Chapter 019: Climbing Up the Ladder

Duan Xingye felt wronged. “Uncle, I just wanted to learn more about Miss Bai.”

How was he being talkative? He was always like this, and his uncle had never complained before.

Bai Chuwei was rather tolerant toward this soon-to-meet-his-end, naïve supporting character. She smiled and said, “We’re desk mates, there’s no need to call me Doctor Bai. Just use my name.”

Duan Xingye showed no intention of declining and immediately called out, “Weiwei!”

A shadow flickered in Duan Feihan’s eyes.

Bai Chuwei thought to herself, “He really knows how to take advantage of an opening.”

Weiwei? Everyone else addressed her with trembling respect, calling her ‘Ancestor’—who would dare call her by her given name?

She still remembered, many years ago, there was once someone who had cried out “Weiwei” with a voice full of anguish. After that, no one ever did again.

A sharp pain seized Bai Chuwei’s heart. Beside her, the faint spiritual energy emanating from the man drifted into her nose. She felt as if she had come back to life. Inhaling just a trace of his aura was far more effective than all those bitter spiritual medicines she had taken!

Duan Feihan had caught every nuance of Bai Chuwei’s expression and asked quietly, “Miss Bai, are you all right?”

Bai Chuwei’s gaze turned odd. Could Duan Feihan have actually noticed her heartache?

Truly, his reputation was well-deserved; he was so sensitive to everything around him.

Bai Chuwei shook her head and turned to look out the window. Her ink-black hair, smooth as silk, brushed lightly over Duan Feihan’s broad shoulder.

The Duan family’s estate was nestled in the southern hills of Haicheng, a complex of classical Chinese architecture, built by the water and the mountains, with craftsmanship reaching the pinnacle of traditional garden artistry.

But Bai Chuwei’s delicate brows gradually drew together. This road… it felt strangely familiar.

Having lived five thousand years, she carried too many memories. Was she mistaken?

As the car entered the Duan family courtyard, where rockeries and flowing water were everywhere, Bai Chuwei thought the setting could easily serve as the backdrop for a period drama.

The car stopped. Duan Feihan got out, his long legs just touching the ground when he saw Duan Xingye, having exited the passenger side, eagerly hurry over to open the car door for Bai Chuwei and even offer to carry her schoolbag.

Duan Feihan’s gaze darkened. He’d never seen his nephew so enthusiastic toward a girl.

Before Bai Chuwei had time to be invited into the Duan residence, a graceful figure hurried out from within. The girl wore the school uniform of Henghua No.1 High: a white blouse, plaid skirt, and long, fair legs exposed—she radiated the pure charm of a campus goddess.

She was the heroine of this story: Tong Qingyan.

In every sweet, indulgent romance, beauty and a good family background are essential for the leading lady. Tong Qingyan had been born a pampered princess, and at this moment, she secretly harbored feelings for the Duan family’s Fourth Master.

Oh, and the person beside her was destined to be the future antagonist.

Tong Qingyan’s gaze scrutinized Bai Chuwei, standing between Duan Feihan and Duan Xingye. The looks she had always been proud of now gave her no sense of superiority at all in Bai Chuwei’s presence, and her own bearing paled in comparison.

She knew well that Duan Feihan never gave rides to girls in his private car—she herself had never sat in it. Yet she had just witnessed this girl stepping out of Duan Feihan’s car!

Tong Qingyan’s heart was nervous, though she maintained a pleasant smile. “Fourth Master, Xingye, you’re home? I came to visit the old master and was just about to leave.”

Duan Feihan’s expression remained calm as he nodded slightly in greeting.

Tong Qingyan felt a pang of disappointment, knowing he had never shown her any warmth. Their continued acquaintance was only due to her aunt’s impending marriage into the Duan family.

Her gaze drifted to Bai Chuwei, and, as if unintentionally, she asked, “May I ask who this young lady is?”