Chapter 38: Flower Expert

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Volume One: First Foray into Another World

Volume One: First Foray into Another World

“Yes, after what happened yesterday, I’ve come to understand that sending me to school is for my own good.” Zu An then noticed Hong Xingying, who was following behind them. Hong Xingying’s expression was indifferent; he didn’t even glance at Zu An. Zu An felt a pang of annoyance. “Why is this guy acting so high and mighty? Do I owe him money?”

“A teachable child, indeed.” Chu Zhongtian stroked his beard, feeling greatly pleased. “Chu Yan would be very happy if she knew you were so diligent now.”

At the mention of Chu Yan, a hint of fanaticism flickered in Hong Xingying’s eyes behind him, though he quickly concealed it.

Qin Wanru then said to Zu An, “Since you’ve decided to go, let Xingying escort you. Starting today, he will also be studying at the academy, so you two can look out for each other. Xingying is both intelligent and sensible; you should learn more from him.”

Hong Xingying quickly bowed. “Madam, you flatter me. I will certainly take care of him to the best of my ability.”

Zu An secretly pursed his lips. “To put it nicely, it’s looking out for me; to put it bluntly, isn’t it surveillance?” He figured his truancy yesterday had made them uneasy, so they sent someone to prevent it from happening again.

He also had a sudden realization: no wonder this guy had been angry earlier. He had finally gotten a chance to attend school, but because Zu An got injured, his dream was almost ruined. Naturally, that would cause resentment.

Although the academies in this country offer education to all regardless of background, admission isn’t easy. One must at least prove exceptional aptitude. Of course, connected individuals like Zu An are an exception.

For someone like Hong Xingying, who also held the status of a Chu family retainer, it would be difficult to attend school without the master’s approval.

But then again, shouldn’t he be thanking me? If it weren’t for me, how would he have gotten the chance to attend school?

Despite earning a batch of “fury points,” Zu An still looked displeased, feeling somewhat disadvantaged.

The Chu couple gave a few more instructions before leaving. Hong Xingying lifted his head and followed suit.

Next, Zu An began to wash up. Someone brought breakfast, and Zu An casually invited Cheng Shoubing to sit down and eat with him.

His unintentional gesture deeply moved Cheng Shoubing. “Although the Young Master is a bit foolish, a bit boastful, and a bit of a good-for-nothing… he’s still quite good to me. He doesn’t treat me like a mere servant. Hmm, I must help him establish himself in the Chu family.”

If Zu An knew what he was thinking, he would probably kick him flying.

“Cough, cough,” a hunched figure passed by the window.

Zu An, who was eating breakfast, heard a secret message whispered into his ear: “Don’t skip school again today. Remember what happened to Wei Hongde.”

Zu An looked up, and Old Man Mi’s aged figure had already moved away from the window.

“Did you hear anything just now?” Zu An couldn’t help but nudge Cheng Shoubing, who was gorging himself beside him.

“No, *hiccup*,” Cheng Shoubing let out a long burp, his gaze never leaving the food on the table.

“Aren’t you afraid of choking?” Zu An rolled his eyes disdainfully, but in his mind, he wondered, “Was that a secret voice transmission technique? This old man is truly unsettling. For some reason, he’s a bit afraid of this mysterious old man. Compared to him, he’s not as afraid of the Chu couple.”

It seemed he would have to visit the school today, at least for a while.

After breakfast, Cheng Shoubing helped Zu An pack some personal items. The two then arrived at the main gate, where Hong Xingying was already waiting with a sword in his arms. Seeing them emerge, he looked impatient. “What took you so long?”

Fury points from Hong Xingying: 99!

What’s wrong with this guy?

Zu An immediately became indignant. “Are you the Young Master, or am I? What’s wrong with making you wait a bit?”

“Everyone in the manor knows what kind of Young Master you are. Who are you trying to fool?” Hong Xingying sneered.

Zu An tilted his head, sizing him up. “Did I owe you money before?”

Hong Xingying paused. “No, I didn’t.” He didn’t understand why Zu An suddenly asked that.

“Then why are you so hostile to me the moment we meet?” Zu An asked.

Hong Xingying’s breath hitched. He hadn’t expected the other party to be so direct. However, he glanced at Cheng Shoubing nearby, remaining cautious, and didn’t admit it. “I’m not hostile towards you. I just feel pity for the Young Lady. How could someone as exceptionally graceful as she be worthy of you?”

Cheng Shoubing stammered, “Um… he is the Young Master, after all. It’s not good to say things like that.”

Zu An chuckled. He hadn’t expected this guy to be quite protective of his master at such a crucial moment.

Hong Xingying gave him a cold look. “Do you think there’s anything wrong with what I said? Can you tell me what’s good about him?”

Cheng Shoubing thought for a long time before replying, “Although the Young Master is useless in this and useless in that, at least he looks decent.”

Zu An, exasperated, pushed him aside. “It’s a miracle this guy has survived in the Chu family until now.” He then added, “Oh, I see. So you harbor feelings for Chu Yan.”

Hong Xingying’s fair face instantly turned red. “I’m not! I didn’t! You’re talking nonsense!”

Seeing his “triple denial,” Zu An couldn’t help but exclaim, “A capable retainer and a beautiful young lady – what a poignant love story! But isn’t it a bit shameless to like someone else’s wife?”

“You!” Hong Xingying glared at him, then turned his head away, unwilling to stoop to his level.

Fury points from Hong Xingying: 100!

Zu An, however, was unwilling to let him go. He chased after him and put a hand on his back. “Then let me rephrase it. The woman you like became my wife. Wouldn’t that make you feel a little better, as it makes you seem less like a scoundrel?”

Fury points from Hong Xingying: 333!

Hong Xingying’s teeth gnashed together, and his hand instinctively pressed against the hilt of his sword. But he ultimately didn’t draw it. He took a deep breath and said coldly, “All you can do is talk big. Once we enter the academy, the school will treat everyone equally. Then I’ll let you know how big the gap between you and me is!”

Zu An smiled. “I appreciate your confidence. But you act one way towards me in front of the Master and Madam, and another way behind their backs. Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to them?”

Hong Xingying said indifferently, “Go ahead and report me. See if they believe you, a good-for-nothing, or me, their capable subordinate.”

Zu An pulled Cheng Shoubing, who was behind him, forward. “There’s a witness here.”

Cheng Shoubing immediately shook his head like a rattle-drum. “I didn’t hear anything, I didn’t see anything.”

Zu An cursed angrily, “Are you that cowardly?”

Hong Xingying sneered. “It’s useless to force him. The Master and Madam trust his words the least.”

After speaking, he walked directly ahead, putting some distance between himself and them, as if being with good-for-nothings would contaminate him.

Zu An and Cheng Shoubing stared at each other. Zu An couldn’t help but exclaim, “You’ve fallen so low, you might as well just bash your head in and die.”

Cheng Shoubing grumbled, “You’re so pathetic that even a servant dares to speak to you like that, and you still have the nerve to lecture me.”

Zu An smiled slightly, watching the person’s retreating back. He wasn’t in a hurry. “It’s not easy to catch a sheep; you can’t shear it too quickly, lest you shear it bald.”

The group finally arrived at the entrance of Bright Moon Academy. Zu An couldn’t help but glance at a quiet path nearby. In his mind, the graceful figure in plain clothes, barefoot, with a wine gourd dangling from her finger, reappeared. He wondered if he would ever have the chance to see her again.

There were far fewer people at the school gate today than yesterday, but some were still queuing. Bored with waiting, Zu An looked around. He suddenly noticed a young man and woman not far away, tugging at each other and talking.

The man was quite handsome, but he had an effeminate air, his skin paler than many women’s. His shifting gaze unintentionally revealed hints of charm. Zu An thought, “Could I have stumbled upon a cross-dressing scenario?”

I’m not that foolish Liang Shanbo; how could I let go of such an opportunity if I encountered it?

So he walked directly over and put an arm around the other’s arm. “Buddy, have we met somewhere before?”

Since you’re pretending to be a man anyway, you can’t throw a fit if I take advantage of you. Hahaha.

“You are?” A hint of confusion flashed in the person’s eyes, clearly trying to recall where they had seen Zu An.

Zu An’s heart skipped a beat. “This reaction is a bit off.” His gaze moved down, and he noticed the Adam’s apple on the person’s neck. Instantly, his stomach churned. “Damn, it’s actually a guy with a feminine appearance!”

He pulled his hand back as if shocked, and quickly said, “Sorry, I’ve mistaken you for someone else, I’ve mistaken you for someone else.”

The girl opposite glared at him with a look of “are you an idiot?” She was clearly annoyed that he had interrupted their conversation. “Hey, where was I just now?”

“Oh, I remember now. Brother Xiu, what did I do wrong to make you tired of me? Can’t I change? Why do you want to break up?” The young girl was already quite pretty, but now with tearful eyes, she looked even more pitiful.

Zu An couldn’t help but eye the effeminate-looking guy, secretly admiring him. “This guy’s charm is actually so great? Compared to him, sigh, it’s all tears.”

The young master took the girl’s hand and said affectionately, “This isn’t about you. I’m afraid that I’ll stop liking you later, so I’m suggesting we break up while we still love each other. That way, I’ll be the only one suffering.”

Zu An couldn’t help but stop. “This is even possible?! This guy is practically the grand patriarch of scumbags!”

At this moment, the girl opposite cried, “Brother Xiu, so you’ve always been thinking of me! It’s my fault; I shouldn’t have kept pushing you. People say a short separation makes the heart grow fonder. Maybe if we separate briefly, you’ll fall in love with me again.”

Zu An’s eyes widened. “Are women in this world so easily deceived? It seems paradise awaits me in the future.”

“It’s so good that you understand me,” the young master said, also a little agitated. Then, suddenly changing his tone, “Since we’ve already broken up, can you introduce your best friend to me? You know, that Miss Liu from the last time, who was with you…”

Even the most naive girl has a limit. Hearing this, she could no longer hold back and slapped him across the face, then covered her face and ran away crying.

The fair-skinned young master *swish* opened his fan, touched the mark on his face, and revealed an enigmatic expression. “A beauty’s tender hand, always so intoxicating.”

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