Old Physician Zhang’s curiosity about Xu Ze’s acupuncture skills was easily brushed aside.
“It’s a family technique, combined with some internal energy cultivation. That’s why the effects are so good. Ordinary people wouldn’t know how to do it…”
Zhang had no reason to doubt Xu Ze’s explanation. The unique aspects of his needlework and the remarkable results spoke for themselves—without some special method, how else could such effects be achieved?
So even though Xu Ze occasionally found himself under the old doctor’s inquisitive gaze, he still managed to live a low-key and peaceful life.
What puzzled Xu Ze more, however, was the strange nature of women. Miss Sun and his younger sister had only met once, shared a single meal, and yet now they were apparently the best of friends. In several messages, his sister had mentioned Sun Linfei, praising his “girlfriend” as wonderful. They had even added each other on QQ, chatting frequently, and Sun Linfei had visited his sister at the university twice. The whole thing felt… bizarre.
Could Sun Linfei be into girls? Did she take a liking to my sister? Xu Ze raised an eyebrow mischievously at the thought. But he quickly dismissed it. Sun Linfei was, nominally at least, still his girlfriend. There was no way she was into women.
…Right?
She certainly didn’t seem the type. With her looks and personality, if she were into girls, rumors would have spread by now. Since there were none, she probably wasn’t.
Sighing, Xu Ze glanced at his phone—another text from Sun Linfei, telling him to buy groceries and cook for her. Their relationship was awkward. They were supposed to be “pretend” boyfriend and girlfriend, meeting only once or twice a week. Yet, things felt… ambiguous. The best way to describe it? Complicated friends with a hint of something more.
Today, for some reason, Sun Linfei had suddenly decided she wanted him to cook for her again—her roommate was away, leaving her with no one to feed her. Xu Ze exhaled in resignation. So much for being a “boyfriend”—he was basically a part-time chef.
Still, at least he got to eat better this way. And having meals with the campus belle wasn’t so bad. It had been a few days since he last saw her, and… well, he kind of missed her.
After finishing his classes, Xu Ze made time to give Old Man Tang his electro-acupuncture treatment. Noticing Xu Ze’s haste in refusing dinner, the old man chuckled.
“What’s the rush today? You never come this early to treat me unless you’ve got plans.”
Xu Ze grinned sheepishly. With Old Man Tang, there was no point pretending. “Sun Linfei said she has no one to cook for her today, so she asked me to make dinner.”
“Ah, I see!” The old man laughed knowingly. “No wonder you’re in such a hurry.”
“Wait, doesn’t she live with that Li girl? The one who plays piano so well and cooks even better? Why isn’t she around today?” Old Man Tang’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Seems like Fei’er knows how to make the most of her time…”
Xu Ze coughed awkwardly at the teasing. “Uh… Grandpa Tang, don’t bully me like this. Sun Linfei and I really aren’t like that. You know it’s just an act to deal with Zhao Qilong. Nothing’s actually going on.”
“Hah! No need to explain. The more you try, the more suspicious it sounds.” The old man laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying Xu Ze’s flustered reaction. “Alright, alright, go on. Have the driver take you back before your little girlfriend gets mad at me for hogging her ‘boyfriend.’”
With a resigned sigh, Xu Ze hurried out to find the driver—only to learn he was indisposed. Embarrassed, he had to ask Tang Zhi for a ride instead.
During the drive, Sun Linfei called twice, and Xu Ze’s apologetic tone had Tang Zhi stifling laughter the whole way. He had never seen Xu Ze so cautious—even when facing Old Man Tang, he was always calm and composed. Yet with Miss Sun, he was walking on eggshells. Truly, there’s always someone who can tame you.
As Tang Zhi sped through the streets, he suddenly asked, “Xu Ze, do you know how to drive?”
“Yeah, but I don’t have a license yet.” Xu Ze answered confidently—though internally, he added, Well, I know how to drive. Just haven’t actually done it in real life.
“Oh? Want to give it a try?” Tang Zhi smirked.
“Uh… sure.” After a brief hesitation, Xu Ze agreed. He had mastered all kinds of cars in the virtual training space, so an Audi A8 should be no problem. The chance to drive a real car was too tempting to pass up.
They switched seats, and Xu Ze took the wheel.
Despite his virtual experience, real-world driving was different. He was a little nervous at first, but after smoothly starting the engine and shifting gears, the familiar feel calmed him.
No hidden traps, no sudden landslides, no falling rocks—what’s there to worry about?
Gaining confidence, Xu Ze pressed harder on the accelerator. The Audi roared forward, weaving through traffic at nearly 80 km/h. Six minutes later, they screeched to a halt at the university gate.
Tang Zhi, who had been gripping his seat the entire time, finally exhaled. Clapping Xu Ze on the shoulder, he grinned. “Not bad. You’ve got reflexes like mine back in the day.”
Sun Linfei had been waiting impatiently at the gate, about to call again, when the Audi suddenly skidded to a stop in front of her. Stunned, she barely had time to recover before recognizing the driver.
“Xu Ze! You reckless idiot! You scared me half to death!” she shrieked, forgetting her ladylike demeanor as she swung at him.
Xu Ze, trained by virtual coach Bond, dodged just in time. “Hey! You told me to get here in ten minutes! Don’t blame me if I—ow!“
Blocking her kicks and strikes, Xu Ze finally grabbed her wrist and yanked her into a tight hug to stop her.
Sun Linfei froze, her face burning at the sudden closeness and the faint, pleasant scent of him. But then she snapped back to reality—she couldn’t let him embarrass her in public like this!
Struggling fiercely, she hissed, “Let go!”
Xu Ze, acutely aware of the bystanders staring, whispered desperately, “Please stop hitting me! People are watching!”
Glaring, she finally relented. “Fine. Now let go.”
He released her and quickly stepped back, wary of another attack. But Sun Linfei, now too embarrassed to continue, just tossed him her car keys.
“You’re driving. It’s almost seven—you wasted so much time. If you don’t drive as fast as you did just now, you’re dead.”
Xu Ze caught the keys, relieved. If you’re willing to ride with me, I’m definitely willing to drive.
Glancing at Tang Zhi, who was still smirking from the Audi, Xu Ze opened the door to Sun Linfei’s sports car.
She huffed as she got in. “From now on, you’re driving. Why should I always be the one?”
“Uh… you never asked before. Also, I don’t have a license?” Xu Ze laughed nervously.
“You—what?!” Sun Linfei’s eyes widened in horror. “You drove like a maniac without a license?! Are you trying to get arrested?!”
