Chapter 118: Speak Plainly

“Senior, I brought you some water,” Pei Xin said.

As Jiang Zheng approached, Pei Xin handed him a bottle of water.

“No need, let’s get started,” Jiang Zheng replied.

Then he began teaching Pei Xin Tai Chi.

When the lesson ended, Jiang Zheng gave a brief farewell and left.

Pei Xin stood behind him, frowning slightly.

Over the next few days, Pei Xin tried every means to win Jiang Zheng over—bringing water, snacks, and gifts.

But Jiang Zheng remained unmoved, maintaining his indifferent attitude no matter how hard Pei Xin tried.

This only fueled Pei Xin’s pride into a silent frustration. She refused to believe she couldn’t win him over.

Time passed, and nearly a week went by.

Pei Xin had basically learned Tai Chi, yet Jiang Zheng had not indicated the task was complete.

It seemed she still hadn’t reached the required level.

With only one day left, Jiang Zheng figured one more lesson tomorrow would suffice.

…

Pei Xin returned to the dorm, her mood sour from failing to win over Jiang Zheng.

As she opened the door, the noisy chatter inside abruptly ceased.

Since the day Pei Xin had thrown a cup of instant noodles onto Fu Xin’s bed, the others had grown wary of her.

From that day on, the dorm would fall silent whenever she came back.

Pei Xin felt no discomfort. She and the others were simply from different worlds and never intended to be close.

University rules generally required students to live in dorms, though off-campus housing was an option.

Pei Xin found it too much trouble and chose to stay.

She went to wash up alone, while the others whispered quietly among themselves after she left.

Finished washing, Pei Xin returned, and the dorm fell silent again.

Lying on her bed with headphones in, Pei Xin played on her phone.

She did not notice the pair of resentful eyes fixed on her.

…

Early morning, a gentle drizzle tapped against the window.

Jiang Zheng opened his eyes, his mind booting up in an instant before he sprang out of bed.

After washing and dressing, he stepped out.

The library was not yet full, but many early risers had already claimed their spots.

“You’re here so early today?” Jiang Qianyue approached Jiang Zheng with a smile.

“The early bird catches the worm,” Jiang Zheng replied.

“Such dedication from the young comrade,” Jiang Qianyue laughed.

“No choice—your supervision keeps me on my toes,” Jiang Zheng smiled.

“I saved a spot for you. Shall we go now?” she asked.

“Wait a bit; I’m picking out some books first,” he said.

“Okay, same place as always,” she replied.

“Got it. You go ahead; I’ll be there soon,” Jiang Zheng said.

Nodding, Jiang Qianyue hugged her books and left.

Jiang Zheng scanned the shelves, eyes moving over row upon row of books, selecting those that piqued his interest.

Before long, he found one that caught his attention.

He flipped through it briefly and decided on it.

With the book in hand, he took the seat Jiang Qianyue had reserved.

Across from him, Jiang Qianyue was already reading.

Jiang Zheng didn’t disturb her and quietly opened his book.

Time passed silently between them; though they spoke little, their bond quietly deepened.

At noon, Jiang Qianyue gently closed her book and softly asked, “Shall we eat?”

“Sure, I just finished too,” Jiang Zheng replied.

They sat together at a street-side stall, sharing a bowl of wontons.

“These wontons are still the best here,” Jiang Qianyue remarked.

Jiang Zheng nodded and asked, “Do you have plans this afternoon again?”

“Yes,” she confirmed.

Jiang Zheng nodded; she always came to the library in the morning but left in the afternoon.

He had never seen her afternoon activities and never pressed for details.

After the meal, Jiang Qianyue left.

Jiang Zheng didn’t return to the library either; instead, he called Pei Xin out.

Waiting on the sports field, Pei Xin hurried over, her face damp—whether from sweat or rain, it was hard to tell.

“You didn’t even bring an umbrella?” Jiang Zheng said, exasperated.

“You called me over, so I had to hurry. Carrying an umbrella would have been too much trouble,” Pei Xin smiled.

“Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?” Jiang Zheng frowned.

Pei Xin’s eyes brightened with a happy expression. “Senior, are you worried about me?”

Jiang Zheng rolled his eyes. “I’m just afraid you’ll catch a cold and can’t learn your skills. Today’s the last day—learn what you need, then don’t bother me again.”

Pei Xin put on a pitiful, almost tearful expression. “Senior, don’t you like me?”

“More or less,” Jiang Zheng said bluntly. “You’re too scheming—nine out of ten things you say have an ulterior motive.”

He believed it was better to be direct. He didn’t want much interaction with Pei Xin going forward.

She was certainly beautiful, but full of cunning—like a rose with thorns; beautiful, but careless and you’d get pricked.

To avoid being hurt, Jiang Zheng decided to keep his distance.

Pei Xin’s face stiffened but she forced a smile. “Senior, you must be joking.”

“I’m serious,” Jiang Zheng said.

Pei Xin’s façade broke; expression vacant, she asked, “Why?”

Jiang Zheng said no more; he had explained enough. If she didn’t understand, that was her problem.

“Now, I’ll continue teaching. Let me know if there’s anything you don’t understand,” Jiang Zheng said.

Pei Xin said nothing, only gazing coldly at him.

At first, she was very interested in Jiang Zheng; his coldness and distance only fueled her competitiveness.

She was determined to change his attitude toward her.

This wasn’t love, just stubborn pride.

She had met countless boys—many outstanding—but it was hard to impress her.

Those who did catch her interest were few.

But now, her feelings had shifted from interest to anger.

Though she acted on impulse, she wasn’t shameless.

Jiang Zheng had made himself clear; pretending not to hear and continuing to flatter him without boundaries was not who she was.

She had a temper.

So at this moment, Pei Xin had no desire to learn or interest in Jiang Zheng.

She stared coldly for a moment, then turned and walked away.