Chapter Twenty-One: A Qian Qi Production—Absolutely No Ruthless Technology!

The recently calmed principal, realizing he had been outwitted by Qian Qi, was so furious he was left speechless, clutching his chest and pounding it in frustration. What sins had he committed in his past life to have such a cunning student?

The onlooking students, witnessing the remarkable effect of the bleeding-stopping magic potion, couldn’t help but consider buying some for themselves.

“Classmate, did you really develop this medicine yourself?” a curious student asked, knowing that instant bleeding cessation without scarring was impossible even in modern medicine.

“How else could I fool you? This is a specialty of our Magical Botany Institute!” Qian Qi replied proudly. “Made using the most expensive machines and the most advanced handmade techniques—no technological gimmicks at all!”

The grinding machine alone cost her tens of thousands, and the pharmaceutical process was purely manual. Qian Qi was not lying!

“Dear customers, Qian Qi’s products are absolutely honest and reliable!” she tapped the medicine box meaningfully. “These days are turbulent; better to be safe than sorry!”

“What kind of turbulence? Our school’s security is strong. Even if an A-grade magical beast shows up, we’re not afraid!” many students thought Qian Qi was exaggerating and didn’t take her seriously.

More curious, they asked, “Magical botany is supposed to be useless to humans, so why do you say this medicine comes from magical plants?”

“That’s obviously because I’m a genius!” Qian Qi patted her chest proudly. “I’m a walking miracle!”

[... Please no flattery.]

Qian Qi: Circumstances force me—I’m humble and low-key, you know~

“Classmates, this potion doesn’t just stop bleeding in arms; it can also stop bleeding and repair injuries like amputations and ruptured arteries,” the clearly written formula claimed. Coupled with her magic-enhanced botanical concoction, the effect was even stronger. “Selling for 1,998—really a bargain!”

The interested students exchanged glances, unsure what to decide.

After all, as students, their chance of serious injury was low. Even in dueling practice, injuries were minor. Instead of using expensive bleeding-stopping medicine, it was more practical to visit the school clinic or seek healing from those with restorative skills.

Moreover...

Despite Qian Qi’s extravagant praise, the notion that magical botany was useless to humans was deeply ingrained. Even if a miracle produced a potion that could stop arm bleeding, it was unthinkable that it could heal severe injuries like amputations or ruptured arteries.

This was the inherent limitation of magical botany’s effect on humans.

So, in their minds, Qian Qi was still branded as “false advertising.”

In the end, only a few wealthy students, who wanted to avoid scars from injuries, bought some bleeding-stopping potions. The rest shook their heads and dispersed like birds.

Qian Qi was not discouraged. She thought it was a good start for the grand opening. She understood that new things naturally triggered cautious observation, and it was normal that they hesitated to buy.

Just as she was about to close shop, she suddenly spotted something and immediately put on a surprised expression. “Ah! Principal, you’re still here?”

Principal: ...

Looking down, he saw the hem of his suit jacket firmly gripped by Qian Qi’s fingers, even as she busily sold her medicine. He wanted to leave, but she was holding him back!

Qian Qi quickly flashed a charming smile. “Hehe, Principal, about our medicine fees...”

The principal smiled dryly. “You made me wait so long, I was thinking of just leaving without paying.”

“Oh, come on!” Qian Qi waved it off carelessly, then said earnestly, “If you dare not pay, tomorrow there’ll be a ten-meter-long red banner hanging at the school gate, telling the whole world you’re a deadbeat who refuses to pay students.”

Principal: ...

How on earth did she say such terrifying things with such a straight face?

“One thousand for the bleeding-stopping potion, right?” the principal gritted his teeth.

Qian Qi rubbed her hands together, chuckling twice. “Two thousand is fine too.”

“...” The principal twitched at the corner of his mouth but handed over one thousand yuan. “Your medicine is really good. Did you really develop it yourself?”

Though angry at Qian Qi’s rudeness and public coercion, the principal’s first thought was that most frontline Awakened and warriors died from untreated blood loss. If this potion really worked...

It might save many lives that should not be lost.

Qian Qi pocketed the money, bent down to pack up her humble stall, her little face like an iron wall, wearing a hypocritical smile. “Principal, what nonsense are you talking? You should check with the Magical Botany Department. I’m just a bottom-tier underachiever. How could I possibly develop something so powerful?”

She grinned brightly. “Those things I said earlier—working day and night, being a genius miracle—were just to hype things up and tease you. Don’t take it seriously!”

“Well then, Principal, you keep busy. I’m off~”

With that, Qian Qi picked up her cardboard box and small stool and slipped away like a little mouse with oil under its feet.

The principal stood dumbfounded for a moment, then wished he could take off his shoes and throw them at her. “That brat—some things never change!”

Su Ang, who had quietly waited the whole time, watched Qian Qi’s retreating figure. His dark eyes narrowed slightly in thought. She just said these were turbulent times—was that just a casual remark, or did she know something?

Nearby, remembering his earlier heated words, the principal cleared his throat twice and explained to Su Ang, “Ahem, I wasn’t really trying to not pay. That brat is just a little rascal who’s done a lot of mischief. I just wanted to scare her a bit.”

Su Ang nodded. He could tell that Qian Qi was lively and sharp-tongued; even the respected principal had no easy way with her.

“But why did you suddenly volunteer to try her medicine?” the principal asked, recalling something. “You could have made her test it publicly. I was confident I could persuade her.”

Su Ang lowered his gaze slightly; silver strands of hair casually brushed his lashes. “No special reason. I just wanted to personally test the effect.”

His intuition was always accurate, and only by firsthand experience could he know whether the medicine was suitable for frontline warriors.

Besides...

He really didn’t think the principal could outwit Qian Qi’s sharp tongue. If their confrontation continued, he had no doubt Qian Qi would cause the principal to lose even more money.

Unaware of being underestimated, the principal simply nodded. “Alright, you must have your reasons. I won’t ask further. Let’s go; there’s a meeting to attend soon.”

Su Ang nodded, lifted his foot, and followed the principal toward the office. But a few minutes later, he suddenly spoke up.

“By the way... that Qian Qi—she’s a girl, right? Why did you call her a brat?”

Principal: ...

Principal: ???