Recognition

If Qin Lin had dared to claim she had no ulterior motives, Xu Xin's impression of her would have plummeted to rock bottom—the kind beyond redemption.

Qin Lin's candor, however, caused Xu Xin's favorability toward her to rise significantly.

"Student Xu Xin, I have said everything I needed to say. The decision is now in your hands. If you do not agree, I will accept it without any resentment. You are his sister, so he will naturally listen to you. At the very least, he will not be harmed, and that is enough," Qin Lin said.

Although she was a War-General level martial artist at the Limit Martial Arts Hall, her status was merely average, and the Xu Family remained a behemoth in her eyes.

Her years as a martial artist had taught her that many things in this world do not go as planned, so sometimes, one must be decisive, or else one will only suffer from the resulting chaos.

Even when it came to matters of the heart, she refused to be indecisive; that was simply her character.

As an adult, she understood that liking someone did not mean she had to possess them; there was also room for restraint and well-wishes.

Hearing Qin Lin speak this way, Xu Xin could sense that the other woman was sincere and had long since prepared for failure. She is worthy of being a former martial artist—decisive, thorough, and remarkably frank and free-spirited. Even some men might not compare to her.

It could be said that Qin Lin made an excellent impression on Xu Xin; she was somewhat like a career woman, possessing a strong heart and iron will.

From the moment they sat down until now, Qin Lin had not shown a shred of timidity, nor had she displayed any reluctance, pleading, or unease.

Even knowing her identity as the daughter of the Xu Family, she had not acted subserviently.

Qin Lin's feelings were expressed entirely through her words, with no intention whatsoever of eliciting sympathy or pity from Xu Xin.

A woman like this is truly impossible to dislike, Xu Xin had to admit. Qin Lin possessed genuine charisma, not just a pretty face.

Her inner self was just as beautiful and moving as her exterior.

"Hoo. Teacher Qin, may I ask how old you are?" Xu Xin took a light breath.

"Twenty-seven," Qin Lin replied.

That is nearly ten years older than Xiao Qing, Xu Xin thought, then continued, "Then, Teacher Qin, have you ever had a boyfriend?"

"No," Qin Lin shook her head.

Xu Xin was somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected that she had never even had a boyfriend. Given her beauty, it was clearly impossible that she lacked suitors. "How many years have you been a university teacher here, Teacher Qin?"

"Four years already. I became a martial artist at nineteen and joined the Limit Martial Arts Hall. I spent the next four years completing missions and killing monsters. Later, some things happened, so I retired, earned my certifications, and came here to be a university teacher," Qin Lin briefly introduced her background.

Although she spoke simply, Xu Xin could imagine that those years spent on missions were certainly not easy.

Otherwise, there would have been no reason for her to retire so abruptly.

"Teacher Qin, Xiao Qing is my younger brother. I treat him like my own flesh and blood. I protected him too well when he was young, and it is only recently that he has truly grown up a little."

"His personality is very soft; I know that better than anyone. He is also exceptionally smart. In high school, he would score exactly 700 points every time—not a point more, not a point less. Yet, when the college entrance exam came, he only scored 600."

"He even said it was so he could attend the same university as me... Isn't that silly? Silly in a cute way. He is starting to grow up now, and I know I should let go, but I still can't help but worry."

"Sometimes I wonder what kind of girlfriend Xiao Qing should find in the future. Would it be better if she also had a soft personality? But after thinking about it, I don't think so, because he can be a bit silly, dim-witted, and lazy at times."

"However, he can also be clever in his own little ways. So, I think he might be better suited for a girlfriend with a stronger personality—someone who can keep him in check and give him a place to exercise his little tricks." Having said this, Xu Xin paused and looked at Qin Lin.

By this point, Xu Xin's meaning was quite clear: she did not oppose Qin Lin's feelings for Xu Qing.

"I understand. That is also part of what I like about him," Qin Lin nodded.

"Teacher Qin, I must also tell you one more thing: although Xiao Qing is very smart, he is also very dense. You are an adult and know how to exercise restraint, but that might actually be counterproductive. Being direct might yield better results."

"Of course, I don't know if Xiao Qing will accept it; that will depend on your own efforts, Teacher Qin." With that, Xu Xin stood up to leave.

As she opened the door, Xu Xin looked back. "Teacher Qin, there are still many things about Xiao Qing that you don't know. I hope you can let Xiao Qing tell you himself. Finally, Teacher Qin, I wish you success."

As the office door closed, Xu Xin departed.

Qin Lin sat there for a long while before she finally broke into a smile. "Does this count as having passed the test of the elder?"

"She is worthy of being the daughter of the Xu Family; her way with words is extraordinary. I was almost nervous," Qin Lin laughed. She could feel that Xu Xin understood what it meant to like someone; perhaps she had someone she liked herself.

That was why Xu Xin hadn't stopped her and had even told her so much.

This also represented the importance Xu Xin placed on Xu Qing—just as she said, he was like a younger brother to her.

However, after being so open and honest with Xu Xin, Qin Lin felt much lighter; at the very least, she hadn't been rejected.

If Xu Xin had truly looked down on her, calling her an "old cow eating tender grass" or accusing her of trying to climb the social ladder of the Xu Family, she certainly would have felt dejected.

Fortunately, Xu Xin did not; she possessed the cultivation and grace expected of a young lady of a prominent family.

"I hope Xu Qing won't dislike me," Qin Lin finally felt a trace of distinct nervousness and apprehension.

By this time, Xu Xin had already walked down from the teaching building.

She looked back once. "Compared to those girls who only want to climb the social ladder or those who know nothing at all, Teacher Qin is much better. Xiao Qing, I hope you won't blame your sister for meddling."

At this moment, Xu Qing did not know that Xu Xin had gone to talk to Qin Lin, nor did he know that Xu Xin intended to play matchmaker between him and Qin Lin.

Actually, it wasn't quite matchmaking; it was merely giving Qin Lin a chance. Whether it would work out or not would depend on Qin Lin and Xu Qing themselves.

In the afternoon, Xu Qing was alone in his dormitory.

Because there were no classes, Chen Dabao and Zhao Quan had gone out as soon as their morning lectures ended.

As for what they were doing, one didn't need to guess to know they had gone off to have fun somewhere; they were already at the point of being so happy they had forgotten to return home.

Xu Qing neatly tidied up his things and sat down to wait for a message from Qin Lin.

Lying on his bed, Xu Qing stared at the ceiling, reflecting on the events of the recent period. Is she really targeting me? But she has never scolded me, and this time she even helped me...

Xu Qing felt he couldn't quite read Qin Lin; he didn't understand why she was so good to him. Could it be just because he was her student?

She couldn't possibly like me, could she... No, no, that's impossible. How could that be? Xu Qing, you really are narcissistic. Besides, I don't even know what 'liking' someone feels like.

Could it be that she, like Sister Xin, just sees me as a little brother? That is possible, after all, I am quite handsome...