Chapter 240
The afternoon classes were much more relaxed than the morning ones, consisting entirely of basic theoretical courses for the archaeology department.
Shen Nanchu and Pei Yunzhou still sat in the first row. After the morning's "combat experience," Pei Yunzhou fully appreciated the perks of sitting at the front—they would absolutely be the first to leave the classroom when class ended.
"Sister-in-law, Professor Zhao's class this morning was too intense. Professor Yao's class this afternoon is actually quite relaxing."
Pei Yunzhou whispered to Shen Nanchu while the professor turned around to write on the blackboard.
Shen Nanchu nodded. Her gaze fell on her textbook, but she wasn't really paying attention to it.
These theoretical concepts were far too simple for her. She had already mastered knowledge several times more profound than this, so listening to the lecture now just felt tedious.
She quietly opened her system's audiovisual interface. The screen was visible only to her, currently playing an old movie. She pretended to stare at the blackboard while secretly watching her show, seamlessly doing both at once.
On the podium, Professor Yao, a history researcher with graying hair and reading glasses, was rather old-fashioned. He spoke at a slow pace and liked to read directly from the textbook.
However, he wasn't particularly strict with the students. As long as they didn't disrupt the class, he generally wouldn't say much.
Sitting in the front row and being exceptionally beautiful, Shen Nanchu found it hard not to attract attention, even when she was just sitting there quietly.
During his lecture, Professor Yao would occasionally ask questions, and he called on Shen Nanchu several times.
Every time she was called on, Shen Nanchu would swiftly turn off the audiovisual system, stand up, and answer fluently. Not only could she accurately recite the textbook's content, but she would also add a few of her own insights. This made Professor Yao nod repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.
Yet, Professor Yao couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Although Shen Nanchu answered well, he always sensed that she wasn't really paying attention to his lecture. But whenever he looked her way, her eyes were clearly fixed on the blackboard, her posture upright, leaving him unable to find a single fault. He had no choice but to let it go.
The surrounding classmates watched this unfold with complicated feelings.
A few girls whispered among themselves, their tones dripping with jealousy.
"Hmph, so what if she has a slightly better memory? What's the big deal? She probably just memorized it in advance."
"Exactly. It's one thing to be pretty, but having such good grades too? It's just too unfair."
The boys, on the other hand, were mostly full of admiration.
As soon as the dismissal bell rang, Shen Nanchu immediately turned off her audiovisual system, quickly packed up her textbooks and notebooks, and headed out of the classroom with Pei Yunzhou.
It took about twenty minutes to drive from Beijing University to the Pei family's courtyard house.
The university's parking lot was right in front of the teaching building. The spot Director Gu had specially arranged for Shen Nanchu was very conspicuous, located just a short distance from the entrance.
In this day and age, very few people could afford to drive a car, and driving to school was even rarer.
The sight of Shen Nanchu opening the door of a black sedan and slipping into the driver's seat was witnessed by quite a few students who had just finished their classes.
A wave of hushed gasps rippled through the crowd. Someone pointed at the car, their eyes brimming with envy.
"Oh my god, is that Shen Nanchu's car? That's amazing, she actually has her own car!"
"What kind of family background must she have? I might not even get to ride in a car in my entire life."
Qin Rong had also just gotten out of class and happened to see this scene.
Standing in the crowd, watching Shen Nanchu skillfully start the car, her heart was filled with a mix of envy and jealousy.
She thought to herself,
The Pei family must have gotten that car for her. Why does Shen Nanchu get to live such a good life?
No, I need to hurry up and marry Brother Zhengnian.
Once I become a member of the Pei family, all these things will be mine too. By then, everyone's envious gazes will be directed at me.
...
Shen Nanchu stepped on the gas pedal, skillfully driving the car out of the parking lot.
Qin Rong watched the receding silhouette of the car, growing even more anxious.
If Shen Nanchu wouldn't pay attention to her, then she would just have to change her tactics.
She remembered that her father, Qin Gang, and Father Pei were old comrades-in-arms. She decided to ask her father to go to the Pei family as a persuader to help matchmake her and Pei Zhengnian.
Shen Nanchu drove for twenty minutes before arriving at the Pei family's courtyard house.
Just as the car came to a steady stop, she saw Pei Zhengnian and Father Pei standing in the courtyard talking, while Little Anchen was being held in Father Pei's arms.
"Dad!"
Shen Nanchu greeted Father Pei.
Pei Zhengnian naturally took the bag from Shen Nanchu's hands.
"You're back?"
Father Pei handed Little Anchen over to Shen Nanchu.
"Our little treasure missed his mom."
Shen Nanchu took Little Anchen from Father Pei, holding him and kissing his cheek.
"My chubby little boy, did you miss Mommy?"
Little Anchen grinned, babbling non-stop.
Shen Nanchu held him and played with him for quite a while.
...
During dinner, the family sat around the table together.
Father Pei and Pei Zhengnian both curiously asked about Shen Nanchu's time at school.
Before Shen Nanchu could even open her mouth, Pei Yunzhou eagerly became her spokesperson. He vividly recounted how Shen Nanchu had answered Professor Zhao's questions that morning and how she had won over the entire class with her sheer competence, describing even the classmates' reactions in crystal clear detail.
"Grandpa, brother, you guys didn't see it! This morning when Professor Zhao asked questions, so many students couldn't answer. But my sister-in-law, no matter how tricky Professor Zhao's questions were, answered them quickly and correctly. Even Professor Zhao praised her!"
Pei Yunzhou spoke with animated expressions, his face full of pride.
Father Pei laughed heartily, full of praise for Shen Nanchu.
"Good! Good! Our Nanchu is truly amazing, bringing honor to the Pei family!"
Pei Zhengnian also looked at Shen Nanchu gently, his eyes filled with doting affection.
"Are you tired? If you find the courses difficult, don't force yourself. You can ask me if there's anything you don't understand."
Shen Nanchu's mouth twitched: ...
Pei Yunzhou truly lived up to being his blood brother.
"Brother, with your level, you want to teach my sister-in-law?"
"Sister-in-law is super impressive. It'd make more sense for her to teach you."
"Exactly."
Grandma Pei was the first to stand up in support.
"Every profession has its specialty, and you, my boy, really didn't learn history all that well."
Pei's Mother also said with a smile.
Pei Zhengnian: ...
In the days that followed, Shen Nanchu and Pei Yunzhou quickly adapted to life after the start of the semester.
Shen Nanchu was quite happy going to school. It wasn't because the classes were interesting, but because she hardly had to do anything; there were always plenty of people around her who, out of jealousy, contributed aversion points to her.
Today it might be because she wore a new outfit, tomorrow it might be because a teacher praised her again. Sometimes, even if she just sat there quietly, she could receive a lot of aversion points, which put her in a great mood.
A month later, while Shen Nanchu was in class, she was called to Professor Zhao's office.
It turned out that Director Guo had left a message for her, asking her to make a trip to the Cultural Relics Bureau after school at noon because there was an urgent matter.
After school, Shen Nanchu said a quick goodbye to Pei Yunzhou and drove toward the Cultural Relics Bureau.