The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 132 Suspicion and Mistrust

Cen Jiexiao felt as if her head was about to explode, countless images colliding in her mind: in the teahouse, he had that cynical smile on his lips, casually commenting on her dress; in the woods, his eyes were sinister, his tone was cold as he threatened her, forced her, made her feel scared and helpless; and at night, he stood outside her door, hesitant, but finally couldn't help but push it open, sat down beside her bed, and stared at her quietly for a long time...

These images, these memories, were originally so clear and distinct, but now, when she knew that these things were done by the high and mighty, extremely noble Crown Prince in front of her, these images suddenly became blurred, as if covered by a layer of fog, making it difficult for her to see clearly.

How could it be him? How could that frivolous, reckless scoundrel be the Crown Prince of Xixiang? How could that scoundrel who was so brutal and violent in the woods be the Crown Prince of Xixiang? How could that scoundrel who worried about her even after she was injured be the Crown Prince of Xixiang?!

These three identities, these three images, were like three different colored paints, mixed together in her mind, creating a chaotic mess that made it impossible for her to make sense of them or find the answer.

How could it be him? How could it be him?!

This realization exploded in her mind like a thunderclap, leaving her dizzy and blurry. Li Lingxuan's anxious voice came from afar, but it sounded distant and hazy, as if separated by a thick wall. She tried hard to concentrate, but found herself unable to control her thoughts. The images spun around in her mind like a kaleidoscope, giving her a splitting headache.

"Dean Cen, what's wrong with you? Are you okay?" Li Lingxuan's voice came again, clearer this time, pulling Cen Jiexiao out of the chaos. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind, forcing herself not to think about the chaotic scenes. She raised her head and met Xia Chenghao's deep black eyes.

"No...it's okay..." Cen Jiexiao's voice trembled slightly, her face was pale, and beads of sweat oozed from her forehead.

Xia Chenghao looked at the pale-faced woman in front of him, whose beauty could not be concealed, and a unique smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Dean Cen...long time no see."

Cen Jiexiao took a deep breath, trying to suppress the surging emotions within her, forcing a forced smile. She told herself that the Xia Chenghao before her wasn't that frivolous scoundrel or that rude rogue, but the distinguished Crown Prince of the Western Xiang Kingdom. She had to steel herself to face this situation.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince... hello... long time no see." Cen Jiexiao was speechless for a moment and avoided Xia Chenghao's sight without leaving a trace.

Xia Chenghao naturally noticed Cen Jiexiao's aloofness, but he didn't point it out. He just smiled and said gently, "Dean Cen, thank you for your help with the Xixiang caravan last time. I'm aware of it all. I came here today to express my gratitude and to inquire about the dean's injury."

As he spoke, the servant behind Xia Chenghao came up with an exquisite wooden box. When he opened it, he saw several rare medicinal herbs inside, emitting a faint fragrance.

"This is the snow lotus that is unique to Xixiang Country. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, relieving pain and promoting tissue regeneration. I hope it will help the dean's injuries." Xia Chenghao explained.

Cen Jiexiao was secretly surprised. This snow lotus was indeed a precious thing. It seemed that Xia Chenghao came here either with full sincerity or with a full purpose.

She glanced at Li Lingxuan calmly and saw that she was also surprised. It was obvious that she didn't know the relationship between him and Cen Jiexiao.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I am unworthy of such a precious gift." Cen Jiexiao declined.

"Dean Cen, you don't have to be polite. There's no need to be so formal between you and me." Xia Chenghao said, his gaze falling on Cen Jiexiao's chest again, and a familiar look flashed in his eyes.

"I heard that the dean was attacked by gangsters a few days ago. I wonder if the murderer has been caught?"

Sister Cen Xiao's heart trembled. Why did Xia Chenghao suddenly bring up this matter at this moment? Besides, didn't he already know about it? Why was he asking in front of Li Lingxuan? But she couldn't lose her composure at this moment. Then, Sister Cen Xiao calmly replied, "This matter has been handed over to the Qiming Group and Linkang Prefecture for joint handling. I believe there will be a result soon."

"That's good. If the murderer is caught, please be sure to inform me, Dean. I will make him pay the price!" Xia Chenghao said in a grim tone, with a brief fierce look flashing across his face.

Cen Jiexiao was even more puzzled. Why was Xia Chenghao so concerned about her injury? Was he doing this on purpose because Li Lingxuan was there?

Li Lingxuan, standing by, finally couldn't contain her doubts anymore. She suppressed her inner dissatisfaction and asked, "President Cen, why didn't you tell me before that you knew the Crown Prince of Xixiang?"

Before Cen Jiexiao could speak, Xia Chenghao spoke first: "This is a long story. I met Dean Cen by chance. At that time, because of some things, Dean Cen took the initiative to help me a lot. We hit it off and had a great conversation." He deliberately paused, looked at Cen Jiexiao meaningfully, and then continued.

Xia Chenghao's words were ambiguous. He didn't deny his previous "entanglement" with Cen Jiexiao, but he also didn't reveal too many details, which only made people more curious. Li Lingxuan was confused and felt that there seemed to be something else going on. But she couldn't ask any more questions at this moment, so she could only swallow her doubts. However, the seeds of suspicion were already sprouting in her heart.

Xia Chenghao exchanged a few more pleasantries with Sister Cen, then stood up to take his leave. Before leaving, he gave Sister Cen a meaningful look and whispered, "Don't worry, Dean Cen. I will get to the bottom of your injury and give you an explanation."

With that, he turned and left, leaving Cen Jiexiao and Li Lingxuan staring at each other in bewilderment. Despite Li Lingxuan's repeated attempts to keep him, Xia Chenghao, citing the Emperor's summons as an excuse, declined all upcoming events and the banquet Li Lingxuan had meticulously prepared. How could the cunning Xia Chenghao not realize this was a setup? Therefore, Xia Chenghao wouldn't give them any chance. Instead, his series of actions created a rift between Li Lingxuan and Cen Jiexiao.

"Dean Cen, what is going on? How do you know His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? You... why have you never mentioned it to me before?" Li Lingxuan asked with a look of suspicion on her face.

Cen Jiexiao sighed helplessly. Her mood was extremely complicated and she didn't know how to explain it.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you slowly when I have the chance." Cen Jiexiao said perfunctorily. She just wanted to be alone and quiet and sort out her thoughts.

"Okay, then I won't ask anymore. See you another day." Seeing that Sister Cen Xiao was unwilling to say more, Li Lingxuan did not ask any more questions and turned to leave. However, Li Lingxuan looked back at the dazed Sister Cen Xiao, and her eyes were surprisingly cold and strange.

After Li Lingxuan left, Cen Jiexiao sat alone in the courtyard, gazing at the garden's blossoms and trees, her heart a turmoil. Xia Chenghao's sudden appearance had thrown her previously peaceful life into turmoil. She didn't understand what Xia Chenghao was trying to do. Was he really approaching her because he loved her? Or did he have another motive?

Cen Jiexiao felt her scalp tingle. Thinking back to Li Lingxuan's eyes just now, they were like ice picks, almost piercing her body. She knew Li Lingxuan too well. This young lady seemed gentle and charming, but in fact she was extremely possessive. If she knew about the complicated and tangled relationship between her and Xia Chenghao, she was afraid that the entire Zhaoyin Academy would be in turmoil.

What made Cen Jiexiao even more uneasy was that Xia Chenghao seemed particularly concerned about her injury and even promised to give her an explanation. This made her wonder if Xia Chenghao knew something? Could he know the truth about her injury?

Thinking of this, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but feel a little panic in her heart.