Chapter 43: The Belle of the University

Gu Xiangnan’s expression darkened. “The Zheng family? In Jiangning’s business circles, how many people have the surname Zheng?”

“There’s only one family.” Su Hanyan asked, “What’s wrong? Do you know someone from the Zheng family?”

Gu Xiangnan clenched his teeth and gave a cold laugh. “More than just knowing them.”

Under Su Hanyan’s persistent questioning, Gu Xiangnan recounted everything that had happened at Hengtong Plaza.

“I think he didn’t learn his lesson last time, and now he’s asking for trouble again!”

Gu Xiangnan decided that this time, he would teach him a proper lesson.

“Senior Sister, I’m sorry, I’ve dragged you into this,” Gu Xiangnan said apologetically.

Su Hanyan shook her head. “Xiao Nan, don’t say that. We’re family—there’s no ‘dragging in’ among us.”

Her phone rang again. She answered, “Alright, I’ll be there soon. You all continue your discussion.”

Su Hanyan turned and walked toward the door. Gu Xiangnan called after her,

“Senior Sister, let me go with you.”

“No need. Didn’t you make arrangements with Doctor Hua? You’re reporting to the university tomorrow. Rest well at home tonight.” With that, she hurried off.

Early the next morning, as usual, Wang Mei rode her motorbike, taking Gu Xiangnan straight to the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Yesterday, Hua Hongwen had added him as a friend.

He told Gu Xiangnan to call him once he arrived at the university.

The motorbike stopped at the university entrance, and Gu Xiangnan took out his phone and dialed.

“Hello,” Gu Xiangnan said coolly.

On the other end, Hua Hongwen sounded excited. “Mr. Gu, have you arrived at the university?”

“Yes, I’m at the gate,” Gu Xiangnan replied calmly.

“Mr. Gu, I apologize. I just received notice that I need to travel to another city for consultations. I may not return for a couple of days. It happened so suddenly, I haven’t had time to explain things to the university staff.” Hua Hongwen sounded full of regret.

“I see…” Gu Xiangnan was considering heading home.

Afraid Gu Xiangnan might change his mind, Hua Hongwen quickly added,

“Mr. Gu, I have a suggestion. Perhaps you could join a class at the Acupuncture and Tuina College as a student, observe their teaching methods and curriculum design, and see if there are any issues.

When I return, I’ll formally introduce you to everyone. Would that be alright?”

Gu Xiangnan found the proposal interesting and agreed. “Alright, I’ll go check things out first.”

After hanging up, Wang Mei said,

“I’ll go park the bike. I’ll text you in a bit.”

With that, Wang Mei rode off.

At this hour, the campus was bustling with students. Although most lived on campus, the gate still saw students coming and going.

Gu Xiangnan walked beneath the tree-lined avenue, glancing at the passing female students—

Their slender, fair legs!

Their exquisitely shaped waists and hips!

Gu Xiangnan took a deep breath. Youth is wonderful! University is wonderful!

Suddenly, the crowd turned their heads in one direction.

Two girls passed by him, and their conversation drifted into his ears.

“Look, isn’t that the campus beauty? She’s so gorgeous.”

“I heard a lot of senior students are chasing after her!”

“Xu Shao has made it clear—she’s his. Anyone who wants to pursue her needs to get past him first.”

“Xu Shao’s family is powerful and influential. Who would dare compete with him?”

Their words caught Gu Xiangnan’s attention. He stopped and followed everyone’s gaze.

A young woman entered through the main gate.

She wore a pale blue, cinched-waist long dress. Though the fabric wasn’t form-fitting, her impressive figure was unmistakable.

Her soft, long hair draped over her shoulders like black silk.

She cradled several books in her arms; the exposed portion of her jade-like arm was as white as snow.

Her almond eyes, with light brown irises, shone in the sunlight like amber.

Someone greeted her, and she looked up—her eyes lively and fluid as water.

Her thick lashes resembled fairy wings; every blink seemed to scatter starlight.

Her lips were rosy and plump, the corners slightly upturned as she offered a sweet smile.

Gu Xiangnan was stunned for a moment. She was indeed beautiful and pure.

While he stood in a daze, the campus beauty brushed past him, her unique youthful fragrance enveloping him. Unconsciously, he followed her.

Her appearance rivaled that of his senior sisters.

He was lost in thought when a wave of commotion snapped him back to reality.

The campus beauty walked past several buildings, drawing countless gazes from within.

Wherever she passed, excitement followed.

Male students confessed their love wildly:

“Look over here!”

“I love you~~~~”

She didn’t look their way, only kept her head down and walked.

Arriving at the small garden in front of the teaching building, a handsome young man suddenly jumped out from beside the flowerbed.

The campus beauty startled and stopped.

Gu Xiangnan, not far behind, also halted.

“Zi Xiaoyin, you’re here.”

The young man, dressed head-to-toe in Givenchy, had deep-set features and a straight nose.

He snapped his fingers, and several male classmates nearby began strumming guitars.

Someone handed him a bouquet of roses.

He tossed his hair and smiled. “Xiaoyin, everything here today is for you. These flowers come from overseas.”

Another snap of his fingers.

Two male classmates unfurled a long banner:

“Xiaoyin, I love you!”

The handsome youth walked toward Zi Xiaoyin with deep affection. “This is my ninth confession. I promise you, if you agree to be with me, I’ll cut ties with all those other women.

From now on, you’ll be the only woman in my life, alright?”

Zi Xiaoyin looked embarrassed, standing there with furrowed brows.

Clearly unwilling.

But before she could answer, a dozen boys and girls sprang out.

They surrounded her, chanting, “Say yes! Say yes!”

Zi Xiaoyin began, “No, I—”

“Say yes! Say yes!”

The chorus rose higher and higher, drowning out her response.

She was visibly distressed, unsure how to handle the situation.

She tried to leave, but her path was blocked.

A direct refusal would be ignored.

She didn’t like this classmate, Xu Chenyi—she even found him somewhat annoying.

Though they weren’t in the same department, they were still fellow students.

Considering the future ahead, Zi Xiaoyin didn’t want to make enemies.

She had always rejected him gently, but that only fueled Xu Chenyi’s delusions, making him think he still had a chance.

This time, he went even further.

Some classmates lit candles arranged in a heart shape.

Xu Chenyi knelt on one knee. “Xiaoyin, please be my girlfriend! When I inherit my family fortune, you’ll be a wealthy lady at home, never needing to suffer!”

The crowd burst into applause. “So romantic! Say yes!”

“I’m dying of envy!”

Zi Xiaoyin’s porcelain-doll face grew even paler, on the verge of tears.

Suddenly, a figure darted into the crowd.

“Ah—fire!”

Gu Xiangnan, holding a fire extinguisher, aimed at the pile of candles.

A jet of white powder surged forth, instantly snuffing out all the flames.

Then, he turned the nozzle toward Xu Chenyi’s face and sprayed him fiercely.