Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 53: Cohabitation Life

From that day onward, Zhao Wuxia moved into Jiang Feng’s residence. Having an extra person around didn’t inconvenience Jiang Feng much, though there was one slightly awkward detail—every time Zhao Wuxia entered his bedroom to make his bed, her expression would turn strangely peculiar. Occasionally, when their eyes met, she would blush. Jiang Feng knew exactly what was going through her mind—that absurdly oversized bed was undoubtedly fueling some improper assumptions. But he didn’t bother explaining. After all, she saw what he was doing every day.  

Three days passed, and the spiritual energy in the courtyard grew increasingly dense. The plants Ma Lianhao had transplanted in the front yard took root and sprouted rapidly under its influence, thriving with vitality. Meanwhile, the weeds in the backyard grew even more wildly, their rampant growth threatening to overrun the entire space. There was no helping it—the weeds simply grew faster than they could be cleared. Jiang Feng decided to ignore them, letting nature take its course.  

It was then that Jiang Feng fully understood why the sacred lands he had seen always planted Hundred-Fruit Trees near spiritual springs. On one hand, the leaves purified the spring’s energy; on the other, no matter where the tree was planted, the surrounding vegetation would inevitably be affected.  

Since his conversation with Ji Yan three days ago, Jiang Feng hadn’t set foot in the classroom. He occasionally visited the library to borrow books, but the school never called, as if they had completely forgotten about him.  

After moving in, Zhao Wuxia spent most of her time at the residence, though she mostly stayed in her room with the door closed. She never asked why he wasn’t attending classes.  

Over these three days, bathed in the spiritual energy, Jiang Feng’s cultivation steadily consolidated, showing signs of nearing the late stage of the second level of Body Refinement.  

But he wasn’t in a hurry. The second level of Body Refinement was a crucial foundation. If the human body was compared to an ocean, the more abundant the internal energy, the greater the potential power. Building a solid foundation now would make breaking through to the third level—and eventually the mid-stage of Body Refinement—much easier in the future.  

Around six in the evening, Zhao Wuxia returned from work with groceries. Just as she was about to enter the courtyard, a black Passat pulled up behind her, and a woman stepped out.  

Turning around, Zhao Wuxia was surprised to see Xia Dongxue. She hadn’t expected her to show up here, especially not dressed so casually—clearly not on official business.  

Xia Dongxue hesitated for a moment before asking softly, “Are you Zhao Wuxia?”  

“I am,” Zhao Wuxia replied.  

“It really is you! I thought I’d mistaken you for someone else,” Xia Dongxue said, astonished.  

When Zhao Wuxia had gone to the police station to bail Jiang Feng out, Xia Dongxue had seen her then. But in just a few days, Zhao Wuxia’s skin had become even more flawless. She wasn’t wearing heavy makeup, which made the change all the more striking.  

All women cared about their appearance, and Xia Dongxue was no exception. But unlike others, she didn’t bluntly ask Zhao Wuxia about her skincare routine.  

Zhao Wuxia smiled. “Are you here to see me?”  

“I’m looking for Jiang Feng. Does he live here?” Xia Dongxue asked.  

Now it was Zhao Wuxia’s turn to be surprised. She hadn’t expected Xia Dongxue to be here for Jiang Feng. Remembering the call from three days ago, she guessed this visit must be important. Since Xia Dongxue seemed friendly, it likely wasn’t anything bad. “Young Master is inside. Please come in.”  

After her call with Zhao Wuxia, Xia Dongxue had waited for Jiang Feng to respond. When he never did, she tried calling him several times, but his phone was always off.  

Unable to wait any longer, she went to Yanjing University to find him. She knew his class from his records, but he wasn’t there. A student named Yuan Lang told her Jiang Feng hadn’t attended in days.  

Left with no choice, she got Ma Lianhao’s number and pressed him for Jiang Feng’s whereabouts. Once she had the address, she drove over immediately. The place looked shabby and remote, making her suspect Ma Lianhao had lied—until she ran into Zhao Wuxia.  

***** 

Jiang Feng had assumed Zhao Wuxia would return in the evening since she’d gone to the office. After working up a sweat, he decided to shower before heading out for food.  

Just as he stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, he saw Zhao Wuxia return—with Xia Dongxue in tow.  

Jiang Feng raised an eyebrow. “You’re here?”  

Xia Dongxue’s face lit up. “Jiang Feng! I finally found you!”  

Then she noticed his state—damp hair, bare torso, just a towel around his waist. Though there was nothing indecent about it, her cheeks flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze. She noticed Zhao Wuxia blushing too.  

Amused, Xia Dongxue realized Zhao Wuxia wasn’t as cold as rumors suggested. The grocery bag in her hand, Jiang Feng living here—clearly, they were cohabiting.  

If Zhao Wuxia truly disliked Jiang Feng, she wouldn’t be living with him, let alone cooking for him. A woman wouldn’t do such things unless deeply in love.  

And her glowing skin? Probably the result of Jiang Feng’s… attention.  

Xia Dongxue’s imagination ran wild, her face growing hotter. She had no idea that their “cohabitation” was purely practical, and Zhao Wuxia’s radiant complexion came from the Hundred-Fruit Trees spiritual energy—not Jiang Feng’s essence.  

Jiang Feng, oblivious to her thoughts, asked coolly, “What brings you here?”  

Xia Dongxue glanced at Zhao Wuxia. “I wanted to invite you to dinner. If this is about the hospital misunderstanding, don’t worry—it’s not just that. I have something else to discuss. Please give me a bit of your time?”  

Jiang Feng frowned. “If it’s important, you can say it here.”  

Thinking she’d interrupted an intimate moment, Xia Dongxue added awkwardly, “Miss Zhao can join us.”  

Jiang Feng almost laughed. She’d completely misread the situation, but he didn’t bother correcting her. “Fine. Where are we going?”  

Delighted, Xia Dongxue said, “I’ve already reserved a place. Just follow me.”  

Jiang Feng looked at Zhao Wuxia, who shook her head. “I have contracts to review tonight. You two go ahead.”  

As they left, Xia Dongxue marveled at how love had softened Zhao Wuxia’s icy demeanor. She was so understanding, giving them space to talk without jealousy.  

‘Maybe it’s this very trait that made Jiang Feng change his ways,’ she mused.  

***** 

The restaurant was an upscale French establishment. When Jiang Feng opened the car door for her, Xia Dongxue was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected chivalry.  

At the entrance, a waiter greeted them. “Table for two?”  

“Yes, reservation under 68,” Xia Dongxue replied, already impatient with the formalities.  

She normally hated Western dining’s pretentiousness, and her straightforward personality clashed with such settings. But for Jiang Feng, she’d chosen ambiance over comfort.  

Jiang Feng noticed her discomfort but said nothing. This side of Xia Dongxue—so different from her stern, uniformed persona—was far more endearing.  

“Right this way,” the waiter said, leading them inside.