Wang Jiaqian's class ended perfunctorily.
She remained in a daze, unable to shake off the enchanting, almost demonic, sound of the zither.
The students, however, recovered more quickly.
Qin Yexuan's zither playing had unexpectedly incorporated the Heart Charm technique, causing everyone's minds to be somewhat ensnared.
But Wang Jiaqian, due to her proximity, had absorbed the full effect of the zither's enchanting melody.
Even as she left the classroom, the image of that strange student kept appearing before her eyes.
Wang Jiaqian shook her head vigorously. "Why can't I stop thinking about him? He's my student. Although he does play the ancient zither remarkably well."
Wang Jiaqian, who always considered herself quite eloquent, couldn't find a suitable adjective.
She could only dryly say "well."
In reality, she truly couldn't comprehend or fathom it.
The pride of this beautiful female teacher had crumbled. She covered her flushed face. "How utterly embarrassing! I actually performed my zither skills in front of him?"
She would never forget Qin Yexuan's debonair demeanor as he played the zither earlier.
Bzzz, bzzz, her phone vibrated. It was a girl Wang Jiaqian had met while working as a part-time model. Su Dan Online Novel.
"Leng Yan? What a surprise, aren't you supposed to be attending some rich second-generation's birthday party today?"
A crisp laugh came from the other end. "Qianqian, I know you're a university teacher, a cultured person, but you truly don't know the characteristics of my profession."
Wang Jiaqian felt awkward. "I only do part-time modeling for clothes; I don't really understand your circle."
What circle? It was simply being a sugar baby.
This Leng Yan hailed from a small rural city in Zhongzhou, but she spent money to forge several fake documents, transforming herself into a socialite who had returned from studying abroad.
She specifically frequented gatherings and banquets of the wealthy, all to hunt for rich men.
Leng Yan's biggest dream was to find a genuine rich second-generation to marry and become a young mistress of a prominent family.
"Qianqian, there's a gathering tonight. Can you come with me?"
Hmm?
Wang Jiaqian immediately refused. "You know me. We were very clear from the start. You do your thing, I do my part-time job. I will absolutely not participate in your kind of parties, no matter how much money is offered."
She had spoken quite firmly.
Leng Yan wasn't offended and continued to laugh. "You're overthinking it. Tonight, the elite of Chaoge are hosting the grandest, most high-class banquet in Chaoge to welcome our Great Xia's renowned marshal, Li Tianxing. This is a strictly formal occasion."
Ah!
Wang Jiaqian knew about that banquet. It was indeed a high-profile event. Chaoge Academy's old dean had only received an invitation, and his seating was ranked over a thousandth.
Even the old dean could only sit on a chair outside the main hall.
This was indeed a legitimate banquet.
"Leng Yan, why do you want me to accompany you? To be honest, our relationship isn't that close, and I'm not qualified."
"Qianqian, I've secured an opportunity to perform. But their screening process is too strict. You know me; my documents are all falsified. They require girls performing to have at least a master's degree."
Leng Yan was also being honest. "This is too important for me. I don't want to keep living like this. Once inside, if I can get acquainted with just one man, my future wealth is secured. You're a university teacher; your qualifications are sufficient. So, I'm begging you, please help me."
So that's how it was.
Wang Jiaqian sneered inwardly and was about to refuse again.
But Leng Yan quickly added, "You need money and connections to treat your two younger sisters. The performance fee for this event exceeds one hundred thousand, enough to cover your sister's dialysis for a long time. Also, many renowned doctors and masters will be present. You understand, the most powerful traditional Chinese medicine masters in Chaoge will all be there."
Wang Jiaqian was swayed.
Money was important, but even more so was that traditional Chinese medicine master.
She quickly scrolled through her phone.
Indeed, Hua Bian Que, the foremost master in Chaoge's traditional Chinese medicine circles, was scheduled to attend the banquet welcoming Li Tianxing.
"Then I'll consider it."
"Don't consider it, Qianqian. I have more explosive news. I heard that the renowned Great Xia marshal Li Tianxing intends to use the banquet to celebrate his master's birthday. Marshal Li's master—think about how important such a person must be! Even just taking a photo at such an event would elevate you to the status of a socialite."
Wang Jiaqian didn't care about that.
Li Tianxing, such a paramount figure, a top official within Great Xia's highest echelons, his master must be a venerable elder.
And that "elder's" status was likely second to none, second only to the emperor. What could that possibly have to do with an ordinary person like herself?
"Alright, I'll get ready. You pick me up tonight; I don't have a car right now."
Wang Jiaqian left in a hurry. Before leaving, she posted a message in the class group chat, asking classmate Qin to meet her in the office tomorrow afternoon.
"Talent like this shouldn't be wasted. Classmate Qin, today, this teacher lost. You were excellent."
At this moment, Qin Yexuan was just boarding a special car from the War Department.
The driver was young and had no idea of his passenger's identity, only that Marshal Li had personally designated him to pick up this distinguished guest.
*Hmph, a young brat. Likely some relative of Marshal Li.*
Qin Yexuan sat in the back of the car, feeling a bit perplexed. Why were Li Tianxing and Jun Mengyao looking for him so urgently? Had something happened in the capital?
As he was pondering, a barrage of messages from his dorm mates flooded in.
"Holy crap, Fifth Brother, you're going viral!"
"The video of you playing the zither is exploding right now."
"Bro, quickly check your ranking!"
Qin Yexuan frowned and clicked on the link sent by Li Fuhao. His face immediately darkened.
In the Chaoge Academy's campus hunk election, he had been at the very bottom and was about to withdraw. Now, his votes had instantly surged by over thirty thousand. His current vote count was only twelve votes behind Wu Yuefeng, who was in first place!
Wu Yuefeng's fans were currently cursing him ferociously.
Qin Yexuan closed his phone and rubbed his temples.
He had a headache. It was just playing an ancient melody. It was a piece of cake for him. Who knew it would cause such a stir?
The car stopped at the Jianguo Hotel.
The hotel's name was ordinary, and its architecture wasn't grand; it was an old-fashioned red-brick structure.
But this place was absolutely extraordinary.
The former ruler of the capital had stayed here when he came to inspect the area.
This place was built seventy years ago, and behind it was the special guard garrison of the Chaoge War Department. The area was flat, with the two major office buildings of the War Department on either side.
The number of special guards in the vicinity alone exceeded five thousand!
It could be said that this was the safest place in Chaoge.
Qin Yexuan walked in, and his eyes widened.
The exterior of the hotel was unremarkable, but the interior was luxuriously appointed to the extreme. Moreover, all the furnishings, including tables, chairs, and carpets, were specially supplied domestic products.
The box of cigarettes and the pot of tea placed on the coffee table were items that couldn't be bought outside.
They didn't even have labels or words, only the two characters "Special Supply."
Li Tianxing stood there respectfully. Upon seeing Qin Yexuan, he paused for a moment, then waved for everyone to withdraw.
With guards on all sides, the place became extremely quiet.
Li Tianxing scratched his head, disbelieving. "Since becoming your disciple, although I've heard you speak of body reconstruction, Master, I still find it difficult to fully accept it when I actually see you."
Qin Yexuan recalled the scene when he took this eldest disciple. He smiled gently. "That's why I don't want to see you all again. Even as Master myself, it's quite awkward."
He sat down casually. "Speak. What did you call me here for?"
Li Tianxing's face was full of smiles and joy. "Master, have you forgotten what day it is tonight? It's your birthday. I've come specifically to represent everyone in wishing you a happy birthday!"