Xiaolan asked about Jiang Yan’s foot and how it was healing.
Although it typically takes a hundred days for tendons and bones to heal, Jiang Yan’s physical condition was stronger than average. She had already gotten her cast removed and could walk normally, though she wasn’t ready to resume training yet.
True to her word, Jiang Yan hadn’t bothered Zhou Cheng at all during her recovery period.
Had Jiang Yan finally come to terms with everything?
Zhou Cheng would never reciprocate her feelings, and since Jiang Yan was quite a catch herself, why waste time pining after him?
Fortunately, Zhou Cheng was performing excellently at the academy. Among the cohort of students with similar educational backgrounds, his enthusiasm for learning stood out. He excelled in all areas and found it relatively easy to get leave approved.
He had become increasingly methodical and measured in his work. Gone were the days when he would passively resist by giving up at the first sign of disagreement.
His performance at the academy had been reported back to his unit, and his superiors were pleased.
They were all waiting for Zhou Cheng to complete his two-year advanced studies. Upon his return, a promotion was practically guaranteed.
Beyond his outstanding academy performance, they still hadn’t factored in his previous achievements in coastal smuggling operations.
With so many eyes watching, everyone knew whose accomplishments were whose – no one could steal Zhou Cheng’s credits. If his achievements could be stolen so easily, wouldn’t everyone else’s positions be even more precarious?
He excelled at everything – it was as if he was born for this line of work.
His only flaw, if you could call it that, was his frequent requests for leave.
But he was young and full of vigor, with a beautiful girlfriend – it wasn’t realistic to keep him confined to the academy all the time.
When Zhou Cheng requested leave, his superiors would tease him:
“Zhou Cheng, you always rank first in academy assessments, but while others exchange their rewards for various things, you use all of yours for leave passes. You’re devoted to spending time with your girlfriend! How can young people get any real work done when you’re always so lovey-dovey?”
Zhou Cheng maintained a serious expression and saluted: “Report, sir! My girlfriend has performed excellently at school and has been selected as an exchange student abroad. She leaves during Spring Festival, so I’d like to spend more time with her.”
The teasing supervisor immediately understood.
Being a family member wasn’t easy – how many could visit the academy regularly like Zhou Cheng’s girlfriend?
While both were in China, she could still visit Zhou Cheng.
Once she went abroad, even making an international call would be difficult.
“It’s not easy for you two, going from a long-distance relationship to an international one. You’re excellent, and your girlfriend is impressive too. I hope you both continue to work hard in your respective careers and studies. May you be united in marriage soon!”
Stamp!
A bright red seal was pressed onto the leave request. Zhou Cheng’s leave was approved smoothly, without any hassle.
He could use his earned rewards however he wished.
Back in the dormitory, Zhou Cheng mentioned he was returning to Beijing for the weekend and asked if anyone wanted anything. The pack of “wolves” howled in unison: “Bring back two roast ducks – we don’t want anything but meat!”
With their heavy daily training schedule and cultural studies, they were worried about maintaining their physical condition.
Zhou Cheng readily agreed: “What’s the point of just two roast ducks? When I return, I’ll bring one for each of you!”
The pack cheered.
Although all were advanced students, their economic situations varied.
Zhou Cheng lived and ate with them, but after several visits from Xia Xiaolan, everyone could tell his family was well-off.
His girlfriend always arrived in her car – her family must either have money or power.
Someone joked that Zhou Cheng was living off his girlfriend, and after some thought, Zhou Cheng replied:
“You know what? Being kept is sweet!”
“Being kept is sweet!”
Zhou Cheng’s words were infectious.
Everyone knew he was joking, but the phrase “being kept is sweet” spread throughout the academy.
Zhou Cheng was so open about being kept that even the female students in the communications class discussed it. Jiang Yan simply smiled it off. True to her word about not speaking ill of Xia Xiaolan anymore, she refrained from making any negative comments, regardless of her thoughts.
Zhou Cheng even played the sympathy card when requesting leave, mentioning Xia Xiaolan’s upcoming departure abroad.
It seemed she really would be leaving soon.
Being kept is sweet?
Zhou Cheng was willing to mock himself to protect Xia Xiaolan.
How could someone as proud as him be kept?
Jiang Yan touched her foot. Xia Xiaolan was unpredictable – she had ordered a month’s worth of stewed pork trotters for her. While most people craved fatty foods, Jiang Yan had no interest in pork trotters. After eating two, she found them too greasy and gave the rest to her roommates.
Her close female classmates were discussing the “being kept is sweet” phrase and asked if Zhou Cheng’s girlfriend was wealthy.
After some thought, Jiang Yan replied, “Yes, she’s much wealthier than ordinary people, but Zhou Cheng’s family isn’t bad either. You can’t really say he’s being kept by her.”
Would the Zhou family be interested in Xia Xiaolan’s money?
Don’t be ridiculous.
At the Zhou family’s level, Jiang Yan had never heard of any of them lacking money.
Many things couldn’t be achieved with money alone.
If they wanted money, the younger generation could easily obtain it through permits and inside information.
The female students giggled and changed the subject.
They had all noticed Jiang Yan’s interest in Zhou Cheng. Among all the male students at the academy, she paid the most attention to him.
Too bad Zhou Cheng had a girlfriend.
But until marriage, both men and women were free to choose. Who knew if Jiang Yan and Zhou Cheng might have a chance in the future? Nothing was certain until the very end!
Zhou Cheng arrived in Beijing at noon on Saturday.
Xia Xiaolan picked him up from the train station. Sitting in the passenger seat, he could easily kiss her cheek just by tilting his head slightly.
Before they even left the station, surrounded by crowds of people, Xia Xiaolan felt awkward after his stolen kiss: “What are you doing?!”
Zhou Cheng patted the seat beneath him, “I’m trying to please you! The whole academy now knows I’m being kept by you. Don’t worry, as long as I maintain this reputation, no other female colleagues will be interested in me. After all, they don’t earn as much as my wife – they couldn’t afford to keep me if they stole me away!”
For a moment, Xia Xiaolan felt like she’d eaten a sour lemon.
This man had gone to such lengths – he was even willing to mock himself to ease her worries about going abroad.
“The young ones might not earn much, but what if a wealthy female entrepreneur comes along?”
Xia Xiaolan couldn’t help teasing him, feeling sour.
Zhou Cheng seriously shook his head, “That won’t work. There are plenty of wealthy women, but none as beautiful as my wife. I’m very greedy. It’s not enough just to give me money to spend – I need to be attracted to them too.”
Right, how dare you be so shameless?
Does being handsome mean you can do whatever you want?
Xia Xiaolan had meant to tease him but ended up being the one amused.
“Stop fooling around, I’m driving. Let’s talk about something serious – Third Brother went to Shenzhen again by himself a few days ago. If he hadn’t happened to save Bai Zhenzhu, no one would have known about it.”
Xia Xiaolan felt something was odd about this and couldn’t help mentioning it to Zhou Cheng.
Zhou Cheng pondered for a moment: “Third Brother has already begun taking action. He’s probably using Shenzhen as a transit point. The Special Economic Zone has a large floating population – Third Brother’s activities won’t draw attention there.”
Taking action?
Actions against Jiang Wu?!