Chapter 106: The Professor’s Test

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The crisp sound of falling knives and other utensils rang in the villa of the Shang family’s kitchen.

The butler appeared worried. He wanted to barge in a few times to investigate Qu Xiao’s situation, but in the end, he stopped, opting to pace back and forth at the door.

It was not until Shang Yan returned home in a wheelchair that the butler ran over with a sigh of relief. He bent down and whispered, “Boss, please speak sense to the Young Madam… If there’s anything you or the Young Madam would like to eat, I’ll hire the best chefs available to prepare the meal this instant. There’s no need for her to expend so much effort…”

Qu Xiao had already ruined two sets of cooking utensils in the half an hour she had spent in the kitchen. The cost of replacing those two sets would amount to a hefty sum.

The sight alone was enough to cause the butler heartache. Shang Yan peered over his butler’s shoulder, a look of surprise adorning his handsome features. “Did someone make her angry?”

“Madam seems quite happy. She said she wants to celebrate and personally cook dinner for you.”

The butler deliberated over his next words carefully. Whenever Qu Xiao prepared a meal, he could not help but shiver, feeling like he was about to sit for his last supper. The family had long since learnt to prepare ample medicine for the food poisoning they would undoubtedly suffer after consuming the Young Madam’s cooking.

Shang Yan motioned for him not to worry and quietly wheeled himself into the kitchen.

Qu Xiao wore an apron and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand when he entered. She was reviewing a cooking program, a frown twisting her features as she struggled to follow its instructions.

Shang Yan tried his best to be as quiet as possible, but the squeaks produced by his wheelchair were hard to mask. The sound alarmed Qu Xiao, who turned to the noise source.

So startled was she that the kitchen knife in her hands nearly drew an arc, slicing into the side of Shang Yan’s face.

Qu Xiao hurriedly reined in her movements. The sharp blade nicked her finger, drawing blood. She cried out in alarm as she covered her finger.

Shang Yan panicked. He grabbed hold of her hand and pressed it to his lips while calling for his butler to bring him the first-aid kit. The pair exited the kitchen and made their way to the living room to deal with Qu Xiao’s wound.

The tip of his tongue licked Qu Xiao’s fingertip, causing it to itch.

Qu Xiao lowered her head, a white cloud of steam streaming out of her red ears. She suddenly remembered the pot of stew sitting on the stove and tried to stand, but Shang Yan stopped her.

He forced her to his side and coldly signalled the butler to help. “Sit down and don’t move.”

Qu Xiao noticed that Shang Yan seemed a little angry. She sat on the spot pitifully and stole a glance at his frosty face.

She bit her red lips and endured the pain as she muttered softly, “I just wanted to cook dinner for you to express my gratitude. Who would have thought that choosing a recipe and following its instructions would be so complicated a process? I… I got a little impatient and created this mess.

“You shouldn’t have troubled yourself. All I ask is for you to be yourself,” Shang Yan paused and added, “You don’t have to study the methods other women use to please men to make me happy.”

Shang Yan’s movements were gentle as he treated Qu Xiao’s wounds, his dark eyes staring straight into hers as he spoke affectionately.

Qu Xiao silently withdrew her fingers, unable to control the small upturn of her lips.

In the background, Qu Xiao could hear a distinct beeping sound emitted by the pressure cooker in the kitchen.

Shang Yan hugged Qu Xiao’s slender waist. These few days, he had been busy with work. Every day, he would return home late. When he saw Qu Xiao sleeping soundly, he did not have the heart to disturb her. He buried his head in the crook of Qu Xiao’s neck, inhaling deeply. “You smell so good.”

“Stop it! Uncle Zhang is watching!”

Qu Xiao pushed Shang Yan away, a tingling sensation tickling her skin. It almost caused her to descend into a giggling fit. Almost.

A mischievous smile flashed across Shang Yan’s eyes as he opened his mouth and nibbled her earlobe. His hand grabbed Qu Xiao’s arm, and no matter how she twisted it, she could not break free.

Buzz Buzz —

The phone on the coffee table vibrated, disrupting the atmosphere.

Qu Xiao saw the name “Professor Lei” flashing on the screen. She pushed Shang Yan away anxiously and tidied up her clothes before answering the phone. “Hello? Professor, I have time. I’ll go over now!”

Qu Xiao hung up the phone and returned to Shang Yan’s side. She lowered her head and planted a kiss on his face.

“I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back soon!”

Qu Xiao carried her backpack anxiously and disappeared out the door like a swirling gale. Shang Yan returned to his senses and frowned deeply.

–

Qu Xiao showed the pass that Lei Qiming gave her to the guard stationed outside the university’s experimentation facility. The guard allowed her entry after verifying her details.

Qu Xiao quickly arrived at the top floor where Lei Qiming’s lab resided.

Lei Qiming was wearing a white coat and protective glasses. He heard the sound of footsteps and berated Qu Xiao for not following standard lab procedures, “Disinfect yourself outside. You’ll need to put on some protective clothing and glasses. Also, don’t forget to sign in at the register on the side. The university requires it for record-keeping purposes.”

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

“Okay.”

Qu Xiao looked around curiously. There were dozens of pots of green plants on the shelf in the laboratory.

She could identify a few herbs that were extremely difficult to grow. Most of them grew in extremely hot environments, which were only possible with the laboratory’s sensitive temperature controls to maintain a relatively stable humidity and temperature.

Lei Qiming put down his notes and called Qu Xiao over, “Don’t you want to join the research team? Help me organise the experimental data we collected today.”

“The corresponding data for each medicinal herb needs to be accurately rounded to three significant figures.

“The workload isn’t much; you need only record the data in these two books before you’re free to go.”

Lei Qiming handed the laboratory key to Qu Xiao and was about to leave when he turned around, saying, “If I discover any errors in the experimental data, you can wave this opportunity goodbye. If you cannot handle this much, then leave now.”

“Don’t worry. I promise to complete the task on time,” Qu Xiao stared at the two thick books of experimental data, the corners of her mouth twitching as she replied. Professor Lei was not testing her; he was torturing her!

She could not fail before stepping on the starting line! She would prove herself to Professor Lei and become a research assistant on his project!

Lei Qiming watched Qu Xiao as she buried her head in her work. He left the laboratory with his hands behind his back while shaking his head.

Chapter 107: Sleep and Romance

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Late at night, in the laboratory on the top floor of the teaching building, a table lamp glowed, emitting dim, yellow light.

Qu Xiao’s back ached, and her shoulder muscles twisted into knots.

She saved the two documents and sent them to Lei Qiming’s mailbox.

Before leaving the laboratory, she adjusted and cleaned the temperature-control display cabinet and threw the dregs of residual drugs into the hazard disposal bin.

By the time she stepped out of the building, the sky over the eastern horizon had lit up with the first rays of dawn. Sunlight peaked through the clouds ushering in the new day.

“Return tomorrow night. The medicinal herbs in the temperature control box need to be replanted and the soil replaced. I’ll leave you in charge of both tasks. Be careful not to damage the roots; the plants must be cleaned one at a time.”

“I’ll leave the key in its original position. After the medicinal herbs are sorted out, photograph your work for me to check.”

Qu Xiao read Lei Qiming’s text message, gnashing her teeth and angrily stomping her feet.

She wished she could send two contemptuous emojis in response. Qu Xiao withheld the urge to do so, knowing it would be counterproductive. Instead, she took a deep breath, in and out, to stabilise her emotions, squeezing out a smile and a respectful tone of voice as she replied with a voice message, “Yes, Professor. Please rest well; you’re getting on in age, and your health is most important to the research program’s success.”

The last few words were particularly difficult to say through clenched teeth. Dragging her exhausted body out of campus, Qu Xiao headed home.

When Qu Xiao arrived home and opened her bedroom door, she saw Shang Yan in her bed, his eyes piercing her with startling clarity.

Qu Xiao was so tired she did not pause to consider what Shang Yan was doing on the bed. She offered him a tired greeting before meandering to the bathroom to soak in the tub.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and Shang Yan grew worried when Qu Xiao did not come out of the bathroom. It was too quiet. Hesitantly, he knocked on the door, asking, “Qu Xiao? Are you okay?”

He received no response. Shang Yan nervously twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, hoping to see if everything was alright. Qu Xiao was soaking in the tub, her skin rosy against the transparent sliding glass. Shang Yan judged that she was asleep from her gaping mouth to the soft snores issuing from her still form.

He heaved a sigh of relief, slowly rolling his wheelchair into the bathroom, and stopped by her side.

Shower foam and soap bubbles clung to her skin; the warm waters of her tub turned it baby pink.

Shang Yan’s eyes darkened. He wrapped his arms around Qu Xiao, the sudden motion causing the water in the tub to overflow around the edges.

The cold air caused Qu Xiao to shiver. She groaned in a daze and returned Shang Yan’s hug, subconsciously nuzzling against the bundle of warmth close to her chest.

Qu Xiao tittered contentedly. She was like a cat basking on the windowsill, soaking up the warmth that Shang Yan’s body provided.

Shang Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He picked up the towel beside him and helped wipe her body dry. The coarse fabric brushed against her smooth and tender skin, eliciting a moan of happiness. In her semi-awake state, she noticed Shang Yan at her side, and she offered him a sweet smile. “Hubby, I’ve found a way to help you stand. Professor Lei will certainly help. He… He may be annoying, but his skill and expertise in Chinese medicine are unparalleled.”

Qu Xiao raised her arm and coquettishly hooked it around Shang Yan’s neck, rubbing against him like a cat. “I’m tired.”

Shang Yan propped Qu Xiao up against him and wheeled them out of the bathroom and to the bed, where he lay her down gently.

“My leg condition… Why do you care so much?”

Shang Yan heard Qu Xiao’s words and wondered why she would go so far to help him.

He thought Qu Xiao did not care whether he had a healthy body or not, and a hint of gloom entered his eyes.

Qu Xiao heard Shang Yan’s voice through her sleep-induced haze, and she flopped up into a seated position, her head shaking back and forth like a rattle-drum, “I want you to be happy. Although you don’t show it, I know it’s something that bothers you a lot. I still remember the words you said in front of grandfather… Those words have always been here, inscribed in my heart.”

“I don’t want you to feel sad. If you’re sad, I’ll be sad too.”

Qu Xiao poked the spot over her heart. Her eyes swam in and out of focus, but she spoke seriously with a deep-seated conviction.

Her comforting words amused Shang Yan. He smiled evilly and pinched her in revenge.

“Ah…!”

Qu Xiao squealed sweetly, rousing Shang Yan’s uncontrollable desire.

He hugged Qu Xiao and allowed her to sit on his waist. A fire burned in his loins, desire and sexual need intermingling in a heady cocktail, one he found himself unable to stifle completely.

“Ah…!”

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

Qu Xiao bared her neck, unconsciously swaying in Shang Yan’s lap.

Contact burned, and it felt like an inferno, a haze of heat and pleasure as they sat entranced by each other’s company. Had anyone seen them together, they would have thought Shang Yan a womaniser with the expression of unadulterated greed on his face.

Crystalline tears flowed freely from Qu Xiao’s eyes; it seemed like it was the straw that broke the camel’s back, causing Shang Yan to see red. He ploughed forward with renewed strength kneading her body with his hands, the motions becoming a blur in their debauchery.

“Shang Yan, stop…!”

Qu Xiao’s voice was hoarse. Her whole body felt numb, and she lay helplessly against Shang Yan’s broad chest. Perhaps it was a sign, but Shang Yan stopped.

He sighed happily. He used his hand to hook up the hair on Qu Xiao’s temples, wanting to kiss her ruby-red lips.

A soft exhale interrupted his thoughts.

“You’re asleep already?”

Shang Yan rubbed his forehead with his fingers and could not help but chuckle as he muttered, “Looks like I didn’t satisfy you.”

In her sleep, Qu Xiao rolled away uneasily. She hoped it would be a while before they engaged in such intimacy again.

Chapter 108: Expulsion of Students

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The next morning, in one of the laboratory building’s classrooms…

Students yawned as they entered the lecture theatre. A few more observant students noticed a mannequin-like object slumped over a desk in the corner.

Curious, they approached the hunched figure, attempting to discern what it was in the dimly lit room. A quick-eyed female student screamed in alarm, hastily covering her eyes, “It’s moving!” Her frantic cry caused a commotion. Even students of the Department of Chinese Medicine, a study of sciences, were superstitious, wary of ghosts and gods.

The students picked up whatever they could find. Brooms, books, chairs and bins were raised to defend themselves.

Qu Xiao had dark circles under her eyes, and her long hair draped over her shoulders in a mess of knots. She got up slowly, using her hands to part the curtain of hair covering her face.

“… What are you all doing here?”

Her hands were covered in soil. It might have taken a while, but she managed to re-pot all the medicinal herbs in the temperature control display cabinet.

Qu Xiao followed Lei Qiming’s instructions to the letter, using both of her hands to handle each plant one at a time. She meticulously cleaned the roots of each plant, removing the clumped up soil and dirt. It was an important step to prevent cross-contamination. Qu Xiao worked tirelessly through the night and felt her legs turn numb as she tried to stand, almost losing her balance.

She staggered, catching herself against the edge of a long table, and patted some feeling back into her legs.

The female student, who screamed, regained her senses and seemed abashed. “Who gave you the key?” She blurted out.

“This is the teaching building. You are not an official student of this school. You should pay attention to your boundaries.”

“There are many rare medicinal herbs in the laboratory. What if you break them or steal them to sell them? Give us the key!”

Qu Xiao was pretty, and her delicate face held a fatal attraction.

Yesterday, in the lecture hall, Qu Xiao was able to answer Lei Qiming’s tricky questions. All the male students of the Department of Chinese Medicine ogled her with star-struck eyes, inquiring into her identity. Most of them were discussing whether or not she was single.

The female students naturally held a lot of resentment and dissatisfaction in their hearts. Hence, their joint attack against Qu Xiao.

Qu Xiao’s purpose in coming to ‘A’ university was to cooperate with Lei Qiming and develop a treatment plan that would allow Shang Yan to stand up again. She did not intend to argue with anyone, so she bit her tongue and reigned in her temper, looking like a meek lamb, gentle and timid.

The female student arrogantly bumped into her, almost hitting the medicinal herbs kept in the temperature control cabinet.

Qu Xiao’s eyes were sharp as she raised her hand to steady the swaying flowerpots and glared at the female student.

The female student broke out in a cold sweat. Though she was scared, she did not want to look weak, so she puffed up her chest with her head held high and roared, “What are you looking at?”

“As a student of the Department of Chinese Medicine, don’t you know the rules of using the laboratory?”

“Keep quiet, keep calm, don’t push, and don’t argue with your peers. This is to avoid damaging the laboratory equipment and medicinal herbs.”

The female student’s face flushed red. She bit her red lips and muttered, “It’s not your place to tell me what I can or cannot do!”

“Get out. You don’t belong here! We don’t want to see you!”

The tense atmosphere dissipated as soon as Lei Qiming swept into the laboratory, his voice cracking with the sound of thunder, “She may not have the right, but what about me?”

The students watching the show were so scared that they stood rooted to the spot. They all side-stepped in unison, parting to allow Lei Qiming through.

“It seems like you don’t remember the rules of the laboratory. Therefore, you don’t need to take the final exam this semester.”

“Look for your homeroom teacher and inform them that you will be changing majors. I won’t continue to be your tutor… I don’t need students who can’t distinguish right from wrong and allow their emotions to rule their actions. Just because your grades have been stellar, don’t expect special treatment from me.”

Lei Qiming’s words tolled like the sound of the evening bell, haunting and merciless. The female student trembled from head to toe. In fear, she ran up to the professor and said, “I know I’m wrong! Please give me another chance…”

The female student had already studied Chinese medicine for three years. If she changed majors now, it would affect when she could graduate. Moreover, it would be a stain on her record, potentially affecting her future career and trajectory in life.

Seeing the female student’s plight, Qu Xiao felt bad and meant to plead on the girl’s behalf, but a look from Lei Qiming stifled her words before they could tumble free.

“What are you all standing around for? Begin your experiments!”

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

“You. Come with me,” Lei Qiming pointed at Qu Xiao and walked to the office in the back of the laboratory. He left the door slightly ajar to avoid suspicion.

Qu Xiao followed him in. When she saw the female student standing in a daze outside, she said sympathetically, “She was just a little excited. Perhaps you might like to reconsider?”

Lei Qiming opened the drawer, withdrawing a leatherbound notebook.

“Do you have a lot of free time on your hands? Are you volunteering to be her knight in shining armour?”