Chapter 151: Stealing Fragrance (6)
Xiao Ji made a name for himself at Guoli Yizhong (National First High School) relying on his expressionless yet superior face, the effortless way he taught without even needing a textbook, and a chalk-throwing accuracy that rivaled Pei Yinnian’s marksmanship.
The following afternoon, just after he had finished a lecture, he was sitting in his office lost in thought when a knock sounded at the door.
Only after Xiao Ji called out, “Come in,” was the door pushed open.
Under duress from Pei Yinnian, Pei Xinyun walked inside. She looked at Xiao Ji and asked, “Mister, are you free?”
Xiao Ji remembered that in the original world line, Pei Xinyun had frequently opposed the original host. It was her constant defiance that led the original host to request a meeting with Pei Yinnian, which eventually triggered the subsequent events.
But now, perhaps because he had arrived earlier, Pei Xinyun hadn’t yet become inseparable from the other students at Yizhong. Or perhaps because his way of handling yesterday’s incident was vastly different from the original host’s, Pei Xinyun spoke to him with a hint of cautious trepidation.
Xiao Ji nodded. “What is it?”
Pei Xinyun pursed her lips. Somewhat reluctantly, she recited the script Pei Yinnian had taught her, word for word:
“I’ve just transferred from a girl’s middle school and haven’t quite caught up with the curriculum at Yizhong yet. My family also plans to send me abroad to study in a couple of years. I wanted to ask if you have time in the evenings; I would like to invite you to the house for tutoring.”
Xiao Ji refused without a moment’s hesitation. “My apologies. I’m not free.”
Pei Xinyun took a deep breath, inwardly noting that Pei Yinnian really was as predictive as a god.
She then continued with the next line of the script:
“My family can provide transportation for you, and the salary will be settled daily.”
She didn’t mention the amount because Pei Yinnian hadn’t taught her that part. Fortunately, Xiao Ji didn’t ask either; he simply said flatly:
“I’ll consider it.”
Pei Xinyun felt that Xiao Ji was putting on quite an air. However, due to Pei Yinnian’s warning, she didn’t dare show her annoyance.
Xiao Ji’s “consideration” seemed to slip into oblivion. For a full seven days, he gave no response.
Thus, on the evening of the seventh day, just as Xiao Ji stepped out of the school gates, he spotted a black vintage car parked by the roadside.
It was a rare sight to see Pei Yinnian out of his military uniform. He wore a dark, three-piece suit vest, his hair groomed meticulously and slicked back. He leaned against the car door, a cigarette between his fingers.
Seeing Xiao Ji emerge, he extinguished the cigarette and handed the butt through the car window to Lin Shu, who was sitting in the passenger seat.
Then, he let out a whistle directed at Xiao Ji.
Xiao Ji looked toward Pei Yinnian, halted his steps, and nodded politely. “Junye.”
Pei Yinnian strode forward with his long legs until he stood before Xiao Ji. He extended a hand toward him.
“I’m not a Junye today. I’m a student’s guardian.”
Xiao Ji looked down at Pei Yinnian’s slender hand, shook it, and asked, “Pei Xinyun’s guardian?”
Pei Yinnian nodded, not releasing Xiao Ji’s hand. He continued, “Mister Xiao certainly puts on a grand air. My Xinyun said you are immensely knowledgeable and wanted to invite you to the house to help her catch up, yet you’ve been slow to give her an answer.”
“So, I figured the child’s words lacked weight. I, the guardian, had to come in person to invite the Mister.”
Pei Yinnian refused to let go, but Xiao Ji pulled his hand back. A flicker of surprise appeared on his face.
“I didn’t expect that while Young Master Pei looks so youthful, your daughter would already be so old. It’s truly surprising.”
Hearing this, a crack appeared in Pei Yinnian’s otherwise flawless facade.
“If the Mister had bothered to look into it, he would know that Xinyun is my younger sister.”
Xiao Ji’s expression remained normal. “I know. I was merely joking. Thank you, Young Master Pei, for helping me recover my wallet.”
Pei Yinnian let out a cold laugh. “If you were truly grateful, you would have brought a gift to the Pei Residence to thank me long ago.”
“Instead of acting like this—ignoring the offer and stalling even when someone offers to pay you for tutoring.”
Pei Yinnian’s criticism was blunt. Xiao Ji gave a light chuckle.
“Young Master Pei misunderstood. Firstly, I hadn’t heard that Xinyun shared such a relationship with you. Secondly, I’ve just returned, and there are many matters to attend to at home.”
“If you don’t mind, I will certainly bring a gift to visit another day.”
The apology was made, but he still hadn’t said whether he agreed to the tutoring or not.
Pei Yinnian waved his hand. “Don’t wait for another day. No day is better than today. If I wait for the Mister to visit on his own accord, who knows how many years it will take.”
He pulled open the rear door of the black vintage car, his attitude brooking no refusal.
“Get in. Tonight, I’m treating the Mister to dinner.”
Pei Yinnian had expected Xiao Ji’s evasive personality to lead to another refusal. He was already prepared to knock him out and carry him back to the Pei Residence if he dared say “no,” forcing him to play the guest for once.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Ji replied:
“It would be impolite to refuse such a kind offer. My thanks to Young Master Pei.”
Then, he stepped into the car.
Pei Xinyun wasn’t in the vehicle; she had likely been picked up earlier. Only Pei Yinnian, Xiao Ji, a driver, and Lin Shu were present.
The moment Xiao Ji entered, Lin Shu and the driver spoke in unison, “Greetings, Mister.”
After Xiao Ji replied politely, he lapsed into silence.
Once Pei Yinnian entered, none of the four spoke a word.
It wasn’t until they arrived at the gates of the Pei Residence and Pei Yinnian invited Xiao Ji to step out that Xiao Ji seemed to suddenly remember something. He spoke up:
“Visiting for the first time empty-handed… I have been discourteous. I hope the Young Master can forgive me.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Yinnian found himself unable to distinguish whether Xiao Ji was truly aloof or just a bit dense.
Feeling somewhat speechless, he led Xiao Ji through the main gates while saying, “The Mister is too polite. If you truly feel discourteous and have the heart to show gratitude, why not tutor Xinyun?”
With that, it was the third time the matter of tutoring had been mentioned. As the saying goes, things shouldn’t exceed three times; any more, and it would be a lack of appreciation.
Having maintained his “lofty” stance long enough, Xiao Ji finally agreed.
“Tutoring is a small matter. I only fear that my meager learning might lead the student astray.”
Pei Yinnian shot a glance back at Xiao Ji, thinking to himself: You can teach at Guoli Yizhong and speak with such scholarly elegance, yet you claim your learning is meager? You really know how to put on a show.
On the surface, however, he remained courteous. “What are you saying, Mister? You’re far too modest.”
The two continued their back-and-forth polite banter. To treat Xiao Ji to dinner today, Pei Yinnian had specifically taken time off, changed out of his uniform, and dressed up. Before leaving, he had even instructed Liu Ma to prepare a table of fine dishes.
However, as soon as they entered the main hall of the Pei Residence, Liu Ma called down to Pei Yinnian from upstairs:
“Young Master, the phone in your room has rung three times. I didn’t dare answer it.”
Pei Yinnian frowned. He turned to Xiao Ji and said, “Mister, please have a seat for a moment. I’ll go return the call and be right back.”
Xiao Ji nodded. “Please, attend to your business.”
Just as Pei Yinnian left, Xiao Ji took a moment to look around the manor. He was about to sit on the sofa when Mother Pei, holding the hand of a young woman, walked down the stairs.
Seeing a stranger standing in the living room, Mother Pei frowned. She glanced at the faded long gown Xiao Ji was wearing, and a hint of arrogance naturally crept into her tone.
“And who might this be?”
Translator’s Note: Welcome to the Pei Residence! In this era, a “long gown” (長褂 – chángguà) was the standard attire for scholars and teachers, while the military wore Western-style uniforms or traditional martial suits. The term “Junye” (軍爺) is a respectful yet slightly distance-keeping way to address a high-ranking military officer, essentially meaning “Military Lord.” Pei Yinnian is quite the strategist, isn’t he? Using his sister as bait! I hope you’re enjoying the Minguo (Republic Era) vibes!
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