Chapter 246: Catching Up

In the interrogation room—

“Name?”

“Ye Qiu.”

“Gender?”

“Seriously? Can’t you tell just by looking?”

“Gender!!!”

“…Female.”

BANG!

Ling Duanya slammed the table, glaring. “Cooperate, or don’t blame me for getting rough!”

“Relax, beautiful. Getting angry is bad for your health,” Ye Qiu said with a casual smile.

“I don’t need your concern. Just—wait… why does that line sound familiar?” Ling Duanya paused, a sudden flicker of confusion in her expression.

Not long ago, she had interrogated another guy who behaved just like this one. If she remembered right, his name was Xiao Yifeng. Same smug attitude. Same tone. Same nonsense.

But that wasn’t important right now. What mattered was: the man in front of her had assaulted someone

on school grounds

, and snapped their arm.

“Quit mumbling. What were you saying?” Ye Qiu asked, sensing her distraction.

“None of your business. Now answer the question—do you admit to the assault?”

“I do,” Ye Qiu said nonchalantly. “But I held back. Just broke the guy’s arm. I’m willing to settle privately—pay some medical expenses or whatever.”

“Settle? I just got word: the victim’s demanding one billion yuan in compensation—and a public apology.”

Ye Qiu froze. “A billion?! What, is he trying to rob me?!”

Sure, he had money—but he didn’t get rich by throwing it around. Every cent had been earned through blood and sweat—literally.

As for a

public apology

? Dream on.

He was no ordinary thug. He was the top assassin on the underground kill list. Apologize? Never.

“That’s the message they gave. Also, there’s already a lawsuit filed. Not just by one lawyer—but an entire legal team,” Ling Duanya said flatly.

Ye Qiu’s face darkened. The playful smirk faded. “Then I’ll get a lawyer too.”

“That’s your right,” she replied coolly.

Ye Qiu pulled out his phone and dialed.

Compared to coughing up a billion, he’d rather spend that money on a legal battle. He had

s

everal billion in the bank anyway—he could afford to fight.

That night at a seafood hotpot restaurant near Qingling University.

Wang Haoran, Song Zhenyu, Qin Yunhan, Xu Muyan, Mu Zhaozhao, and Wen Jing were gathered around a table, chatting and enjoying the meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Song Zhenyu had previously taught English to several of them, so they were all quite familiar.

Now, however, they were no longer in a student-teacher relationship. Technically speaking, she was their senior, preparing for her postgraduate exams.

They chatted and laughed while eating seafood hotpot, the vibe cheerful and casual.

Xu Muyan and Qin Yunhan bickered from time to time, but nothing serious. After Wang Haoran had come clean about his relationship with Xu Muyan—especially after being “caught in the act” by Qin Yunhan—everything had been out in the open.

Qin Yunhan had sulked for a while but got over it quickly. Still, whenever she and Xu Muyan crossed paths, the two inevitably squabbled a little.

Wen Jing and Mu Zhaozhao were aware of the dynamic but didn’t say anything.

Song Zhenyu hadn’t noticed the tension, assuming they were just your typical love-hate besties. She found their bickering rather amusing.

Looking around the lively table, Song Zhenyu couldn’t help but feel moved.

Compared to her own cold, distant family, the warmth of these students—now more like friends—touched her deeply.

She raised her glass. “Cheers!”

(They were drinking juice, not alcohol.)

Halfway through the meal, Wang Haoran changed the topic.

“SIster Zhenyu, what major are you applying to for grad school? Foreign languages?”

Wang Haoran had connections. Professors like Qiu Qianwei, Ji Shuiyao, and Liu Yue were all part of his network. With their help, Song Zhenyu’s path to grad school would be much smoother.

Song Zhenyu shook her head. “Actually, I’m aiming for Marine Biology.”

Wang Haoran smiled. “What a coincidence. I know a professor in that department. Hang on.”

He pulled out his phone and dialed Ji Shuiyao.

“Looking for Weiwei?” she asked as she picked up—referring to Qiu Qianwei, the seventh sister.

Wang Haoran rarely contacted her directly, so she assumed it was on behalf of her little sister.

“Nope. I’m calling for you. Are you free right now?”

“Yes, yes! Of course!” Ji Shuiyao said, flustered but excited.

“Can you come out for a bit?”

“Definitely.” Ji Shuiyao didn’t hesitate. She tossed aside the book in her hands and got ready to leave.

At home, Qiu Qianwei had just finished cooking and called out, “Dinner’s ready!”

“I have something to do—won’t be eating,” Ji Shuiyao replied.

“It’s already past 8. Where are you even going?” Qiu Qianwei asked curiously.

“I… I…” Ji Shuiyao stammered, completely flustered.

“Ohhh, I get it. You’re meeting that mystery crush of yours, right? Go, go!” Qiu Qianwei teased.

Face burning, Ji Shuiyao rushed to change into something nice, threw on a bit of makeup, and darted out the door.

Soon, Ji Shuiyao arrived at the restaurant’s private room—only to be stunned by the scene inside.

She’d thought it would be just her and Wang Haoran.

But in addition to him, there were five beautiful women, each dazzling in her own way.

“Come in. Have a seat,” Wang Haoran said warmly.

“R-right,” Ji Shuiyao mumbled, dazed, as she sat down in an empty seat.

Song Zhenyu took a closer look, then blinked in surprise. “Wait… Are you Professor Ji Shuiyao?”

“That’s me,” Ji Shuiyao said politely.

Wang Haoran introduced them. “This is my high school English teacher, Song Zhenyu. She’s applying for the Marine Biology program.”

“Oh!” Ji Shuiyao’s demeanor softened even more. “Do you have a mentor yet?”

“Not yet. I’ve only just arrived on campus.”

“Well, if you don’t mind… I’d be happy to take you on as my student.”

Song Zhenyu’s face lit up. “That would be amazing, Professor Ji. Thank you so much!”

Ji Shuiyao smiled. “Don’t mention it. It’s nothing, really.”

Wang Haoran added, “By the way, she’s still looking for a place to stay.”

Ji Shuiyao nodded. “I have a faculty apartment. It’s quiet, spacious, and fully furnished. But I’ve been staying elsewhere with my fifth sister, so it’s empty. If you don’t mind, you can stay there.”

“Professor Ji, I really can’t thank you enough,” Song Zhenyu said sincerely.

“Haoran’s teacher is like… uh, no—his friend is my friend. No need to be so formal.” Ji Shuiyao realized her words were getting tangled and quickly corrected herself.

After a pause, she added, “Actually, just call me

Sister Ji

. Wait… I’m 21. How old are you?”

“…23,” Song Zhenyu said awkwardly.

“Ah.” Ji Shuiyao felt the whole relationship tree was getting confusing. Still, she smiled. “Then maybe just call me

Xiao Yao

… or

Yaoyao

. And I’ll call you

Sister Song

, deal?”