An Yiqing didn't ask the taxi to drive to the school gate; instead, she got off at a bus stop near the school.
The nights were still quite warm in October, but it was a lot better than during the day. Since Xuan University didn't have a curfew, the area near the school was still bustling even at this late hour. Various specialty shops, snack stalls emitting delicious scents, and students selling all sorts of trinkets were all lively under the night sky, joy evident on the faces of these young men and women.
An Yiqing walked alone on the street, her white figure graceful and slender, always attracting the occasional glances from the opposite sex.
Having been in Xuandu City for over a month, she had gradually adapted to life here. These days, she was attending classes with friends, living a normal and peaceful life. But she knew such days wouldn't last much longer. Her master had given her a peaceful and happy childhood, and now it was her turn to carve out her own place in the world for herself and her master. There was much to do, and before coming to Xuandu City, she had already discussed with her master the plan to restore Medicine Sect to the world stage. The greatness of Medicine Sect was her master's dream and her goal.
If she used the title of being Ye Chenghong's disciple, others might indeed show her some respect. However, An Yiqing had her own considerations; relying on the protection of elders wouldn't last forever, and she needed to fight for her own prestige!
Next, it was time to start implementing her plan to open a company. Antique jades and medicine—her plan was gradually taking shape.
She wasn't indifferent to everything, she just felt that those weren't the main themes of life. She cared about her master, her friends, her cherished Medical Arts, and, well, she cared about good food too. She didn't like bullying others, but she wanted to become strong so no one could bully her. Yep, that was it.
An Yiqing's thoughts began to drift, from Medicine Sect to friends, and from friends to the delicious food she had eaten today at Prosperous Haoting, then, well, it was time to eat stinky tofu...
The stinky tofu from Aunt Zhou's stand near the school was famous far and wide, and An Yiqing was very fond of it. Even though street stalls weren't the most hygienic, it was quite enjoyable to eat there once in a while.
"Xiao Qing is here! It's a bit late today!" Aunt Zhou spotted An Yiqing from a distance. A girl so outstanding and beautiful was noticeable wherever she went.
Due to An Yiqing's influence, all her dorm mates had become foodies. They had eaten their way through the snack street beside the school during the month since school started. The three girls were all beautiful and had good personalities, and many of the stall owners remembered them.
"Hmm. Went out for a gathering today, Tingting's birthday. It's a bit late coming back. Aunt Zhou, could you please give me a serving of stinky tofu?" An Yiqing chatted with Aunt Zhou while smiling and found a spot to sit down.
Aunt Zhou cheerfully responded and soon, a small bowl of piping hot stinky tofu was ready.
An Yiqing sat at a nearby table, savoring the crispy outside and tender inside of the stinky tofu, her eyes full of satisfaction. Suddenly, she paused, then took out her phone to check the time. Hmm, she should call Tingting to let her know she's safe.
The Gu Family Mansion was in the military compound, quite distant from the Prosperous Haoting in Xishan District. So when Gu Tingting's phone rang, she and Gu Yelin were still on the road.
"Qingqing, have you arrived?" Gu Tingting glanced at Gu Yelin before answering the phone.
"Yep, I'm at Aunt Zhou's eating stinky tofu, and I'll head back once I'm done."
"Look at you, Qingqing, eating stinky tofu without me! I don't care, you're treating me to it on Monday when we go back to school!" Gu Tingting thought about Aunt Zhou's stinky tofu and salivated.
"Hehe, sure. Hurry back, and I'll take you there." The sound of An Yiqing's pleasant laughter came through the receiver. The car was very quiet, so the sound reached Gu Yelin's ears, and he could imagine her smiling warmly, her eyes brimming with warmth, which softened his gaze unconsciously.