Chapter 1244: Chapter 1233: Xu Xiaoqing, Obsessed with Wuxia
As someone who has read many martial arts novels, Xu Xiaoqing was sitting in her seat with a pile of books, constantly flipping through the front pages, speaking her mind to Ning Fan.
Ning Fan smiled at her and said, “People can be beautiful or plain, tall or short, and life is full of sweet and sour, bitter and salty moments; it’s never perfect. Even achieving near perfection is a luxury.
Since you’re a girl with dreams of becoming a Female Knight, you need to see all the trivial matters of the Jianghu and the grudges and romances, whether they’re warm or bitter, passionate or cold-blooded. Only then can you become a roaming knight of the world.”
“Oh, you seem to know quite a bit.”
Xu Xiaoqing’s beautiful eyes flashed, and she smiled slightly.
“Of course, who am I after all? I’m also a hidden hero in the city, just a bit more low-key.”
Ning Fan flicked his hair with flair, a look of arrogance on his face.
“You’re so full of yourself when I compliment you. Unbelievable.” Xu Xiaoqing gave Ning Fan a sidelong glance, pouting in feigned annoyance.
Then, she immersed herself in the ocean of martial arts books, unable to extricate herself.
Her little eyes were constantly darting around, and she pulled out her delicate notebook from her small bag to take reading notes.
Ning Fan widened his eyes and glanced at her notebook, finding it both funny and exasperating.
The things Xu Xiaoqing recorded were not the usual heroic quotes, but some special weapons or clothing styles.
From those details, it was evident that Xu Xiaoqing was truly a die-hard martial arts fan, absolutely obsessed.
Ning Fan shook his head and stopped paying her any mind, instead getting up to browse books through each bookshelf.
He was incredibly fast, finishing each book in under twenty minutes, which was frighteningly efficient.
Ning Fan always believed there weren’t many good books in the world; some were only worth a single cursory read.
While others required countless readings to truly grasp their essence.
The books on this floor were mainly martial arts novels or those in the sci-fi, coming-of-age, idol genres, aimed at young readers.
These books, in reality, were enough with a single read; just a taste was sufficient, with no need to invest excessive effort.
Of course, every book published contains its own highlights, something for everyone to appreciate differently.
Ning Fan scanned through the essence quickly, while skimming over the less important parts, sometimes flipping several pages at once.
His method of reading made many classmates shake their heads, thinking he was just loafing around.
…
As time passed, the sun rose high in the sky before long.
That morning, Xu Xiaoqing read two martial arts novels, and even while taking notes, her speed was alarmingly fast.
Ning Fan had also finished browsing through most of the notable books on that floor.
When he was walking back to his seat out of boredom, he noticed Xu Xiaoqing putting away her notebook into her small bag, standing up.
Seeing Ning Fan return, Xu Xiaoqing smiled knowingly, “It’s almost lunchtime. Since you rarely visit my school, how about having lunch with me?”
“Sure thing,”
Ning Fan smiled slightly, saying, “I’ve been reading for quite a while, and I’m really starting to get a bit hungry. You can’t just fob me off with a boxed meal.”
“I’m the second young lady of the Xu Family, how could I invite you for a boxed meal?”
Xu Xiaoqing pursed her lips, looking disdainful.
Zhonghai University has several cafeterias, each divided into two sections.
One section serves relatively cheap meals, mostly large pot dishes— they’re filling but not really commendable in taste.
Girls like Xu Xiaoqing, who have more picky tastes, would go to the bistro side to cook themselves and order some exquisite dishes.
Of course, the price would be much higher, making it unattainable for students from ordinary families.
This time, the restaurant Xu Xiaoqing took Ning Fan to was her usual spot to eat, said to have decent flavors that would surely satisfy Ning Fan’s taste buds.
Ning Fan was half-convinced, following her with nimble steps.
Very soon, they entered the cafeteria and arrived at the small restaurant where hot dishes could be fried.
It was now lunch peak time, and the small restaurant was packed with students, with barely an empty seat.
In a relatively secluded corner, Xu Xiaoqing finally spotted an empty table and waved to Ning Fan, “Over here, over here!”
Ning Fan quickly walked over and sat opposite her.
Xu Xiaoqing ordered a tableful of dishes and some exquisite porridge.
After the food was served, Ning Fan frowned, looking at the amount of food with a bemused smile, “Xiaoqing, who are you ordering all this for? The two of us can’t eat this much.”
“It’s for you, obviously. Girls, you know, eat more delicately and not too much.”
Xu Xiaoqing said with playful annoyance.
Ning Fan helplessly shrugged and picked up a bowl of rice to eat, joking and bantering, keeping the atmosphere amiable.
While they were enjoying their meal, an unwelcome voice came through.
“Hey, isn’t this God Doctor Ning? You’re eating here too?”
“Oh?”
Seeing Xu Xiaoqing’s face turn cold, Ning Fan turned his head curiously.
Seeing the visitor, he thought to himself, “Enemies really do cross paths.”
Standing by the table was a group of students, all looking smug, and at the front was a guy with a livid face, his mouth covered with plasters.
It was none other than Zhou Wei, the martial arts club president who had been defeated by Ning Fan.
Zhou Wei had been annoyed seeing Ning Fan and Xu Xiaoqing together, and now, not only had he been beaten, but he also ran into them chatting happily during lunch, which steamed him up even more.
So, he gathered his buddies and stormed over, planning to give Ning Fan trouble and settle the score from the morning.
Ning Fan smirked, unafraid, “Seems like you’re looking for payback?”
“Haha, it’s not like that,”
Zhou Wei sneered at Ning Fan, provocatively saying, “Hey man, you’re indeed impressive. How about joining us at our table for a drink?”
“Oh?”
Ning Fan’s eyes twinkled, sharing a chuckle with Xu Xiaoqing.
“Xiaoqing, looks like we’re not getting our peaceful lunch.”
Ning Fan understood it clearly; despite Zhou Wei’s claim to befriend him, he harbored ulterior motives.
Bringing along so many buddies, they probably wanted to mess with me.
Who is Ning Fan? He’s worldly and open-minded.
This Zhou Wei is young and shallow; honestly, when he bends down, Ning Fan knows what he’s up to.
Their depth isn’t even in the same league.