Chapter Seventy-Four: Perhaps It's Better to Be a Little More Heartless

Qin Jing, however, smiled briskly and declared resolutely, "With so much happening at the school, even the appearance of ghosts, there must be a source behind it. I need to go in and investigate."

"Just you?" Zhang Wei frowned, sneering, "Do you even know the level of the ghosts out there? Let me tell you, the area around the teaching buildings is a disaster zone—almost every specter there is above Supernatural Level Two. Ordinary supernaturals heading in are just courting death!"

Has the situation really grown this dire? Qin Jing was somewhat surprised, but he merely smiled calmly. "Even if I can't trace the source, I can still investigate nearby. If I can rescue even a single classmate in peril, that's still a life saved."

At these words, the listeners' eyes lit up, and phrases like 'noble character' and 'model among us' sprang to mind. Compared with Zhang Wei's aggressive manner, Qin Jing was composed and mindful of the greater good.

Seeing Zhang Wei about to protest further, Yan Yizhen cut him off, "Zhang Wei, enough already. Or is it that you don't want to take us to the Supervisory Council?"

In truth, she would have preferred Qin Jing to lead the group, but since he had chosen to stay, she decided to trust his judgment. This man had surprised her too many times today; his aura of mystery and strength was something Yan Yizhen found deeply appealing.

Left speechless by Yan Yizhen, Zhang Wei could only grumble his assent and lead the group out of the tent.

They stood on the school sports field. It ought to have been a day of cloudless skies and brilliant sunshine, but now a mass of dark clouds loomed overhead, hanging so low they seemed ready to descend at any moment, casting a heavy pall over everyone’s spirits.

The already uneasy students grew even quieter.

Chen Hua came to Qin Jing’s side, concern in her voice. "Qin Jing, do you really have to stay? Why not come with us? I just don’t trust that Zhang Wei."

Though she was only a would-be socialite, her pretty face and distinctive voice had always swayed Qin Jing in the past; whatever she said seemed right to him.

But now, Qin Jing only shook his head, gently patting her small hand. Before Chen Hua could light up with hope, he sighed. "Hua, we’ve already broken up. I hope you can walk your own path from now on. Times have changed. If I have the chance in the future, I’ll help you become a supernatural, but…"

With a trace of nostalgia and regret, he continued, "There’s no going back for us. From the moment I gained these powers, I chose to pursue the boundless, elusive road to immortality. The journey is long, and I must walk it alone—no one else can accompany me."

Silently, Qin Jing gave himself a mental nod of approval. He used to scoff at TV dramas where the heroine wanted to break up for some reason and the hero, overcome with love, refused. Back then, he thought it was all so melodramatic—what kind of man couldn’t find another woman? But now he understood: only by playing the good man could the hero build a positive image. After all, women liked men who wore their hearts on their sleeves, who would give up everything for them.

His original plan had been to return in glory and mock Chen Hua, but now that she’d come to him, he realized he should be smarter, crafting a solid persona. Life was unpredictable; making an enemy of her by mocking her today might haunt him forever. Better, he thought, to leave her with a deep impression, so she’d always remember his kindness. It cost him nothing but a few kind words. If playing with a woman's heart made him a scoundrel, so be it—it felt rather good.

Chen Hua stood stunned for a moment, only to find herself even more drawn to Qin Jing. He still cared for her; it proved he still had feelings. They were meant to be together, she thought. How could she have been so blind as to agree to break up?

She’d always said she’d marry a rich heir, but honestly, as a boyfriend, Qin Jing had always suited her better. Though he’d grown distant with time, at first he had been vibrant and passionate, driving her to ecstasy. And her cherished first time, which she’d planned to sell for a good price, had been given to this man. Of course she felt attached.

"Take care of yourself," she finally managed, her face sweet with affection, as if they were reconciled already. With a lingering glance, she rejoined the group.

Almost immediately, Yan Yizhen hurried over to Qin Jing. "Did you and Chen Hua get back together?" she demanded, her tone more serious than when facing Hu Chaoyang earlier.

"Of course not—I'm not an idiot. Ask Chen Hua yourself if you want, and spread the word; don't let her sully my reputation." Qin Jing spoke with conviction.

Yan Yizhen burst out laughing and gave him a light slap. "A grown man worried about his reputation? Really now."

With just that one sentence, she seemed to let go of all her worries, said a few words of concern for his safety, and turned away.

"Hmph, Qin Jing, I never realized you were so good at charming girls," Zhang Wei muttered, clearly having noticed Yan Yizhen’s change in demeanor before and after speaking with Qin Jing.

"Are we going or not?" Qin Jing retorted. "What do you think this place is? Zhang Wei, if you waste any more time and something happens to these students, will you take responsibility?"

"You—"

"What? Am I wrong?"

"I—"

"I what? If you have opinions, keep them to yourself. Now’s not the time. Can't you see the bigger picture?"

Zhang Wei gaped, his face darkening with frustration. He’d objected to Qin Jing leading, thinking it would put Qin Jing in the spotlight. But now that the responsibility had fallen to him, he realized—this was a trap.

The authorities wouldn’t care who he was. If anything happened to this group of students under his watch, he’d be the one held to account. And since his family's power depended on the government, he was all the more sensitive to their scrutiny.

"Hmph. Try to stay alive, Qin Jing. I want to see what information you can uncover, how many students you can save!" Zhang Wei, thoroughly humiliated, could only spit out these tough words. The meaning was clear: if you fail to find anything, just wait and see how I’ll deal with you.