The Young Daoist and a New Year's Greeting

The Young Daoist's words made Xu's Mom sink into thought. Her child was already eighteen—not the fifteen-year-old boy he'd been three years ago—and she was older, too. If things kept going this way, it might not be for the best.

Besides, Xu's Mom could tell that Wang Yue wasn't as easy to talk around as Lin Xiangzhi. He might not be swayed by her words. But when she saw Lin Xiangzhi standing nearby and remembered that Wang Yue was protecting her, she immediately turned to Lin Xiangzhi and said, "I was wrong just now. I only wanted to protect my child. I hope you can understand."

Seeing Xu's Mom say that, Lin Xiangzhi nodded. If her family had been able to afford it back then, her parents would surely have transferred her to another school. They wouldn't have trusted the school's promises and left her to be bullied there, forcing her to repeat a year now.

Because she understood how Xu's Mom felt, Lin Xiangzhi didn't take it to heart. Instead, she said sympathetically, "You're doing what's best for Xu Youshu, Auntie. I understand."

Xu's Mom was grateful that Lin Xiangzhi was so understanding. At least now she had a way to back down. Afraid that if she continued, Wang Yue would speak up for Lin Xiangzhi again, she said nothing more and went back to care for Xu Youshu, her spirits low.

Wang Yue didn't know what to say about Lin Xiangzhi's response. He felt a little frustrated, but he didn't try to force anything to change. If Lin Xiangzhi weren't like this, he might have been disappointed.

After Xu Youshu was hospitalized, he didn't return to school before winter break ended. On the day school let out, Wang Yue made a round, first taking Lin Xiangzhi home