Chu Hang's unease did not last long. At least, he sensed no hostility, and after the night passed, he and his father were sent home together.
Early the next morning, Chu Hang shuddered and finally woke from the cold.
"Hah... was it just a dream?"
Chu Hang looked around and found himself still huddled in that corner, with a layer of frost already coating his quilt.
"Ow... hiss..."
He really had fallen asleep last night, spending the whole night curled up in a crouch without moving. Now his legs were numb, and trying to stand made him grimace in pain.
By the time Chu Hang's body finally recovered enough for him to stand with the quilt in his arms, Chu Qinglin was already up. Passing by, he spotted his son, who had no time to hide today.
"Uh, Father, good morning."
Chu Qinglin stared at Chu Hang for a long while, and Chu Hang remained silent just as long.
"Last night..." "In that dream..."
They spoke almost simultaneously. Though their words differed, they clearly meant the same thing, and both immediately understood that last night's dream had been real.
Chu Qinglin suddenly smiled and shook his head.
"Go back and get some proper rest!"
"Yes!"
Chu Hang emerged with the quilt in his arms, then hurried toward his room.
"Hang."
Chu Hang stopped and turned around.
"Father, is there something else?"
Chu Qinglin thought for a moment before speaking.
"If you truly don't want to pursue scholarly honors, don't force yourself!"
In the past, hearing this would have made Chu Hang leap for joy. Now, however, he felt quite differently. Instead, he felt all the more that he should turn his shame into courage.
"Father, I've come to my senses. I'll study diligently and put my heart into it! I'll