Chapter 366: Elf in the Forest

Wu Zhengyuan’s polite and courteous demeanor immediately won the favor of the others. Geng Lianhua, after her youngest daughter-in-law explained Wu Zhengyuan’s identity, warmly told him, “Zhengyuan, sit down and have a meal. You must be famished after traveling such a long way. Don’t join your young uncle for drinks yet. Eat first. If you had returned a day earlier, your aunties would still be here.”

Upon hearing that this young man’s aunt had visited her sister’s home, Zhang Hua found it a bit peculiar, wondering about the exact family connection.

Seeing the puzzled looks from others at the table, Wu Zhengyuan patiently explained his family’s relationship with Hao Lianchun.

“I knew you seemed familiar. With this connection, let’s eat. We are all family here, no need to be formal,” Zhang Wanyou said, pleased to understand the situation, and urged the young man to eat. Being family, there was no need for unnecessary formality. This meal was the first hearty one Wu Zhengyuan had enjoyed since leaving home.

“You know, Young Uncle, our family is the best. All along the way, I was looking forward to coming back for a home-cooked meal,” Wu Zhengyuan remarked.

Zhang Weiguo chuckled and glanced at him, “Young man, it’s not easy being out there. You must endure hardships, or you’ll be clueless at school. How was it broadening your horizons this time? As the ancients said, traveling a thousand miles is better than reading a thousand books, isn’t that true?”

Glancing around at the family members, Wu Zhengyuan blinked, “Young Uncle, aren’t there two younger siblings who are supposed to take the college entrance exam this year? Why don’t I see them?”

Yang Nuo swallowed his food and said, “By the time you see them, the dishes will be cold. Both of them have gone to report to their school. By the way, Qianqian’s school is very close to yours. In the future, take care of her more. After all, you are her senior. Whenever you have time, go and check on her.”

Upon learning that Wang Qian attended a foreign language school, Wu Zhengyuan was pleasantly surprised. It was indeed a coincidence that the schools were so close, just a ten-minute run if one were to jog.

“Don’t worry, she’s my sister. I’ll definitely look out for her,” Wu Zhengyuan assured.

The family enjoyed a warm and joyful meal. Wu Zhengyuan ate heartily, especially after drinking a bit with Zhang Weiguo. He made sure to distribute the gifts he had brought, not expecting so many guests, but luckily, he had bought extra items meant for gifting, which came in handy.

As everyone happily explored their gifts, considering Wu Zhengyuan’s long journey back, Zhang Lan advised him to rest early. Since Yang Nuo and he will share a room, they went back to rest and discuss the current family situation.

Han Zhengdong and the other individual finished eating and headed to the study to settle accounts. Currently, the business relied heavily on these two individuals, saving the rest of the family members some energy.

“Xuan’er, the stock in the warehouse is running low. Should we order more, especially some more tape recorders? It seems like they are selling well recently,” Han Zhengdong suggested.

Wang Xuan nodded with a smile, “Alright, I’ll contact my dad. Also, we should arrange for a shipment of fruits to come in a while. They should be ready for sale by winter. Once the goods arrive, you can go and pick them up.”

After instructing the two individuals on their tasks, she retired to her room to rest; she had indeed been feeling quite tired these past few days.

In the room, Yang Nuo was discussing recent events with Wu Zhengyuan. Upon learning that Wang Weiguo’s wedding matters had been resolved by Wang Qian, Wu Zhengyuan felt a growing curiosity and eagerness to meet this legendary figure.

Having heard his grandmother mention her before, and with the constant mention of this girl’s name from the people around him, Wu Zhengyuan couldn’t fathom what kind of person she must be to leave such a lasting impression on everyone.

After inquiring about the dormitory where Wang Qian resided, he decided that he would make time to visit. He was keen to meet this legendary girl who had achieved so much at such a young age. He was genuinely looking forward to their meeting.

With the addition of two more members to the Wang family’s workforce, he felt it was necessary. Although they weren’t too busy at the moment, they didn’t have much energy to spare for business matters.

After a restful night’s sleep, the next morning, after breakfast, Wu Zhengyuan went off to school. However, he couldn’t shake the thought of visiting Wang Qian. Since the young girl was so close by, he felt it was not just a matter of courtesy but also a genuine interest. Few people had piqued his curiosity like this before, and Wang Qian was the first to evoke such a strong desire to discover more.

After handling his tasks at school, it was already afternoon. With no pressing matters, Wu Zhengyuan decided to walk towards Wang Qian’s school.

At this moment in the afternoon, Wang Qian and her classmates had a class. So, she went to study vocabulary by the small forest near the school, avoiding the noisy atmosphere in the dormitory. These past few days, for some unknown reason, the previously close relationship between Wei Yuanfang and Dong Xuan seemed to have taken a strange turn, although she couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause.

However, their quarrels didn’t concern her much. Focusing on her studies was the priority.

In the afternoon, the forest was nearly deserted, allowing her to relax. She took off her shoes, used a stool as a pillow, crossed her legs, and lay down on a stone bench without any inhibitions. While reading her book, she breathed in the slightly grassy air.

Coincidentally, Wu Zhengyuan happened to pass by this spot at that moment. He had initially planned to take the main entrance, but the smaller path was closer and offered some shade from the sun, so he chose to take the shortcut.

He had visited Wang Qian’s school before, but that was a long time ago. Back then, he had accompanied a friend from the dormitory to visit his sweetheart. As he walked along the somewhat unfamiliar path, he couldn’t help but glance around, observing any changes that had taken place.

His gaze unexpectedly landed on a girl who seemed like an elf, casually lounging on the stone bench without a care in the world, as if the outside world had no impact on her.

Inadvertently catching sight of Wang Qian’s delicate face, she had already removed her glasses, deeply engrossed in her book. Wu Zhengyuan found himself drawn to her enchanting visage. His steps faltered, unconsciously leading him towards Wang Qian, unsure of his intentions. It seemed like his brain was acting independently, cautiously approaching, as though afraid of disturbing a forest spirit.

Wang Qian was immersed in her reading when she faintly heard approaching footsteps. Alert, she looked up and was surprised to see a handsome face before her. Though slightly tanned, each feature was well-proportioned, giving off an air of refinement that would shine if a bit fairer—a true gentleman.

Seeing her deer-like, dewy eyes, Wu Zhengyuan felt a sudden flutter in his heart, unsure of the emotions stirring within him. There was an impulse to comfort the young girl in his arms.

Clearing his slightly dry throat, he carefully directed an apologetic smile towards Wang Qian. “Excuse me, could you help me find Wang Qian from Room 403 in Building 5?”

Uncertain of what to say, Wu Zhengyuan resorted to a feeble excuse, though he could have easily sought help downstairs. Yet, inexplicably, those words slipped out.

Upon hearing this, Wang Qian’s eyes widened in disbelief. This person was looking for her, yet she didn’t recognize him. Her mind raced, contemplating who could possibly know her name. It was unlikely to be someone from school, but perhaps someone from home… A realization struck her—since the start of the school year, one family member had been absent. Her brother had mentioned someone who used to mix with them, someone with ties to their past.

“Are you… brother Wu Zhengyuan?” she cautiously inquired, voicing the name that had crossed her mind.

Being called out by both name and surname left Wu Zhengyuan astonished. He also considered the possibility that, since he didn’t know any girls at the school, the only one who could mention his name was likely connected to the Wang family. Could this little elf before him be the person he was looking for?

Maintaining his surprised expression, his white teeth flashed in contrast to his darkening complexion. “You’re Wang Qian?”

As the other party also mentioned her name, Wang Qian’s confidence in her judgment grew. Quickly standing up, she reached out her hand towards Wu Zhengyuan. “Hello, Brother Zhengyuan. I am the one you’re looking for. What a coincidence to meet here!”

Wu Zhengyuan shook her delicate hand with his larger one, feeling a rush of excitement. The unexpected encounter left him pleasantly surprised at the sheer serendipity of it all.

“Qianqian, I just returned from the south yesterday. Upon my return, I heard that you and Mingyuan both got into college. Your school is so close to ours, so I wanted to come see you. How’s life at school? Everything going well?” Wu Zhengyuan inquired.

In response, Wang Qian chuckled, “Brother Zhengyuan, our dorm mates are fine. They come from all over the country. As long as there are no major conflicts of interest, everything should be fine.”

Thinking of something, Wang Qian asked, “Brother Zhengyuan, how is your grandmother doing now? Since we parted ways, we haven’t had a chance to meet, and I don’t know how she’s faring.”

The memory of that kind and elderly lady was vivid in Wang Qian’s mind. Though they had dealt in ginseng with the Wu family, it was the grandmother’s support that helped them start building their house. Wang Qian remembered the kindness they received from the Wu family, despite the business transactions. ((She is referring to the Old Lady Li, who bought the ginseng from Wang Qian on Chapter 27, Wu Zhengyuan was the one Mingcheng met on the train – Chapter 238)