The moment Liu Feng spoke, the scene fell into complete silence.
It was clear that this silence was a form of rejection—in the group present, it wasn’t just that no one wanted to hang out with him, they didn’t even want to stand near him. Everyone was doing their best to stay far, far away.
Coming from a merchant family where the belief that “harmony brings wealth” had long been ingrained, Mu Qing simply withdrew her smile and managed to maintain basic courtesy without showing any excessive emotion.
Qin Qin, on the other hand, was far less composed.
Her lovely face turned instantly dark. Normally a graceful and aloof scholar, her entire expression now screamed “Don’t mess with me,” the thick and unmistakable disgust practically radiating off her in waves. If it weren’t for her excellent upbringing, she’d probably be cursing out loud by now.
If it had been anyone else, the embarrassment of such a situation would’ve left them speechless.
But Liu Feng wasn’t just anyone.
It was as if he didn’t see—or more likely, didn’t care about—their obvious dislike. Maintaining his signature shameless grin, he wore an expression that said, “Whether you like it or not, I’m coming with you,” perfectly embodying the phrase: “A shameless person is invincible.”
With this behavior, even Mu Qing’s husband—usually the epitome of restraint and refinement—couldn’t help but frown slightly and glance over with a look of distaste.
Liu Feng, however, was counting on the fact that they were all “scholars” and thus wouldn’t really do anything to him. After a few awkward laughs and getting no response, he boldly approached Qin Qin to offer help carrying her book bag.
Qin Qin couldn’t avoid him in time and ended up being brushed on the arm. Her whole body trembled with rage, but she still couldn’t bring herself to say anything harsh. She could only repeat, “You… you’re shameless…”
Liu Feng was delighted to hear that. “Shameless? What did I do to you, Brother Qin? I didn’t do a thing, and you’re already this flustered. Anyone else would think we’re close. Crackin’ a little joke here and there. Anyone who doesn’t know might even think—‘I’m no man, I’m but a girl’…”
As he spoke, he began to sing—a line from the Kunqu opera Yearning for the Secular, mimicking the tones of the young nun Sekeong who sneaks out of the convent out of longing for the mortal world.
Though Kunqu originated in Taicang, Suzhou, it had long since spread across the country. Yearning for the Secular was among the most famous opera excerpts. Any respected opera troupe from north to south had a lead actress who could perform it.
Liu Feng, having grown up in street markets and rural towns, was naturally familiar with this classic. He had always cultivated a roguish image, shameless and unrestrained. His imitation of female roles was surprisingly decent.
But in doing so now, the flirtatious implication was stronger than any artistry. It wasn’t a performance—it was outright lewd teasing.
Qin Qin, born of a scholarly household, hadn’t even read Romance of the Western Chamber, let alone encountered something like this. Liu Feng’s act left her face blazing red. Yet she didn’t even know how to respond, let alone counterattack. Furious and flustered, she looked ready to cry.
Watching from the side, Mu Qing couldn’t help but sigh.
Sigh… goddess-level little sis, your combat power still isn’t enough.
Against scoundrels like this, the angrier you get, the happier they become. So you absolutely cannot just get mad without fighting back.
Still, it was clear Qin Qin, pure as a blank page, wasn’t going to understand that anytime soon.
Mu Qing was exasperated, but she wasn’t going to just stand by and watch a pretty girl get harassed. She decided it was time to “heroically rescue the damsel” once again.
She couldn’t just sit there eating popcorn while a rogue acted out in front of her.
But this time, before she could act, her husband stepped forward and positioned himself between the two of them. He looked directly at Liu Feng and said coldly:
“Master Liu, mind your words. This is a place of scholarly pursuit. Such behavior is inappropriate.”
He didn’t say much, nor did he make any overt move, but Liu Feng immediately shuddered violently, stumbling back several steps before finally regaining his footing. Then he stammered:
“Brother Feng… is right. I… I’ll watch myself. It won’t happen again…”
He finished speaking and dashed off in a hurry, never once daring to look at Mu Qing, Qin Qin, or—especially—Mu Qing’s husband again.
Seriously?
Mu Qing was dumbfounded. Her husband, always so quiet and unassuming, had such terrifying presence?
That was the male lead of the whole novel—favored by fate, fearless and blessed with plot armor.
And yet, he was scared off by a single sentence.
Truly impressive.
Mu Qing was now very curious about what her husband had done, but he’d blocked her view the whole time like a gate guardian. Only after Liu Feng had fled and vanished from sight did he turn around and say calmly:
“It’s over.”
“Pfft—” Mu Qing burst into laughter and clutched his arm. “Hus—ahem, Brother-in-law, you’re amazing! What did you do to scare that scoundrel off so quickly?”
Her husband gave her a glance, then gently removed her hand and said with a composed tone: “Nothing much.”
He sounded casual, but Mu Qing, ever observant, had already noticed the redness on his right fingers. Then she spotted a faint pile of bluish-white powder on the ground—and immediately understood.
Though someone with high martial skill could do a lot, they weren’t made of steel. Striking barehanded like that had to hurt.
And if she wasn’t mistaken, that pile of powder was the remains of his jade pendant, wasn’t it?
It had looked valuable too. Breaking it just to teach Liu Feng a lesson? What a waste.
Mu Qing felt a twinge of regret, then turned to Qin Qin and said, “It’s fine now, Brother Qin. The pesky fly is gone. We can finally enjoy our outing.”
Qin Qin finally snapped out of her daze, letting out a long sigh of relief and pressing her hands together. “Feels like escaping death itself. Thank you, Brother-in-law. Today, allow me to host—let’s go to the outskirts and enjoy the red maple leaves. We’ll go with joy and return fulfilled.”
Mu Qing laughed. “The maple leaves on the mountains outside Tongzhou are famous throughout the land. I’ve been wanting to see them myself. Didn’t expect the opportunity to come so soon—and with a refined companion like Brother Qin, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Qin Qin, who admired the aesthetic sensibilities of the Wei and Jin dynasties, was happiest when people praised her elegance. Her smile lit up. “You flatter me, Brother Mu. Let’s set out at once!”
So the three of them prepared and set off. But not long after they left, Mu Qing’s husband was called away on other business.
Only Mu Qing and Qin Qin remained for the outing—but it didn’t feel awkward at all.
Qin Qin turned out to be quite fun. Despite her aloof appearance, once she met someone she clicked with, she was warm and enthusiastic. She had a gift for appreciating beauty—whether it was a flower or a leaf, she could compose poems and reflections with effortless grace.
Mu Qing admitted she couldn’t compete. After reciting a few poems she still vaguely remembered, she surrendered and focused on admiring the scenery and singing praises of Qin Qin’s talents.
Naturally, her hands and mouth weren’t idle either. She’d already polished off all the exquisite pastries and fragrant fruit wine they’d brought along.
It was her first time trying local delicacies—and they were surprisingly good.
Her family’s shop hadn’t yet opened a branch here, and this was the most famous bakery in the region, Xinghualou’s signature seasonal pastries.
They were wildly popular—you couldn’t even buy them on the spot, you had to line up and order in advance.
Fortunately, Qin Qin’s father, Headmaster Qin, had enough clout. The bakery owner’s son was applying to Baihe Academy this year, so they’d sent a gift of pastries to curry favor. They even promised to supply pastries for the next two years.
Thanks to that, Mu Qing had the good fortune of tasting them. As expected of a century-old shop, the flavor was superb. But now that she’d tasted them, she was already thinking about how to replicate or even improve on them.
With her sharp palate, she was confident her family’s new recipes could rival these—and even create something entirely new.
That was the Mu family business philosophy: learn broadly, but innovate constantly. Carve your own path while leaving room for others, so everyone could thrive.
Eating fine pastries, admiring stunning maple leaves, and enjoying the company of a beautiful woman—Mu Qing felt like this was the perfect way to spend a holiday.
They spent the morning leaf-peeping and eating treats. When they returned to the city, they decided to stroll around a bit, do some shopping, and then stop by Xinghualou for afternoon tea.
Qin Qin had grown up under strict supervision and rarely had the chance to wander freely. Everything she saw felt new and exciting.
Mu Qing happily dragged her around, and since she’d already scouted the area when visiting the academy before, she knew all the best spots. In the end, it was like she was the local and Qin Qin the guest.
Passing by a jade shop, Mu Qing hesitated, then took Qin Qin inside. Seeing her linger in front of the scholarly jade accessories, Mu Qing generously bought a full set as a gift of thanks for today.
Then she got sets for her little brother and husband—and one for herself—plus gifts for her parents and foster brother. Not all were jade scholar’s tools, but the shop had plenty of fine options suitable for presents.
The jade shop had excellent craftsmanship—and, naturally, high prices. But Mu Qing had money, and when it came to jade, it was all about how it caught the eye. If you liked it, buy it.
Besides, when the money’s gone, she could always make more. The most important thing was to be happy.
Mu Qing and Qin Qin strolled down Tongzhou’s most bustling street, shopping to their heart’s content. It felt just like the good old days with her girlfriends.
But as the saying goes, happiness invites misfortune.
Just as they were laughing and enjoying themselves, a most unwelcome voice suddenly called from behind:
“Brother Qin, Brother Mu! What a coincidence to see you here. Truly—fate brings people together again and again.”
Qin Qin, who had been all smiles a second ago, froze like stone.
Mu Qing slowly turned her head—and sure enough, Liu Feng had shown up again. That greasy, roguish smile was plastered on his face. Though he was still under twenty, he already carried the oily sleaze of a middle-aged pervert.
Great. Clearly he thought her husband wasn’t around, so he had the guts to show his face again?
Well, did he really think she needed martial arts to deal with him?
Mu Qing narrowed her eyes, already planning to give him a taste of her own medicine—when a shockingly familiar voice rang out joyfully:
“Cousin? Is that you, Cousin?! Oh my goodness, what a coincidence to run into you here!”
