Zhou Ni blushed. "He's my brother; we're going home together."

The male student's face instantly bloomed like a flower. "Oh, nice to meet you, nice to meet you! I'm Zhang Tianqiao, a sophomore in the Agricultural Science department."

I shook hands with Zhang Tianqiao with a faint smile. "Likewise. I'm Zhao Qian, a freshman in the Finance department."

The male student's expression changed again immediately. "If you’re Zhou Ni's brother, why is your surname Zhao?"

How could Zhou Ni possibly say this was her future husband? She whispered, "Cousin; he's my cousin."

Student Zhang Tianqiao looked like a Peking Opera face-changer, instantly smiling again. "So that's it! No wonder he's so handsome. With Zhou Ni being so beautiful, her cousin naturally wouldn't be inferior."

I replied politely, "I dare not, I dare not. I wouldn't presume to show off my meager skills in front of you."

Zhang Tianqiao looked a bit smug, but he stopped paying attention to me and turned to Zhou Ni. "Zhou Ni, shall we go protest in front of the Japanese Embassy? Everyone is going."

Zhou Ni glanced at me with difficulty. I told Zhang Tianqiao, "I need to go home with Zhou Ni. Some other day."

"What!?" Zhang Tianqiao became very agitated. "Can an event like this be postponed? I suspect you're a pro-Japanese sympathizer! If it weren't for Zhou Ni, I would report you to the student union!"

It was exhausting. I was the one who dealt with the Japanese devils, yet in this guy's mouth, I became a pro-Japanese element. Besides, reporting me to the student union would accomplish nothing; Li Qi would skin him alive before that happened.

Regardless, Zhang Tianqiao's intentions were good. I wasn't angry; instead, I spoke politely. "Senior, we all have different ways of dealing with those Japanese devils. We genuinely have something on at home today. I promise I will kill two more Japanese devils to atone for this some other day. Goodbye for now."

With that, I paid no further attention to Zhang Tianqiao’s reaction and pulled Zhou Ni into the girls' dormitory. Zhang Tianqiao was still shouting behind us, "Zhou Ni, let's have dinner tonight! I'll treat you to Western food!"

I said to Zhou Ni, "Why is your classmate so insensitive? We already said we were going home, and he's still clinging to you. Though, this does show how much charm you have."

As she climbed the stairs, Zhou Ni replied, "I can't help it. They are always like this, and I feel too awkward to refuse. Big Brother Zhao, please don't be angry. We are just ordinary classmates."

"Heh heh, why would I be angry? I wish a whole crowd of men were chasing after you—that would only highlight my own capabilities. Huh? Why is the door locked? Isn't Zhao Ting here?"

Zhou Ni had the key to the room. As she opened the door, she said, "She probably went out with everyone else. If I weren't going home, I'd want to go too. As a citizen of the Great Dragon Kingdom, protecting national sovereignty is an undeniable responsibility."

I casually bolted the door from the inside. "Don't worry about this matter. The Japanese won't be hopping around for much longer; they will pay a blood price for their actions soon enough."

Zhou Ni put down her books and asked me in a low voice, "Big Brother Zhao, I heard from the older sisters that you might actually be a national security consultant?"

I took Zhou Ni's hand and had her sit next to me. "That's why I said the Japanese won't be causing trouble for long. Relax. When we get back, I'll check exactly what's going on. That airport will certainly not be allowed to be built, and I will also exert pressure on Ming Island to make them regret their irresponsible behavior."

Zhou Ni covered my mouth with her hand. "Big Brother Zhao, don't casually tell me state secrets. I'm afraid I might accidentally let something slip."

Zhou Ni's little hand was fragrant and soft. I gently sucked on her fingers twice. Zhou Ni let out a low murmur but didn't pull away, so I drew her into my embrace and kissed her, opening my mouth. Zhou Ni only knew how to give fleeting pecks; she didn't know how to passionately kiss. Besides, this was the dorm, and Zhao Ting could return at any moment, so she was even more nervous.

"Big Brother Zhao, don't let Zhao Ting see when she comes back. Let's go home."

I held Zhou Ni reluctantly. "But I miss you. It's been so long since we've been intimate."

Zhou Ni lowered her head, her face flushed. "You're joking again. We haven't been intimate before, so how can it be 'so long'? You have so many girlfriends; go find them."

"How have we not been intimate? Didn't you use your mouth to pleasure me that night?"

Zhou Ni's face instantly turned red down to the base of her neck. "Don't mention that night!"

It seemed my roughness that night had left an unpleasant impression on Zhou Ni. Feeling slightly apologetic, I said nothing. However, Zhou Ni thought I was angry. She asked tentatively, "Big Brother Zhao, are you angry? I don't understand anything; can you teach me?"

Zhou Ni saying that actually piqued my interest. "You don't mind, Nini? I thought that night might have caused significant damage to your young and pure heart."

Zhou Ni whispered, "It was the first time I touched a man there. I was so nervous, and you were so forceful. I didn't have time to think about anything else. Actually, I have a lot of questions I wanted to ask you."

I took Zhou Ni's hand. "Tell me. No one else is here."

Zhou Ni blushed and pointed at my lower body. "Did the other sisters do what I did that night? Does it feel very good for you when they do that?"

"Essentially, they all have. It's comfortable, of course. But if you dislike this, I won't force you. Big Brother Zhao isn't a tyrant; I won't make you do anything that doesn't bring you happiness."

Zhou Ni's voice was like a mosquito's hum: "I want to learn."

"What?" Even with my excellent hearing, I couldn't make it out clearly.

"Big Brother Zhao, teach me how to do it. I want to learn."

This time I heard clearly. I gently pulled Zhou Ni into my arms. "Nini, do you really want to learn? Don't force yourself, okay?"

Zhou Ni pressed her face tightly against my chest. "I really want to learn soon. Feeling like I can make Big Brother Zhao happy is the only way I feel my life has meaning."

I had Zhou Ni sit on my lap, placing my hands on her shoulders, and spoke to her seriously. "Nini, you are 19 now; you should know about these things. True pleasure is mutual. While I am happy, you should also experience joy, not just let one person enjoy it alone. The day is still young; shall we try counting out how happiness is generated, alright?"

Zhou Ni trembled slightly. "Okay, I'll listen to you, Big Brother Zhao."

I naturally had the knack for being a professor, and before long, I had guided Zhou Ni onto the bed.

Ring-ring... It was Zhou Ni's phone ringing. Hers was the limited edition model that couldn't be bought outside.

Zhou Ni pulled the quilt open a crack and took the phone from beside the pillow. After checking the number, she pulled the quilt back up, her face flushed, and asked me somewhat weakly, "Big Brother Zhao, it's Zhang Tianqiao calling. Should I answer?"

I said, "Answer it. You are classmates. Don't make things too awkward; it'll be embarrassing if you meet later."

Zhou Ni nodded, and the call connected. Zhang Tianqiao asked, "Zhou Ni, are you still in the dorm? Why haven't you come out for so long? Is everything alright?"

Zhou Ni, having just experienced the first small pleasure of her life, sounded exceptionally charming. "I'm talking with my cousin, Big Brother. Is there something?"

Zhang Tianqiao said, "I'm worried about you. Come down and eat with us. Even if he is your cousin, a lone man and woman staying in one room will cause gossip."

Zhou Ni felt a bit annoyed and somewhat embarrassed, as they had just done something very private. "Thank you, Senior. We'll be going home shortly. We won't bother you. Goodbye."

I asked Zhou Ni, "Does Zhang Tianqiao like you a lot?"

Zhou Ni pulled the quilt over her head again. "But I don't like him, you know that."

I pulled the quilt away from Zhou Ni and asked deliberately, "Then who do you like?"

Zhou Ni covered her face. "You've already done this to me, and you're still asking such a silly question."

After getting dressed, I took Zhou Ni's hand and pulled her out of the room. "Let's go, good girl. I'm taking you to meet my mother."

"Ah! I'm not going!" Zhou Ni was startled and tried to run back into the dorm, but I grabbed her.

"What are you afraid of? An ugly daughter-in-law must eventually meet the in-laws, and besides, you're not ugly."

Zhou Ni asked anxiously, "Will Auntie not like me?"

"No, she won't. Just say whatever she asks you. Don't be afraid of her at all."

At the entrance to the girls' dormitory, we ran into Zhang Tianqiao again. I didn't expect him to be so patient. We were inside for so long, yet he waited until now.

"Zhou Ni, you're finally out! I was thinking about coming up to find you."

Zhou Ni was also a bit frightened by Zhang Tianqiao's relentless pursuit. She stepped behind me. "Senior, aren't you going to the protest? We are going home now; you should hurry up and go."

Zhang Tianqiao pleaded, "Zhou Ni, can I come to your house too? Don't worry; I absolutely won't cause you trouble. Just say I'm your classmate, dropping by to visit your aunt on the way. You know my intentions. Please, I'm begging you."

I was starting to get angry. This was the first time I had encountered such a persistent young man. Annoyed, I wrapped my arm around Zhou Ni, letting my hand rest on her tightly wrapped hips through her jeans. Heh heh, if Zhang Tianqiao liked Zhou Ni, I would completely extinguish his hopes.

I said to Zhang Tianqiao, "Senior Zhang, I apologize. We do not welcome men at our home. Goodbye."

Zhang Tianqiao was stunned. He stared at Zhou Ni, who was being held at the waist, walking a long distance away, then suddenly jumped up. "Zhou Ni! I love you! You can't be this intimate with your cousin! You are violating moral principles! Zhao Qian, you bastard! Take your filthy hands off her!"

Although Zhou Ni was far away, she clearly heard Zhang Tianqiao's words. But instead of separating from me, she also put her hand around my waist. The two of us walked out of campus intimately, observed by some classmates.

When we got downstairs at my place, Zhou Ni looked at the dilapidated building with disbelief. "Big Brother Zhao, is this really where you live? You're a high-ranking official!"

I boasted a little. "Your Big Brother Zhao is an honest official. Honest officials live like this. If I lived in a luxurious villa, people would probably start investigating me for corruption, bribery, abuse of power, or bullying innocent young women."

Zhou Ni held my hand. "I know Big Brother Zhao is a good official, a righteous official who upholds justice for the common people."

"Ahem, ahem," came a few coughs from behind. Then Zhang Xiaoya's voice rang out from behind us. "Who is deceiving another little girl again? Truly shameless."

Zhou Ni turned around and asked tentatively, "Are you Sister Zhang Xiaoya? Ah?"

Zhang Xiaoya was momentarily stunned. "How did you know?"

Zhou Ni smiled. "I've seen your photos, and your flight attendant uniform is very noticeable. Sister Mengmeng mentioned you, so I dared to guess."

Zhang Xiaoya struck a thoughtful pose, then said, "I figured it out. You are Zhou Ni, the one who pulled Zhao Qian out of the Great Turtle Pond."

I corrected her. "It was a fish pond! That big turtle was caught later!"

Zhou Ni sided with the other woman, saying, "Calling it a turtle pond is the same thing. Sister Xiaoya, you are so beautiful and elegant."

Zhang Xiaoya said, "You are very beautiful too, and young. I'm past my prime; your Big Brother Zhao wouldn't even look my way anymore."

I walked over to help Zhang Xiaoya with her pull-cart luggage. "How many days of vacation do you have this time? You should quit and help Jingjing later."

Zhang Xiaoya replied, "One week. I'm not quitting! Being around you every day would just annoy you. Come on, Sister Zhou Ni, come to my place for a while."

At Zhang Xiaoya's door, I handed her the luggage. "We'll go up first. We need to see Xu Jing later. I brought you a gift; I'll bring it down later."

Zhang Xiaoya smiled at Zhou Ni. "Sister, is it okay if I kiss my husband?"

Zhou Ni blushed and ran to the stairwell so she wouldn't look at us. Zhang Xiaoya kissed me on the cheek and whispered, "You flirt, when are you going to settle down?"

I whispered back, "If you give me a little baby, I'll stay home with you all forever..."

Zhang Xiaoya pushed me lightly. "Here you go again. Go spend time with your Nini. Forget it; as long as everyone agrees, I won't say anything about you. Don't forget you promised to bring down my gift."

I said, "Text me when your dad isn't home."

Zhang Xiaoya nodded, her face red, and then opened the door to go inside. I took Zhou Ni upstairs. Before entering, Zhou Ni asked me nervously, "Big Brother Zhao, how will you introduce me to Auntie?"

"Girlfriend."

"That's not good, maybe cousin?"

"Are you crazy? How do I explain a relative my mother has never even met?"

"You're right, I'm too nervous. How about I say I'm a classmate? Don't say girlfriend; I'm scared."

"Fine, but my mom has sharp eyes. If she figures it out herself, it's not my business."

Zhou Ni said, "We'll just sit for a little while; Mom probably won't see through it."

"Whatever you want. You aren't running out of my grasp in this lifetime anyway."

Zhou Ni leaned in playfully. "I don't want to run away either. It's not like you'd let me go even if I wanted to."

Dad wasn't home, and Mom was in the kitchen preparing dinner. I called out, "Mom, a classmate of mine is here to see you."

Mom ran out holding a bunch of celery. "Who is it?"

"Auntie, my name is Zhou Ni. I'm one of Big Brother Zhao's classmates; I was passing by and came up to visit you."

Zhou Ni said this while handing over the gift.

Mom sized up Zhou Ni with eyes that had judged the suitability of over ten daughters-in-law. She took the gift and placed it on the table. "Sit down. A classmate, you say? Why be so formal? Treat this like your own home. Don't bring things next time."

I thought to my mother internally, Take it. It’s my son’s money anyway.

"How old are you, dear? Your accent suggests you aren't local. Who else is in your family?"

Zhou Ni replied, "I'm 19, Auntie. I came from another province to study at Longteng University. Big Brother Zhao takes great care of me; he is a good person."

Mom said proudly, "Of course! My son is kind-hearted and always willing to help others; many girls say the same thing."

I ignored Mom's cross-examination, which felt like a census check, and went back to my room to retrieve the treasures I brought back from Africa. Since the haul was too large, my two fat friends and I could only each pick out a portion; the rest was thrown into the base warehouse. For ease of carrying, I picked out a large bag of the smallest ornaments. Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er each picked out two large bags full of gold utensils.

Dragging the things out from under the bed, I picked out five beautiful gold rings inlaid with diamonds, two blood-red jade stones, five dark green jade stones, and two small golden birds. I wrapped them casually and stuffed them into my pocket to distribute later. Everyone upstairs and downstairs had already received gifts, except Zhang Xiaoya who was away on an international flight, and Zhou Ni and Xu Jing who didn't live here. I would give one to Ouyang Qian later; Li Qi already had hers. This way, all the women would be taken care of.

I had considered having these treasures analyzed. Judging by the craftsmanship, this batch of gold, silver, and jewels was exceptionally exquisite. As Yi Xiaorou put it, even modern technology couldn't surpass this level. Yet, only two expeditions had reached the discovery site over the past few centuries, and the first one was almost entirely wiped out. How could ancient humans hundreds or even thousands of years ago have created these artifacts? Why did they pile them all into the pyramid? Were they funerary objects? Where did these ancient people go? Why were the local creatures so gigantic? What was the connection between all these things? Too many questions.

Just as I was about to pull the door open, I heard my mom in the living room say, "Look at you, kid. If she’s a girlfriend, she’s a girlfriend, but you have to insist she’s a classmate. I knew that little rascal Zhao Qian wouldn't be that kind-hearted. No girl he brings home is ever just a classmate. Have her move in; you can look out for each other."

Zhou Ni’s voice sounded very awkward. "No need, Auntie, I should stay at school."