Chapter 266: Chapter 245: Misunderstanding

Like Gu Shaojun, he couldn’t bear to leave, so he stayed in Ping County for three days.

However, Xiao Man didn’t let him stay with them in their temporary home. Instead, she asked Director Wang of the Water Resources Bureau to help get him a room at the county guest house. Director Wang was a warmhearted man who never did things by halves. Not only did he get the room, but he also hosted a banquet there, graciously inviting "Brother Bai" to a meal.

Bai Junfan understood social etiquette, so he gracefully accepted the arrangement and went to stay at the guest house. However, he got a key to the rental house from Guan Ailan and, copying Gu Shaojun, he would buy groceries, go back to cook, and wait for Xiao Man and her two friends to get out of school.

This kind of "field-snail girl" act felt rather bizarre coming from a grown man. Xiao Man complained to Guan Ailan, but Guan Ailan just laughed heartily, declaring that as long as someone was willing to play the part, she would definitely give them the chance!

Mo Linghui also chimed in with a smile, "No matter how the food tastes, it’s still better than the school cafeteria. Plus, we don’t even have to wash the dishes afterward. An offer this good is something other people can only dream of!"

Xiao Man looked to the heavens, speechless. ’My two best friends are about to mutiny.’

On Saturday, Bai Junfan offered to accompany Xiao Man back to the countryside to visit her Grandpa and Grandma. Xiao Man told him that with final exams approaching, she had to focus on studying. She had already informed her family that she wouldn’t be coming home that Sunday and would wait until winter break.

This wasn’t just an excuse; it was the truth. Based on her academic performance, Mr. Cheng had revised her advancement plan. He intended for her to take another grade-skipping test after her final exams. If she passed, she would be completely handed over to Teacher Fan, who was in charge of the high school curriculum, for the next semester. As a result, her study schedule was indeed very tight.

Since Xiao Man wasn’t going back to the countryside, Bai Junfan naturally couldn’t go by himself. It was only after eating those pickled vegetables that he’d become curious to meet Xiao Man’s Grandma and see the place where she had grown up.

As an Ancient Martial Practitioner, his constitution was different from that of an ordinary person. His senses of smell and taste were also exceptionally sharp, and his body could clearly distinguish the various nutrients and energies it absorbed from the outside world. Xiao Man’s family’s pickled vegetables were not only uniquely and exquisitely delicious, but they also seemed to contain a faint trace of Spiritual Energy!

’Yes, the legendary Spiritual Energy that can enhance one’s power!’ If an Ancient Martial Artist could obtain a sufficient amount of Spiritual Energy to aid their training, not only would their Martial Arts advance by leaps and bounds, but the subsequent benefits would be too numerous to count!

The most significant and direct of these benefits was prolonging life and preserving one’s youth. Even if one lived to be a hundred, they could maintain the appearance of someone in their thirties or forties!

According to their family’s genealogical records, a Bai Family ancestor had once lived to be one hundred and sixty. Later, after suffering a grievous injury in a duel, he retreated into the deep mountains for Cultivation and healing and was never seen again.

Spiritual Energy, it was said, was extremely rare on Earth, but not entirely nonexistent. Martial Artists at Bai Junfan’s level could sometimes vaguely sense its presence. However, because their power was not yet profound enough and they lacked the corresponding Cultivation Technique, they were unable to absorb the Spiritual Energy they sensed for their own use. It was truly and utterly frustrating!

The trace of Spiritual Energy contained within Xiao Man’s family’s pickled vegetables was perhaps so minuscule that it was quite docile. It entered the body along with the food and circulated within, leaving one feeling comfortable and serene. By eating this kind of food year-round, even without practicing martial arts, exercising, or doing anything at all, a person could maintain their health and well-being, living smoothly to the age of eighty or ninety before passing away peacefully of old age!

After confirming the extraordinary nature of the pickled vegetables several times, Bai Junfan couldn’t help but sigh. ’This stuff is incredible, yet Manman just shares it so casually. Guan Ailan and Mo Linghui, those two girls are really getting a massive bargain!’

’Guan Ailan said Xiao Man’s Grandma makes the pickled vegetables. How could an old woman from the countryside create something so precious? She couldn’t possibly generate Spiritual Energy herself. There are two explanations: one, their family’s home is in a uniquely blessed location, a place where Spiritual Energy congregates; or two, their family might possess a priceless treasure, an artifact that can release Spiritual Energy!’

His thoughts turned to Grandpa Tang’s "Heart Nourishing Pills," and Bai Junfan’s eyes darkened. ’How could I have forgotten about that? It’s not surprising that Xiao Man knows medicine and can make pills. The crucial question is, where does she get the herbs?’

’That’s the key, isn’t it? So, whether or not I go to the countryside is irrelevant. Getting close to Xiao Man and earning her trust is more important than anything!’

On Sunday, Teacher Yu and her husband took their child to visit her parents’ home, where they cooked a large meal. They invited Xiao Man and her two friends to join them. Not wanting to abandon Bai Junfan, Xiao Man brought him along as well. This led to a misunderstanding with Teacher Yu, who took Bai Junfan aside for a half-hour talk. Afterward, she spoke to Xiao Man, and it was only then that Xiao Man realized Teacher Yu had lectured Bai Junfan, mistaking him for a suitor!

Teacher Yu told Xiao Man, "I know your family background is extraordinary, but the more of a high-society lady you are, the more poised you must be. A good family background might support you for a lifetime, but think about it, wouldn’t that be boring? If you live your whole life without building a career of your own, you’ll regret it when you’re old. You’re so outstanding, you won’t lack for admirers. There’s no need to get entangled in romantic affairs so early and add stress and trouble to your life. When you reach the right age, it will happen naturally! All these childhood betrothals and suitors, I see them as being driven by vested interests. Back when you weren’t the Tang Family Girl, why didn’t they show up? So, you need to stay focused. Completing your studies is what’s most important!"

Having received a lecture for no reason, Xiao Man was utterly mortified. She obediently replied to Teacher Yu that she would continue to study hard as always and would not get involved in any puppy love!

Surprisingly, Bai Junfan wasn’t angry about being criticized by Teacher Yu; he even seemed quite happy. After they said their goodbyes and left, he walked Xiao Man home. They stood talking downstairs for a while. Bai Junfan apologized for causing such a misunderstanding for her, but Xiao Man said it was fine. There was a brief pause between them. Then, Bai Junfan suddenly raised his hands to her shoulders, his expression earnest as he said:

"Manman, I’m actually very grateful to Teacher Yu. Her concern and care for you are sincere and rare. But it was her words that made me see myself clearly... This might be inappropriate, but I have to say it: these past few days with you have been the happiest and most exciting time of my life. You are so wonderful, as pure and kind as an angel. I... Manman, I’ve placed you in my heart. I will wait for you to grow up! Please, remember me. Remember Bai Junfan!"

After saying his piece, Bai Junfan gave Xiao Man one last, deep look, then turned and strode away!

Xiao Man stood stunned for a moment. When she finally snapped out of it, she stomped her foot in frustration and chased him to the doorway, but with his long legs, he was already long gone!

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