Chapter 7: Professor?

Song Kairui lowered his head, knowing how much Uncle Wen and Aunt Shen were pleased with Gu Yuchen as their prospective son-in-law. Zhixian was probably in for a tough battle.

He frowned. When he heard from Zhaoli that Gu Yuchen had hit Zhixian over a broken cup, he thought Gu Yuchen must have lost his mind.

Over a broken cup, seriously?

To physically harm your fiancée over a relic from an ex, especially when you’re about to get married—that’s just insane.

They were both his friends, but after things escalated to this point, it was better if they broke up.

“Let’s not talk about him,” Wen Zhixian said, changing the subject while she continued eating, “Are you guys not busy today?”

“Not busy. Want to go shopping after lunch?”

Wen Zhixian nodded.

They called it shopping, but it seemed more like they were worried about her, filling up her car’s trunk with stuff before they finally let her go.

As she passed through the university town, she realized her parents’ home was nearby, so she drove into the neighborhood and called her dad before getting out of the car.

When he picked up, she asked, “Dad, are you home?”

Then she giggled, “I’m downstairs. I was thinking of having sweet and sour pork ribs and crispy fried pork tonight.”

Wen Xingzhi replied, “I’m afraid that won’t be happening tonight.”

“Do you have plans?”

“Some old friends and I are having dinner together. It’s been a while since we last met.” Wen Xingzhi suddenly laughed, “But don’t worry, Zhixian, your mom and I will have some sweet and sour pork ribs and crispy fried pork on your behalf tonight.”

Wen Zhixian was speechless. Such loving parents.

“Thanks a lot.” Do his students know their professor is like this?

Wen Xingzhi said, “Alright, alright, I’ll make it for you next time. It’s getting late, so you should make yourself something to eat.”

After hanging up, Wen Zhixian received a money transfer from her dad. The note attached read: “Sweet and sour pork ribs, crispy fried pork.”

Of course, she accepted it without hesitation.

As she drove out of the neighborhood, she passed the entrance of Hua A University and suddenly spotted a few handsome guys and beautiful girls walking out. She instinctively stopped her car across from the entrance and rolled down the window.

She leaned on the window, watching the students pass by. Looking at attractive people really did improve her mood.

It was around 4 PM, and the cool breeze blew her hair, which had fallen over her ears. She had been watching the students for about seven or eight minutes, reminiscing about her own university days.

Lost in thought, she was startled by a familiar voice next to her, “Miss Wen.”

She quickly turned her head to see a man standing by her car—Mr. Qi.

She was momentarily stunned, pulling her arms back from the window, “Mr. Qi, what a coincidence. What are you doing here?”

Qi Yanjing was about to leave when he noticed the car looked familiar. After checking the license plate, he confirmed it was hers.

“I work here,” Qi Yanjing pointed toward Hua A University.

Wen Zhixian turned to look at the university entrance, feeling a bit choked up. “Oh, I see…”

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“I…” She suddenly felt embarrassed. Was she supposed to tell him she was just watching the handsome guys and pretty girls at his school?

She decided on a different approach, “My parents live nearby, and I was just passing by. I noticed the students looked so energetic, so I watched them for a bit.”

Qi Yanjing glanced in the direction she had been looking. A male student, who looked like he hadn’t fully woken up, was walking out of the school gate.

“Oh, I see.”

Wen Zhixian nodded, “Yes, that’s it.”

Qi Yanjing, still looking toward the school entrance, responded in his usual cold manner, “They are indeed full of energy.”

Wen Zhixian was at a loss for words.

Then he changed the topic, “Are you headed to your parents’ place?”

“My parents went out for dinner, so I’ll be heading home to cook for myself,” she paused, then slowly looked at Qi Yanjing, “Mr. Qi, would you like to join me for dinner?”

Qi Yanjing pressed his lips together and was silent for a couple of seconds before agreeing, “My car is in front. I’ll follow you.”

“Okay.”

Just as she finished speaking, a couple of voices—male and female—called out, “Goodbye, Professor.”

Wen Zhixian turned to look out her car window at the students. The three of them glanced back at her, and she suddenly felt a bit awkward. Their eyes were clear, with a hint of amusement.

Qi Yanjing nodded, “Goodbye.”

As Wen Zhixian started her car to leave, the three students waved at her with smiles. She managed to return a polite smile.

Before she drove off, she overheard the students saying, “This one looks good, this one looks good.”

She slowed down her speed, waiting specifically for Qi Yanjing. Once she saw his car in her rearview mirror, she accelerated.

She had been too preoccupied with her embarrassment earlier, but did the students call him “Professor”?

As she focused on the road ahead, she couldn’t help but be surprised. Had she heard wrong?

Mr. Qi looked to be about the same age as her, around twenty-six. Had he already become a professor at such a young age?

Her father had become a professor at thirty-two, and she already thought that was impressive. Could Mr. Qi be even more extraordinary? Or was he actually in his thirties but just didn’t look it?

Tonight, she was going to search for information on twenty-something professors at Hua A University. If this were true, the school would surely have made a big announcement about it. It shouldn’t be hard to find out.

She chose a Chinese restaurant she frequented, as she always thought their sweet and sour pork ribs were authentic.

After parking her car, she got out and waited for Mr. Qi.

When Qi Yanjing stepped out of his car, he glanced at the restaurant’s name. Wen Zhixian asked, “Is this place okay?”

He nodded, “It’s fine.”

The two walked into the restaurant together. Since it was just the two of them, they didn’t request a private room. The waiter led them to a window seat, handed them a tablet to order from, and respectfully stepped back.

Wen Zhixian introduced the place to him, “The sweet and sour pork ribs and the crispy fried pork here are really good.”

As she spoke, she marked those two dishes on the tablet.

“Alright.”

After selecting four of her favorite dishes, she set the tablet down for Qi Yanjing to choose a few more. He quickly picked a couple of dishes he liked and soon set the tablet down as well. The waiter took note of their order and left, saying, “Please wait a moment.”

Wen Zhixian found Mr. Qi to be not picky at all—straightforward and minimalist, doing exactly what needed to be done without saying a word more than necessary.

“When I was at your school’s gate earlier, I heard them call you ‘Professor’?” Wen Zhixian asked.

Qi Yanjing lifted his dark eyes slightly, “Yes, I was promoted to professor last year.”

“That’s impressive,” she said, genuinely praising him, as it shattered her previous understanding.

It was mealtime, and the restaurant was becoming increasingly busy with people coming and going.

After the dishes were served, Wen Zhixian said to him, “Try their sweet and sour pork ribs. They’re really delicious.”

It was clear that Miss Wen was a true fan of the sweet and sour pork ribs at this restaurant. He picked up a small rib with his chopsticks and tasted it. After trying it, he nodded, “Not bad.”

This restaurant’s sweet and sour pork ribs leaned more on the sour side, which suggested that Miss Wen might enjoy a sweet and sour flavor.

“And try this crispy fried pork,” Wen Zhixian pointed to the dish.

Qi Yanjing moved his chopsticks to the crispy fried pork and took a bite. Once again, he nodded, “Not bad.”