Chapter 443: It's Not Like I Haven't Splashed Someone Before

"What kind of assistant are you, sister?" Jia Chun asked, half-surprised and half-teasing. "What kind of assistant? A 'lifestyle' one?"

At first listen, there was nothing wrong with the question, but paired with the mischievous expression on her face and her flippant tone, it made people involuntarily associate it with something suggestive.

Li Zhen didn't speak; she just stared at her.

Jia Chun lifted her chin, a hint of provocation in her manner. It was as if she were saying: What, am I wrong?

Lin Sicheng is just a student; if you aren't a 'lifestyle' assistant, what else could you be an assistant for?

But immediately, noticing the atmosphere at the table was off, Jia Chun faltered.

No one spoke, but their expressions were all strange: Ning Hui was extremely surprised, as if she hadn't expected Jia Chun to dare use such a tone to ask such a question.

He Yunzhi looked gratified, as if Jia Chun had done her a huge favor and avenged a great grudge, and she even gave her a grateful smile.

He Zonghua and Yang Jin had complex expressions, their eyes revealing a few traces of admiration, as well as pity.

Luo Shengyuan and Xu Boqing were the exact opposite, nodding slightly, full of encouragement, as if saying: Jia Chun, keep going.

Seeing these expressions, Jia Chun's face turned pale bit by bit: Is my brain filled with shit?

Just that car at the entrance—even if she were sold, she couldn't afford it.

Xu Boqing's family is wealthy enough, right? Like He Yunzhi and He Zonghua, their family conditions aren't bad, and their jobs are so good, yet aren't they still polite and respectful to Xu Boqing?

But even Xu Boqing said that Gu Ming's girlfriend's family is exceptionally wealthy. And yet, this super-rich young lady is so humble and deferential to this person? So, what kind of background must this woman have?

And here she was, not even knowing the person, yet her mouth was incredibly foul, offending someone to death the moment she opened it.

For a moment, Jia Chun's complexion turned from red to white, and from white to green. Her lips kept twitching, wanting to say an apology, but she couldn't bring herself to lower her pride. Just like that, the atmosphere grew quieter and more bizarre.

Suddenly, Yang Jin gave a dry cough, breaking the silence: "Hello, senior, please don't be angry. Jia Chun is just outspoken; she asks whatever comes to mind, there's no hidden meaning!"

Li Zhen's expression was very faint, and her voice even fainter: "My surname is Li!"

"Oh, Ms. Li..."

"Assistant!"

Yang Jin froze, not knowing what to say. The expressions of the others were even stranger: Assistant isn't exactly a prestigious job, so what was the need to emphasize it time and again?

Unless she really is an assistant.

But an assistant who drives a Maybach: even if they used all their imagination, they couldn't combine these two phrases together.

Li Xinfang looked amused, swirling the Tea Cup in front of her: What's wrong with being an assistant? Do you know how many people want to be Lin Sicheng's assistant, breaking their heads just to get in?

She tapped the table, and only after everyone looked over did she speak in a leisurely manner: "Lin Sicheng is just a graduate student, that's correct. But at Xida, he has his own studio, his own laboratory, his own Research Center, and even a professional and comprehensive research team." "He has work assistants, research assistants, administrative assistants, lifestyle assistants, as well as bodyguards, drivers, and secretaries. So, is it strange that he has an assistant?"

Smiling, Li Xinfang pointed at Zhao Da, who was standing to the side: "Forgot to introduce: this one's surname is Zhao, General Manager Zhao, a peer of mine. At the same time, he is also Lin Sicheng's apprentice and driver!"

Then, she pointed at Li Zhen, "Besides being an assistant, Assistant Li is also a Lecturer at Northwest University!"

"Oh right, forgot to mention: Lin Sicheng's Research Center is jointly guided and assisted by Xida and the government, has a section-level official from the Cultural Bureau stationed there, and is named after Lin Sicheng personally..."

Li Xinfang spoke sentence after sentence, as if swinging a heavy hammer, striking their foreheads one after another.

They recognized every sentence, and even every word, but when combined, they suddenly couldn't understand it.

He's only a graduate student, yet he has his own studio, laboratory, and even a Research Center—how is that achieved?

The key is, this isn't the kind of place where you just find a storefront in a corner, hang a small plaque, and tuck a leather bag under your arm to claim it. It is a research and experimental institution authorized by a 211 Project key university and named entirely after an individual. It even has guidance and assistance from government departments? And the most critical point lies in the last sentence: named after Lin Sicheng personally?

They had all been to university, and the universities they attended weren't bad. Although they didn't understand research, they at least knew what kind of nature this belonged to: a key special research unit established by relying on a key discipline leader, led by a partnership between government departments and the school, and jointly supported and guided. To put it simply: it implements a leader-responsibility system to promote the transformation of scientific research achievements.

To translate: this is Lin Sicheng's private kingdom; whether it's management or operation, it is entirely Lin Sicheng's responsibility.

The support and guidance from the school and government departments are truly just literal. Their goal is merely the added value and influence brought by the research results.

But the problem is, since when have key experimental institutions named after individuals within 211 Project key universities become so worthless? If you don't believe it, go ask—and don't even talk about students, ask those professors who are at the senior professional level, famous in the industry, and fully qualified to be called Experts: do they have this qualification?

In 985 and 211 universities, a department might not even have one, and it must be a scholar who has achieved outstanding results in a National Level scientific research field. To put it bluntly: someone who has won National Level awards and has already become a National Level high-level talent.

And Lin Sicheng, he just graduated from his undergraduate studies?

It's no wonder they can't wrap their heads around it, but anyone who knows even a little of the inside story can't understand it. So, simultaneously, everyone looked at Li Xinfang, and a few words popped into their minds in unison: You really dare to brag?

Seeing what they were thinking, Li Xinfang smiled: "It seems the relationships between you so-called classmates aren't that great." If they had any contact with Lin Sicheng usually, if they had ever gone to Xida to find Lin Sicheng, they would know all this.

That building for the Research Center is so large, standing right in the central area of the Cultural Relics and Museology College. The three large signs at the entrance are enough to blind even a dog's eyes. Seeing their skeptical faces, Li Xinfang sighed: No wonder he's looked down upon like that, yet Lin Sicheng isn't angry at all?

How does that saying go?

Summer insects cannot speak of ice, and well frogs cannot speak of the sea!

They can't understand it, so naturally, they won't believe it...

She shook her head and stood up: "Assistant Li, let's go!"

Li Zhen nodded and gave Jia Chun a faint look, preparing to say something, but Li Xinfang waved her hand and stood in front of her.

Then she stared at Jia Chun: This person must be the female hoodlum that Gu Ming specifically mentioned.

And Li Zhen is a lady; although her personality is like a needle hidden in silk, it is silk first, then the needle. With her upbringing and character, it is impossible for her to do anything out of line. What's more, this is the wedding banquet of Lin Sicheng's cousin, and these people are all Lin Sicheng's classmates. And Li Zhen's heart and eyes are full of Lin Sicheng; she couldn't possibly do anything to affect Lin Sicheng's image, at most she would just reason with her.

But with such people, the more you reason with them, the more they think you are easy to bully. So, you have to let them know pain.

And while Li Zhen is a lady, she, Li Xinfang, is not.

She never reasons with unreasonable people; she has always believed in repaying grudges on the spot. She also doesn't care if anyone misunderstands her. As long as Lin Sicheng doesn't misunderstand, that's enough...

Thinking this to herself, Li Xinfang touched the Tea Cup: Just right, not hot, but not cold either.

She picked it up, a smile on her face: "Miss Jia, has anyone ever taught you?"

Jia Chun was stunned: "What?"

Before the words had even faded, with a "splash," a cup of hot tea was splashed right onto her face.

With a "yikes," Jia Chun stood up, her head and face covered in tea. Tea leaves hung from her wire-like eyelashes, and two streaks of black water flowed down from the corners of her eyes.

Her eyes were full of terror and resentment.

"Since no one taught you, I'll teach you: in the future, remember to wipe the shit off your mouth before you speak!" Li Xinfang smiled, "Also, my surname is Li, my name is Li Xinfang!"

Jia Chun gritted her teeth, wishing she could pounce and tear Li Xinfang to pieces.

But she didn't dare, even though she knew what Li Xinfang's last sentence meant: If you want revenge, feel free to come.

Even though Xu Boqing and Luo Shengyuan kept signaling with their eyes and encouraging her, she still didn't dare.

Because, not only could her family not afford a Maybach, they couldn't afford that red BMW either.

What's more, there was a burly man with sharp eyes standing nearby, looking at her coldly.

Having been around the block, Jia Chun knew at least this: if she made any out-of-line move, like picking up a cup or something, that man's palm would come crashing down.

Li Xinfang set down her cup and performed a clasp-fist salute toward Zhao Da: "Thank you, General Manager Zhao!"

Zhao Da shook his head coolly: "No need!"

Indeed, there was no need, because before coming, his father had instructed him: once his master left, find an opportunity to teach these scumbags a lesson.

Therefore, if Li Xinfang didn't make a move, he would.

While thinking this, Zhao Da swept his gaze coldly around the room, his eyes like knives, as if wanting to carve the appearance of these few people into his mind.

No one dared to move, and even fewer dared to speak, until he accompanied Li Zhen and Li Xinfang as they left their seats.

After walking quite a distance, Ning Hui muttered something, picked up a tissue, and pretended to hand it to Jia Chun: "That woman is too much!" Jia Chun didn't speak; she gritted her teeth, stood up, picked up her coat, and then picked up her bag from the chair.

Was she leaving?

Thinking about it, it made sense: after losing so much face, how good would one's mental fortitude have to be to stay and continue eating at the banquet?

A few classmates made some insincere attempts to persuade her to stay, watching as Jia Chun went to the restroom, and then watching as she exited the hall.

Subsequently, Luo Shengyuan looked again at the table where Li Zhen and Li Xinfang had been seated: the position was very far forward, belonging to one of the main tables for the groom's side. Luo Shengyuan turned his head back: "Boqing, how much credibility is there in what that Doctor Li said?"

Xu Boqing sneered.

If it weren't for his concern regarding the status of General Manager Li Guojun, he would have retorted right then: Doctor Li, do you want to take a look at what you've actually said? Just take one point: after graduating from high school, they went their separate ways; how many years has it been since they had much contact with Lin Sicheng?

The university Lin Sicheng attended wasn't an alien base, so how could he suddenly be as awesome as Superman?

Furthermore, Lin Sicheng's grandfather retired last spring. It was also at that time that his father and uncle entrusted people to investigate their family from the inside out, from top to bottom, digging up everything.

At that time, Lin Sicheng had already completely given up; he was taking ten courses a semester and failing at least nine, making even graduation a problem.

Calculate it: it's only been a year and a half, and Lin Sicheng suddenly has his own studio, research lab, and even a Research Center named after himself?

And it's jointly guided by Xida and government units; isn't that complete bullshit?

Seeing Xu Boqing's expression, the others knew: Li Xinfang was bragging.

Ning Hui pondered for a moment and looked at the Maybach outside the door: "Haha... this car, it wouldn't be rented by Lin Sicheng, would it?"

Huh, could that actually be true?

If the car was rented, then what about that woman from just now, the one who claimed to be Lin Sicheng's Assistant?

It's quite possible she's just an actor Lin Sicheng hired from school: Xida does have a film academy and a performance department.

The deeper they thought about it, the more possible it seemed. Luo Shengyuan let out a "Heh": "Lin Sicheng is quite good at putting on an act, isn't he? But even when bragging, shouldn't one at least follow some basic logic?"

Especially that Li Xinfang: she simply brags without even drafting it, bragging about whatever is most outrageous.

Something about a Xida Lecturer acting as Lin Sicheng's Assistant, something about being the apprentice and driver of a General Manager—it's enough to make someone die of laughter.

Xu Boqing thought for a moment: "It might be some trick Gu Ming is pulling."

Just now, he had specifically observed: no matter how the few classmates showed off their sense of superiority or how they mocked him in veiled ways, Lin Sicheng remained in that half-dead state, not caring to pay anyone any mind.

But that Gu Ming was glaring and gritting his teeth the whole time, looking like he wanted to pin the classmates down and beat them up.

Perhaps he was too angry and wanted to stand up for his brother, so he arranged for his girlfriend to put on this show.

Suddenly, everyone felt relieved: that's what we thought; with that personality of Lin Sicheng's, where his eyes are stuck on the top of his head, what rich young lady could possibly fancy him? He Yunzhi mocked him inwardly, yet her face showed a trace of confusion, her eyes full of innocence: "Later, when Lin Sicheng comes back, I'll ask him where his Research Center is and if he can take us to see it?"

Everyone burst into laughter: "Hahahahaha..."

Li Zhen and Li Xinfang were not far away, separated only by a row of tables and a T-stage, and the two of them subconsciously looked over in this direction.

After looking for a few moments, Li Zhen sighed: "They must think we are bragging!"

Li Xinfang sneered: They'll know soon enough whether I'm bragging or not.

As she thought this, she looked at Li Zhen again: "Assistant Li, aren't you worried?"

Li Zhen was confused: "Worried about what?"

Li Xinfang looked amused: "Worried that the cup of tea I splashed just now will affect Lin Sicheng. Or even more worried that Lin Sicheng will misunderstand and think you've brought him trouble."

"Rest assured, he won't!"

Li Zhen shook her head, "If I said that if he were here, and if he heard that sentence, he would have splashed it too, would you believe me?"

Li Xinfang was stunned: "How is that possible?"

Li Zhen pursed her lips and smiled: Nothing is impossible.

It's not like he hasn't splashed someone before.

The winter before last, while in Tongchuan, because they suspected Lin Sicheng was there to steal technology, the local hostility was very high, with all sorts of slander and disparagement, both openly and secretly.

At that time, Lin Sicheng was just like he is now, calm and composed, unruffled.

It wasn't until a few days before they were about to leave that the locals held a small farewell banquet, and many Experts came. Lin Sicheng introduced her, saying she was his Assistant.

One of them, perhaps having had too much to drink, or perhaps seeing that Lin Sicheng looked easy to bully, actually started making lewd jokes: "Tsk, such a young, such a beautiful Assistant? Teacher Lin, which aspect does this Assistant specifically assist with? Is it daytime assisting, or nighttime assisting?"

Lin Sicheng was holding his wine at the time, and without a second of hesitation, he splashed it directly onto the man's face...