Chapter 12 Mutual Assistance

Although Zhou Yimin had promised to do his best to help Yan Zhen enter South Lake University and share a dorm room with Lin Yangfeng, putting it into practice was far from easy.

First of all, South Lake University was a prestigious institution, not some middle or elementary school where transfers could be arranged casually. Leaving aside other issues, Yan Zhen had never studied in the human world before—how would he know what to learn? He wouldn’t even be able to keep up. Only after solving the problem of getting into the school could they tackle the second issue of sharing a dorm. And before considering roommates, they’d have to figure out which dorm Lin Yangfeng was staying in and whether he already had one.

Zhou Yimin was completely overwhelmed. Yet, he had finally received a direct request from Grandmaster Yan and had even boasted earlier that he could handle any request. If he suddenly said, “Ah, I’m just a nobody and can’t do it,” then any goodwill from Grandmaster Yan would be lost for good.

After much deliberation, he gritted his teeth and admitted that this was beyond him. But he had a wide network—maybe he could find a way to connect Grandmaster Yan with someone influential at South Lake University, making them owe Yan a favor? Right! There were other ways too. These days, special matters required special handling. The normal procedures for ordinary people wouldn’t work, and he did have some connections with that special department…

So, Zhou Yimin went to contact Qiu Xiaoling.

Qiu Xiaoling was puzzled when she received Zhou Yimin’s call. They were friends, but everyone had their own busy lives, and given the gender divide, they rarely kept in touch. What was going on today?

After answering the call, Qiu Xiaoling was even more confused—he was asking for Fang Zhenbang’s contact information? That was overestimating her. She had interacted with Fang Zhenbang, but their contact had only involved giving a statement. When he had reached out, he hadn’t even used his personal number but a special one that disappeared after use. Now, if he asked again, she wouldn’t be able to reach him either.

Zhou Yimin hung up, somewhat disappointed, but this was to be expected. The Special Affairs Bureau wasn’t an ordinary department—there was no reason for them to casually hand out private numbers. He thought for a moment, then glanced at the Five-colored Jade pendant he wore and scrolled through his phone contacts, looking for people with broader connections. One by one, he dialed their numbers.

·

Having fed his precious Dan Zai for so long, Yan Zhen felt that his little egg’s health had improved significantly compared to when they first reunited. So, when Zhou Yimin didn’t give him any updates for several days, he didn’t press—he wasn’t stupid. After spending time in the human world, he knew things were complicated now and couldn’t always be solved with brute force. South Lake University seemed to be one of the top-tier human schools, and coupled with Zhou Yimin’s hesitant attitude, he understood that getting in wouldn’t be easy.

Thus, Yan Zhen developed a habit of visiting the gates of South Lake University every day. If Dan Zai ever felt like taking a stroll outside, wouldn’t he get to see him? Though he knew he shouldn’t be too impatient, he couldn’t help but miss his little egg!

Just as Yan Zhen’s patience was wearing thin, Zhou Yimin finally showed up. By his side was an elegant, dignified noblewoman, exuding an air of high society—though her attitude wasn’t unfriendly.

At that time, Yan Zhen was reading a cookbook, pondering how to prepare varied dishes for Dan Zai once they shared a dorm. He wasn’t paying much attention to anything else until someone approached the counter and called out to him, prompting him to look up.

The one who called him was naturally Zhou Yimin, who enthusiastically introduced, “Grandmaster Yan, this is Huang TaiTai, the wife of a board member at South Lake University.”

University board members wield significant influence within the institution. While they generally don’t act recklessly, they certainly have the means to intervene where necessary.

Yan Zhen didn’t quite grasp this but nodded anyway, turning his gaze toward the noblewoman.

This Huang TaiTai, named Huang Li, wasn’t strikingly beautiful but had delicate features and an elegant demeanor. Though she likely harbored some pride, she was exceedingly amiable when facing Yan Zhen.

Huang Li smiled and said, “Hello, Grandmaster Yan.”

Yan Zhen suddenly remembered—humans did like exchanging greetings—so he replied, “Hello, Huang TaiTai.”

Huang Li had already heard about Yan Zhen’s temperament from Zhou Yimin. She knew this grandmaster had just emerged from the mountains, possessing wealth beyond that of ordinary tycoons, yet his nature was unworldly. Thus, she didn’t mind his somewhat delayed reactions.

Zhou Yimin took the initiative to explain, “Grandmaster Yan, Huang TaiTai here can assist you. However, she’s been troubled by something recently and hopes you might lend a hand.”

Yan Zhen thought for a moment. “We help each other?” He glanced at Zhou Yimin. “Can she get me into South Lake University?”

Huang Li took over politely, “Of course. Yimin mentioned you don’t wish to enroll formally, which makes it much simpler. I can arrange an auditing student position for you, and staying in the dorm won’t be an issue either.”

Satisfied that she could help, Yan Zhen cut straight to the point. “What do you need me to do for you?”

Huang Li answered just as directly, “Lately, my husband has been acting strangely. I’d like you to take a look.”

Thinking he’d soon be reunited with Dan Zai, Yan Zhen agreed without hesitation.

“Then let’s go take a look.”

·

Though Huang Li and Yan Zhen had just met, one was eager to resolve her husband’s issues, while the other wanted to hurry to the university to feed his beloved Dan Zai. They hit it off immediately and set off without delay.

Yan Zhen closed up shop and followed Huang Li outside.

As they stepped out, they saw a luxury car parked nearby. Naturally, Huang TaiTai had a chauffeur. To show respect, she gestured for Yan Zhen to board first.

Yan Zhen found the metal box rather intriguing and was keen to get in. But the moment he placed one foot inside, the entire car sank downward—had he not quickly withdrawn his foot, the chassis might have given way entirely.

Huang Li, standing behind him, was oblivious to the cause.

Yan Zhen turned back with a faint smile. “I think I’ll pass on the ride.”

Huang Li was puzzled. “Have I offended you in some way?”

Yan Zhen shook his head. “Take Zhou Yimin with you. I’ll walk—warm up a bit first.”

Huang Li: “…”

Warm up? Warm up for what?