Chapter 24
Han Meng opened the door for him herself: "Please come in."
Lu Jinxian teased, "I heard you've become more studious, but if that's the case, won't you have time to study medicine?"
"To be honest, I haven't been studying traditional Chinese medicine much lately," Han Meng said.
"Then I'll be going?" The man actually turned around, pretending to leave.
"It's okay, let's go." Han Meng hasn't been in the mood to study traditional Chinese medicine lately, and as a friend, she genuinely hopes that Lu Jinxian's health can improve, rather than simply treating him as a guinea pig.
Lu Jinxian turned back to look at her again, "...I remember when I first met you, you weren't like this, what happened?"
Han Meng didn't go to get the first-aid kit, but instead walked slowly to the backyard, with the man silently following her.
The backyard has a beautiful view, with artificial hills and streams. A beautiful jade stone stands beside the stream, showcasing the grandeur of a wealthy family.
Han Meng loved the scenery, but deep down, she couldn't truly accept it as her own.
This is different from the feeling of spending money. Money can be earned back, but the warmth of home is something she enjoys and can't seem to give back to anyone.
"Lu Jinxian, how much do you know about the person I used to be? Was there a significant difference between me and how I am now?"
The man chuckled and said, "All my knowledge of you comes from what other people say. You know how much my dad hates your dad. He used to use you to make fun of your dad, so you can imagine he didn't have a good opinion of you."
Han Meng looked at him: "Do you think I'm particularly willful and capricious?"
“I thought so too before I actually met you,” Lu Jinxian said honestly.
In fact, not only the Lu family thought so, but almost everyone who knew the Han family thought so. These kinds of trivial matters were often written in third-rate newspapers, so it was hard not to form stereotypes.
Han Meng gave a wry smile: "It seems like everyone thinks I'm better and more outstanding now."
The man replied without hesitation, "That's the truth."
"But... what if I disappear one day..." Han Meng lowered her head. The thought of the war that would be written later in the original book made her feel very sad. It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. If she could go back then, she would not want to stay here and suffer. But if that happened, Han Xianfei and Tang Ying would probably be heartbroken.
"Han Meng, you will definitely disappear later than me. I won't live for many more years. Many people outside look at me with prejudice, but I still live my life well."
Han Meng looked up and met Lu Jinxian's eyes. "Nothing is absolute."
Lu Jinxian said gently, "If you're feeling down, talk to someone, go outside for a walk, get some fresh air. Staying cooped up by yourself for too long will make you sick. You can think about the future, but don't think too far ahead. The present is the most important thing."
After he finished speaking, he felt puzzled—he wasn't even that good-tempered with his own sister.
Han Meng smiled at him and said, "Thank you."
Yes, the present moment is the most important. What happens later, whether my identity is discovered by my "parents" or others, or whether I return to my original world, is a matter for the future.
Rather than looking towards the distant future, it's better to maintain a good image now and leave a good impression on those around you.
Before Lu Jinxian left, Han Meng gave him a packet of cold medicine.
"Since I couldn't treat you today, I'll give you medicine as compensation, the same kind as last time."
Lu Jinxian couldn't help but chuckle: "My cold is already better, I don't need this medicine."
Han Meng took back the packet of medicine, paused, and asked, "Western medicine is very advanced, isn't it? Will you come to my house for treatment again in the future?"
"They'll probably come again," the man said without hesitation.
Han Meng bid farewell with a smile: "See you next time."
*
Honglin University.
Today is the day Honglin University publishes its first issue of the semester. Many students and professors gathered around the campus bulletin board. People in the front row were practically leaning over the bulletin board, while those in the back row were standing on tiptoe, all in an effort to read this issue of the campus newspaper on the bulletin board.
Hong Lin University's campus newspaper is more than just a campus newspaper; its circulation has always been considerable locally, sometimes even surpassing that of major newspapers.
The main reason is that each issue features short stories by many famous writers.
But this is not the main reason why students are scrambling to read the newspaper.
"Han Meng's name is actually on it!"
"How is that possible? Let me see!"
"She did more than one article; two articles were about her!"
...
Han Meng stood not far away, watching the lively scene around the notice board.
In addition to Xu Shuyi's short stories, the Honglin University newspaper has a dedicated section for outstanding achievements of its students, as well as two other sections: one for current affairs and the other for local hot topics.
Xu Shuyi walked up to her without her noticing and teased, "Han Meng, you've become quite the celebrity on campus now. Aren't you curious to go and see for yourself?"
Han Meng answered irrelevantly, "Principal Xu, is the new tea from my family delicious?"
Xu Shuyi gave a thumbs up: "It tastes great, even better than before. It's worth the price."
"That's good."
"But I read in the newspaper that your dad arranged for you to open a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, and business is pretty good. Are you able to manage with your studies?"
Han Meng said confidently, "It's alright. I studied business, so my exam scores might be so-so, but I have practical experience."
If she hadn't wanted to erase the image of the original owner as a spoiled brat, she could have continued not attending school—she had already mastered practical skills without a teacher, so whether or not she studied theory was unimportant.
"It's good that you're managing. Keep up the good work." Xu Shuyi paused, then added before leaving, "If your family ever produces any new tea, remember to let me know."
"No problem." Han Meng waved to him.
Her farewell was a little louder than usual, and when the students around the notice board heard it, some of them ran towards her.
"Han Meng, tell us quickly, how did you turn things around? How did you suddenly become so amazing?"
"Did your father teach you some business secrets?"
"Can you share it with us?"
Although Honglin University is a comprehensive university, it is known for its business studies, probably due to its location. Almost all students at the university study business.
Moreover, in this era, those who can afford to go to university generally come from well-off families.
They usually looked down on Han Meng, but today, their attitude completely changed. The reason was simply because the school newspaper had written that Han Meng had run the traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy quite well and had received many positive reviews from the local residents.
Who wouldn't want everything to go smoothly from the start?
But the enthusiasm of these people came so suddenly that Han Meng was immediately at a loss.
Fortunately, the school bell rang in time, and the students gradually dispersed from her side. She hurried to the classroom to listen to the lesson.
*
Within a few days, Han Meng's reputation underwent a complete reversal at Honglin University. In addition to students starting to take her as a role model, many professors and teachers became much more polite to her, and some professors even came to her to ask for advice on business issues.
Han Meng's answer was: "Specific business models need to be combined with actual conditions. Theoretical knowledge can only be applied to a broad concept and its role is very limited."
She had been a top student in her original world, so the change in attitude of her classmates and professors was not surprising. However, what she did not expect was that her excellence would lead the school to send her gifts.
That weekend, the president and vice president of Honglin University personally visited the Han family with their respective gifts.
Han Meng: "Principal, Vice Principal, you..."
Even if it's a home visit, isn't that the teacher's job?
Why did the school principals come directly?
Xu Shuyi showed the two books in his hand and explained, "Han Meng, these are a prize from Principal Zheng to reward you for your progress over this period of time."
"One is your work, and the other is..." Han Meng took the two books.
Xu Shuyi said, "The other one is my poetry collection."
Han Meng: ...
No need, really no need. She's not that fond of reading. Next time, please give her something practical.
Never mind, Chen Miaoyin likes it anyway, I'll give it to her later.
"Could we stay at your place for a cup of tea?" Xu Shuyi asked kindly.
"Of course!" Han Meng's eyes lit up immediately.
People like Xu Shuyi don't usually associate with wealthy families. They tend to have a somewhat aloof air about them. But the fact that he's willing to come over, whether for tea or for her, at least proves that he thinks the Han family is different from other wealthy families.
When it comes to doing business, cultivating good relationships with high-society individuals is definitely a good thing.
When guests arrive at the house, the servants quickly serve them tea and water.
Principal Zheng looked a bit older and more reserved than Xu Shuyi. He didn't speak until he had tasted the tea: "This tea is indeed delicious, fragrant and refreshing."
Xu Shuyi chuckled: "Old Zheng, I told you my judgment wouldn't be wrong."
Principal Zheng laughed too: "Brother, are you referring to people or tea?"
Xu Shuyi: "Yes, all of them. Young, beautiful, and talented women have always been admired by gentlemen."
At that moment, Han Meng was in the kitchen serving pastries with the maid and didn't hear their conversation, but someone in the living room of the mansion did.
The speaker may be unintentional, but the listener is not.
Xiao Liu silently observed the two men.
The guests did not stay at the Han family's house for long. They chatted with Han Meng about academic matters and then left together.
Xiao Liu hesitated for a long time, but seeing how happy she seemed, he ultimately decided not to tell her.
Han Meng glanced at her watch and reminded her, "You should go to the shop, Xiao Liu."
*
"Where is this place?"
"Don't worry, it's not a brothel."
Guo Yihan led Lu Jinxian into a foot massage shop next to the traditional Chinese medicine shop. However, because Lu Jinxian had fallen asleep in the rickshaw, he didn't even realize where he was when his friend led him into the shop.
"Young Master Lu!" Xiao Liu had just finished serving a customer when he saw the two of them walk in.
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