Chapter 36.1

The next day, Li Hehua brought Shulin to school on time. Gu Zhijin personally greeted them at the gate.

Li Hehua placed Shulin’s small book satchel on his shoulders. The little boy was almost completely hidden behind the bulging bag. Though it wasn’t heavy, from behind, he looked like an awkward little snail—both endearing and pitiful.

Gu Zhijin took the satchel from him.

Li Hehua had packed Shulin a lavish lunch: a basket overflowing with food. Inside were two portions of white rice, a large bowl of braised rabbit, and another bowl of stir-fried mushrooms and vegetables—a meal meant for both Shulin and Gu Jinzhao. She had also included after-lunch treats: two pastries each and a bowl of mixed fruit. It was quite a feast.

The basket was so full and heavy that Shulin couldn’t possibly carry it. Li Hehua had no choice but to ask Gu Zhijin for help. “Master Gu, this is Shulin’s lunch. It’s quite heavy—the children can’t lift it. Would you mind carrying it for him?”

School rules forbade parents from entering; they could only drop off their children at the gate. While most students could carry their own belongings, Shulin was too small—his arms barely reached the top of the basket.

Gu Zhijin reached for the basket. Its surprising weight made him chuckle. “How much delicious food did you pack for Shulin? This is heavy! Can a little one really eat this much?”

Li Hehua smiled. “This is for both children, including Jin Zhao’s share. I heard he loves my cooking, and I promised him yesterday I’d bring him treats too. That’s why it’s so heavy.”

Gu Zhijin felt a pang of embarrassment. “Madam, this is too much trouble. That boy’s just a glutton—we shouldn’t indulge him. Just pack for Shulin from now on.”

Li Hehua waved her hand. “It’s no trouble at all. It’s just a matter of making a little extra. Besides, Shulin doesn’t enjoy eating alone. Children eat better together. Master Gu, please don’t stand on ceremony. If anyone should be polite, it’s me. I’m entrusting Shulin to your care from now on.”

Gu Zhijin still felt awkward, but he wasn’t one for lengthy back-and-forths. Besides, his nephew was notoriously picky. Just yesterday, Jin Zhao had devoured most of the treats Li Hehua brought, stuffing himself until he hiccupped. Gu Zhijin had never seen him eat with such gusto before.

With that thought, he accepted the arrangement, resolving to be even more attentive to Shulin in the future—treating him like another beloved nephew to repay the kindness.

After their conversation, Gu Zhijin was about to lead Shulin into the schoolhouse. He reached for the boy’s hand, but Shulin suddenly threw himself onto Li Hehua, clinging to her leg and nuzzling his cheek against her thigh like an affectionate kitten, clearly unwilling to go in alone.

Li Hehua smiled apologetically at Gu Zhijin, scooped the child into her arms, kissed his cheek, and gently coaxed, “Shulin, have you forgotten what Mama told you? You’re here to learn painting from Master Gu. Every day you’ll paint pictures to bring home to Mama. If you don’t go in, you won’t be able to paint for Mama. So be good, okay? Mama will come pick you up after class, alright?”

Shulin acted like a child starting kindergarten. Even though they’d agreed beforehand, he couldn’t help fussing now. Unlike most kids, he didn’t cry or throw a tantrum. He simply wrapped his arms around her neck and nuzzled her. Under her gentle persuasion, he finally followed Gu Zhijin inside, though he kept turning back to look at her until he disappeared from view.

Li Hehua stood watching until his small figure vanished, then finally turned to leave.

That day, she was distracted while running her business, her thoughts constantly on Shulin. He was so quiet and reserved—would he get along with the other children? Would Master Gu have trouble teaching him?

Meanwhile, the object of her concern was sitting obediently at his desk—though his seatmate was missing.

Gu Zhijin had arranged for Shulin to sit next to Gu Jinzhao, instructing the older boy to take care of him.

When Gu Jinzhao saw his new “little brother” from the previous day arrive, he puffed up with pride and declared, “Second Uncle, rest assured! Gu Jinzhao is a man of his word!”

Gu Zhijin flicked his forehead. “Then you’d better live up to it! If you don’t, I’ll punish you!”

As soon as Gu Zhijin left, Gu Jinzhao turned to his sidekick. Seeing the boy sitting silently with his head lowered, he assumed he was scared. He patted Shulin’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! If anyone bullies you, just drop my name!”

But Shulin didn’t react with tears or gratitude, nor did he try to become sworn brothers like in storybooks. Gu Jinzhao scratched his head.

Could it be that Shulin doesn’t know how famous I am?

Gu Jinzhao decided to properly introduce himself. He reached out and turned Shulin’s head toward him, squishing his cheeks into a dumpling-like shape.

Shulin’s face stayed squished, his eyes calmly staring back at Gu Jinzhao.

“Listen,” Gu Jinzhao said, “I’m really powerful. No one in the academy dares mess with me. If anyone bullies you, just say you’re my brother. I’ll protect you—as long as you listen to me from now on.”

Shulin’s mouth was still squished into a dumpling pout, only his eyes free to blink.

Gu Jinzhao blinked back, sighing. So timid… He can’t even talk. Did I pick the biggest coward as my little brother?

Looks like I need to help him become braver.

Just as he was thinking this, his second uncle’s icy voice cut through the room: “Gu Jinzhao, what are you doing! Go stand in the corner and reflect!”

Startled, Gu Jinzhao let go of Shulin, letting his face bounce back to normal.

“Second Uncle, I was just looking after him! I didn’t bully him!” he protested, placing a palm over his ear like he was swearing an oath.

But Gu Zhijin wasn’t having it. All he saw was Shulin’s pitiful, squashed little face. Enraged, he pointed to the corner.

With a sigh, Gu Jinzhao patted Shulin’s shoulder like a martyr and went to stand in the corner. By the time he was released, it was lunchtime. The once-energetic little tyrant was now listless with hunger.

“Second Uncle, you’re so heartless~” he whined dramatically.

Gu Zhijin ignored him and led Shulin to the backyard. He didn’t want the child eating with the rest of the students. Now that Shulin was essentially his last disciple, he planned to let him eat and rest in the backyard from now on. He’d already asked Aunt Liu to warm up Shulin’s lunch.

Gu Jinzhao, sulking, trailed behind. Could it be I’m not Second Uncle’s real nephew? I must be a wretched soul with a tragic fate…

Gu Zhijin settled Shulin into a chair. Seeing his mischievous nephew squatting nearby, drawing circles on the ground, he hid a smile. Ignoring the boy, he instructed Aunt Liu, “Please bring Shulin’s lunch. His mother packed some special treats.”

“Right away!” Aunt Liu said, heading to the kitchen.

The figure on the ground perked up his ears noticeably.

Gu Zhijin’s smile deepened. With a sigh, he said, “Ah, Shulin’s mother packed two portions, hoping someone would share with him. But since someone doesn’t want to sit at the table, I suppose Shulin will eat it all himself.”

The hand drawing circles froze. A moment later, the boy got up and walked over. “Oh dear, I dropped something earlier. Finally found it! Alright, let’s eat now.”

Gu Zhijin coughed lightly to hide his amusement.

When the food was served, Gu Jinzhao’s eyes lit up. He picked up his chopsticks and immediately popped a piece of rabbit into his mouth. His eyes narrowed in bliss.

“This is delicious, Shulin! Your mom’s cooking is amazing,” he praised sincerely, placing another piece of meat into Shulin’s bowl. “Come on, don’t be shy! Eat more.”

Noticing that Shulin hadn’t touched his food, while his nephew had already devoured three pieces, Gu Zhijin quickly said, “Shulin, would you like Master to feed you?” If the child didn’t eat soon, there might be nothing left.

But Shulin didn’t respond. After a moment, he picked up the spoon Li Hehua had packed for him, scooped some rice, and brought it to his mouth. Though his movements were clumsy, they were remarkably steady.