I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2341 - 1488: The Wolf Is Coming...

Women, it seems, are typically quite formidable when it comes to consuming beer.

Furthermore, she possessed the inherent advantage of being a 'system insider.'

The aura emanating from Yang Qinghua at the dinner table could accurately be described with a single, powerful image.

—Like a majestic tiger poised to conquer vast territories.

Perhaps her jubilant mood, amplified by her birthday celebration, was the primary reason for her spirited drinking. She was finishing glasses in a single go, so much so that Jiang Chen felt compelled to offer a gentle suggestion.

"Qinghua-jie, you should eat a bit more."

"And yet you claim you don't know how to charm women."

A playful smile graced Yang Qinghua’s lips. "It's clear you're very adept at showing care for others."

Jiang Chen experienced a slight jolt.

Had his simple words affected her?

There was no reason to feel proud about it.

If anything, it merely highlighted the kind of unsuitable men she had encountered or associated with throughout her life.

"I've already finished three bottles. You two need to pick up the pace."

"I have classes early tomorrow morning."

Cao Xiugo exemplified the role model teacher, maintaining his disciplined demeanor both in and out of the classroom. Unlike certain individuals—or rather, certain professors—who let loose after hours, he stated his inability to drink excessively.

"You were once capable of drinking a thousand cups without showing any sign of intoxication,"

Yang Qinghua remarked.

Although he had never personally witnessed Cao Xiugo’s past prowess with alcohol, Jiang Chen could vividly imagine it.

"In his younger days, he was a dashing young man adorned in fine silks, riding a spirited steed; he could survey all the blossoms of Chang’an in a single day."

The man was the very picture of a distinguished Crown Prince.

"Teacher Cao likely prioritizes his health now."

Jiang Chen interjected, intending only to be helpful, but his comment elicited a chuckle from Cao Xiugo and sparked immediate displeasure from Cao Jinse.

"My brother is already at an age where he concerns himself with health?"

Jiang Chen immediately recognized his misstep. Rather than defending himself, he simply declared, "I shall take a drink as penance."

Despite Jiang Chen's attempt at humor, he couldn't divert Yang Qinghua's attention. Her gaze remained fixed on Cao Xiugo, her voice soft as she inquired, "Didn't you just agree earlier that tonight, you would yield to my wishes?"

"I will drink on my brother’s behalf."

Cao Jinse stepped forward. "Qinghua-jie, allow me to propose a toast."

With no other recourse, Yang Qinghua relented. After their glasses touched and she had finished her drink with Cao Jinse, the scene evoked a nostalgic sigh from her, "If only I had a younger sister."

Given her age, it was highly improbable her parents would have another child. If she desired a younger sister, her sole option would be to find a husband who already had one.

Naturally.

This was not the sort of suggestion one could casually voice, so Jiang Chen quietly focused his attention on selecting food with his chopsticks.

Although only three guests were present for the dinner, many were aware it was Yang Qinghua’s birthday. She had thoughtfully set her phone to silent beforehand; it lay face-up on the table, its screen illuminating repeatedly—no doubt with a flood of congratulatory messages.

Initially, Yang Qinghua responded to a few messages sporadically. Later, she simply ceased checking her phone altogether.

A woman of her caliber possessed a clear understanding of her desires and, consequently, of what truly held importance.

Yang Qinghua’s phone remained silent, but midway through the meal, Cao Xiugo’s device began to ring.

He glanced at the caller, then announced, "Please, continue eating."

As they watched him step away to answer the call, Yang Qinghua let out a soft sigh. "I hadn't realized that being a teacher was such a demanding profession as well."

"Teachers are undoubtedly among the most dedicated professionals across all fields," Jiang Chen stated with objective certainty, drawing from his own decade of experience within academia.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Indeed. He often prepares for his lessons late into the night," Cao Jinse added. She understood her elder brother's choice of profession, yet at the same time, she couldn't fully grasp it.

"It's true. It's exhausting work. However, the university environment itself—serene, tranquil, and peaceful—and the fact that your brother isn't vying for prestigious professional accolades, likely makes it the most comfortable setting he could occupy."

As she spoke, Yang Qinghua chuckled and added, "Plus, he gets to 'exchange academic views' with female colleagues frequently. If it were me, I would likely relish such a lifestyle too."

Even setting aside Cao Jinse, Jiang Chen was certain that, knowing her well, she would absolutely not find fulfillment in such a detached, passionless existence, living 'above the fray.'

But that was not the central point.

The crucial element lay in the implied meaning.

"Exchanging academic views" with female colleagues constantly?

Yang Qinghua, a high-ranking civil servant, seldom employed superfluous words. Every utterance from her lips typically carried significant weight.

Why place emphasis on the word "female"?

Aren’t there far more male instructors at Kyoto University than female ones?

Catching the subtle implication in her question, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but steal a glance at Princess Cao. He noticed she seemed to have perceived it too, even looking his way.

Indeed.

They could engage in their usual banter, but a shared understanding was evident between them.

After a brief exchange of glances, Jiang Chen cleared his throat gently. "Teacher Cao instructs in foreign philosophy. It's a discipline that doesn't necessitate much... direct engagement."

"Isn't philosophy precisely the sort of subject that thrives on discussion?"

Yang Qinghua let out a soft chuckle. "You should be aware—while he may not be a globally renowned professor, he holds considerable popularity at Kyoto University."

Jiang Chen was entirely cognizant of this fact. He had visited Kyoto University on multiple occasions, and each time, he had felt the students' profound respect and affection for Cao Xiugo. However, concerning the faculty, or more specifically, the female faculty members, he genuinely had no knowledge.

This was simply because he had never encountered any.

"You might not know, but Jinse should. He not only imparts knowledge to students but also occasionally holds seminars for younger faculty at Kyoto University, particularly for female instructors from the foreign language departments. They hold him in very high regard."

"I am unaware of any such thing."

Cao Jinse immediately refuted the claim.

Jiang Chen nearly erupted in laughter but managed to suppress it.

"...It's perfectly natural if you're not privy to it."

Yang Qinghua remarked nonchalantly, "Your brother is the sort who prefers to keep his affairs private. If he doesn't disclose something, outsiders would have no way of discovering it..."

"Then how is it that Qinghua-jie is aware?"

Jiang Chen interjected.

"You doubt my words?"

Yang Qinghua declared with unwavering certainty, "When he returns, you can inquire directly with him whether that recent call was from a female instructor surnamed Mu."

In that very instant, Jiang Chen’s and Cao Jinse’s eyes met once more.

So, it wasn't just any "female teacher."

She even knew the specific surname.