September marked the official start of Cheng You's second year, second semester.
Time flew by, and two years were nearing their end.
She was like a sponge, constantly absorbing professional knowledge while also continuously improving the operational methods of Zhen Shan Tang.
Just as before, she had no idea that instruments for preparing and extracting medicinal materials existed. Although expensive, their efficiency was more than several times higher.
Cheng You gradually broadened her horizons, allowing Zhen Shan Tang's pharmaceutical factory to regularize in step with her.
By the end of the month was the exchange meeting hosted by the Chinese Medicine Association, a topic everyone was discussing.
Most people were envious of Qiu Yingxun for being able to accompany Su Jinwen to gain experience.
If a renowned figure in the field of Chinese medicine took him as a disciple, wouldn't that be reaching the pinnacle of success, eliminating the need to anxiously await jobs assigned by the state, the quality of which was uncertain?
The mention of Qiu Yingxun naturally brought Cheng You to mind, and many felt a sense of regret.
If Cheng You had participated in the competition, that spot would certainly not have gone to Qiu Yingxun.
As these discussions multiplied, they eventually reached Qiu Yingxun's ears.
Originally, Qiu Yingxun and Cheng You were strangers, with no animosity between them. At most, they were rivals.
Qiu Yingxun had been gloating about winning the competition, but Cheng You's existence directly diminished his joy.
What did it mean that he could only win the championship in Cheng You's absence?
He had clearly won the competition through his own skill!
Unconvinced, Qiu Yingxun sought out Teacher Yang, requesting another match against Cheng You.
"If I lose, I am willing to cede my spot accompanying the exchange meeting to Cheng You!"
He stood tall and proud, neither servile nor overbearing, appearing to be a person of integrity.
Teacher Yang inwardly cursed him for being foolish. The opportunity was already in his hands; why give it away?
Luck was also a form of skill!
"Qiu Yingxun, the competition results have been finalized. I know you are an upright person, but there is no need to be so considerate of others."
Qiu Yingxun stated firmly, "I do not wish to hear anyone say again that this opportunity was given to me by Cheng You! Anything I, Qiu Yingxun, want, I have always strived for myself, not received from others."
Teacher Yang glanced at Su Jinwen, "Is there such talk? Your grades have always been excellent; teachers and classmates all see it. Why would anyone think you are inferior to Cheng You? Wouldn't you agree, Teacher Su?"
His gaze displeased Su Jinwen.
It was as if these rumors had originated from her and Cheng You.
Su Jinwen smiled faintly, "Teacher Yang is right. Student Qiu Yingxun need not be overly concerned; luck is also a form of skill."
However, Qiu Yingxun, with unwavering righteousness, insisted, "No, I must have another match with Cheng You to let everyone know that I am not inferior to her! I request your approval, Teacher! If I truly lose, then it can only mean that student Cheng You is more outstanding, and this opportunity is more suitable for her."
Su Jinwen remained silent, offering no comment.
Teacher Yang looked thoughtful, rubbed his shiny forehead, and slapped the table.
"You truly are my student. I greatly admire your ability to take things as they come and let them go. I approve! Since you have put it this way, we will give Cheng You a chance to convince everyone!"
Su Jinwen frowned slightly. What did he mean by "give Cheng You a chance"?
It was clearly Qiu Yingxun who wanted the match, but Teacher Yang's words made it seem as though Cheng You was dissatisfied.
After all, Cheng You had never once proposed to compete with Qiu Yingxun for this spot.
"Teacher Su, do you have any objections?"
Su Jinwen replied, "I have no objections, but this matter cannot be decided by us alone; we must ask Cheng You's thoughts..."
"Her thoughts? Teacher Yang chuckled, with a hint of disdain, "Student Qiu Yingxun is willing to give her a chance to compete; would she refuse?"
His expression suggested: don't be ungrateful.
Su Jinwen suddenly understood why the exchange meeting was so important to Teacher Yang that he agreed to a rematch.
If they had another match, it would portray Qiu Yingxun as upright and generous, establishing a positive image.
Even if he lost, it wouldn't be too embarrassing.
Instead, people would say that without his magnanimity, Cheng You would have no opportunity.
And if he won, it would further prove his skill.
Regardless of the outcome, it was a win-win situation.
Understanding this, Su Jinwen felt an inexplicable sense of frustration.
Even if she could bring Cheng You to the exchange meeting, she probably wouldn't be very happy.
She swallowed her irritation and said coldly, "I will ask her later."
Teacher Yang sneered, feigning such high-mindedness.
Su Jinwen ignored him and focused on her lesson preparation.
When classes ended at noon, she rose from her office and asked Cheng You to accompany her to the cafeteria.
Fang Yunbao asked curiously, "Teacher, why are you going to the cafeteria today?"
Su Jinwen had her own dormitory at school and primarily cooked at home, disliking cafeteria food.
"I have something to discuss with Cheng You."
Fang Yunbao understood, "Should Yan Yan and I excuse ourselves?"
"No need, it won't be a secret for long." Su Jinwen thought of Teacher Yang's smug expression; he probably wished to announce it to the world.
Cheng You asked, "Teacher, what is it about?"
Su Jinwen then explained Qiu Yingxun's request.
Cheng You was surprised. Could he truly be so magnanimous as to give up an opportunity that was already within his grasp?
"Teacher, did he say that himself?"
Su Jinwen nodded, "It's likely that by tomorrow, the entire academy will know."
Cheng You suddenly had an epiphany. She knew it; good things don't just fall from the sky.
It was false for Qiu Yingxun to want to give her the opportunity; the truth was that he wanted to vindicate himself.
However, Cheng You had no intention of complying with his wishes: "Teacher, I do not need student Qiu Yingxun to give me this opportunity. I am very grateful for his generosity. Since the competition results are already decided, there is no reason to have another match."
Su Jinwen smiled and asked, "So?"
"I refuse."
Su Jinwen nodded. As she had guessed, Cheng You was not short-sighted.
"Very good. You will have many more opportunities in the future; this one is not indispensable."
Cheng You smiled without speaking. She truly didn't need this one; after all, she wouldn't lack invitations to this exchange meeting.
Su Jinwen did not accompany them to the cafeteria. After receiving Cheng You's answer, she left.
After she left, Fang Yunbao said, "Cheng You, why did you refuse? You are definitely better than that Qiu Yingxun!"
Cheng You smiled and pinched her round cheek, saying, "Because I don't need this accompanying spot from him; it's too much trouble."
To expend effort in a match just to obtain an accompanying spot was not something she coveted.
Cao Yanyan, having heard the implication in her words, asked, "Cheng You, do you have another way to get in?"
Cheng You smiled, "I have an invitation, and I can bring someone. Do you want to come with me?"
Fang Yunbao and Cao Yanyan exchanged glances and exclaimed, "Where did you get it from?"
Cheng You didn't elaborate, merely saying a friend gave it to her.
Fang Yunbao was uninterested; she was a poor student and not suited to be present at such an event.
Cao Yanyan, however, voluntarily offered to accompany Cheng You.