From a playboy to a devoted husband, the 180-degree shift in the attitude of Bin City’s Second Young Master Xie has thrilled the gossip-loving public, always eager for a peek into the dramatic love lives of the wealthy elite.
"I’d bet my life on it—there’s a high chance Lan Ruo is pregnant. The Xie Family still doesn’t have a third-generation heir, and if she’s carrying now, it’s definitely the golden grandson."
"I agree. The fact that Xie Zhen, who’s always been surrounded by admirers, is now declaring himself ‘incapable’ must mean he’s kneeling in repentance before his wife."
"Here’s a thought—what if Second Young Master Xie, after all these years of fooling around, genuinely can’t perform anymore? Maybe his sperm quality isn’t great. If his wife still managed to get pregnant, that baby would be the billion-dollar heir. No wonder he’s panicking—lose the wife, lose the child, and he’s left with nothing."
This comment, suggesting Xie Zhen truly is "incapable," instantly made netizens see the light. It made perfect sense!
Still, Xie Zhen is young—not even thirty yet. Tsk, even the playboys of wealthy families have such a short shelf life. Probably overused himself all these years.
Thinking about it this way, the "special treatment" Lan Ruo is receiving now is just material compensation for enduring years of neglect. Nothing to envy.
"Whispering—being a wealthy madam isn’t easy. Xie Zhen splurges on pink diamond mansions, and it still gets exposed. Imagine how he treated his wife all these years. Lan Ruo put up with so much, and still had to deal with that worthless scoundrel."
"Ugh, just hearing that makes me sick… Lan Ruo is beautiful, well-bred, and she ended up married to that trash."
"He’s only crawling back to her now because he’s useless. They’re tied together as husband and wife, so Lan Ruo can’t easily divorce him. If she did, people would just spin it as her fault—blaming her for his ‘incapability’."
After the Xie Family became the talk of the town from Christmas to New Year’s, once the holidays ended, a crowd of onlookers gathered outside the Xie Corporation’s headquarters, hoping for more drama.
This was fueled by leaks from company employees claiming that, for the past month, Xie Zhen and Lan Ruo had been arriving and leaving work together—hand in hand.
Some said it was to stabilize stock prices and reassure shareholders. Others believed the playboy had genuinely changed.
A few even tried to capitalize on the buzz, pulling out their phones to livestream outside the Xie office building.
Wealthy couples like them don’t walk the streets—they enter through private elevators from the parking garage.
But against all odds, one gossip blogger actually managed to "ambush" Lan Ruo.
Or rather, Lan Ruo spotted his camera and walked right up to him.
The blogger, mid-livestream, assumed she was going to shut him down. He braced for an apology before making a run for it.
To his shock, Lan Ruo stopped him and asked if he was live. She had something to say.
The blogger realized he’d struck gold.
And then—
Lan Ruo, on camera, didn’t confirm or deny pregnancy rumors. But she firmly refuted claims that Xie Zhen was "incapable," insisting he was "very capable," that he had always treated her well, and that all the rumors about his playboy past were false. She also praised the Xie Family’s kindness toward her.
The blogger, previously unknown with just a few thousand followers, saw his numbers skyrocket after the livestream.
Meanwhile, clips of "Lan Ruo personally confirming Xie Zhen’s prowess" spread like wildfire online.
Yan and Jue Jue, watching in a café, were struggling not to burst out laughing.
"Jue Jue, I can’t—does he seriously not realize this makes it worse?" Yan clutched her stomach, lips pressed tight, body shaking with suppressed laughter.
When it comes to a man’s "capability," 99.9% of men are delusionally confident. Their pride would never let them admit to being "incapable," and even if they were, they’d resort to any means to prove otherwise.
So when a man like Xie Zhen publicly claims he’s "incapable," there’s only one explanation: he really is. His sudden pivot to devoted husband only reinforced the public’s belief.
"Confirmed. He’s definitely useless now. Lan Ruo’s desperate defense just makes it more obvious—Xie Zhen’s done for."
"As for the Xie Family treating her well? The gossip says otherwise. Lan Ruo never played the victim before, but now she’s out here defending her mother-in-law too? She was forced into this."
"From what I know, every time these two were seen together before, it was frosty silence. The only reason Lan Ruo’s singing praises now? The Xie Family pressured her family again. Ugh, can’t this beauty ever escape?"
Yan and Jue Jue whispered over the trending topics. Zhu Jue mused, "Xie Zhen probably never thought he was in the wrong."
"He assumed using Lan Ruo’s voice would make people believe him. He never considered how bad his and his mother’s reputations are—anything they say just gets flipped on its head."
The two were barely holding back laughter.
The livestream clip went viral. That same night, an anonymous insider from Xie Corporation leaked new details.
"BREAKING!!! Internal sources say Xie Zhen’s office was trashed this afternoon—just the two of them inside."
The news, accompanied by covert photos of the wreckage—a shattered six-figure coffee table, glass strewn everywhere, and the couple glaring at each other—sent the gossip mill into overdrive.
"Did Lan Ruo’s ‘clarification’ backfire? Is Xie Zhen throwing a tantrum?"
"No way Lan Ruo did this. She’s too gentle—this reeks of Xie Zhen’s impotent rage. What a waste! That table cost a fortune!"
With finals approaching, indulging in the Xie Family drama was the perfect stress reliever for Yan and Zhu Jue.
After a day of studying at the café, Yan stretched lazily back at the dorm.
"Just one week till break. Finally going home."
Yi Zhi, mouth full of cherry tomatoes, mumbled, "You all got your tickets? Should be easy to book now."
"I’m staying in Bin City. Not sure about visiting my hometown for New Year’s—might travel instead. I’d love to shoot Hanfu photos in the snow at Ning City’s palace. Maybe I’ll drop by Yan’s place." Chu Bingbing said, then reconsidered. "Then again, I hate the cold. Maybe Haicheng for a beach trip."
If she did go to Ning City, she didn’t want to impose on Yan’s family. Her hometown held no appeal—with money, she could make anywhere home.
This winter break, she’d stick to big cities, ready to handle any sudden spending tasks from the system.
“I’ll be staying with relatives for a few days, maybe traveling a bit, or heading to Ning City,” Ding Ling said.
Once Bin University went on winter break, the campus population dwindled, leaving only graduate students and faculty. With the senior students at Mingzhitang looking after things, she could take the opportunity to get away.
Recently, Ding Ling had heard from the leader of the special cases unit that as the New Year approached, Ning City would host a competition among disciples of the mystical arts. She’d likely tag along with the team to spectate.
“What about Suisui? Do you have filming over the break?” Chu Bingbing asked Gu Jiasui.
“I have a few gigs lined up, plus that show A-Yan helped me get,” Gu Jiasui replied succinctly.
Yan, who was munching on a strawberry, mumbled, “Show?”
“The one with Sister Lin Lu,” Gu Jiasui clarified.
“Ohhh!” Yan nodded repeatedly, finally remembering. It had been so long she’d nearly forgotten.
She’d assumed Gu Jiasui’s schedule at Bin University wouldn’t align with the show, but apparently, it had only just been finalized.
“It’s a program for the national New Year broadcast, so I’ll have to go to Ning City right after finals,” Gu Jiasui explained.
“What about Pengpeng?” Yi Zhi asked, concerned.
With winter setting in, the campus cats and dogs at Bin University mostly took shelter in the heated buildings. Some facilities remained open during the break, and students who stayed behind could look after them.
But Pengpeng, the paralyzed kitten, couldn’t afford to pause her treatment. After over two months of acupuncture, her hind legs were showing slight movement—they couldn’t stop now.
“He’s taking Pengpeng home for acupuncture,” Gu Jiasui said.
“Yan, you’re on the same train, right?”
“Yeah.” Yan had only recently learned that Xiao Qingnang, the legendary “Healing Sage,” actually hailed from Ning City in modern times.
Fortunately, the national high-speed rail had recently approved pet transport with prior registration. Otherwise, they’d have had to rent a car to drive Pengpeng all the way from Bin City to Ning City.
“We booked a pet-friendly carriage together. It’s pricier, about the same as first class, but there’s space for pets. With just the three of us and Pengpeng, it should be plenty roomy,” Yan added. Since the policy was new, they’d specifically chosen this train.
The flight from Bin City to Ning City took nearly a full day, whereas the high-speed rail only took four hours with minimal stops—plus, the seats were more comfortable.
“The airport in Ning City’s outskirts is too far, and flights cost about the same as second-class rail tickets. If we flew from the capital, it’d be around a thousand, same as first-class rail. Plus, pets on planes can’t stay with you, but on the train, we can check on Pengpeng anytime,” Yan explained.
“Won’t your allergies act up in the pet carriage?” Chu Bingbing asked worriedly.
At the mention of her and Jue Jue’s allergies, Yan grinned and gave Gu Jiasui a thumbs-up.
“Brother Xiao is a miracle worker. We tested it with Pengpeng, Orange, and Calico—our allergies have improved so much under his acupuncture that unless we’re buried in cat hair, we don’t react anymore, even around three cats at once.”
The Healing Sage lived up to his title. Yan and Zhu Jue’s allergies were easy to test: just half an hour around cats, and their symptoms would flare.
Now, in the campus pet association’s office, surrounded by four or five cats, their eyes didn’t redden, their throats didn’t itch, their skin stayed clear, and they didn’t sneeze or tear up.
The treatment was nothing short of incredible!
Yan couldn’t wait to drag her family to see Brother Xiao for a wellness check once they were back in Ning City.
Brother Xiao—Uncle Xiao—absolute legend!
“Wow! That’s amazing.” Chu Bingbing was intrigued. She didn’t have allergies, but between Pengpeng’s recovery and Yan and Zhu Jue’s cured sensitivities, it was clear Xiao Qingnang’s traditional medicine skills were next-level.
Given Yan and Zhu Jue’s backgrounds, if even their wealthy families hadn’t found a cure, and now their college roommate had fixed it? Brother Xiao’s techniques were genuinely extraordinary.
Another hidden master—doctors like him were once-in-a-lifetime finds!
“Egg Fried Rice also mentioned he does bone-setting. Supposedly, it’s intense but feels amazing afterward. My joints crack like fireworks whenever I move.”
Chu Bingbing nursed a faint hope: if her ridiculous “tycoon system” ever deducted her lifespan, maybe Brother Xiao could top her up.
“Egg Fried Rice!” Ding Ling’s petite face turned solemn.
Even as a Ghost King, she had to admit Egg Fried Rice was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted, alive or dead.
“The thought of leaving Bin City and saying goodbye to Egg Fried Rice is downright depressing,” Chu Bingbing lamented.
Thanks to finals, Egg Fried Rice hadn’t opened shop in two weeks.
No amount of wailing from the patrons of Chu’s Eatery could change that. Only two dorm groups had managed to sneak in an order, with Lin Fan personally driving over to pick it up.
That single meal had sustained them through two grueling weeks of exam prep.
“Egg Fried Rice just @-ed everyone in the group chat—vote for braised pork, potato stew, or fried rice. He says it’s the last meal before finals and he’s scared of getting mobbed if he goes back,” Chu Bingbing announced, revitalized by the news.
Yan tapped her chin, her delicate features twisted in conflict.
“Fine, I’ll pick fried rice. Braised pork wouldn’t travel well, but fried rice can still taste decent microwaved.”
Four months into university in Bin City, homesickness was creeping in. Yan longed for the cozy warmth of home, but the thought of going over a month without Chu Shen’s cooking was a bitter pill to swallow.
Bin University’s exams ran until January 10th.
On January 5th, twelve days had passed since Yan and Zhu Jue last ventured out for fun.
Bin City grew colder by the day. After lunch in the cafeteria, they seized the warmest hours to wander campus with their backpacks.
“Back in Ning City, it’d snow by November. Here, it’s still raining. So weird—hope I don’t get eczema,” Yan grumbled.
Even with highs of 10°C, the chill lingered. According to their academic plan, they’d be stuck in Bin City for at least seven more years.
“Different lands, different customs. The human body adapts. We’ll get used to it,” Zhu Jue reassured her.
“Well, we’re here now,” Yan sighed, invoking the classic refrain.
Since I’ve already taken the exams, there’s no point in repeating a year just to switch cities. Ning City and Bin City each have their pros and cons, but as someone who grew up in the north, old habits die hard.
“By the way, Jue Jue, where’s Xiao Qingnang’s place?” Yan asked.
“In the old town district. I looked it up—it’s a famous traditional medicine shop called Hundred Herbs Hall,” Zhu Jue replied.
As he spoke, he reached over to adjust the scarf around Yan’s neck, his clasped hands tucked into his coat pockets like little furnaces radiating warmth.
“That’s convenient then. The subway can take us anywhere anyway,” Yan said.
The thought of returning to Ning City filled her with joy, but also a hint of unease.
Who knew what Xu Jiaojiao and those four reincarnated scumbags were up to now? By the time they got back, the twins, Da Bao and Xiao Bao, would already be on winter break.
Even though they were going home, this vacation didn’t seem like it’d be very relaxing.
“We’ll just go to Xiao Qingnang’s place to pet cats and hide from the chaos,” Yan mused. Compared to everything else, the quiet sanctuary of the “Medicine Sage’s” home felt safe, stable, and drama-free.
As they chatted and strolled down the path, their footsteps suddenly halted in unison.
Yan rubbed her eyes. “Has it even been a month since the last time?”
It didn’t feel like long since their last visit to Lu Chen’s interdimensional convenience store. They hadn’t even been out traveling this time, so why had the store’s magic door suddenly appeared right in front of them?
Zhu Jue pondered. “Maybe his sales are down this month, and he’s come to us for help?”
Yan had been thinking that, with their return to Ning City imminent, they might not encounter the Bin City-based interdimensional store again. Yet here it was, appearing for the third time before their departure.
“Should we go in? Time’s frozen anyway,” Yan said, then a mischievous idea struck her.
“Jue Jue, I just had a thought,” she said, eyes gleaming.
She pulled Zhu Jue along as they pushed open the familiar door of the shop, running straight into Lu Chen, who was posing dramatically like he owned the place.
Lu Chen blinked in surprise. “You two again?”
Yan grinned. “We thought you deliberately planted the door at our school. What a coincidence!”
This time, the pair were dressed like typical students, bundled in down jackets with backpacks slung over their shoulders.
Yan’s gaze swept over the shop’s interior. There seemed to be new stock, but her focus wasn’t on the merchandise.
She shrugged off her backpack and walked over to the counter where Lu Chen usually stood, testing its height.
“Boss Lu, we’re basically VIP customers by now, right?” Yan batted her eyelashes.
Lu Chen had no idea where this was going, but it was true.
He nodded cautiously. “Sure. What’s up?”
He assumed the couple was angling for more free tea.
But Yan’s next words left him utterly stunned.
“Can we study here for a bit?” she asked earnestly.
With time frozen inside the interdimensional store, this was the perfect spot for cramming! Who’d need to worry about finals here?
Lu Chen: !!!
Study?! In my shop?!
Are you two out of your minds?!
Since when did my interdimensional convenience store become your personal study hall?!
