Chapter 35.2

Earlier, when Li Hehua passed by the classroom, she had taken a peek inside.  Gu Zhijin was standing at the front, reading aloud, while the children leaned over their small desks, following along. Some even swayed their heads rhythmically, looking quite adorable.

Li Hehua cradled Shulin in her arms. “Shulin,” she said softly, “you’ll be a student here from now on. You’ll learn from Master Gu, just like those children. You must be well-behaved like them. Mommy will come pick you up after class.”

The little boy blinked and gazed at the classroom nearby.

After a short wait, Gu Zhijin emerged from the classroom and approached their room.

Li Hehua and Zhang Tieshan stood up to greet him.

Gu Zhijin smiled. “You’ve arrived! Please, have a seat.” He glanced at the child and asked, “What’s his full name?”

“Zhang Shulin,” Li Hehua replied. “Shu for ‘book’ and Lin for ‘forest.’ He’s four years old.”

Gu Zhijin nodded. “Although he’s young and starting early, his talent shouldn’t be wasted. I’ll teach him gradually. In the mornings, he’ll focus on reading and writing with the other children. In the afternoons, I’ll give him private lessons in calligraphy and painting.”

Li Hehua could tell Gu Zhijin was giving Shulin special attention, and her heart brimmed with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Gu. You’ve gone to so much trouble.”

Gu Zhijin waved dismissively. “Don’t mention it. Let me explain the school’s schedule. Classes begin at the first quarter of Chen Shi (7:15 AM) and end at the last quarter of Shen Shi (5:45 PM). There’s one rest day every ten days. The school doesn’t provide lunch, so students either bring their own or go home to eat. If they bring food, they can warm it here. Choose whatever is convenient.”

Li Hehua decided she would pack lunch for Shulin. She was busy at noon and couldn’t come fetch him, so it was better for him to stay at school and rest afterward.

“That’s the school’s routine,” Gu Zhijin concluded. “Any other concerns? Feel free to ask.”

Li Hehua trusted him completely. “We have no worries leaving Shulin in your care. What’s the tuition fee? We’d like to pay today.”

“Tuition is paid quarterly, at three hundred wen per quarter,” he replied.

Li Hehua knew this was standard, but considering Shulin’s special lessons, it felt too little. However, Master Gu was clearly not the type to accept extra money. She silently made a note to express her gratitude another way.

Remembering the food she brought, Li Hehua reached into her basket. “Master Gu, we didn’t prepare a proper gift for Shulin’s enrollment, only some homemade snacks. They’re nothing special, but we hope you won’t mind.”

Gu Zhijin would usually decline such gifts, but knowing the treats were made by the shopkeeper herself, he couldn’t refuse. After a brief hesitation, he smiled. “The shopkeeper’s homemade treats make an excellent initiation gift. I’ll shamelessly accept them.”

Seeing him accept, Li Hehua felt she’d made the right choice. In the future, she thought, if she wanted to thank him properly, she’d do it through food.

“Then, Master Gu, we’ll take our leave for today. I’ll bring Shulin promptly tomorrow.” After paying the tuition, Li Hehua stood to bid farewell.

Gu Zhijin stood to see them off.

Li Hehua, holding Shulin, was just about to leave when she turned and noticed a small head peeking through the doorway. The moment it was spotted, it vanished with a whoosh.

Gu Zhijin had also seen it. “Jin Zhao, come in!” he called.

A moment later, the little head reappeared, followed by the rest of the boy’s body.

The child, five or six years old, was remarkably cute with chubby cheeks that radiated health and vitality—a testament to his family’s good care.

He entered without any embarrassment at being caught, grinned at Gu Zhijin, and gave a formal bow, hands clasped. “Second Uncle, your nephew is here.”

Li Hehua chuckled at his serious and amusing demeanor.

Gu Zhijin shook his head, exasperated but fond. “This is my nephew,” he said to Li Hehua and Zhang Tieshan. “He’s quite mischievous. Please don’t mind him.”

So this is the child who enjoys my pastries, Li Hehua realized.

She smiled and shook her head. She certainly didn’t mind—a lively child was a joy.

Seeing that his second uncle wasn’t scolding him, the boy’s eyes darted around before landing on Shulin. With curiosity on his face, he took a few steps forward and asked, “Second Uncle, is this the new student? Why is he so small?”

Gu Zhijin patted his nephew’s head. “Shulin is only four. Of course he’s small. You mustn’t bully him. Instead, take good care of him. If anyone picks on him, you have to protect him. Got it?”

Gu Jinzhao was the unofficial boss of the schoolyard—even the most unruly kids didn’t dare mess with him. If he agreed to look after Shulin, the little boy would be safe.

Gu Jinzhao looked at the quiet child who barely reached his shoulder. Thin and small, with bright, dark eyes—definitely intriguing. But he wasn’t the type to protect just anyone. He was far too busy.

Gu Zhijin could guess what the rascal was thinking. He held up the food Li Hehua had brought. “All those pastries and fried rice and noodles you love? Shulin’s mother makes them. And today, Shulin brought you a basket of treats.”

The moment Gu Zhijin finished, Jinzhao’s demeanor shifted. His eyes locked onto the food basket, and he swallowed. He glanced at his uncle, then puffed up his chest. “Don’t worry, Uncle! Shulin’s so little—of course I’ll take care of him. Leave it to me. No one will dare bully him!”

Gu Zhijin smiled and patted him on the head approvingly.

Li Hehua, standing nearby, was barely holding back her laughter. How can a child be so adorable? she thought. If only Shulin could be this lively.

After making his bold declaration, Jinzhao strode over to Shulin and clapped him on the shoulder like a big brother. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. No one’s gonna mess with you.” He struck a pose that reminded Li Hehua of a young mafia boss. She suddenly felt as if her son had joined a gang.

Shulin remained silent. Worried Jinzhao might feel ignored, Li Hehua quickly added, “Thank you for looking after Shulin. Whenever Auntie makes something delicious, I’ll have him bring some over to you.”

She wasn’t trying to bribe the boy—she simply found his love for food so endearing that she wanted Shulin to share treats and make a friend.

Jinzhao’s eyes lit up. He swallowed discreetly and puffed his chest again. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this covered!”

Li Hehua laughed quietly.

Gu Zhijin sighed. “Please don’t mind him. My nephew is just mischievous like that.”

“He’s wonderful!” Li Hehua replied. “We’d be delighted if Shulin could learn from him.”

Seeing the sky darkening, she bid farewell again. “Master Gu, we should get going now.”

Gu Zhijin walked them out, with Jinzhao tagging along. Before they left, Jinzhao patted Shulin on the shoulder and earnestly warned, “Don’t be late tomorrow!”

On the way home, Li Hehua smiled. “That little boy was so amusing.”

Zhang Tieshan hummed in agreement. He thought the child had a good personality. If only Shulin could be a bit more like that…

Li Hehua patted Shulin’s back. “Shulin, you should get along well with that older brother at school, okay?”

The boy reached out from Zhang Tieshan’s arms, wanting her to hold him.

Li Hehua took him into her arms and kissed his cheek. In her mind, she was already planning tomorrow’s lunch: one meat dish, one vegetable, plus a dessert—two portions of each, so Shulin could share with his new little friend.