Shi Jiang took Wu-shi and A Yan to see the teacher.
The Gossip Watchers followed close behind.
The teacher was an old man of about fifty. When he heard that his proudest pupil, Shi Jiang, had become intimately involved with his granddaughter, he was both anxious and furious.
But what was done was done, and Shi Jiang was willing to marry her properly. All that remained was for both families' parents to discuss the marriage.
A Yan's mother was staying at the Private School and did some sewing and mending to get by. Someone was sent to fetch her, and she would arrive shortly.
Shi Jiang's father, Shi Hong, worked at the Ministry of Works. Jian Ruonan sent someone to invite him with her calling card.
Jian Ruonan's calling card really did work wonders. The Minister of Works personally let him leave, escorted him to the Private School, and came along himself.
After seeing Jian Ruonan's calling card and being personally escorted by the Minister of Works, Shi Hong assumed the marriage was settled. He hummed little tunes and sang all the way there, his delight beyond words.
After entering the Private School, they had to pass through a covered corridor to reach the teacher's quarters. Shi Hong had barely stepped into it when he spotted a familiar figure.
Shi Hong stared at her for a long time before asking hesitantly, "Xiao Wei, is that you, Xiao Wei?"
The woman he called Xiao Wei was none other than A Yan's mother, Li Wei.
Li Wei looked at Shi Hong without answering, but she was visibly shocked. Beneath that shock, her heart brimmed with fury.
She gave Shi Hong a cold snort, tacitly confirming her identity.
Hearing the commotion in the corridor, the Gossip Watchers all poked their heads out of