IRWTBWY Chapter 4.1

 Translator: Coral 

Editor: Alam

Proofreader: Diya

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Motivated for the day ahead, Qi Nian got up at the break of dawn. 

She had breakfast and hummed a song while watering her plants before she left for class.

It was still early when Liu Xia met up with Qi Nian.  

Squinting her eyes, she watched Qi Nian, who was walking briskly in the distance. “Didn’t she go to sleep late? How is she so energetic?”

When they arrived at the classroom, many people were already there. 

Perhaps it was due to Professor Ji’s charm. Everyday, new faces could be seen attending, and their performance wasn’t very surprising. They would occasionally raise their heads and glance at him, then go back to continue gnawing away at their book. 

Liu Xia beckoned at Qi Nian, and they sat together in the middle of the third row. 

“After Professor Ji teaches, the people who have nothing to do with him are basically here for Professor Ji. I won’t say anything about unruly people like you, But some are actually here for Professor Ji’s class, like the group of prodigies behind us.

‘What did she mean by someone unruly like her?’

Qi Nian pointed to herself and asked, “Is it so obvious that I have bad intentions?”

Liu Xia let out a sound, supported her chin with her hand, and smiled. “Little Qi Nian, your intentions are almost engraved on your face. What do you think?”

Qi Nian touched her face with a look of surprise. 

“Stop acting, it looks so fake.” Liu Xia lost her smile and took out a book from her book bag. After staying up late to write her thesis, she wasn’t in a great mood. “The girls outside our courtyard admire the biochemistry department for having Professor Ji. But they would never know how overworked we are by him.”

As she finished speaking, she saw a yearning look on Qi Nian’s face, and instantly lost her desire to speak further. 

Her old friend had long been lost to the charms of Ji Yanxin, making his extreme popularity evident.

There was still time before class started, yet the room was already full. If you were to arrive late, then there wouldn't even be room for you to squat in a corner. 

As soon as the bell rang, Ji Yanxin walked into the classroom. He carried a textbook in his hand and walked to the podium. 

Only during his lessons would there be so many people.

There was no roll call and he cut straight to the topic. 

Qi Nian tilted her head while watching him teach, and asked in curiosity, “Does he not do roll call?”

Liu Xia took advantage of the few minutes Ji Yanxin had his back to the class to stuff down a few pieces of bread that Li Yue had bought for her. Swallowing, “After his first class, he never did it again.” [t/n: It's not normal to eat in class in China, especially during class.]

Qi Nian was envious. 

Whenever her own teacher did roll call and found her late, she would need to take a walk of shame to her seat. 

Her classes had always been early in the morning. Even for a night owl like her, she was never spared by her teachers for being late. 

“There’s no roll call because Professor Ji remembers everyone perfectly.” Liu Xia grinned, “Where do you think our attendance rate comes from?”

Qi Nian felt even more envious.

She would even be remembered by Ji Yanxin!

Initially, Qi Nian thought that the cold, enigmatic Ji Yanxin would teach an equally perplexing class. However, due to his class involving a variety of knowledge from other subjects, Qi Nian could understand a bit. 

The class was quiet and only his low voice was audible. At first, it rang through your ears like a leaf floating on still water, then it grew to become a fragrant tea, light and gentle. 

Under this style, Ji Yanxin’s classes have always been quiet. Girls would be immersed in his alluring and charming voice, while the boys would have a hard time understanding the key points. However, there was one exception.

People like Qi Nian, whose left brains had been underdeveloped since they were children, had to stop and take a break whenever calculations were involved. 

Obviously, a major in biochemistry requires theoretical skills such as math, psychics, computing, chemistry, microbiology, cell biology and other subjects. Qi Nian couldn’t seem to compute everything presented. 

Therefore, she just pretended to seriously take notes, while actually doodling in her notebook. 

Her time was spent either copying down the diagram on the board or scribbling out of boredom. 

In the quiet classroom, there was only the sound of pen moving on paper and Ji Yanxin’s soft voice. 

Qi Nian picked up a pen in order to draw shadows. 

Under the pen, there was a man standing at the podium holding a book. His eyes were deep and cold, and under his nose, his lips were drawn firmly with a curved edge, warm and light.  

Qi Nian looked at her portrait, which almost perfectly imitated the real thing. However, she felt as if there was something missing. Returning to observation to catch more details, her eyes met with Ji Yanxin’s. 

After listening to several of his lectures, she knew the meaning behind each of his gazes.

His gaze locked onto her, making her heart go thump thump, and she held her breath timidly while not daring to break eye contact. Eventually, it moved away, and Qi Nian was able to exhale deeply. 

However, even after exhaling, the weight on her shoulders didn’t leave. 

She hadn’t talked to Ji Yanxin since the day he took her home. 

Liu Xia had been busy the past few days, so she would leave immediately after class; therefore, Qi Nian couldn’t use her as an excuse to stay. 

Unlike Liu Xia, she wasn’t his student, so she had no reason to approach him to ask questions or even raise her hand. 

The only thing she took away from the class was the diagram he drew, which she could maybe incorporate into her manhua.

In other words, the manhua series on Weibo only had the female lead staring at the male lead for several days. 

She lowered her head and bit her lip, mimicking a character in a state of depression, and a rainy cloud could almost be seen above her head.

And at this moment, a hand stretched out and took her notebook from her. 

Ji Yanxin overlooked her as she raised her head in surprise. His eyes fell on the paper and stayed there for three seconds. 

Obviously, he knew that the portrait Qi Nian was sketching was of him. 

Qi Nian watched as his eyes darkened, her body sinking into her chair. Before she could defend herself, Ji Yanxin took her notebook and tapped her desktop as a warning. 

He didn’t say anything, yet he still confiscated her notebook?

She watched him walk back to the podium as her face became red. 

Liu Xia turned her head to inquire, “What’s the matter?”

Before Qi Nian could answer, Ji Yanxin said, “Qi Nian, come to my office after class.”

As the first to be personally called out by Ji Yanxin and asked to stay after class, she was immediately in the eyes of every student. 

School finally ended on Friday afternoon.

In city Z, the sky darkened much earlier during autumn. It was especially noticeable after five o’clock, where shadows quickly filled the skies. 

Earlier, a student came to Ji Yanxin to ask questions, and he stayed to tutor, thus, delaying him for a while. 

Professor Shen was about to close the door and go home. Before he left, he saw Ji Yanxin walking up the stairs. 

Behind him followed a very familiar girl, her head half dangling, like she had done something wrong and invited the teacher to drink tea. [t/n: Basically to stay after class.]

Ji Yanxin also saw him, and after arriving in front of him, he addressed, “Professor Shen.”

Qi Nian raised her head and met the teasing eyes of Professor Shen. Her previously cooled downed face became red again.

“Professor Shen.” Her voice lacked confidence. 

Professor Shen, unable to remember her, cautiously probed, “Are you...Qi Nian? You ate with us last time?”

After recalling her name, Professor Shen’s memories started coming back. 

Professor Shen laughed out of habit, asking jokingly, “What’s wrong? Isn’t she in the ancient literature department? What brings her here?”

Ji Yanxin, wearing a stoic expression, replied, “I shouldn't need to report everything to you, right?”

Professor Shen suddenly stopped the teasing tone, “Hey, you brat...”

He noticed the other party had no reaction and angrily cut off his sentence. Snorting, he said, “It’s getting dark now. Don’t stay too long with the student.”

Ji Yanxin waited for Professor Shen to leave, and turned to look at Qi Nian. “Are you going home today??” [t/n: He is referring to her family home where her family is, not her apartment.]

His eyes reflected twilight, which seemed to slightly soften the coldness. 

Qi Nian nodded her head and said, “Yes, I’m going home for dinner tonight.”

Ji Yanxin didn’t say anything and entered the office. 

Qi Nian followed him closely. 

The desktop wasn’t turned off, and was shining amidst the darkness. 

Not bothering to flick the light switch, he sat behind the desk, pointed to the chair beside him, and directed, “Sit down.”

His voice was deep after teaching for the whole day. 

“Now, how much do you know about the biochemical department?”

As soon as Qi Nian sat down, she was thrown a question. She looked at him restlessly, “I understand the basics and a few principles and theories.”

Ji Yanxin put his hand on the armrest and rubbed his brows. “I can’t really punish you, but are you really learning that much in class?” [t/n: In case any of you forgot, she is only in as a guest because she said she was interested in the department to do research for her manhua. Obviously, we know that’s only an excuse.]

The sudden question caught her off guard, and she realized that he was referring to her drawing of him during class. 

“Or, is your interest in me greater?”

Qi Nian was taken aback and looked at him. 

The dim lighting emphasized the brightness in his eyes, which quietly scrutinized her through an inquisitive gaze. 

Qi Nian couldn’t resist. 

The brilliance of his eyes illuminated the darkness, displaying their unique nature to her. 

The light was reminiscent of a lively campfire. The flame lit up the surrounding darkness like a candle brightening a person’s heart. 

Qi Nian lowered her eyes, holding her skirt, “I...”

‘My interest in you is indeed greater.’

But admitting it now seemed silly and frivolous. 

Qi Nian shook her head, wanting to cry. Even with her head down, she was not able to avert his gaze. 

The long silence made Ji Yanxin lose his patience, “What.”

Qi Nian shook her head again, “I..I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ji Yanxin seemed to chuckle lightly with a cool tone, “For an ancient literature major, your comprehension skills are surprisingly lacking.”

The wind blowing in from the window chilled her neck. 

She raised her head and looked at him for a long time before she mustered enough courage to reply, “I refuse to answer.”

Her response was not a surprise to Ji Yanxin. He looked at her twice before he shut down the computer. 

The screen suddenly lit up and dimmed in an instant. 

The only remaining source of light in the office was the twilight, shining through the window. 

In the momentary silence, he got up to pour himself a cup of water. He wasn’t able to find a teacup and settled for a disposable cup. Thinking of something, he turned his head and glanced at her. “Would you like a cup of water?”

Qi Nian shook her head. 

She wouldn't be able to drink it anyways, as her stomach was full of anxiety. 

While listening to the water being dispensed, he said, “Guess it's better not to.”

Qi Nian paused from playing with her fingers to look at him. 

He held the paper cup and drank while looking back. After drinking, his voice became clearer, hinting, “If it wasn’t what I thought it was, I wouldn't be as troubled, alright?

Qi Nian played stupid, 

‘But my heart is guilty. It’s a beautiful thing to like someone, but why am I guilty when it comes to him?’

You couldn’t blame everything on her. 

Afterall, they weren’t having a conversation anywhere, but in Ji Yanxin’s office!

Anybody would be pressured, right? 

Especially since he said he was troubled. 

Carrying the paper cup, Ji Yanxin sat down in the chair again. 

He watched Qi Nian lower her head, seeming like she had been hit. Recovering some of his conscience, he thought, ‘Did I say something to offend her?’

After a moment of hesitation, Ji Yanxin retracted his gaze and threw the paper cup into the trash can. 

Looking out the window at the sky, he opened the desk drawer to find his keys. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”

 

~~~

 

After getting in the car, Qi Nian fastened her seatbelt obediently. 

It was quite peaceful. 

Leaving the school gate, they entered the main street. 

After a few red lights, he heard her ask, “Mr. Ji, do you have any plans to get a girlfriend?”

After asking, Qi Nian almost bit her tongue in regret. 

‘What kind of question is that?! This was definitely not the right time!’

Ji Yanxin let go of the steering wheel, glanced at her with a raised eyebrow and replied, “I refuse to answer.”

“...” 

He even used her own words against her!

She puffed her cheeks, wrinkled her nose, and sank into her seat. Her entire body signaled  that she was upset. 

Unexpectedly, Ji Yanxin wanted to laugh. 

He leaned forward to switch on the radio. 

The anchor’s laughter pierced through the silence, and he couldn’t help but curl his lips. 

 

~~~

 

Due to yesterday’s events, Qi Nian was completely lifeless. 

She had no appetite for the snacks her mother made. Neither was she interested in joining her friend, who had invited her to go shopping. 

As an undercover agent, Liu Xia expressed great importance and concern about this. 

After laughing for half an hour, she became serious. “Cheer up Qi Nian, don’t get discouraged! At least you weren't rejected directly. What’s going to happen to you? It’s still too early to say anything.”

Qi Nian grabbed the ears of her alpaca pillow, and said weakly, “That’s also a rejection. How can I show I have deep affection for him without it coming off horribly?”

After talking for a long time,  Liu Xia caught her attention and shared some information she’d learned recently: "Hey, tomorrow afternoon there’s going to be an art exhibition in the Mori Summer Art Museum in the city center. Do you want to go with me?"

Qi Nian shook her head, “Don’t want to, I’m going to stay at home.”

 

Liu Xia said, “Huh, I haven’t even finished speaking yet. Professor Ji is going too, are you su—”

“I’ll go!”

Qi Nian’s mother, who was passing by her room, knocked on the door and said disapprovingly, “Qi Nian, don’t swear.” [t/n: Qi Nian did not curse. She probably misheard her saying a bad word that sounds close to ‘I’ll go.’]

While gleefully laughing on the phone, Qi Nian obediently agreed, “Yes mother, I understand.”

 

~~~

 

After hanging up, Liu Xia took one of the apples Li Yue peeled for her. 

Li Yue turned his head, “What’s wrong?"

Liu Xia took a bite out of the apple, “I’m worried for Qi Nian.”

Li Yue stared at Liu Xia with a curious look, and while taking a bite out of her apple, he asked, “But doesn’t she have us to help her? We successfully helped her enter the biochemistry department. What’s there to worry about?” 

“But there is something to worry about! If Qi Nian is constantly being rejected by Profesor Ji, it would mean my matchmaking skills are a waste! Nonetheless, the current situation seems like it’s going nowhere. Professor Ji, the ‘Flower of Gaoling,’ is not so easily moved.” [t/n:  Baidu definition: "Flower of Gaolin" is used as a metaphor for things that can only be seen from a distance and cannot be touched, that is, things that can only be longed for but are out of reach for oneself.]

Li Yue laughed, unworried, “You forgot how I chased after you?”

Liu Xia had nothing to say. 

Compared to Liu Xia, Qi Nian was truly fighting on a battlefield.