Flirt First, Run Later [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 16

Life continued at its own steady pace, and soon the high school entrance exams arrived. Over those twenty days, the only noteworthy thing was that Jing Wenwu truly proved to be a contradictory yet good-hearted person. Worried that Liang Chu might struggle to adapt to life without Xie Shenxing, he volunteered to take care of Liang Chu.

But after just two days of being ordered around, Jing Wenwu couldn’t take it anymore and snapped at him, “Can’t you squeeze your own toothpaste?!”

“Just tell me what you want to eat all at once, will you? One minute it’s watermelon, the next it’s apples. I’ve already run downstairs three times in half an hour!”

“Seriously, can’t you do your own homework?”

Jing Wenwu looked on the verge of a breakdown, clearly suppressing his frustration, and occasionally expressed deep sympathy for Xie Shenxing: “Xie Shenxing wasn’t raising a person. He was raising a disaster! Now I understand why he left. He was running for his life!”

Liang Chu had never lost an argument with Jing Wenwu, he was an undefeated champion. But now, he was nearly driven to a nervous breakdown by Jing Wenwu’s yelling. Jing Wenwu’s words also made him feel deeply embarrassed. Even Banya Xiong, the plush bear, seemed dazed, its eyes spinning in circles. Both of them ate less frequently, lying listlessly on the bed, craving snacks but too hesitant to ask.

Soon, Liang Chu and Banya Xiong developed a new routine in record time. Since Jing Wenwu didn’t sleep over, he would come by every morning. Both Liang Chu and the bear would wake up early, rubbing their bleary eyes and muttering, “There’s no one to boss around now. I guess I’ll have to go downstairs and get things myself…”

Banya Xiong would chime in, “Yeah, yeah… Grab a couple extra cartons of milk for me…”

Then they’d haul a pile of snacks upstairs, eliminating the need to order anyone around for the entire morning.

With Liang Chu behaving himself, sitting cross-legged on the bed reading comics, Jing Wenwu suddenly found himself with nothing to do. He kept glancing over, eventually leaning in to ask, “Jing Ke, you’re unusually quiet today. Want me to bring you some watermelon?”

Liang Chu looked up at him, thinking, Jing Wenwu, are you a masochist or something?

A few days later, the exam results were announced. Liang Chu’s score was just enough to scrape by, securing him a spot at Lanxin No. 1 High School. At the start of the school year, he ran into Miss Sun Yun, who had also been admitted to this prestigious school. Perhaps it was the new environment, or maybe because many of those who had mocked her before had failed the exams and gone to other schools, she seemed more open and confident. She often sought out Liang Chu to chat.

And so, life carried on uneventfully through studying, then sophomore year, junior year… and eventually college—freshman, sophomore, junior, senior year, until graduation.

Over those seven years, there was very little news about Xie Shenxing. The Jing family rarely mentioned him, only vaguely hinting that he hadn’t studied domestically but had gone abroad for further education. A waste of such outstanding exam scores.

In contrast to Liang Chu’s quiet life, Xie Shenxing’s experiences were undoubtedly dramatic and intense. Xie Wenjun had discovered a promising talent and cherished him like a treasure, molding him into near perfection. During his studies, Xie Shenxing had several retired special forces soldiers accompanying him—partly for protection, partly to train him in combat skills, aiming to cultivate both scholarly and martial prowess.

Beyond that, little else was known. Liang Chu could only infer what major achievements Xie Shenxing had made based on fluctuations in his mission progress values.

Not long ago, the mission value had suddenly jumped from 68 to 83—a leap of 15 points in one go.

Before long, news spread of a major upheaval within the Xie family. Several months earlier, the eldest grandson of the Xie family had made a high-profile return. It seemed he had spent years preparing, for as soon as he stepped into the main household, he began a ruthless reorganization, catching everyone off guard. Old Master Xie Wenjun had many siblings, but his own branch of the family was not particularly prosperous. The old master and his wife shared a deep bond, but they had only two children: Xie Qingyun and a daughter.

Xie Qingyun had passed away early, leaving the old master to bury his own child in his old age. Originally, the old master had already abdicated his position to his heir, but with the heir gone, the retired patriarch had no choice but to take up the reins of the Xie family again. Xie Qingyun had been indecisive and weak-willed, allowing distant relatives, close friends, and various acquaintances to take advantage of him and reap considerable benefits. After his death, taking advantage of the family’s instability, these opportunists swarmed like hyenas drawn to the scent of blood, scrambling to claim their share of the spoils.

Over the years, the Xie family managed to retain its status and reputation, but its actual influence had been significantly diluted. With the old master and his daughter holding the fort—one elderly and the other frail—reclaiming lost ground was impossible. At best, they could barely maintain the family’s legacy.

The newly appointed head of the Xie family was nothing like his predecessors. Suspicious, cunning, and unyielding, he painstakingly clawed back the riches that had been snatched away. While he allowed those who depended on the family for their livelihood to keep enough for basic sustenance, Xie Shenxing had no legitimate reason to completely eradicate them. He had to leave them a means to survive, but the days of unrestrained spending were over.

Fresh in his position, Xie Shenxing employed ruthless and decisive tactics, seizing money and power. He didn’t just take others’ bread, he snatched the plate it was on and the table holding the plate. Naturally, those whose interests were harmed were unwilling to accept this. Later, Xie Shenxing used this as a pretext to unleash a storm of bloodshed, purging the family. The turmoil lasted over half a year, and it was said that lives were lost before peace was finally restored.

When Liang Chu heard this, he was at a farewell dinner with his classmates. The classmate sharing the story was also a wealthy second-generation heir, his family based in the capital with a background even more substantial than the Jing family’s. He knew many secrets of the powerful families and enjoyed boasting about them over drinks. The most sensational story was that of Xie Shenxing’s rise to power.

The classmate spoke with fervor, concluding, “From then on, Xie Shenxing’s reputation spread far and wide. The man’s heart is truly merciless. According to my uncle, many of those he dealt with were old friends and close associates of the Xie family, people who had maintained close ties and visited annually to pay respects to Xie Qingyun. Even Old Master Xie Wenjun personally pleaded for leniency, but Xie Shenxing showed no mercy. He even went after his own uncle by marriage—Old Master Xie’s son-in-law—claiming he was implicated in Xie Qingyun’s death. At first, no one believed it, but then he produced evidence, both testimonies and physical proof, undeniable and solid. They say even an honest official can’t settle family disputes, but this son-in-law had spent over a decade helping the Xie family and showing filial piety to the old master. He had his merits and faults, and his relationship with Miss Xie was harmonious, but none of that mattered. Xie Shenxing dealt with him as he saw fit, showing no regard for family ties—utterly ruthless.”

After he finished, many classmates sighed in shared apprehension, murmuring, “Yes, utterly ruthless. A tyrant, a tyrant.”

Liang Chu and Bucktooth Bear listened, utterly stunned. Liang Chu held a large egg in his hand, absentmindedly feeding it bits of food. Bucktooth Bear, its belly round and full, clung to his fingers and asked, “Is the wine tasty?”

“What kind of liquor are you drinking?” Liang Chu pinched it and laid it flat in his palm. “Are they still talking about Xie Shenxing? It sounds like I’m listening to an opera. Maybe it’s someone with the same name. I remember he used to be very obedient. Sure, he had some flaws, but nothing as terrifying as what they’re saying.”

“Ye…ah…” Bucktooth Bear had eaten too much and, lying down, resembled a turtle unable to flip over, so it just stayed put, looking utterly exhausted.

When a story is passed from person to person, it becomes exaggerated. No one has actually witnessed it firsthand, and in the mouths of gossipmongers, it always gets blown out of proportion.

Liang Chu was also stuffed and slumped in his chair, careful not to put pressure on his stomach. He thought about strolling home later to help digest the food, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to sleep. Meanwhile, he listened as the conversation continued with lofty declarations. A male classmate stood up to propose a toast, saying that although Xie Shenxing’s methods were ruthless and fierce, he was by no means reckless. His boldness came from absolute confidence in his abilities, and everyone could see that he was indeed exceptionally capable. After graduation, he wouldn’t be joining his family’s company but planned to apply to Xie Corporation. He wished himself immediate success and cheekily addressed Xie as “Boss Xie” in advance, haha.

And so, the topic shifted to careers. The newly grown batch of future pillars of society were filled with both anticipation and anxiety about stepping into the world. They reminisced about the past and looked forward to the future as the dinner party drew to a close.

Just then, the guy sitting next to Liang Chu turned his face toward him, exhaling a breath so laden with alcohol it nearly made Liang Chu gag. The man’s face was flushed from drinking, his nose stuffy, and his breath came in bursts like a foul-smelling spray.

“Jing Ke, haven’t heard much from you. What kind of job are you thinking of pursuing? You should start considering it.”

“Considering, considering,” Liang Chu replied, glancing around in search of fresh air.

One drunk wasn’t enough. The guy on his right also leaned in. Like two skunks releasing their stench, they sandwiched Liang Chu in between. The newcomer seemed to harbor some resentment toward the wealthy: “So, have you thought it through? What job are you aiming for? Don’t be too picky or set your expectations too high. We should act within our means. I’m planning to give Xie Corporation a try too. Even though your family has a bit of money, strengths and weaknesses vary. In terms of personal ability, there’s no comparison between us. It’s like the difference between clouds and mud. Don’t take it the wrong way, but harsh advice is often the most honest. You shouldn’t set your sights on Xie Corporation. Iit’s not a place for slackers. Only the exceptional get in, and it’s not suited for you.”

Liang Chu stared at him coldly, but his mind was sluggish from overeating. It took him a moment to process the insult: How dare you call me mud? My family isn’t just ‘a bit’ wealthy. You’re underestimating me. I even know Xie Shenxing. Bet that surprises you, huh? Did you know he used to be my caretaker? He’d massage my back, knead my shoulders, fetch me food and drinks… and he was a pervert who stole underwear but that last part couldn’t be mentioned. Don’t be fooled by his respectable appearance now; back then, he was just a little wolf cub. If this were back in the day, with one word from me, do you really think you’d stand a chance at joining Xie Corporation? You’d have to get past me first.

Liang Chu ran through the retort twice in his head, memorized it, then stood up. He pulled his chair back a bit, sat down again with a casual, stylish cross of his legs, and prepared to launch into his boastful spiel. But just as he settled into position, the two “skunks” got up from their seats and said to him, “Classmate Jing, let’s meet again if fate allows.”

Then they staggered away.

Looking at the table again, not only had those two left, but everyone else had also finished eating and drinking and gone their separate ways.

Liang Chu slapped his thigh in frustration, feeling upset. “Why is everyone like this? At least let me finish what I have to say! I’d already thought through how to say it!”

Banya Xiong said earnestly, “Next time, just speak faster, and you’ll get your chance.”

Liang Chu grumbled, “You have to let me prepare, think of a few more points. With solid arguments, we’d be more persuasive and could shut him down in one go.”

Banya Xiong replied, “And that’s exactly why everyone left all at once.”

Liang Chu sighed, “Ah.”

The man and the bear walked out together, covering two li of distance to help digest their meal, before finally hailing a taxi home. Once back and lying in bed, Liang Chu said, “I just remembered something I forgot to mention—I should’ve said, ‘You know I’m a rich second generation, right? I have plenty of money, so why would I even need to look for a job?’ How does that sound?”

Banya Xiong said, “…I don’t want to talk to you.”

Liang Chu lay quietly in bed, thinking about how the tides of fortune ebb and flow. The saying “Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west” really holds true. Who would have thought that the wild child from under the bridge back then could rise to such heights, becoming a topic of conversation for others after meals? It sounded like Xie Shenxing had done quite well for himself. When he left, he was still a boy with a touch of youthful innocence, but now he had become a formidable man, commanding both respect and fear.