Xia Tian's strongest impression of his aunt was that of a formidable witch. In his eyes, his cousin was a little witch, but his aunt was the real deal. Except when she was around his father, she was always imposing—no one dared offend her, and those who did met miserable ends.
She often said Xia Tian wasn't manly enough, claiming he wouldn't be able to protect her or his cousin when he grew up.
Feeling bored, Xia Tian turned on his phone. As soon as he did, the Toutiao app popped up automatically with several trending headlines that caught his attention.
The first was about a professor from Kyoto University publicly insulting the top student of Jianghai High School. The article included a video clip of Xia Tian's conversation with the professor and a screenshot of Professor Pan threatening that no one in their class would be selected because of Xia Tian. The editor's commentary beneath it made the story even more sensational.
The report sparked nationwide outrage, and "Professor from Kyoto University" quickly became a top trending topic. Within a single morning, the story had spread across the country. The three professors involved were suspended for investigation upon returning to Kyoto.
The second piece of news—
The third headline declared that a "Basketball God" had appeared at Jianghai University. This mysterious player could sink shots from beyond the center line every time, yet no one had managed to capture a clear photo of him. The editor described the entire incident in detail, even listing the scores of each quarter.
After reading the three stories, Xia Tian could only shake his head helplessly. All three incidents were connected to him, and he hadn't wanted any of this attention.
"It seems I need to keep a low profile," he muttered. "Otherwise, I'll end up being stalked by paparazzi."
Lichuan Hotel
Lichuan Hotel was a modest restaurant—not large, but famous for its authentic flavors. Xia Tian's aunt had brought him there once before. It sat beside a bustling commercial street. Since Xia Tian arrived early, he decided to wander around for a bit.
The cost of living in Jianghai City was no joke; the money in his pocket wouldn't get him far. Especially in those brand-name stores—clothes there were ridiculously overpriced.
As he strolled down the street, Xia Tian spotted a familiar face: the nurse who had taken care of him in the hospital. He still owed her one hundred yuan. Just as he was about to greet her, he noticed a man snatching a woman's handbag.
Someone was committing a bag-snatching robbery in broad daylight—in a crowded downtown street, no less. Was the thief out of his mind? But when Xia Tian realized the victim was the nurse, he didn't hesitate.
"Help! Someone's stealing my bag!" the nurse cried as she ran.
Xia Tian sprinted after the thief. Within moments, he caught up with the man on the motorcycle. He jabbed two fingers at the man's arm—pain shot through it, and the thief dropped the bag. Xia Tian picked it up and waved it at the nurse.
"You've got guts, robbing someone in broad daylight!" a loud voice suddenly shouted from behind. A leg flew toward Xia Tian.
He instinctively stepped back and caught the attacker's leg with his right hand.
"It's you!!" they both exclaimed at the same time.
It was the Nike girl from the night before. She was dressed simply this time—no sporty clothes—but her beauty was undiminished.
"See? I knew you weren't a good guy! Robbing people in broad daylight—come with me to the station!" she snapped, pulling out a pair of handcuffs.
Only then did Xia Tian realize the "Nike girl" was actually a police officer. No wonder the girl at the karaoke bar had asked, "Do you even know who she is?"
So that's what she'd meant—she's a cop.
"It's not me," Xia Tian explained calmly.
"Don't lie! I caught you red-handed!" she retorted. Xia Tian was still holding her leg, but she kept arguing.
"Oh, great. If you're the kind of cop in charge of justice, how many innocent people will end up framed?" Xia Tian sighed.
"Let go of me or I'll charge you with assaulting an officer!" the Nike policewoman shouted, struggling to pull her leg free—but she couldn't. Xia Tian wasn't even using much force, yet she couldn't move an inch.
Just then, the nurse ran up, panting heavily.
"Thank you!" she said, bowing to Xia Tian.
Only then did the policewoman realize she had misunderstood. But she couldn't figure out how Xia Tian had managed to recover the bag so quickly.
"You're welcome. Here, this is yours—and this too." Xia Tian handed her the bag, then pulled a hundred yuan from his pocket.
"What are you doing? You helped me get my bag back. Why are you giving me money?" the nurse asked, confused. Then she hesitated, thinking maybe Xia Tian was hinting for a reward, and started to open her bag.
"Have you forgotten? My name is Xia Tian. Back in the hospital, you lent me a hundred yuan. I said I'd pay you back." Xia Tian smiled gently.
"It's you!" Her eyes lit up in surprise. She'd thought he looked familiar earlier, but hadn't placed him. Now she remembered—the same Xia Tian whom Zeng Rou, the "strong woman," had famously turned down even after being offered five million yuan.
"Hey, you two might be happy to reunite, but could you please let go of my leg?" the Nike policewoman interrupted irritably.
Xia Tian released her leg. She glared at him and stormed off. "You stinky man! Don't let me catch you again, or I'll make you pay!"
"Thank you again," the nurse said with a sweet smile.
"I should be thanking you—for taking such good care of me in the hospital," Xia Tian replied. He was someone who never forgot kindness.
"Why thank me? That's my job." The nurse smiled. "By the way, are you free at noon? I'd like to treat you to lunch to thank you for helping me."
"I can't at noon, I have to meet someone. But how about dinner?" Xia Tian asked.
"I'm free," she replied quickly.
"Great. Here's my number—call me so I can save yours. I'll contact you this afternoon."
"I'll wait for your call. Don't forget," she said, still puzzled by Xia Tian's calmness. He risked his life to save strangers and never asked for money. Judging by his clothes, he clearly wasn't rich.
In today's world, people rarely acted selflessly. Even hospitals required connections to get a good room or decent care. Most people would sell out their conscience for money.
But Xia Tian had once turned down five million yuan for the sake of his own principles. That alone made him fascinating to her—the first man she'd ever met who truly made her curious.
After chatting for a bit, Xia Tian said goodbye.
The nurse's name was Bai Yiyi. She was an intern at Jianghai People's Hospital and had only just started working there when Xia Tian had been hospitalized.
Soon, Xia Tian arrived at Lichuan Hotel. The place was already bustling. By 11 o'clock, most tables had been reserved. The restaurant didn't take phone reservations—you had to show up and pay a deposit in person.
Just as Xia Tian was about to push open the door, someone bumped into him from behind. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and dodged.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm in a hurry!" a familiar voice said.
"Nike policewoman?" Xia Tian turned around. Sure enough, it was her.
"You again, you stinky bastard!" she snapped, frowning. "Are you following me?"
"Unbelievable! I was here first," Xia Tian replied, exasperated by her attitude.
"I'll let you off this time—I've got urgent business." She rushed inside without another word.
Watching her leave, Xia Tian shook his head. "Fate really does like playing games. This is the third time I've run into her."
He went up to the third floor and found private room 888—the one his aunt had mentioned. She'd told him to arrive around eleven. It was now 11:10—not late yet, but he knew her temper well. If he showed up an hour late, he'd be in serious trouble.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Xia Tian, why are you only just getting here?"
"Oh, something came up on the way," he replied.
"Come in, we've been waiting," his aunt said.
As soon as Xia Tian entered, he froze in disbelief. Sitting inside was someone he recognized instantly.
"Nike Policewoman."
"You stinky man."
The Nike policewoman appeared—if he were Ultraman, this would be the moment he refused to surrender.