Jiangjing University was always lively at night.
Even with exams over, people hadn’t gone home. The famous statue plaza was especially busy.
Xu Wenyao wasn’t surprised to see Bai Lian staring at the first row of statues.
After all, these were the founding figures and great seniors of Jiangjing University. The principal would come pay respects rain or shine.
Beside them, Ji Mulan and Old Madam Xu still stood under the giant stone. The dark brown stone was 4.17 meters tall and 9.82 meters wide, with “Jiangjing University” written in large characters on the far left, and “Honorary Alumni” in smaller text below.
Each name would be recorded in the school’s history.
Back then, He Wengang entered Jiangjing University with top scores but was ignored and had his graduation delayed by his advisor. Only after becoming an honorary alumnus did he take Jiangjing University by storm.
Most honorary alumni were from Jiangjing. They received top education from childhood – while others were learning 123, they were already attending various summer camps and lectures under their parents’ influence.
He Wen’s case was extremely rare.
Butler Xu followed behind Old Madam Xu, sighing, “This is truly the peak of intelligence.”
While they were still looking at the stone, Xu Wenyao was used to it and asked Bai Lian: “Want to see other places? Our school has a huge library, lots of books, seven cafeterias…”
“No need.” Bai Lian withdrew her gaze, “I’ll come back to read in a few days.”
She had heard about the Jiangjing University library before – it had many books and was a good place.
Bai Lian showed no curiosity about Jiangjing University, didn’t even take out her phone.
Last time she came to Jiangjing she hadn’t come to the school. Xu Wenyao thought she would only come when school started, but didn’t expect her to come right after arriving in Jiangjing.
A group was heading to lunch. Bai Lian and Xu Wenyao walked behind, chatting about things others couldn’t understand.
Old Madam Xu and Xu En walked in front, talking, “Shu Yun said she met that Third Young Master.”
“Third Young Master Xu?” Xu En’s expression shifted slightly.
Old Madam Xu couldn’t help but sigh. For her, this news was even better than Xu Zhiyue getting into Jiangjing University: “It still takes the Qi family’s circles to reach their level.”
Xu En stayed silent, because it involved the Qi family, and… Xu Wenyao had no connection to the Qi family.
Old Madam Xu thought of something: “Why haven’t you arranged accommodation for Bai Lian?”
She really hadn’t approved of Mountain Sea Apartments.
“It’s been arranged,” Xu En glanced behind them, “but she declined.”
The old lady wasn’t particularly concerned about these details. She turned her prayer beads and lowered her voice, “Have you… mentioned our Xu family household registration to Mulan?”
“Don’t you know what kind of person Ah Lian is?” Xu En’s expression was cold, but mindful of Bai Lian behind them, he didn’t raise his voice, “When I first wanted her on the household register you weren’t willing. Now you want her on both the household register and family genealogy? Mom, have you forgotten what kind of phone call you made to her?”
It would have been better if Xu En hadn’t mentioned it.
Bringing this up made the old lady’s expression stiffen. How could she have known what would happen today? She did know Bai Lian’s personality – she would yield to gentleness but not to force. If she had followed Xu En’s lead back then, Bai Lian might have really joined their Xu family register.
Today’s national exam champion would have been from their Xu family.
But there was no point discussing this now.
Mountain Sea Apartments.
A fire-red sports car was parked at the entrance.
Most residents were Jiangjing University students. Though Jiangjing was rich and alluring, they had never seen such a flashy sports car with all “8”s in its plate number at Mountain Sea Apartments.
Many people stopped to take photos.
Xu Nanjing removed his sunglasses and got out of the driver’s seat. Used to making an entrance, Third Young Master Xu couldn’t be bothered to find parking, so he handed the keys to security and went straight upstairs.
Bai Lian was in 303.
Getting off the elevator, he surveyed the surroundings, not very satisfied with the environment. He reached out to press the doorbell.
When the door opened, he saw a cold face.
It was Jiang Fuli.
Xu Nanjing wasn’t surprised by his presence, only by the cardboard box in Jiang Fuli’s hands. He paused before following Jiang Fuli inside.
Bai Lian’s living room wasn’t small, about ten square meters.
Ming Dongheng was moving a flower pot to the balcony.
Jiang Fuli held scissors, casually cutting open the tape on a cardboard box containing things Bai Lian had brought.
As soon as he cut it open, Jiang Fuli saw the swaying pendulum ball.
Bai Lian had brought both the pendulum ball and the small blue bottle.
His pale fingers paused at the box opening for a moment before he carried the box of miscellaneous items to the study.
Xu Nanjing couldn’t find Bai Lian, but saw what Jiang Fuli was doing – he was…
Organizing belongings?
Third Young Master Xu finally understood how Ming Dongheng felt back in Xiangcheng.
Besides research, Young Master Jiang would never waste a single second with anyone. Those hands usually held precise instruments, measuring scales accurate to the millimeter for gunpowder, pens for decisive orders to team members…
Forget organizing belongings – if he would pour himself a glass of water, Xu Nanjing would doubt the reality of this world.
“Xiao Ming,” Xu Nanjing walked to the balcony and spoke to Ming Dongheng, “Where’s Little Sister Ah Lian?”
Ming Dongheng looked up and replied concisely: “Having dinner with her mother.”
Xu Nanjing hadn’t seen Ming Dongheng for some time. Looking at his eyes, he was startled, “Xiao Ming, why do you look as scary as Sister Bei Xuan now!”
Ming Dongheng ignored him and handed him a watering can, asking him to help, “I’m going down to throw out trash. When the TV delivery comes, sign for it.”
Bai Lian had no TV, but as soon as Jiang Fuli arrived, he ordered one.
Xu Nanjing belatedly realized, “Wait, Little Sister Bai Lian has a mother?”
He hadn’t investigated Bai Lian, only knew she had a grandfather, and thought both her parents were dead.
Hearing Bai Lian still had a mother, Xu Nanjing took out his phone and sent a message to Gao Yan—
[Latest news, Little Sister Bai Lian has a birth mother.]
Empress Dowager: […One more doesn’t hurt, right?]
After helping Bai Lian install the TV, Xu Nanjing reluctantly returned home.
Chang’an Street.
Xu Jieling was confirming tomorrow’s schedule with her secretary, “Xu Jin and Xu Jinyi are very familiar with the Blue Dragon Bar?”
The Blue Dragon Bar had moved its center to Jiangjing since last year. All these big Jiangjing families had a sword hanging over their heads, knowing about the international powers behind the bar.
The third floor was especially an information trading center. Just the black market not open to ordinary people made all the major families envious.
“Xu Jin frequently visits various bars, has more information channels than others. That Xuan Kang… seems to have some connection to the Jiang family.” At this point, the secretary looked at Xu Nanjing, who was lazily yawning.
The Third Young Master was also a regular at bars, but he didn’t dare mention Xu Nanjing.
Gao Yan was surprised, “Why would these forces suddenly come to Jiangjing?”
Gao Yan wore a dark form-fitting qipao, with only slight wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, giving off a strong presence.
She took good care of herself and looked only in her early thirties.
“Don’t know.” Xu Jieling’s secretary shook his head, “But the Blue Dragon Bar definitely moved its center to Jiangjing.”
This was strange…
The auction venue that rarely opened had held two international auctions in Jiangjing this year – these usually only happened in Black Water Street.
“Has Young Master Jiang arranged his laboratory?” Xu Jieling pondered briefly.
“Don’t know.” Xu Nanjing replied casually.
Xu Jieling glanced at him, suddenly remembering: “This isn’t urgent. Has that Miss Bai arrived?”
Hearing this, Gao Yan also looked at Xu Nanjing and sat up straight: “How is it, does she want to meet me?”
Xu Nanjing held his phone, glancing at it – she hadn’t replied to his earlier message, “She’s visiting her uncle tomorrow, not sure if she’ll have time these days.”
No time?
Xu Jieling was very surprised – after finishing the college entrance exam, what could keep her so busy?
“Her uncle is here too?” Gao Yan was also surprised.
She thought all of Bai Lian’s relatives were in Xiangcheng.
“Mm.” Xu Nanjing responded lazily. He had bought Bai Lian a new motorcycle, sure she would like it.
Gao Yan withdrew her gaze and stopped looking at him. Bai Lian had arrived in Jiangjing.
She took out her phone and sent a message to Dean Jian—
[Dean Jian, hello, she has arrived in Jiangjing.]
The next day.
Ji Shaojun got up early to go to Mu Corporation. This branch belonged to Manager Xu, who was also old Mr. Mu’s confidant. After changing his surname, Ji Shaojun had been learning operations here.
In the afternoon after work, Manager Xu would return with him, then teach him some practical cases at night.
Little Jie stopped the car at the market, and Ji Shaojun went to buy groceries.
Manager Xu sat in the passenger seat, listening to Little Jie mention Ji Shaojun’s niece was coming, very surprised, “Niece?”
“Yes,” Little Jie remembered Bai Lian, “She came to Jiangjing right after finishing the college entrance exam.”
“So soon,” Manager Xu also remembered this, “Isn’t Mu Shao still being kept at the hotel by Jiangjing University professors?”
Those who did well would be taken away early by these schools. The schools would arrange senior students and professors to play Werewolf and board games with them, only letting them leave after signing agreements.
This was also a good opportunity for new students to socialize.
“His results seem pretty good.” Little Jie said this just as he saw Ji Shaojun returning with both hands full of groceries. He opened the trunk.
They soon arrived at Ji Shaojun’s place.
Shen Qing wore an apron and opened the door: “Ah Lian and the others will be here soon, get her things out.”
“I know.” Ji Shaojun put down the groceries and took off his coat. His mood was clearly good today, “Manager Xu, want to stay for dinner? My niece is coming.”
He got along well with Manager Xu.
Manager Xu had taught him many things. Though their research directions and interests differed, their personalities were similar.
He was one of the few friends Ji Shaojun had made in Jiangjing.
“Maybe next time, won’t disturb your family dinner.” Manager Xu saw Ji Shaojun take out a box and withdrew his gaze.
He knew Ji Shaojun’s family used to live in Xiangcheng. Ji Shaojun was fine, but when Shen Qing first came to Jiangjing she didn’t understand anything.
Ji Shaojun cleaned the table and asked Little Jie, “What about you?”
Little Jie had met Bai Lian before.
He shook his head, “I’ll take Manager Xu back.”
Ji Shaojun didn’t insist.
Little Jie and Manager Xu left. The car had just driven out of the complex and passed one road when they saw a black car approaching from the opposite direction.
Little Jie looked at that car, “That’s…”
“Feels like one of those families’ cars?” The passenger Manager Xu lowered the window, looked back once, incredibly shocked. They had once been among Jiangjing’s elite pyramid and had broader knowledge than others.
“Indeed,” Little Jie frowned slightly, “This should only be in Chang’an District and Xing Jiang District… has something happened in Xing Jiang District?”
Manager Xu nodded, he could feel it too: “Don’t know, but…”
Things seemed to be getting lively.
At Ji Shaojun’s place, the one knocking was Jiang He.
He was short. When Shen Qing opened the door, she lifted him up entirely, pinching his face: “He He, have you not been eating well? You haven’t grown taller or gained weight.”
Jiang He pressed his lips together, not greeting Shen Qing.
Shen Qing knew he had autism and thought he was shy after not seeing them for a long time, so she didn’t mind.
She put fruits and new puzzles on the carpet for Jiang He to play with.
Jiang Fuli put down the paper bag in his hand containing tea and cigarettes, politely greeting Shen Qing and Ji Shaojun. Today he wore loose casual clothes, his features much gentler than usual, though still appearing cold.
Shen Qing’s hair had grown out. She wasn’t wearing a hat, sporting a neat hairstyle.
Ji Shaojun was cooking in the kitchen. Shen Qing gave her what they got from Jiangjing University, “It’s this box, but Ah Lian, what is this?”
Bai Lian looked at the Q-version Liang Zewen picture on the box, her fingertip lightly tapping it: “A souvenir.”
Jiang Fuli made a pot of tea with hot water, looking at the box in Bai Lian’s hands without speaking.
With just a few people, only Ji Shaojun was drinking at the dinner table.
He chatted casually with Jiang Fuli.
“Oh right, Ah Lian,” Ji Shaojun suddenly remembered something halfway through: “Isn’t your birthday coming up?”
At the dinner table, Jiang He, who had been eating with his head down ignoring everyone, slightly raised his head.
Shen Qing hadn’t heard about Bai Lian’s birthday either. Hearing Ji Shaojun mention it, she also remembered, “When is Ah Lian’s birthday?”
“August 8th.” Ji Shaojun remembered Bai Lian’s birthday.
When Bai Lian was with the Bai family before, Ji Shaojun and the others hadn’t celebrated her birthday.
This should be their first time celebrating Bai Lian’s birthday. Ji Shaojun and Shen Qing didn’t want to be casual about it, figuring Ji Heng would come too. “Ah Lian, how many classmates and friends do you have?”
Ji Shaojun knew Bai Lian had always had many classmates and friends.
All kinds of people, young and old, from various backgrounds.
“No rush,” Bai Lian lowered her eyes slightly, reaching out to pick up a vegetable, her voice rather casual, “Still early.”
Jiang Fuli slightly raised his head to look at her once, not saying more.
After dinner, Shen Qing asked Bai Lian to stay overnight, and Bai Lian didn’t refuse.
Jiang Fuli left first.
The next day, Bai Lian got up very early.
Shen Qing was making breakfast in the kitchen while Bai Lian was doing practice questions on the app.
After the college entrance exam, her speed at doing practice questions had clearly increased.
Ji Shaojun had lots of blank paper. She sat by the tea table, her left hand pressing the white paper, right hand holding a black pen, slowly writing complex formulas.
The doorbell rang. She took a photo and posted it, then went to open the door.
It was Little Jie and Building Manager, coming to pick up Ji Shaojun for work. Seeing Bai Lian, they were clearly startled.
“Miss Bai.” Little Jie politely spoke.
They weren’t familiar. Bai Lian’s phone on the table just rang, so she merely nodded to the two before going to answer the call.
It was Jian Zhongyou calling.
She put the phone to her ear, poured herself a cup of tea, and slowly walked to the balcony, “Looking for me?”
“Am I the last to know you’re in Jiangjing?” On the phone, the guzheng version of Winter Fluff could be heard playing, “And I found out from Xiaolu’s friend circle.”
Dean Jian and Bai Lian met because of the “One Bowl Per Meal” account.
He and One Bowl Per Meal were still following each other, and they had already added each other on WeChat.
Bai Lian took a sip of tea, looking down, “No.”
Dean Ma still didn’t know.
Dean Jian paused, thinking that made sense, “Have you looked at the sheet music I gave you?”
“Can’t understand it.” Bai Lian was concise.
Dean Jian was thoroughly convinced she was fooling him: “You understand reduced character notation but can’t understand sheet music?”
Bai Lian was talking to Dean Jian on the balcony.
In the living room, Building Manager watched Ji Shaojun come out of the bathroom, “How long is she staying?”
“Leaving today.” Ji Shaojun greeted the two, then went to the kitchen.
Building Manager nodded, not speaking further. He could faintly hear Bai Lian talking about “sheet music” and “guzheng.”
“Is she studying arts?” Building Manager looked at Little Jie.
Little Jie shook his head. They never discussed others’ business with Ji Shaojun. They didn’t know what Bai Lian or that Ren Wanxuan did.
Hearing this, Building Manager didn’t ask further. He had just asked casually and wasn’t really concerned whether Bai Lian studied arts or not.
Bai Lian left with Ji Shaojun.
Since she was a young woman, both Building Manager and Little Jie wanted to escort her to her destination.
“I’m going to Chang’an District,” Bai Lian lowered the car window, resting her hand on it, politely saying, “Let uncle go to work first.”
“It’s still early,” Little Jie looked in the rearview mirror, casually saying: “We’ll take you to Chang’an District first, no hurry.”
He didn’t reveal Ji Shaojun’s workplace.
Bai Lian didn’t say anything more, just gave the Mountain Sea Apartments address.
A very ordinary apartment complex.
Bai Lian had them stop the car at the entrance, then got out directly carrying her box.
This was close to Jiangjing University. Building Manager glanced at the complex, seeing a yellow-haired youth squatting at the entrance. He wore ripped jeans and a black tank top, holding a cigarette.
He looked like one of those unruly youths from Qingshui Street.
Building Manager was about to frown when he heard Ji Shaojun laugh, “Little Mao is here too.”
He wanted to greet Mao Kun, but Little Jie saw Building Manager’s expression wasn’t good and immediately drove away.
After the car was gone, Building Manager spoke to Ji Shaojun, “After some time, when things settle down, bring her to visit the Mu residence.”
Hearing this Ji Shaojun didn’t speak, unsure if Bai Lian would go.
Building Manager thought he agreed and changed topics: “Did Manager Xu tell you about the Yunxiao Street matter?”
“He told me about the bar on Yunxiao Street.” Ji Shaojun withdrew his gaze.
Building Manager nodded, “But we haven’t found out who their business partners are…”
“Sis, you’re not going to check out the bar and Xuan Kang?” Meanwhile, Mao Kun followed Bai Lian into her home.
Bai Lian entered and shook her head, “No time for now.”
As soon as he entered, Mao Kun sensed changes – the sofa had been moved, there were not only embroidered cabbage cushions from Ji Heng but also a small cabbage-patterned blanket.
There were succulents on the balcony.
And two large empty flower pots.
Mao Kun looked at the flower pots, “What are you planning to plant here?”
“Bring some cabbage seeds next time.” Bai Lian opened the study door, taking out the small bronze commemorative statue from the box and placing it on her desk.
Mao Kun immediately noticed her desk.
Natural wood color, two meters long, with a black unmarked computer in the middle, a stack of files on the left, and a small bottle with blue crystal flowers and a pendulum ball on the right.
Then there was the small bronze statue she just put down.
Plant cabbages? This was unexpected to Mao Kun.
There was a clanging sound from next door. When they came up earlier, it seemed doors 301 and 302 were both open, “I thought these two units were rented out, did they change tenants?”
Mao Kun closed the door, not quite understanding.
Bai Lian lowered her eyes, sending a message to Jiang Fuli, casually throwing her backpack behind her, speaking unhurriedly: “No rush, I’m going to borrow some books from the library first.”
Who would be so fond of reading books and doing homework?
Mao Kun scratched his head in confusion as he accompanied Bai Lian to Jiangjing University, “Then you go read, I’ll look around for where to buy cabbage seeds.”
Jiangjing University.
In the computer room, Xu Wenyao received Bai Lian’s message and got up to pack his things.
“Finished with your data?” A student wearing black-rimmed glasses saw Xu Wenyao packing up again and squinted.
“More or less,” Xu Wenyao explained, “My sister is going to the library, I’m going to meet her at the entrance.”
Bai Lian probably hadn’t made a reservation for Jiangjing University and couldn’t even enter the gates.
“Your sister?” Another sunny-looking student came over, “That Xu Zhiyue who’s been ranking third on the app recently?”
Another academic genius.
Xu Wenyao remembered that Bai Lian probably didn’t have the app: “A different one.”
Thinking about it, both Bai Lian and Xu Zhiyue would be entering Jiangjing University.
These were all Jiangjing University elites, “Does everyone have time for lunch? I’d like to treat you and my sister to a meal, she’ll be everyone’s junior schoolmate in the future.”
The student with black-rimmed glasses ignored Xu Wenyao, silently looking at his computer.
The sunny-looking student withdrew his gaze, casually saying: “I still have some data to finish.”
Among these elite students, Xu Wenyao wasn’t particularly outstanding. Plus, while others had chosen their professors, only he hadn’t selected an advisor yet – the later it got, the harder it would be to find good teachers.
These people all said they had no time.
“My modeling is almost done, Old Xu,” the student sitting next to Xu Wenyao turned off his computer. “Let’s go take your sister to eat at the third cafeteria.”
The third cafeteria was a private restaurant, expensive but with good food.
This was Xu Wenyao’s roommate Chen Hong; they had always gotten along well.
After leaving the computer room, Chen Hong looked back and complained about these people: “This Qi Jun, just because his cousin is Dr. Zuo’s student, how snobby. If you said you were treating Miss Qi to lunch, they’d all definitely show up.”
Xu Wenyao never talked about others behind their backs, only explained, “I broke up with her.”
Qi Shuyun was quite famous in their year. Her teacher was Dr. Zuo, Dean Huang’s student.
No need to say whose student Dean Huang was.
She had also entered an academic family. After people in the class knew Xu Wenyao had broken up with her, their attitude wasn’t as good as before.
“Don’t know why you broke up with her, Dr. Zuo… what kind of paper would I need to write to catch his eye?” Chen Hong’s eyes showed longing, then he sighed, “Ah well, let’s go meet your sister at the gate first. She got into our school too?”
“Just got in.” Xu Wenyao nodded.
“Heard there’s a monster among the new students today, probably someone like Senior He Wen. Your sister is amazing, getting into our school this year.” Chen Hong was curious – he knew about Xu Zhiyue but hadn’t heard Xu Wenyao mention another sister.
Got into Jiangjing too? Xu Wenyao’s phone just rang. He looked down and stopped walking, “She says she’s at the library.”
Must have made a reservation in advance.
Xu Wenyao wondered how that otherworldly face of hers would know to make advance reservations.
Near noon.
He just told her the location of the third cafeteria; they would meet there.
At the library entrance.
Bai Lian held a stack of borrowed books, casually browsing her phone. Xu Wenyao was going to take her to eat at the third cafeteria.
He had sent her a screenshot of the map showing she needed to take the campus bus for three stops.
There was a stop right at the library entrance. She wore a green long dress with medium-length sleeves. Sunlight scattered across her face, her black hair half-tied back with the rest falling lazily over her left shoulder.
Like a figure emerging from an ink painting, many passersby turned to look at her. Some hesitated, wanting to take out their phones and approach.
Bai Lian lowered her eyes, about to exit WeChat to check today’s challenge questions on the Jiangjing app.
A message popped up.
Shi Yu: [Picture]
Shi Yu: [No one at your place?]
It was a photo of Mountain Sea Apartments.
Bai Lian clicked to look. This was Principal Shi recommended by Ji Heng. This person had added her a few days ago and just asked “Where are you” every day.
Baijian: [I’m at Jiangjing University]
Baijian: [Third cafeteria]
Meanwhile, at Mountain Sea Apartments 303, Principal Shi’s mouth twitched. Yesterday he had come once but she was at her uncle’s place, and couldn’t say the address.
Three visits, and in the end the person was on his own turf?
Principal Shi wiped his old face and turned decisively, “Let’s go.”
“Where?” Beside him, the director quickly followed. This college entrance exam champion was really hard to find.
Principal Shi rolled up the documents in his hand. He was in a hurry, afraid of missing her at the third cafeteria, so he didn’t wait for the elevator and took the stairs directly, “Go to the third cafeteria to intercept someone.”
“Should you wear a mask?” The director hurried to keep up.
At Jiangjing University, the principal’s popularity was second only to Academician Ma.
Leave a Reply