TSWPF -Chapter 139 A Blow

Liu Zhimou usually went straight home the moment classes ended and rarely lingered at the academy.

Even when he needed to prepare for exams, he still returned home at his usual time.

That day, after packing up his books and reaching the academy gate, he was stopped by Instructor Tong.

“Sir…” Liu Zhimou greeted him politely and gently. “Did you need something from this student?”

Instructor Tong discreetly sized him up, then nodded in satisfaction.

This student of his was good-looking—no wonder his daughter had taken a liking to him and had even gone so far as to speak directly to her father, asking him to test Liu Zhimou’s attitude.

“I found a book that I think would suit you,” Instructor Tong said. “But I forgot to bring it today. Ziqian, why don’t you come home with me to fetch it?”

For the sake of his precious daughter, he could only use such an excuse.

He was very pleased with Liu Zhimou. If this young man could become his son-in-law, that would be perfect.

Liu Zhimou found it hard to refuse his teacher, so he nodded and followed Instructor Tong back to the Tong residence.

As soon as Instructor Tong brought Liu Zhimou into the study, Tong Wanrong’s maid, Xia He, came running back like a gust of wind.

“Miss… Miss…”

“Why are you shouting like that?” Dongmei shot her a look and scolded her sternly.

Dongmei and Xia He were both first-rank maids to Tong Wanrong. Dongmei was steady and composed, while Xia He was a bit lively and impulsive.

Xia He pouted at Dongmei, slowed her steps, and softly called out again, “Miss.”

Tong Wanrong put down her writing brush, went to wash her hands, took the handkerchief Dongmei handed her, and carefully dried them before speaking unhurriedly, “What is it? What has you so excited?”

“Miss, guess who’s here?” As soon as Xia He mentioned it, her excitement surged again.

Seeing Xia He raising her brows and winking at her, Tong Wanrong’s heart jolted. Could it be…?

Her heartbeat quickened. She gripped the handkerchief tightly and forced herself to stay calm as she asked, “Who is it?”

Though her tone was composed, she was inwardly nervous, staring intently at Xia He.

Xia He cleared her throat and said with a grin, “Young Master Liu is here. I saw the master bring him into the study.”

So it really was him…

The moment Tong Wanrong heard this, a sweet smile blossomed on her face.

She hurried to the dressing table and sat down, reaching up to touch her hair bun. “Xia He, help me redo my hairstyle.” She had waited day and night—he had finally come.

This time, she had to leave him with a good impression and make him remember her.

“Alright,” Xia He replied cheerfully as she stepped behind Tong Wanrong, undid her original bun, and began to redo her hair. “Miss, how about a half-flip bun?”

“Sure.”

Xia He worked quickly and soon finished the half-flip bun. Tong Wanrong took a look and nodded in satisfaction.

She then changed into a white dress before standing gracefully and heading toward the study with Xia He.

Study

Instructor Tong took a book from the shelf and handed it to Liu Zhimou. Liu Zhimou glanced at it—it was a travelogue. He felt slightly surprised but didn’t show it, accepting the book and thanking his teacher.

“Ziqian, aren’t you curious why I gave you a travelogue?” Instructor Tong asked.

“This student would like to hear your explanation.”

Instructor Tong stroked his beard and smiled. “Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. You don’t have those conditions right now, so you can experience it through books instead.” He sat down in his chair, motioning for Liu Zhimou to sit as well, before continuing, “Reading more travelogues will give you new inspiration when writing essays.”

Liu Zhimou placed the book into his book bag. “Yes, this student will keep your teachings in mind.”

Looking at the composed and steady Liu Zhimou, Instructor Tong felt even more satisfied.

To be so calm and unarrogant at such a young age was truly rare.

This child would surely go far in the future.

“Come, play a game of chess with me,” Instructor Tong said with a smile as he brought over the chessboard.

Liu Zhimou had no choice but to agree.

They were halfway through the game when Tong Wanrong’s voice sounded from outside. “Father, may I come in?”

Instructor Tong smiled helplessly and said, “Come in.”

Tong Wanrong entered carrying a food box. “Daughter made some pastries and brought them for Father to taste.”

Of course, she hadn’t made them herself—she was just using the pastries as an excuse to see Liu Zhimou.

“Oh? Then I must taste them properly,” Instructor Tong said.

With her father indulging her like this, Tong Wanrong felt delighted. She carefully opened the food box and took out the pastries inside.

She glanced at Liu Zhimou from the corner of her eye and spoke gently, “Father, this is hibiscus cake. Have a taste…”

Instructor Tong smiled, picked up a piece, and after taking a bite, nodded. “Not bad.”

He then turned to Liu Zhimou. “Ziqian, this is my daughter, Tong Wanrong. She made these hibiscus cakes. You should try one too.”

Only then did Liu Zhimou look up at Tong Wanrong. The moment he saw her, he recognized her as the young lady who had asked him for help at the academy before.

So she was the teacher’s daughter…

He nodded at Tong Wanrong, picked up a piece of hibiscus cake, and took a small bite.

Tong Wanrong watched him nervously. After he finished, she smiled and asked, “I wonder if this cake suits Senior Brother Liu’s taste?”

“It’s alright,” Liu Zhimou replied with a polite smile. Having grown used to the pastries made by Li Qingling, he felt that no one else’s pastries could compare.

Tong Wanrong’s tightly held breath eased slightly. As long as he liked it, that was good.

She decided she would learn how to make hibiscus cake from the cook—next time, she would definitely let him taste one she made herself.

Seeing his daughter staring at Liu Zhimou without even blinking, Instructor Tong coughed lightly to bring her back to her senses. Then he said, “Alright, Rong’er, if there’s nothing else, go back. Ziqian and I still need to continue our game.”

He didn’t want his daughter to embarrass herself here.

Seeing her father’s firm attitude, Tong Wanrong could only leave the study reluctantly.

“Ziqian, come, let’s continue the game.”

They played three rounds in total—one loss, one win, and one draw—ending in an overall tie.

Instructor Tong hadn’t expected Liu Zhimou’s chess skills to be so good, able to tie with him.

He lifted his teacup, took a sip, and smiled at Liu Zhimou. “Ziqian, your chess skills are quite good. Have you studied before?”

Liu Zhimou put the pieces back into the chess basket and replied gently, “My grandfather enjoys playing chess. I learned from him.”

The old man loved chess and always dragged him along to play, and that was how his skills were honed.

Instructor Tong gave a soft “Mm.” After finishing his tea, he placed the cup down and looked at Liu Zhimou, half-joking and half-serious. “Ziqian, you’re sixteen this year, right? Has your family arranged an engagement for you?”

“Yes. I’ll be getting married on the tenth day of next month,” Liu Zhimou answered. “If you have time, Sir, you’re welcome to come have a cup of wedding wine.”

“What?” Instructor Tong was startled by the sudden news. “You… you’re getting married next month? Why haven’t I heard anything about this before?”

Just like that, the duck that was already in his mouth flew away, and his mood darkened.

He stood up and paced around the study. “You’re taking the exam at the end of next month—how can you get married at a time like this?” His tone carried a hint of anger. “What are your parents thinking, letting you marry now? No, I must go talk to your parents properly.”

Though he regretted that Liu Zhimou couldn’t become his son-in-law, he genuinely valued this student and didn’t want him distracted from his exams by trivial matters.

Liu Zhimou’s parents were truly unreliable.

The corner of Liu Zhimou’s mouth twitched slightly. He hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from Instructor Tong.

“Sir, my parents passed away long ago,” he said calmly. “The decision to marry next month was mine.”

His marriage would not affect his exams—he had that confidence.

Hearing this, Instructor Tong’s eyes nearly popped out. He frowned deeply at Liu Zhimou and scolded him unhappily, “What are you thinking? Why insist on getting married on the tenth of next month? Can’t you wait until after the exams?”

He had never known that Liu Zhimou’s parents were gone. From the sound of it, Liu Zhimou was the one making decisions at home?

It seemed he needed to find time to understand the family situation of this prized student of his.

The smile on Liu Zhimou’s face faded, and he spoke seriously. “Sir, there’s no need to worry. This matter will not affect my exams.” He appreciated the concern, but he wouldn’t allow others to question his marriage. “It’s getting late. This student should head back. If I return too late, my family will worry.”

Instructor Tong looked at him, sighed, and nodded, having someone see him out.

As soon as Liu Zhimou left, Tong Wanrong, having heard the news, came to the study again.

The moment she entered and saw Instructor Tong sitting there with a troubled expression, her heart skipped a beat. Could it be… that Liu Zhimou had refused?

She forced a smile and called out, “Father.”

Instructor Tong looked up at his daughter and sighed again. “Rong’er, Father will choose a good husband for you.”

Tong Wanrong’s face turned pale. She hurriedly asked what had happened—what had Liu Zhimou said? Had he refused?

Seeing how deeply his daughter was invested, Instructor Tong’s heart sank. “Ziqian is getting married on the tenth of next month. You… you don’t need to think about him anymore.”

Before his daughter fell any deeper, he had to pull her out quickly.

Liu Zhimou was good, but he wasn’t the only option.

“That’s impossible. How could this be?” Tong Wanrong cried out. “Father, could it be that he doesn’t like me, so he made up this lie to deceive you?”

Seeing his daughter so stubborn, Instructor Tong felt both anger and disappointment. “I never even mentioned you. I only asked whether his family had arranged a marriage for him. That was when he told me he was getting married next month.” After a pause, he added, “Rong’er, he is not your destined one. Don’t dwell on him anymore, understand?”

He truly feared that his daughter might do something that would disgrace the family.

Tong Wanrong couldn’t accept it. She didn’t respond to her father’s words and instead ran out of the study in tears.