Chapter 056 Sea King – “The Allure of Sugar-Coated Bullets” (02/20)
Qiu Yuanjiu’s eyes burned with intensity as he spoke with absolute conviction. Shi Jingge felt a touch of embarrassment; he gave him a faint smile, his gaze betraying a hint of shyness, yet radiating a gentle grace.
Qiu Yuanjiu’s fingertips trembled slightly as a surge of intense emotion welled up within him. It was a mixture of joy, pride, and arrogance that made his heart race.
“It’s like this,” Shi Jingge said, lowering his gaze slightly to avoid Qiu Yuanjiu’s eyes. “My grades from last semester weren’t very good.”
“You failed three major courses and three non-major courses, and you didn’t even meet the standards for the final physical fitness test.”
Qiu Yuanjiu: “Huh?”
Wasn’t this supposed to be a confession? What on earth was he talking about? How did the conversation shift to whether he passed his exams or met fitness standards?
Shi Jingge raised his head and looked at Qiu Yuanjiu. Though his gaze remained as gentle as ever, his aura had clearly changed.
Qiu Yuanjiu instinctively felt a surge of nervousness.
“Junior, you’ll need to take make-up exams this semester. They’re scheduled for next month. If you don’t pass them, you’ll have to repeat the year. You’re aware of that, right?” Shi Jingge spoke slowly. His tone hadn’t changed—it remained gentle—but Qiu Yuanjiu felt a chill.
“I—I know,” Qiu Yuanjiu replied.
“Then may I ask, how prepared are you?”
Qiu Yuanjiu: “……”
“I see.” Shi Jingge shrugged, looking straight at Qiu Yuanjiu. “So, do you know how many students have been held back in the Alchemy Department at Kalandi College over the past five years?”
Qiu Yuanjiu: “……”
Since Qiu Yuanjiu remained silent, Shi Jingge naturally didn’t press him further. He merely remarked casually, “Coincidentally, not a single one.”
He smiled at Qiu Yuanjiu, his eyes crinkling at the corners, but Qiu Yuanjiu instinctively averted his gaze. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, at that moment, Shi Jingge was actually kind of terrifying.
“So, do you know how many students have been held back across the entire school over the past five years? Still none. Moreover, the Federal School Evaluation and Selection is held once every five years and is about to begin. Siming Teji University has been rapidly gaining momentum in recent years; last year, they outperformed us in the Federal Unified Exams. There are already rumors suggesting that they’ll crush us this time and claim the title as the Federation’s top university.
“If we have a student held back at this critical moment, it’ll only further weaken Kalandi’s competitive edge.” Shi Jingge looked at Qiu Yuanjiu with a touch of resignation, clearly troubled.
Qiu Yuanjiu tapped his fingertips. Of course he knew all this—and precisely because he knew it, he was so brazen. He was betting that the school wouldn’t dare fail him at this time.No matter how abysmal his scores were, the school always had a way to cover for him and let him pass the make-up exams.
After all, the school had no intention of handing over the title of “Top College in the Federation”, a legacy passed down for over a century, to anyone else.
Shi Jingge took in Qiu Yuanjiu’s expression and felt a sense of understanding well up within him.
It was pretty much exactly as he’d guessed. Qiu Yuanjiu really did know all of this, which was why he was acting so brazenly. But this time, Qiu Yuanjiu was likely to be disappointed.
Shi Jingge smiled faintly, looking at Qiu Yuanjiu with eyes full of encouragement and expectation, his tone growing even lighter and gentler, as if he were soothing a child.
When dealing with a rebellious child like Qiu Yuanjiu, one must combine firmness with gentleness. Be firm when required, and be gentle when needed; the combination of the two yielded the best results.
“So, whether it’s the professors in the Pharmacology Department or the Student Council, when faced with a situation like this, they’re feeling a bit…” Shi Jingge paused, a hint of remorse showing on his face. “Although the school will certainly make preparations for the upcoming competition”—Qiu Yuanjiu visibly relaxed, a smug gleam flashing in his eyes. Shi Jingge’s gaze suddenly hardened, and his voice became firm and resolute—“but that doesn’t mean we’ll compromise on this! We absolutely will not harm our junior!”
Qiu Yuanjiu: “???”
Harm… me…?
“Through my interactions with you, I’ve come to fully understand your character. You are honest, kind, innocent, passionate, upright, and brave, possessing noble character and integrity. At times, I feel ashamed of myself in comparison. I know you would absolutely refuse to accept being treated that way,” Shi Jingge spoke with absolute conviction, his eyes radiating sincerity, making it clear that every word came from the heart.
Qiu Yuanjiu had never been praised like this before; he was momentarily stunned.
He hardly dared to believe him, but when he met Shi Jingge’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to doubt a single word.
Was he really as good as Shi Jingge said?
It seemed… it seemed… he actually was.
A small spark suddenly ignited deep within Qiu Yuanjiu’s heart.
Shi Jingge stared intently at Qiu Yuanjiu, and under his gaze, his tone grew even more impassioned. “You possess exceptional talent—you’re one of the most gifted people I’ve ever seen. Your character is so upright, you’re the kind of person who would rather stand straight than bend. If the school really handles this the way they’re suggesting, it will undoubtedly hurt you. With such talent, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch you sacrifice it!
“I’ve decided that I will tutor you myself, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure your talent isn’t wasted! I cannot stand by and watch someone who has the potential to become a great pharmacist in the future let their talent go to waste! I simply cannot do that!
“Of course, I didn’t consult you about this decision. If you feel like I’ve overstepped or something, I’ll understand.” Shi Jingge lowered his head, his tone suddenly growing heavy. He paused for a moment before forcing a bitter smile. “I only ask that you… don’t hate me…”
Qiu Yuanjiu hadn’t even had time to snap out of the grand visions Shi Jingge had painted. Amid Shi Jingge’s impassioned words, he felt as though his entire being had been ignited!
That was right—he was a prodigy with exceptional talent. He shouldn’t let his potential go to waste!
He would shine. He would become a great pharmacist. He would make everyone who looked down on him regret it!
“No way!” Qiu Yuanjiu jumped to his feet. “How could I possibly hate you, senior? I’ll listen to you!”
Shi Jingge’s exceptional talent was renowned throughout the entire Pharmacology Department. Since he’d been personally endorsed by Shi Jingge, how could his own talent possibly be lacking?
He would—he was determined to become the greatest alchemist of all!
“Really?” Shi Jingge also stood up, looking extremely excited. “Are you willing to accept my guidance, junior?”
“Of course!” Qiu Yuanjiu shouted. “If I can’t trust you, senior, who else can I trust?”
“Then would you let me tutor you?” Shi Jingge’s lips trembled slightly, his eyes filled with pleading.
“Of course!” Qiu Yuanjiu’s voice grew even louder. “It would be my honor to have you tutor me, senior. I’m so grateful!”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Shi Jingge slammed his hand on the table, brimming with enthusiasm. “Let’s go to the study room!”
“Let’s go!” Qiu Yuanjiu hadn’t even realized what he was saying, but he shouted even louder than Shi Jingge. “To the study room!”
Shi Jingge grabbed Qiu Yuanjiu’s arm and led him away.
The cool breeze outside finally cooled Qiu Yuanjiu’s overheated brain just a little. He paused in his strides, staring at Shi Jingge in a daze. What had he just agreed to?
Shi Jingge noticed Qiu Yuanjiu’s hesitation. He turned away, his brow betraying unmasked excitement and enthusiasm. “Junior, I believe in you. You’re bound to make a name for yourself in pharmacology. You have to believe in yourself, too. I look forward to the day your portrait hangs in the school’s Hall of Fame. Then I’ll be able to brag to my colleagues that I was the one who discovered your talent and a future great pharmacist! Everyone will envy me then.”
In just a few words, Shi Jingge had reignited the fire in Qiu Yuanjiu’s heart. Now, not even the cool breeze could extinguish the flame burning within him; he felt a surge of strength coursing through his entire body.
He could do it. He was capable!
And so, Qiu Yuanjiu threw himself into his studies with fervor.
However, such fervor was often short-lived. Less than ten minutes later, Qiu Yuanjiu began to lose steam.
But Shi Jingge was well-versed in handling this. With an enthusiastic tone, he showered Qiu Yuanjiu with praise. His ability to spin a fanciful tale with a straight face was second to none, and he effortlessly reignited Qiu Yuanjiu’s motivation.
This time, Qiu Yuanjiu held out a bit longer—a full fifteen minutes.
Shi Jingge sang an aria to praise Qiu Yuanjiu’s talent and even composed a poem on the spot.
Qiu Yuanjiu rallied once again!
This cycle repeated itself, and in the end, Qiu Yuanjiu spent over two hours catching up on his studies in the study room.
After Qiu Yuanjiu lost steam for the nth time, Shi Jingge felt it was about enough. You couldn’t rush things; pushing too hard to make up ground is counterproductive. Progress must be gradual to ensure lasting results.
So, as usual, Shi Jingge praised Qiu Yuanjiu from start to finish. Just as Qiu Yuanjiu was basking in his triumph, Shi Jingge’s expression turned hesitant and troubled.
Qiu Yuanjiu asked instinctively, “Senior, what’s wrong?”
Shi Jingge hesitated, then let out a soft sigh.
Qiu Yuanjiu furrowed his brow. “Senior, just say it. Is there anything you can’t tell me directly?”
“It’s not that,” Shi Jingge said, his ears turning red as he awkwardly scratched his nose. “It’s just that… you’re great in every way, but your physical fitness…” After a pause, Shi Jingge put it delicately, “It’s a bit lacking.”
Qiu Yuanjiu didn’t think much of it. He was a student in the Pharmacology Department, not the Mecha Department. What use would it be for him to be fit?
Shi Jingge noticed his dismissive attitude and sighed deeply. “You should know this, junior. The higher the potion’s grade, the more complex the production process. So it’s perfectly normal for a pharmacist to spend most of a day making a batch of potions.
“If we’re trying to refine one, we might have to stay in the lab for ten days or even half a month. It’s a real test of both physical and mental endurance. That’s why truly great pharmacists possess both strong physical and mental stamina. Otherwise, why would our department place such importance on physical fitness tests? Because for us pharmacists, physical fitness is absolutely crucial!
“You’re perfect in every other way, junior. It would be such a shame if you couldn’t advance further just because of your fitness.”
Shi Jingge shook his head, a look of regret etched between his brows. That expression and tone struck a nerve with Qiu Yuanjiu. He had originally planned to rush back to the dormitory to lie down, but now he had changed his mind.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Qiu Yuanjiu exclaimed. “Let’s go to the training room!”
His expression and demeanor were even more urgent than Shi Jingge’s!
Shi Jingge found it amusing, but he remained impassive on the surface, merely furrowing his brow as he looked at Qiu Yuanjiu, appearing somewhat hesitant.
Qiu Yuanjiu was eager to head to the training room, and seeing Shi Jingge’s hesitation, he couldn’t help but grow impatient. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing really. It’s just that you’ve already been cramming for over two hours. Won’t going to the training room right now be too tiring?” Shi Jingge’s eyes were filled with sincerity. “Haste makes waste. I understand your eagerness, but I’m worried you’ll overexert yourself.”
Under Shi Jingge’s earnest gaze, Qiu Yuanjiu waved his hand grandly and declared with boundless confidence, “I’m not afraid of getting tired!”
“But…” Shi Jingge tilted his head, hesitating as he spoke.
Qiu Yuanjiu tugged at Shi Jingge’s sleeve, saying impatiently, “There’s no room for buts! Let’s go! If we start now, we can get some extra physical training in! Come on!”
Shi Jingge ran a few steps alongside Qiu Yuanjiu, earnestly trying to dissuade him. “But physical training is exhausting. You’ve already worked so hard for so long. Why don’t we call it a day and continue tomorrow?”
Qiu Yuanjiu was already thoroughly charmed by Shi Jingge’s “sweet talk,” and now that he was brimming with motivation, Shi Jingge’s “persuasion” had the opposite effect—it only fueled his determination even more.
“I know what you’re worried about,” Qiu Yuanjiu said with boundless enthusiasm. Having never undergone any physical training before and now brimming with passion, he felt he could accomplish anything and didn’t take any of Shi Jingge’s warnings seriously. “Don’t worry, senior. I’ll definitely be fine! I remember there’s a training room with timed challenges—the kind where you can’t leave until you finish, right? I’ll go in there. You just wait for me outside. A little physical training’s no challenge for me!”
Shi Jingge hesitated for a long moment before finally replying, “Alright.”
The look in his eyes as he watched Qiu Yuanjiu held a hint of admiration.
When those words left his mouth, Qiu Yuanjiu felt a twinge of regret. But the moment he turned and met Shi Jingge’s admiring gaze, every last bit of that regret vanished!
Who else but him could command such an admiring look from Shi Jingge, a senior renowned across Kalandi College, beloved by so many?
That pride and satisfaction could lift him to the heavens!
So, when they entered the training room, Qiu Yuanjiu confidently booked it for two hours. It was only after Shi Jingge’s persuasion that he reluctantly changed it to one hour.
Qiu Yuanjiu walked in brimming with confidence, with Shi Jingge cheering him on from behind.
An hour later, when the door swung open again, Qiu Yuanjiu was slumped on the floor, too exhausted even to get back up.
“Junior?” Shi Jingge rushed in anxiously, helping Qiu Yuanjiu out. Qiu Yuanjiu could barely stand; his face was streaked with tears that hadn’t dried yet, and he was soaked from head to toe, looking utterly bedraggled.
In that moment, Qiu Yuanjiu swore he would never set foot in that training room again.
That wasn’t a training room at all—it was a nightmare! It was torture! It was hell!
Qiu Yuanjiu felt like crying again.
That feeling of crying out to heaven and earth with no response, of being unable to catch his breath from crying yet still having to train—it was a shadow that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Qiu Yuanjiu sniffed, just as he was about to pour out his grievances, when he heard Shi Jingge’s gentle, admiring voice. “You’re truly amazing, junior.”
Shi Jingge’s voice was filled with undisguised admiration, and the complaint that had been on the tip of Qiu Yuanjiu’s tongue instantly died in his throat.
“You’re better than I was.”
As Shi Jingge’s sincere words reached Qiu Yuanjiu’s ears, he found it even harder to voice his grievances. “The first time I ever stepped into the training room, I set it for half an hour,” Shi Jingge’s voice carried a hint of nostalgia. “That nearly killed me. When I finally crawled out, I was crying and praying never to set foot in there again. My roommates laughed their heads off at the time.
“You went in for an hour and still had the strength to walk out. That’s truly remarkable. Back then, forget about walking—I barely had the strength to crawl.”
Of course, that wasn’t true, but Qiu Yuanjiu believed it was.
As Shi Jingge spoke, Qiu Yuanjiu gradually straightened up. He stopped leaning his full weight onto Shi Jingge and was able to support himself a little. His aversion to the training room had dissipated by more than half, and he even felt a bit pleased with himself.
Compared to Shi Jingge’s embarrassing state back then, wasn’t his current condition so much better? At least he hadn’t lost face in front of Shi Jingge! Back then, Shi Jingge had lost face in front of so many people!
What did that mean? It meant he was stronger than Shi Jingge!
And this was all Shi Jingge’s own admission.
He had greater natural talent than Shi Jingge, and his physical stamina was superior as well. In everyone’s eyes, Shi Jingge was already exceptionally talented and was certain to achieve great things in alchemy in the future.
If he was superior to Shi Jingge in every respect, wouldn’t he be even more capable of achieving greatness?
Shi Jingge studied Qiu Yuanjiu’s expression, offering a couple of subtle compliments to make him feel on top of the world before seizing the moment to say with a smile, “So, will you come back tomorrow, junior?”
“I’ll be back! I’ll be back!” Before Qiu Yuanjiu even had time to think, the words had already slipped out.
…Was it too late to give up now?
“You’re so determined, junior!” Shi Jingge gave him a thumbs-up. “Then I’ll be waiting for you in that same study room tomorrow at the same time. How about that?”
Qiu Yuanjiu nodded. “Sure.”
Looks like there’s no chance to back out now, QAQ!
A deeper smile flickered in Shi Jingge’s eyes. “I have some materials and practice questions on my light brain that might be helpful to you. Do you want them?” ”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Qiu Yuanjiu replied with a touch of self-deprecating nonchalance. “Please send them to me, senior.”
“No problem,” Shi Jingge said with a smile. “Why be so polite with me, junior?” Before Qiu Yuanjiu could answer, Shi Jingge added with a chuckle, “I’ve highlighted some questions—all related to what we covered today—so you can practice a bit. With your talent and ability, I’m sure they won’t be difficult.”
Qiu Yuanjiu beamed with excitement, feeling exceptionally happy today.
Shi Jingge walked him back to the dorm, said goodbye, and took a few steps out before suddenly turning back and calling out to Qiu Yuanjiu.
Qiu Yuanjiu turned to look at him, confused.
Shi Jingge smiled broadly and waved goodbye. “Don’t forget to spread the word for me. Thanks in advance, junior.”
With everyone watching and quite a few people looking their way, Qiu Yuanjiu was thoroughly flattered by Shi Jingge’s words. His vanity completely satisfied, he gave a slight nod, deliberately feigning a hint of disdain. “Don’t worry about it! ”
With that, Qiu Yuanjiu turned and walked away. Though drenched in sweat, he carried himself with a bold swagger. Shi Jingge left as well, though he took a detour to the chemistry lab; he had some theories he wanted to test.
However, he still remembered the materials Qiu Yuanjiu needed. He’d organized them earlier while Qiu Yuanjiu was in the training room and was ready to send them over at any moment.
After receiving them, Qiu Yuanjiu sent back a thank-you emoji.
Shi Jingge curved his lips and replied: [Junior, I have a favor to ask of you.]
Qiu Yuanjiu answered quickly: [Why are you being so formal with me, senior? I think we can drop the formalities.]
[Then I won’t hold back either. It’s about that rose tea. Can you have your roommates try it? Have them evaluate the taste and effects, and feel free to offer any suggestions. It would be even better if they could write a review of their experience.]
Qiu Yuanjiu read the message Shi Jingge sent and couldn’t help but furrow his brow. Let his roommates try it?
He wasn’t about to go out of his way to curry favor with those people; he had no intention of lowering himself to that.
They didn’t like him, looked down on him, and he couldn’t be bothered to give them a second glance. What was so great about them anyway?
But…
Just then, another message from Shi Jingge popped up: [I’d appreciate your help, junior.]
[In our first year, we can all still live together, and there’s always someone else in the dorm. But starting in our second year, we can move out, and in my dorm, I’m the only one left. I might have to bother you a few more times in the future.]
[But you’re such a great guy, so I’m sure you get along really well with your roommates, right?]
[Junior, you’re naturally talented, have strong self-discipline, work hard, and are well-liked—you’re just too perfect, aren’t you?]
Qiu Yuanjiu sent back a few emojis and scratched the side of his face.
Exactly. He was amazing. Why would he even bother arguing with that bunch of idiots in the dorm? He even let them drink his stuff. How kind and friendly was that? Could those guys really pick a fight with him?
That would be utterly heartless!
With that thought, Qiu Yuanjiu perked up and walked towards the dorm with a spring in his step.
Qiu Yuanjiu pushed open the door to the dorm. As it happened, his three roommates were in the living room. They were watching a tutorial video and discussing something when they turned to look at him in unison.
The next second, all three of their eyes widened simultaneously as they stared at Qiu Yuanjiu in shock.
Qiu Yuanjiu snapped, “What are you looking at?”
“No, wait,” one of his roommates exclaimed. “Weren’t you supposed to be on a date with Senior Shi? How come you’re… coming back like this?”
His clothes were still wet, and strands of hair clung to his face, as if he’d just been pulled out of the water.
Had someone splashed water on him?
“Who told you it was a date?” Qiu Yuanjiu shot him a disapproving glare, then spoke again with a hint of understated smugness. “We went to the library and the training room.” After a brief pause, Qiu Yuanjiu quickly added, “I spent an hour in the training room.”
Having said that, Qiu Yuanjiu waited for them to gasp in surprise. But they didn’t.
After all, spending an hour in the training room really wasn’t that impressive. Even most of the kids from the lower grades could spend an hour there.
Qiu Yuanjiu narrowed his eyes, finding his roommates even more annoying than before. He snorted coldly, went to his own room, and slammed the door shut. A loud “clang” made his three dumbfounded roommates jump.
“He… He…” The roommate who had just opened his mouth stammered for a while, unable to form a complete sentence.
“What’s he so smug about?” Another roommate on the right calmly finished his sentence for him.
The third roommate on the left almost burst out laughing. “Don’t you guys know him yet? Just pretend you didn’t see anything. Stay calm. If he really did go to the practice room, that’d actually be a good thing.”
“True.” The roommate in the middle sighed. “Let’s not end up with a student failing a grade right at this critical moment.”
The roommate on the right looked pensive. “Do you think Senior Shi came to give him a tutoring session?”
The other two froze for a moment. The one in the middle slapped his thigh. “That’s a strong possibility! I was saying, Senior Shi doesn’t seem like that kind of person. He’s definitely devoted everything to pharmacology. Why would he go on a date?”
Just then, Qiu Yuanjiu’s door swung open.
He held a small vial of rose tea leaves, set it down in front of the three of them, and said coldly, “Here—for you. Use hot water to brew it, and let me know what you think after you finish.”
Leaving those words behind, Qiu Yuanjiu strolled away, his back view radiating pure arrogance. The three exchanged glances, none of them reaching out to take it.
Finally, the one in the middle asked, “Who among you dares to drink it?”
The other two remained silent.
……None of us dares to drink it, okay!!
Author’s Note:
Now—
Roommate: No way, no way, I’d rather die than drink it!
Later—
Roommate A: Give me a sip! Don’t steal it from me!
Roommate B: Put that down! Put that down right now! That’s mine!!
Roommate C: Damn it, I didn’t get to grab it again today, aaaaaah!!
#When will I ever get to grab the rose tea, boo-hoo-hoo#
#How Rose Tea Eases Dorm Conflicts#
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
