Chapter 530: Chapter 530: Her Boyfriend
To Xu Xiangbei’s surprise, he unexpectedly ran into the goddess he once secretly admired here, his first crush and the girl next door, Song Yuting.
Seeing Song Yuting, Xu Xiangbei was a bit flustered, staring directly at Song Yuting, and his high school memories erupted like a triggered catalyst, flooding his mind chaotically.
He even forgot about teaching that slick young man a lesson.
However, the young man did not forget to taunt him.
"What are you looking at? If you keep staring, I’ll gouge your eyes out."
The young man saw Xu Xiangbei looking at Song Yuting and angrily stood between them.
Song Yuting pulled the young man’s arm, "Ah Ze, he’s my high school classmate, please don’t bully him."
The young man sneered, "So he’s your high school classmate? Just look at how flashy he’s dressed. Must be here to see you? Such nice clothes, it’s a pity they’re worn by him."
A blush swept across Song Yuting’s face, as she boasted to Xu Xiangbei, "Xu Xiangbei, this is my boyfriend Sun Ze. His family owns a chain of hotels, and they’ve opened three budget hotels in Earth Sea. Sun Ze said that after he graduates and takes over the family business, he’ll open the fourth and fifth ones."
Xu Xiangbei smiled indifferently, "Your boyfriend, turns out to be second-generation wealthy, I didn’t see that coming."
Song Yuting looked troubled, "Why did you come looking for me? I told you back then, there’s no possibility between us. You’re a good person; you’ll surely find a girl you like. I already have a boyfriend."
Xu Xiangbei laughed; Song Yuting misunderstood, thinking he came for her. He didn’t know what to say. If he claimed he wasn’t here for Song Yuting, he’d surely be mocked by Sun Ze for not daring to admit it. But admitting he’d come for Song Yuting also felt awkward.
Beside Sun Ze was a girl named Xiao Qing. She stood silently, catching Sun Ze’s glance. Understanding his cue, she flirted back and quietly drew Song Yuting aside to whisper with her.
While Xiao Qing whispered with Song Yuting, Sun Ze looked disdainful as he said to Xu Xiangbei, "It’s obvious you really like Ting Ting. But look at yourself, riding a bicycle, dirty all over—how could you be anyone’s boyfriend? Of course, your muddy state is partially my fault. To be honest, Ting Ting is my girlfriend. You think borrowing a suit and dressing up will let you pose as a rich guy? Give it up, man. I’m the real wealthy one, second-generation rich. Whether in looks or ability, you can’t compare to me. Ting Ting will surely like me, not you, so you better get lost. Otherwise, I’ll ensure you lose all face in front of Ting Ting."
Xu Xiangbei laughed, "Sun Ze, oh Sun Ze, your family just opened a few chain hotels. Even if you’re wealthy, love isn’t measured by money. I truly didn’t plan to pursue Ting Ting, and I’m not here for her. But because of what you just said, I’m determined to compete with you. I’ll make sure you lose face in front of Ting Ting."
Upon hearing Xu Xiangbei dare to challenge him, Sun Ze threw a fit, eyes widening, sleeves rolled up, and sneered, "Kid, you’ve got some nerve. Do you not know who I am? Let me tell you, around this Chinese medicine academy, nobody doesn’t know me, Sun Ze. If I say I’ll get ten people to beat you, there won’t be only nine. When I say one, no one dares to say two. You..."
Seeing Xu Xiangbei and Sun Ze chatting so merrily, Song Yuting smiled as she approached, "What are you guys talking about? You seem really happy. Tell me what’s so funny."
Xu Xiangbei smiled, "Just sharing jokes, saying I look like a beggar, unworthy of Ting Ting."
Sympathy flashed in Ting Ting’s eyes. Seeing Xu Xiangbei speak so sadly, she couldn’t help but comfort him as best as she could, "No one’s unworthy of anyone. We’re just not destined. In high school, I had no time for romance. I knew you liked me, but I couldn’t accept it. Now, I have a boyfriend. Although we just started dating, Sun Ze is a good person, very kind, and treats me well."
Xu Xiangbei’s phone rang again as Dean Sun called to urge him, "Best wishes to you both. I have things to do, we’ll chat more when we have time."
"I have class soon too. We’ll catch up another time."
Watching Song Yuting and Sun Ze’s backs as they left, Xu Xiangbei felt uneasy. A deep-seated wound inside him, long healed, was once again ruthlessly torn open.
Xu Xiangbei arrived at the principal’s office and met Dean Sun, along with Dean Qian and Dean Li from the Chinese medicine academy, who were anxiously waiting for him.
Dean Sun beamed with joy seeing Xu Xiangbei, almost unable to contain his excitement. Having Xu Xiangbei come to lecture at the school was a favor, bringing prestige to his old face.
He noticed Xu Xiangbei covered in mud and asked in surprise, "Advisor Xu, why are you so dirty all over?"
Xu Xiangbei tossed his suit onto the leather sofa in the principal’s office and cursed, "Damn, got splattered with mud by a car, couldn’t dodge it, the driver was such an ass."
Dean Qian, the main dean of the Chinese medicine academy, had long heard of Xu Xiangbei from Dean Sun, especially about his unparalleled medical skills.
But seeing Xu Xiangbei, especially witnessing his coarse language, Dean Qian furrowed his brow, disdain flickering in his eyes briefly before it disappeared. He wouldn’t show displeasure on his face, so as not to upset Dean Sun, who had strongly recommended Xu Xiangbei.
He had expected Xu Xiangbei to be a bespectacled, mature, stable middle-aged man, not a dirt-covered, frivolous youth.
Dean Li awkwardly smiled and exchanged glances with Dean Qian, puzzled by Dean Sun’s recommendation of this young man for a school lecture, unable to see any special skills.
Xu Xiangbei plopped onto the sofa, smearing mud from his pants onto the leather.
Without hesitation, he picked up a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes from the coffee table, lit one, and reclined on the sofa.
The sofa’s premium leather felt as soft and fine as cotton against his face, offering such comfort that he rolled playfully, oblivious to the mud he’d smeared over it, causing Dean Qian great distress.
But considering Dean Sun’s presence, the two could only smile bitterly in their hearts, unable to voice their discomfort.
Dean Li intentionally brewed a cup of tea for Xu Xiangbei, asking with a smile, "Advisor Xu, I heard from Dean Sun about your impressive expertise in Chinese medicine, including performing acupuncture. My foot often goes numb, making walking difficult. Do you have any remedy for this?"
