Chapter 189

When Shen Cui first encountered the ‘ominous residence’ in Qingzhou Prefecture, the system had said that this wasn’t a world of ghosts and gods, so there weren’t such things.

Therefore, the law couldn’t directly manifest itself in front of Mu Yunchuan. However, Shen Cui had read some online novels—many of them depicted protagonists having various premonition dreams, avoiding dangers, and turning crises into opportunities, without being categorized into the supernatural genre.

Although the original book definitely didn’t have this plot, desperate times call for desperate measures, and the law might resort to such actions!

Shen Cui’s heart raced, and her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched into fists involuntarily.

But in front of Mu Yunchuan, she tried to maintain a calm demeanor, merely changing the subject and asking, “What kind of nightmare could trouble you so much?”

It was only then that Zhou Shi realized that half the morning had passed, and she had been too preoccupied with worrying about Mu Yunchuan’s health to ask him about his dream.

Mu Yunchuan’s resolute mind and exceptional intelligence made it even more unusual for him to be troubled by a dream that affected his emotions upon waking up.

Both Shen Cui and Zhou Shi looked at Mu Yunchuan, waiting for his response.

Mu Yunchuan could have easily brushed it off, but the dream was indeed peculiar. While it wasn’t necessary to disclose all the details, he could hint at it subtly— the voice in the dream had told him that preventing Zhou Shi from leaving home would change everything.

Therefore, he could deduce that if Zhou Shi followed the plan she had discussed with Shen Cui and stayed away from home for a while, it would probably mean that she wouldn’t end up in that dire situation.

Although Mu Yunchuan still maintained a reserved attitude towards his stepmother, and he generally didn’t like to confide in others, this matter concerned Zhou Shi’s life, so it wouldn’t hurt to reveal some information and ask his stepmother to take care of Zhou Shi in this regard.

After pondering for a while, Mu Yunchuan finally spoke, “I dreamed of six months later…”

Just as he uttered these words, Mu Yunchuan abruptly stopped talking and stumbled for a moment.

Before Zhou Shi could react, Shen Cui, who had prepared herself for such a situation, reached out and grabbed his arm.

She had experience dealing with the system’s initial adjustment period. Moreover, she had relaxed considerably in front of Er Pang, which had led to a few slip-ups where she had uttered ‘forbidden words’ in front of him, causing her headaches similar to being pricked by needles by the system.

But Mu Yunchuan, being the male lead material he was, swiftly recovered from the intense pain, accompanied by astonishment and surprise.

Various emotions flickered across his eyes momentarily, but before Zhou Shi could extend her hand to help him, he had already adjusted and smiled casually, “It’s just a bizarre dream. I remembered it clearly a moment ago, but now it’s suddenly gone.”

If it weren’t for Shen Cui’s close attention to his subtle expressions, she might have been deceived by him.

He then nonchalantly pushed away Shen Cui’s hand before she could react. “I’ve worried Mother. Let’s go back and rest.”

Zhou Shi, torn between concern and hesitation, looked at him and then at Shen Cui. It was evident that she was once again unsure whether to leave home today.

Shen Cui was determined to take Zhou Shi away. Just as she was about to persuade him, Mu Yunchuan spoke again, “Since Mother is here, I’ll entrust Zhou Shi to you. I just took some medicine and feel a bit drowsy. I’m a bit unsteady on my feet, so I’ll go back to rest.”

Shen Cui nodded in agreement. “Rest is most needed after taking medicine. I’ll take Zhou Shi away now and bring her back before tonight. By then, you’ll have recovered.”

Zhou Shi trusted both Shen Cui and Mu Yunchuan the most, so when they both said so, she complied, “Then, Husband, rest for a while. I’ll accompany Mother to choose a place. Once I’m done, I’ll come back.”

Mu Yunchuan nodded slightly, bid farewell to Shen Cui with a polite gesture, and even took out a purse before leaving.

“Things in the capital are expensive. Please don’t refuse this small amount of silver, Mother.”

Shen Cui had made up her mind to spare no expense to get the academy properly established, so she accepted it without any courtesy.

Once they were in the carriage, Zhou Shi, still concerned about Mu Yunchuan’s health, didn’t talk as much as she did the day before.

Shen Cui pondered the current situation in her mind.

Mu Yunchuan had probably experienced a precognitive dream. Although the system didn’t allow him to reveal too much, and he might not be willing to confide in her, the few words he had let slip contained a crucial “six months later”.

Six months later was likely the time when he would be sent out early to provide disaster relief, and roughly the time he would return.

In the original book, he had also been away for about six months.

So, what happened during that time that frightened him so much? It was probably because Zhou Shi had passed away.

But the system wouldn’t be foolish enough to only show him the negative side. It must have also shown him the positive aspects, such as him remarrying a high-born woman and receiving promotions and honors after Zhou Shi’s death.

Mu Yunchuan knew all of this in advance, yet he still allowed Zhou Shi to leave home according to the plan.

It showed that he wasn’t prepared to follow the arrangements of the system.

Shen Cui thought it over and vented her frustration to the system: [I increasingly feel that the system and the rules are the same—they simply don’t understand human nature! Zhou Shi has been so good to Mu Yunchuan, enduring so much for so many years. She has been like a rock, warming him with her heart and soul. As for the promises made by the system, Mu Yunchuan is certainly tempted by them, but how could he stand by and watch Zhou Shi disappear in front of him for those promises? Mu Yunchuan may have been created by the system as the male lead, but the system doesn’t truly understand him!]

The system immediately argued back: [I’m not the same as the rules of this world! But what the host said isn’t wrong. We are more similar to all the programs and codes of the era the host is in.]

Shen Cui chuckled and said, [I’m scolding the rules, not you. I just mentioned it in passing, why are you getting worked up? Anyway, let’s stick to our plan: select a new site and hold exams. Once I pass through, hmph…]

Later, Shen Cui instructed the coachman to head to the agent and find the same agent as last time.

The agent recognized Shen Cui and sighed, “Madam, didn’t you just come yesterday? I haven’t started preparing anything yet.”

Seeing that the agent regarded her as a troublesome customer who demanded a lot but paid little, Shen Cui didn’t get upset.

She simply explained, “I’m not here to urge you. Our plans have changed, the previous budget is no longer applicable, but the requirements remain the same. We still need a quiet, suitable place for studying and recuperation. So I came to inform you.”

“What about the new budget…”

Shen Cui calculated her savings and the sponsorship provided by Zhou Shi and Mu Yunchuan, “Within two hundred taels, and we’ll rent it for half a year.”

With the budget doubling instantly, the agent, who had been looking dejected, immediately perked up. “Then, Madam, you don’t need to wait any longer. Our department agenct has several suitable houses.”

Departments agency in the capital were more efficient than those in Qingzhou Prefecture.

Instead of taking Shen Cui to each house one by one, the agent took out several maps for her to choose from.

After Shen Cui selected a few favorites from the maps, he would take her to see them.

After all, time was precious for these agents in the capital.

On the maps, the layout and location of each house, as well as nearby facilities, were clearly marked.

Although Shen Cui was an outsider, this was only her second time entering the city. Therefore, she could only understand half of what she saw on the maps.

This was why she insisted on bringing Zhou Shi along—Zhou Shi was literate and could interpret the maps. Moreover, having lived in the capital for three years, Zhou Shi could provide valuable insights after Shen Cui had taken a look.

Quickly, Zhou Shi singled out three maps and said, “These three houses are all good. The first one has three sections. Although it’s a bit far from the center of the city, it’s suitable for studying, and there are plenty of shops nearby for daily necessities.”

“The second one only has one section, but each room is quite large, and the location is better. It would be more convenient for the boys to go to the Imperial College for the exams.”

“The third one has two sections, with a moderate location and size. It’s neither too big nor too small, just right.”

The agent gave Zhou Shi a thumbs-up, “You have a keen eye. I also think these three are the most suitable for studying. Shall I take you two to see them?”

Shen Cui nodded, and on the way, she asked about the rental prices of the three houses.

The rent for all three houses was roughly the same, ranging from three hundred to three hundred and fifty taels per year, with a minimum lease term of three years.

However, if Shen Cui was willing to take a small loss and pay two hundred taels for half a year, and the house would be used for legitimate studying purposes, the dentist was confident he could convince the landlords.

Busy until the afternoon, Shen Cui felt satisfied with the options.

She then turned to Zhou Shi and asked, “The first one is spacious, the second one has a better location, and the third one is moderate. But when I saw you looking at the maps, you seemed to focus on one of them the most. What was the reason?”

Zhou Shi blushed slightly and explained, “Nothing can escape Madam’s eyes. I couldn’t help but take a few more glances because the last one is quite close to my current residence and shop. Of course, the selection of the site for the academy should still be up to you. There’s no need for me to…”

Shen Cui waved her hand, indicating that Zhou Shi didn’t need to continue.

Originally, all three houses were good options, and the moderate one, though unremarkable in two aspects, also meant it wouldn’t go wrong.

The idea of ‘not going wrong’ was particularly good, as long as her students didn’t mess up, their exam results would be satisfactory!

After making her decision, the agent happily went to negotiate with the landlords.

Shen Cui also gave him an extra five taels of silver as a reward, asking him to make it quick.

The agent gladly accepted the silver and assured her that he would have an answer by early the next morning.

Before nightfall, Shen Cui kept her promise and sent Zhou Shi back to Mu’s small residence.

Since Mu Yunchuan had already recovered by then, Zhou Shi felt relieved and began to pack her luggage.

The next day, the agent went to the inn to deliver the news to Shen Cui, saying that he had already reached an agreement with the landlords.

With money, everything was easier to handle.

Shen Cui went to the department agency that day and signed the contract with the landlords.

Another day passed, and the new site of the Cuiwei Academy in the capital was completed.