh. I came over because I’ve got something to tell you.”  

Jiang Feng sat at the back of the classroom. “Then say it. Stop dragging it out.”  

“Well, buddy, I treated you to a meal last time… so isn’t it your turn now?” Yuan Lang scratched his head. “Don’t get me wrong—I’m not stingy. It’s just that I’ve spent too much lately and I’m broke. So…?”  

Jiang Feng casually tossed him a wad of cash. “Now scram.”  

Yuan Lang’s eyes lit up. “Whoa, buddy, this is too much! I can’t accept this!”  

Despite his words, he stuffed the money into his pocket so fast that no one could’ve pried it loose even with a knife to his throat.  

Ignoring him, Jiang Feng opened The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions and began reading. Yuan Lang peeked at the cover. “Hey, actually, there’s one more thing—”  

Before he could finish, a cool voice interrupted. Ji Yan had appeared at the door and beckoned. “Jiang Feng, come to my office. I need to talk to you.”  

Frowning, Jiang Feng stood and followed her. Yuan Lang watched him leave, sighing. “Buddy, I didn’t even get to warn you—watch out for women and petty people.”  

***  

Having been lectured by Ji Yan too many times, Jiang Feng was long accustomed to her attitude. In her office, he pulled out a chair and sat. “Just say what you want, Teacher Ji. I’ve got things to do.”  

To Ji Yan, his demeanor reeked of shameless defiance. Rumors had fueled her frustration with him—she felt he was hopeless. “Jiang Feng, how have you been finding classes these past few days?”  

“Fine,” he replied.  

“I know you don’t like studying, and forcing you to attend is difficult. But I’m doing this for your own good, understand?” she coaxed.  

Jiang Feng smiled. “Just get to the point.”  

Ji Yan’s face hardened. “I’ve heard from students that you’ve been harassing Liu Hong. Is this true?”  

Jiang Feng’s expression turned icy. “Teacher Ji, are you sure you didn’t mishear? Or that I didn’t?”  

“Of course not,” Ji Yan snapped. “Many students have reported this. Don’t deny it. At your age, it’s normal to be interested in the opposite sex—I don’t oppose dating. But pestering someone is unacceptable. Understood?”  

Jiang Feng smirked. “Teacher Ji, between you and Liu Hong, who do you think is more attractive?”  

Ji Yan froze as Jiang Feng continued, “If I were going to harass anyone, wouldn’t targeting you be more tasteful?”  

Ji Yan’s face turned livid. “Jiang Feng! How dare you speak to me like that? I’m your teacher!”  

Jiang Feng had no interest in explaining. “That’s all I have to say. If you really can’t stand me, just let me rot. Like you said, I *hate* sitting in class.”  

With that, he stood and left, leaving Ji Yan trembling with rage.  

***  

Jiang Feng had always felt attending class was a waste of time. If not for Ji Yan’s nagging, he wouldn’t have come at all.  

As for Liu Hong’s nonsense, he couldn’t care less. He knew Ji Yan’s so-called concern was just her blindly blaming him based on hearsay.  

Now that they’d clashed, Ji Yan would probably leave him alone—one less headache. Returning to the classroom, he packed his things and left.  

Liu Hong watched him go, a sinister smirk on her face. Yuan Lang, however, was confused—until he saw Ji Yan storm in. Then it hit him: Jiang Feng had been framed.  

He’d heard the rumors about Jiang Feng harassing Liu Hong and had meant to warn him earlier. But before he could, Jiang Feng had been summoned.  

Sighing, Yuan Lang approached Ji Yan. “Teacher Ji, I know a bit about what’s going on between Jiang Feng and Liu Hong. If you’re willing to listen, I can explain.”  

“No need,” Ji Yan said coldly. “Let him go. As far as I’m concerned, our class never had such a student. And since you’re close to him, pass on this message: I’m reporting him to the school. He’ll be expelled.”  

With that, she marched off in a huff.