These days, Đinh Trường Sinh felt like this was the happiest period of his life. He shared sweet intimacy with Lý Phượng Ni, and talked about life and ideals with Giang Hàm Thiến. He had never imagined that a girl like Giang Hàm Thiến could talk so much—because in his memory, back when they were still students, it seemed they had never even spoken a word to each other.
"These are your books. I brought them all. Nearly killed me hauling them here. You look like you’re doing well—how about treating me to lunch today?" Giang Hàm Thiến teased. In her impression, Đinh Trường Sinh had always been arrogant and impatient with everyone. She didn’t know that over the past year, he had gone through tremendous upheaval, shed his pride, and become far more grounded—because that’s just how life was.
"Sure. You pick the place. I don’t really know this area well."
"Let’s eat at my university’s canteen then. The food’s not bad."
"No, that place is too cheap. Don’t be frugal with me. I won’t have many chances to come here again, and I’ll still need your help in the future. Treating you to a meal is the least I can do," Đinh Trường Sinh said sincerely.
"Alright then, just don’t blame me for eating a lot. Let’s go for beef hotpot," Giang Hàm Thiến replied.
She had been to places like that before—it wasn’t about the money. But she wasn’t sure if Đinh Trường Sinh could afford it, and didn’t want to hurt his pride by asking.
"Okay, hand me the books. There are so many—I wonder when I’ll finish reading them. I’m not even sure I’ll pass."
"Don’t worry, you’ll definitely manage. You used to be so arrogant. Back then we always wondered who might beat you that semester—but every time grades came out, we were disappointed. Bet you were pretty pleased with yourself, huh?" Giang Hàm Thiến said.
"Heh, that’s all in the past. Don’t bring it up. What matters now is figuring out how to make more money, right?" Đinh Trường Sinh’s practical response disappointed Giang Hàm Thiến a little. After all, he had already stepped into society, while she was still a dreamy, romantic girl in her ivory tower.
They walked in silence for a while.
"Hey?"
"Hey?" they both said almost simultaneously.
"Hehe, you go first. Ladies first," Đinh Trường Sinh smiled.
"Ah, I forgot what I was going to say… You go ahead," Giang Hàm Thiến scratched her head shyly.
"Okay then. I wanted to ask how things are going with finding someone to take care of my sister. I might have to leave in a few days, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone here."
"Oh, that? Almost done. Don’t worry. Even if you leave, I’m still here. Wait—your sister? I don’t remember you having a sister. Don’t tell me it’s a different kind of ‘sister’?” Giang Hàm Thiến grinned knowingly.
A flicker of unease passed through Đinh Trường Sinh’s heart. A girl’s intuition was truly terrifying—did she guess it already?
"Really, she’s a relative of mine. If you don’t believe me, I’ll take you to meet her later," he said, trying to stay calm and lie with a straight face.
"Alright, I believe you."
"Giang Hàm Thiến, where do you think you’re going?" a voice interrupted. Three flashy-looking guys were approaching. Just by looking, you could tell they were trouble.
"Where I go is none of your business. Move!" Giang Hàm Thiến replied with irritation. From her reaction, it was clear she knew them.
"Hey punk, where are you from? I’m warning you—stay away from Giang Hàm Thiến, or I’ll break your legs."
"Break my legs? And who gave you the right?" Though a bit frightened, Đinh Trường Sinh couldn’t show weakness—not with a girl beside him. Backing down now would make him look like a coward in her eyes.
Luckily, thanks to working for Hoắc Lữ Mậu hauling water, he had grown stronger, and picked up some fighting techniques from Trương Cường. But facing three men still made him anxious.
"Hah, this kid’s got a tough mouth. Let me tell you, Giang Hàm Thiến is going to be mine sooner or later!"
"You dare touch my woman? I’ll crush you," the leader suddenly barked, claiming Giang Hàm Thiến as his own.
Đinh Trường Sinh was still a man—a young man burning with youthful fire.
"Vương Đại Bưu, what the hell are you saying? Who’s your woman? Say that again and I’ll rip your tongue out!"
"Oh yeah? Come on then! I’m waiting!" Vương Đại Bưu leaned forward, sticking his tongue out like a panting dog as he approached her.
Startled, Giang Hàm Thiến stepped backward—and bumped into Đinh Trường Sinh. She turned to look and froze at the fury in his eyes. He looked ready to kill.
Before she could speak, Vương Đại Bưu was already too close. In a flash, Đinh Trường Sinh raised a book and slammed it down on his head. A dull thud—and Vương Đại Bưu collapsed at her feet.
"Criminal Law—quite the weapon. When dealing with thugs like you, might as well use Criminal Law. You two—who’s next?"
No one saw how he did it, but Giang Hàm Thiến did: he had struck with the thick spine of the Criminal Law textbook—the heaviest of all the books she’d given him.
"Big Bưu, are you okay? Wake up!" The two lackeys knelt and shook him violently.
"Oh no, a murder! Call the police!"
"No need. I’m an officer of the law. I personally witnessed Vương Đại Bưu assaulting a law enforcement officer. When my colleagues arrive, you’ll explain everything clearly." Though part of him wanted to check on Vương Đại Bưu, Đinh Trường Sinh knew showing weakness now would only provoke the other two. If they really called the cops, it would be trouble—this wasn’t Lâm Sơn anymore.
As he spoke, he flashed a badge—who knew if they could tell if it was real.
"Ah, I see… We’ve got things to do—this doesn’t concern us. We’re outta here!" The two guys ran off. Đinh Trường Sinh was sure they were shady—no one else would flee like that.
"Hey, still alive? If not, I’ll help you wake up!" He bent down and checked. Vương Đại Bưu was breathing fine. He thought about peeing on the guy to wake him, but remembered the girl beside him—so he settled for a couple of kicks.
A moment later, Vương Đại Bưu stirred, groaning. He looked around, only to find Đinh Trường Sinh and Giang Hàm Thiến standing there—the other two were long gone.
"Still want to fight? Let’s settle this one-on-one—like real men."
"Who the hell are you? Do you know who I am?" Vương Đại Bưu rubbed his head, still dizzy.
"I don’t care who you are. But do you know who I am? You just claimed Giang Hàm Thiến is your woman. Let me make this clear—give it up. She’s mine. If I see you pestering her again, I’ll break your legs and make sure you crawl through life like a beggar. See that guy over there in the corner? That’s your future."
He pointed to a beggar nearby. Vương Đại Bưu shuddered. Though he wanted to act tough, the blow had left him too shaken.
"Let’s go." Đinh Trường Sinh picked up the book, dusted it off, and wrapped his arm around Giang Hàm Thiến’s waist as they walked away—bold and proud.
"Have you had enough? Let go already!" As they turned the corner, Giang Hàm Thiến scolded, flustered.
"Oh, sorry—I got carried away."
"Well, just this once. I owe you. Lunch is on me today."
"Who was that guy anyway? You know him?"
"You mean Vương Đại Bưu? Yeah, I know him. We met at some party once, and he’s been stalking me ever since. So annoying. But watching you teach him a lesson today—so satisfying. I need another bowl of rice to celebrate!"
"That satisfying, huh?" Đinh Trường Sinh laughed.
"Why not? My dad’s in real estate. Since I got into college, his business has expanded to the whole province. That party was full of businessmen, rich kids, and even some officials’ sons. Basically a giant matchmaking trap. Vương Đại Bưu’s been after me since."
"Haha, so you’re a rich heiress? Then it’s only fair you treat me to lunch."
"Are you nuts? I’m a future doctor, not some spoiled princess. My dream is to save lives, not chase money. But Đinh Trường Sinh, you’ve changed. All you ever talk about now is money. Honestly, I’m disappointed."
Đinh Trường Sinh gave a faint smile and said nothing.
"What? Did I hit a nerve? You’ve really changed."
"Giang Hàm Thiến, everyone changes. The question is whether it’s for better or worse. You don’t know what I’ve been through. I’ve begged for food. I’ve stolen chickens and dogs. In my hometown, my name was worse than mud. I swore I’d never go back to that. I have to keep moving forward. I can’t stop."
His voice trembled. It sounded like he was about to cry.