Volume 3: Dragons Soaring and Phoenixes Dancing, Chapter 52: The Tree Desires Peace

The Zhan family rose during the late Qing and early Republican periods, blending politics with business and reaching its peak. Yet it was persecuted by the three major families of the time and forced to retreat temporarily. It wasn’t until the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan that they fully supported the nation’s struggle. After the war’s victory, they donated all their assets without hesitation to a mysterious organization called “Dragon Soul”.

…

Unexpectedly, even at this late hour, Zhan Zifeng’s intelligence agency still had people on duty. The information was sent quickly. The so-called Zhan Zifeng mentioned by Ouyang Zi Yi was actually Zhan Yupeng’s second son!

After processing Ouyang Zi Yi’s astonishing gossip, Chu Tianyu calmed down from his initial shock. Although Ouyang Zi Yi claimed it was just rumor, it seemed plausible. So, while she was busy racing against a group of Night Drifters, he secretly sent a query message.

“Who are you sending the message to?” Ouyang Zi Yi asked, still driving and meddling in others’ affairs.

“To the people in our dorm. I’m not going back tonight!” Chu Tianyu replied calmly.

“You’re not coming back?” Ouyang Zi Yi exclaimed.

“Yes! It’s only a few hours until dawn anyway. Aren’t you supposed to go pancake selling with me? We can go straight there when the time comes!”

Ouyang Zi Yi accelerated, overtaking another sports car before saying, “Okay, hehe, that suits me fine. But sending the message now is pointless. At this late hour, they’re either asleep or still immersed in the online game ‘All Creatures’. They probably won’t see your text.”

“Oh, they’re all night owls. It’s fine… Hey, watch out!!!” Chu Tianyu shouted as a van suddenly appeared ahead.

To overtake, Ouyang Zi Yi drove on the opposite lane. Although a van suddenly appeared at the corner ahead, she didn’t panic. With a light, quick brake and a slight adjustment of the steering wheel, her Ferrari demonstrated its excellent performance—sliding sideways to just manage to get back onto the right lane. All these actions were completed in an instant. By the time others reacted, she was already closely following the van’s tail lights…

Ouyang Zi Yi’s driving skills were truly remarkable. She then overtook several cars, leaving those drifters far behind, before slowing down and driving off the highway, continuing smoothly.

“Phew…” Chu Tianyu finally exhaled the breath he had held for so long, looking shaken as he said, “Do you always drive like this?”

“More or less!” Ouyang Ziyi replied, looking ahead.
“This is way too dangerous, isn’t it?”
“Dangerous? Maybe, but it’s more about excitement—a thrill that goes beyond human senses!”
“I don’t understand.”
With a “squeak,” Ouyang Ziyi suddenly pulled the car over to the side. Chu Tianyu glanced out the window and saw a small lake outside. When he turned back, Ouyang Ziyi had already opened the door and stepped out. No way—was this lady acting strange again? Coming to the lake in the dead of night and cold weather just to feel the wind?
By then, Ouyang Ziyi had come over to his side. Leaning against the car, she tapped on the window, signaling for Chu Tianyu to come out. Reluctantly, he opened the door and said jokingly, “Miss, are you planning to stay here until dawn?”
“Weren’t you always eager to get rid of me? Why didn’t you go back to school just now? Instead, you stayed to go crazy with me? I thought you were indifferent, but it seems there are things you can’t let go of either, right?” Ouyang Ziyi replied off-topic.
“I don’t understand what you mean,” Chu Tianyu said seriously, trying to regain his composure.
“Still acting dumb! It’s obviously about Qin Nianran. I think anyone would be upset to hear that their fiancée now has such an outstanding suitor, even if there’s no emotion between you other than a business agreement…”
Knowing she was about to say this, Chu Tianyu remained unfazed, having prepared in advance. He skillfully changed the subject, “Whether I’m happy or not is my personal matter. As for you, I used to be confused about your intentions—inviting me out for meals and acting like my girlfriend for no reason. Now it seems you’ve taken a liking to that Zhan Zifeng, right? Hehe, if I’m not wrong, it’s probably because he doesn’t like you that he’s targeting me instead!”
Chu Tianyu deliberately said hurtful things, thinking he could take advantage of her anger to get rid of her. Sure enough, Ouyang Ziyi’s expression darkened immediately. She was about to explode when, as if remembering something, she looked at Chu Tianyu meaningfully and asked, “Were you really struck by lightning when you were a child?”
“I’m not very smart!” Chu Tianyu replied off-topic.
“To be honest, your ‘bring fire to your own house’ tactic doesn’t work on me!”
“Don’t you like that Zhan Zifeng?”
“Stop it, don’t change the subject. Let me tell you—I’m taking you as my boyfriend!”
“Why?”
“Just because I like you!”
“Can’t you avoid that?”
“NO!!!”

“Come on by, everyone! Fresh pancakes, cheap and affordable—give them a try!” Ouyang Ziyi’s magnetic voice echoed at the stall entrance early in the morning.
The old woman was beaming with joy. With Ouyang Ziyi’s help, she had sold all her goods in just one-third of the usual time. This forced Chu Tianyu to rush back to her house to fetch more supplies.
“Hehe, Tianyu, your girlfriend is truly amazing. Not only does she look like a fairy, but her voice is also as sweet as honey! Hehe!” the old woman said happily while preparing the pancakes.
“Hehe, Auntie, even with me like this, she still doesn’t want to be with me!” Ouyang Ziyi teased half-jokingly.
“Nonsense! Anyone who could get a wife like you would be incredibly lucky. Hehe, it’s Tianyu’s good fortune—good people get rewarded. Honestly, though we might not look very impressive, our hearts are truly kind. He always comes to help me every week, no matter how busy he is. Even Lei Feng wouldn’t do more than that! What a good man!”
“Yes, Auntie. That’s exactly why I like him. Otherwise, which girl would bother with such a silly guy?” Ouyang Ziyi said, giving Chu Tianyu a proud glance.
“Hehe, that’s right. As long as you two are happy, I’m content. Tianyu, you must treat Ziyi well from now on—don’t let her suffer. Here, I’ve saved the last four eggs for you. I’ll make two pancakes for each of you. Hehe, may you always be together, happy, and blessed!”
“Thank you, Auntie!” Ouyang Ziyi smiled sweetly…
Chu Tianyu was frustrated beside them. He couldn’t say a word and could only watch them talk. He wondered how Ouyang Ziyi could have so much energy—after staying up all night, going to bars, racing cars, and braving the cold wind by the lake, she still had plenty of energy in the early morning, running around and calling out.
While eating the warm pancakes, Ouyang Ziyi pulled Chu Tianyu aside excitedly. “Hehe, selling pancakes is so much fun! No wonder you come here twice a week. Wow, these pancakes smell amazing! Honestly, this is the best and most delicious breakfast I’ve ever had!”

Chu Tianyu was left speechless by her words and said, “You, as a young lady used to eating shark fin and bird’s nest, would naturally find plain food like steamed corn cakes or pancakes delicious from time to time. If I had you eat them a couple more times, I bet you couldn’t stand it!”
“Don’t underestimate me! Do you think only you can live a simple life? Let me tell you, I’ve been trained in this area since I was young…”
“Hah, that’s what training is! How many classes do you have per year?”
“You…”
…
By this time, the morning sun had begun to warm things up, and it was around eight o’clock. Nearby, the old woman was packing up her stall while smiling happily at the two people talking apart not far away…
On their way back after seeing the old woman off, Ou Yang Ziyi suddenly said, “Actually, you’re not stupid at all!”
“I’m not stupid. I already said that—I’m just not very smart. And not very smart doesn’t mean ‘stupid,’ right?” Chu Tianyu replied.
“Not very smart? It seems to me you’re way too smart!” Ou Yang Ziyi thought to herself, then glared at Chu Tianyu sharply again. Taking a deep breath, she said, “If you want to act stupid, I can’t do anything about it. But you should understand what I mean. The most terrifying people aren’t those who show off their strength and threaten you openly; they’re those who stay silent, letting you ignore them, only to bite you secretly!”
“That’s… way too exaggerated. Are we already at the level of class enemies? Besides, it seems like we’re not even close—each going our own way. Why does someone have to…? Actually, if we really think about it, the one who gets hurt the most is me!” Chu Tianyu protested.
“Hmph, such smooth talk. The more I get to know you, the clearer I see your true nature!”
“Then get rid of me quickly!”
“No rush! Although you’re detestable, I’ll still give you a chance to prove yourself. Besides, I want to watch a good show!”
“What good show?”
“A duel between two dragons and a phoenix! Hehe, I won’t talk more. My car is running out of gas. I can’t take you any further. Bye-bye!”
“…”
“By the way, even if you get eliminated, remember! I’m still your girlfriend!” Ou Yang Ziyi, already in the car, still reached out to say those words.
“…”
Chu Tianyu was completely speechless. Watching the sports car drive away, he couldn’t understand how running out of gas was related to not being able to take him along! Since she wouldn’t even let him ride in the car, yet still said such things before leaving, it really confused him. Could this young lady have a dual personality? Was she mentally ill?

Lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang. Checking it, he saw it was a number from home, so he answered quickly. It was his mother. Of course, she first asked about his well-being, covering everything from his diet and daily routine to his studies and activities, leaving nothing out. This made Chu Tianyu break into a sweat.

Towards the end, his mother said he should take good care of “his body” — no, she meant taking care of others’ bodies! Chu Tianyu understood exactly what she meant: she was warning him not to reveal his secrets, as he was still young and prone to impulsive actions.

Chu Tianyu could only smile silently and nod repeatedly in agreement.

“By the way, switch your phone to our encrypted satellite channel. Grandpa has more to say to you!” As soon as his mother finished speaking, Chu Tianyu switched the channel and connected. He immediately heard Grandpa’s eager barrage of questions: “Tianyu, how have you been? Do you still like playing basketball and reading? Have you got a girlfriend? Are you still in touch with that girl from the Qin family?”

“Grandpa, I’m fine. Everything else is okay too. Don’t worry!” Chu Tianyu answered evasively.

“Hehe, you little rascal, trying to dodge Grandpa’s questions. Hehe, seems there’s something going on, haha…”

“…” The person was speechless.

“Alright, alright. Grandpa isn’t teasing you anymore. Grandpa is most confident in you. Just make your own decisions! By the way, Grandpa is contacting you about your second brother!”

“Second brother! What’s wrong with him, Grandpa?” Chu Tianyu asked anxiously.

“Nothing serious. Don’t worry yet. It’s a long story. Actually, it’s like this…”

He didn’t know how long the call lasted. All he knew was that after hanging up, he was already standing at the entrance of Beifu Academy. Chu Tianyu let out a long sigh, reflecting on the phone call and the events that had happened around him recently. Overwhelmed with thoughts, he couldn’t sort them out, so he went to a secluded spot on campus to sit down and think things through.

“Actually, my demands are really simple — just a more relaxed environment to play basketball, read books, and go to school. But now, aside from Grandpa’s call and Ou Yang Ziyi, who keeps letting me down and is so unpredictable, there’s also this sudden appearance of the second son of the Zhan family. I didn’t say much in front of Ou Yang Ziyi, and although I knew she wasn’t telling me these things out of kindness, after receiving Qianfeng’s investigation report, my mind became restless. A sense of competitiveness, typical of a man, arose in me.”

“Judging by this, my current peaceful life won’t last long.” At this thought, he felt troubled. His state of mind was completely contrary to the meditation techniques he practiced. Just as Chu Tianyu was about to focus his energy to regulate his breath, a gust of morning wind blew, causing the still tree tops to sway. This made him suddenly realize something, reminding him of a story told by his master: “The tree wishes to be still, but the wind keeps blowing!” Chu Tianyu fell into deep thought with his eyes closed… After a long while, he finally smiled and opened his eyes. If anyone had seen him at that moment, they would surely be amazed by the extraordinary glow in his eyes. Chu Tianyu slowly stood up, stretching his limbs while murmuring to himself, “The tree wishes to be still, but the wind keeps blowing. Heh, since what’s meant to happen will happen, let’s stop being humble and submissive! Hmph, I really want to see how much more superior these so-called elite ladies and young masters from noble families are compared to me, once considered a ‘fool’…”