Blossom in Adversity

C54. The Shizi's Plan for a Martial Arts Teacher - 2.

Chapter 54: The Shizi's Plan for a Martial Arts Teacher 2

Hua Zhi arrived as the sun climbed high in the sky.

The Shizi stood at the door, watching her approach at a leisurely pace. The sunlight cast a halo around her, making her seem almost ethereal.

As if sensing his gaze, she looked up, meeting his eyes directly without any hesitation.

The Shizi had expected her to feel offended, but even from a distance, he could tell that her eyes were calm, like someone who had experienced a great deal and didn't take his scrutiny to heart.

This feeling was a bit strange, but then again, if it were Hua Zhi, it seemed perfectly normal.

However, he should probably tone it down. Hua Zhi wouldn't keep someone too sharp-edged around her.

"Hua Hua, you're here!" Shao Yao ran from beside the Shizi and grabbed Hua Zhi's arm, shaking it coquettishly.

Hua Zhi wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and led her towards the main hall, saying, "Behave yourself. Lunch will be ready soon. Do you think it's worth it to spoil your appetite over a few pieces of pastry?"

"It's all because Fu Dong makes such delicious pastries."

"Are you blaming her now? Should I tell her to mess up tomorrow?"

"No, no, it's my fault for being greedy. Don't do that, Hua Hua. She promised to make spicy beef tomorrow. After hearing her describe it, I think I could eat a whole basket."

By this time, they had reached the outer hall. Hua Zhi glanced at Shao Yao, "Aren't you going to introduce him?"

"Oh, this is..." Shao Yao, her mind still filled with thoughts of spicy beef, snapped back to reality. She suddenly froze, not knowing how to introduce him. She couldn't exactly say, "This is the Shizi Prince, Gu Yanxi, you should quickly bow and take your leave..."

"I am Lu Yanxi. Pleased to meet you, Miss."

Hua Zhi had already recognized him. Not just anyone could have a scar on their face and still be considered handsome.

If he was on Shao Yao's side, it would make more sense. Ordinary people didn't get injured and bleed so easily.

"You must have found it amusing that day."

"Although I was surprised, I never found it laughable. I hope you won't think me foolish, Miss, but at that moment, I felt a warmth in my heart. To use an inapt analogy, it was as if I had been starving and someone had given me a piece of bread."

"It wasn't that serious. Please, have a seat."

Shao Yao finally realized what was going on. "You've met before?"

"We had a brief encounter a few days ago. He was injured and standing outside a medical clinic, so I assumed he couldn't afford treatment." Hua Zhi gave a self-deprecating smile and brought the conversation back to the main topic. "The Hua family was planning to hire Martial Art teacher, but it was only to teach the children some basic martial arts for fitness. Someone like Master Lu would be underutilized. I didn't expect Caocao to do something like this."

"Huahua, he's one of us. It's better to use someone we know than a stranger." Shao Yao was a little anxious. Although she was upset about being deceived, compared to an outsider, the Shizi seemed more trustworthy.

Hua Zhi naturally placed more trust in Shao Yao's companion. Although she didn't know the exact identity of the person who had saved her, their interactions had shown her that the person was not evil. Consequently, she was inclined to trust those who worked under such an individual.

However, the Hua family couldn't afford to hire someone of such caliber.

Gu Yanxi understood Hua Zhi's concerns and subtly promoted himself, "As you know, Miss Hua, I am still recovering from my injuries and will likely be unable to take on any official duties for a long time. However, teaching children would be no trouble. Even if I cannot continue teaching long-term, I can recommend a colleague. To be honest, this would be a welcome respite for us."

Hua Zhi pondered the benefits of this arrangement and realized that for people who had constantly faced danger and violence, the company of lively, energetic children would be a much-needed change of pace.

She glanced at Caocao, wondering if the girl had also been exposed to such dangers. The girl was looking at her with eager anticipation.

Smiling, Hua Zhi rubbed her wrist, which ached from all the writing she had been doing. "Caocao is truly my lucky star. She has solved a big problem for me."

With those words, she had agreed. Shao Yao's joy was evident on her face, while Gu Yanxi's happiness was more subdued. He couldn't quite understand why he felt so elated.

"I will do my best," he vowed.

“Though we’ve only just met, I feel I should say this upfront, so as not to ruin what little goodwill we’ve established.”

“Please do, Miss Hua,” Gu Yanxi replied, not surprised at her approach. She valued their friendship and didn’t want to ruin it.

Hua Zhi took a sip of tea. Catching sight of Shao Yao reaching for another dish after finishing the one in front of her, she quickly patted her hand and moved the dish away. “Are you still going to eat lunch?”

Shao Yao wanted to say she could, but when she saw Hua Zhi glaring at her, she immediately wilted and obediently sipped her tea.

Watching them, Gu Yanxi got a sense of their relationship. Hua Zhi was always indulgent towards Shao Yao, very kind, but she wasn’t permissive in everything.

“There are many women in the Hua family, and the household rules are strict. They don’t usually go out the side gate. Please don’t look towards the side gate, Mr. Lu, to avoid any misunderstandings. The main gates of the Hua family are currently closed; we use the side gate. You may use the same side gate you entered from today. Also, due to special circumstances, Mr. Lu, you’ll need to leave before the hour of the Rooster. If you don’t have a place to stay, I can arrange for a nearby residence. Would that be acceptable?”

“I have a place to stay; there’s no need to rent another residence. Miss Hua’s requests are all reasonable, and I will certainly abide by them.”

"That's settled then. The monthly fee is twenty-four taels of silver. If Mr. Lu has no objections, we'll trouble you from now on."

"Thank you for your trust, Miss." Martial Arts Teacher in the capital are divided into three grades, and twenty-four taels is the highest. Feeling valued, Gu Yanxi was in a good mood. "I can start teaching tomorrow. What time would you like the lessons to begin?"

"At a quarter past four in the morning. Half an hour of physical training will suffice and won't interfere with their studies. If anyone wants extra training, we can arrange that separately."

"Yes, I understand."

Hua Zhi glanced at the sun outside. "Then I won't keep you any longer."

Gu Yanxi gave Shao Yao a look and bowed before leaving. Shao Yao, though reluctant, dared not disobey and got up to follow. "Huahua, I'll see him out."

Knowing they had something to talk about, Hua Zhi didn't stop her but simply said, "Hurry up, it's almost time for lunch."

Shao Yao perked up a bit and chased after him.

Bao Xia came in from outside. "Eldest Miss."

"Have you noticed anything?"

"I think Miss Shao Yao and Mr. Lu appear to have an intimate bond that transcends mere acquaintance. Her natural ease around him, coupled with the unspoken trust evident in her eyes, suggests a deep-rooted connection that goes beyond the superficial."

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TNote:

酉时 (yǒushí): the time between 5 PM and 7 PM in the traditional Chinese timekeeping system.