Free Web NovelChapter 157: Chapter 157: Misunderstanding
Since it was the first class, the teacher didn’t dive into anything too profound.
He started by introducing himself. His surname was Hu, and he told everyone to call him Teacher Hu.
Teacher Hu then had the students introduce themselves. Although he wouldn’t remember everyone, he’d have no problem recalling a few. Plus, it was a good way for the classmates to get to know one another.
By the time the introductions were over, the better part of the class period had passed. Teacher Hu then gave a brief overview of business management before it was time for a break.
The three-hour evening session was split into two periods, with a ten-minute break in the middle for people to use the restroom.
As soon as the break began, many people headed out in small groups. Several others gathered around Gu’er, asking where she worked and other similar questions.
Gu’er knew they meant no harm, so she told them she sold wild goods.
Everyone else here might have had a respectable job, but she didn’t feel inferior or ashamed in the slightest.
Everyone was stunned, including Li Zhi. He’d assumed Gu’er was a salesclerk, not that she ran her own small business. But at this, the light in Li Zhi’s eyes grew even brighter.
After a bit more conversation, some of the men actually started asking Gu’er out, inviting her to hang out during the day.
Gu’er was taken aback by how bold and direct they were. She was startled for a moment but quickly composed herself and politely refused.
’Are they kidding? I spend my days selling mushrooms, constantly worried I won’t have enough time to sell everything. Where would I find the time to go out with other people? Besides, even if I were going out, it would be with Sun Jiaming! What would it look like, going out with other men?’
No one seemed too dejected by Gu’er’s refusal. After all, they had only just met, so nobody really expected her to agree on the spot.
This made Li Zhi even more pleased. Gu’er’s demeanor was poised and natural, yet with a hint of shyness. It showed she was a decent person who didn’t go out with just anyone—she had standards.
During the second period, the teacher began to lecture in earnest. Of course, the material still wasn’t too deep; it was just a general overview of corporate and business management.
Teacher Hu was a decent lecturer. At the very least, Gu’er understood everything he was explaining.
Gu’er was completely absorbed in the lecture, her thoughts rising and falling with the teacher’s words. She diligently copied down every key point he wrote on the board or mentioned, determined to master the material.
The minutes ticked by. At nine forty-five, Teacher Hu cleared his throat and dismissed the class.
A cheer went up from the students. Gu’er’s lips curved into a small smile. ’Class isn’t so bad after all.’
"Gu’er, let me take you home. It’s late, and it isn’t safe for you to go by yourself."
Li Zhi offered.
A boy nearby who overheard them whistled. Another mimicked Li Zhi in a squeaky voice, "Gu’er, let me take you home! It’s not safe for you to be alone this late!"
Gu’er hadn’t thought anything of the offer, but the whistling and mocking made her a bit uncomfortable.
But their teasing wasn’t malicious, so Gu’er didn’t say anything.
"No, that’s alright. Thank you."
The thought of someone escorting her home hadn’t even crossed her mind.
Li Zhi shot an annoyed glance at the boy who had whistled and glared at the one who had mimicked him, though he wasn’t genuinely angry. He knew they were just joking around.
After a good laugh, the crowd broke up and went their separate ways.
Gu’er packed her things slowly, not wanting to get caught in the crush of people squeezing their way out the door.
Li Zhi also moved slowly. He was waiting for Gu’er; after all, their bicycles were parked in the same spot.
Gu’er and Li Zhi were practically the last ones to leave the classroom.
When they got downstairs, Gu’er was about to follow Li Zhi into the courtyard to get their bikes when she suddenly heard someone call her name.
Gu’er looked toward the voice and saw her father, Lin Shan, standing under a streetlight and smiling at her.
A look of pleasant surprise filled Gu’er’s eyes. She never expected her father to come pick her up. ’He must have thought it was too late and worried that it wasn’t safe for a girl like me to go home alone,’ she realized.
A feeling of warmth and security washed over Gu’er. She quickened her pace, nearly running to Lin Shan’s side.
Li Zhi saw Lin Shan too. His eyes narrowed, a chill radiating from his gaze.
He recognized the man instantly: Lin Shan. His own father had spoken of Lin Shan many times, remarking on how the man had climbed to the position of district chief step by step, without any powerful backing. His father described Lin Shan as highly capable and exceptionally upright; in all these years, there had never been a single negative rumor about him. He didn’t accept bribes, rarely went out for extravagant meals or drinks, and his personal conduct was said to be impeccable. A man like that was someone his father deeply respected.
’So what’s the deal with Gu’er tonight?’ he wondered.
His mind raced through the facts he knew. ’Gu’er definitely isn’t his daughter. I know his family situation. Lin Shan has a son and a daughter—the girl is fifteen, not even in high school yet, and a bit of a troublemaker. The son is still little. She can’t be his niece or a relative from his wife’s side, either. Lin Shan’s wife, Chen Fengjiao, is from out of town, so she has no family here. As for his own siblings, Lin Shan had an older brother who passed away childless and an older sister who was sent down to another city years ago, where she settled down.’
’So who is Gu’er to him?’
If they weren’t intimate, he wouldn’t have come all this way to pick her up, and she wouldn’t have looked so thrilled to see him.
Li Zhi’s mind flashed to Gu’er’s face—beautiful, young, and full of life. ’A girl who sells mushrooms, with no formal job... She could never have gotten into this program without connections. It must have been Lin Shan who got her in. So, their relationship...?’
’Lin Shan... to think you’d have an affair in your middle age.’
A flicker of excitement sparked within him. ’If I tell my father about this, he’ll be thrilled. In the future, Lin Shan will have to yield to our family on any matter that comes up!’
But just as quickly, his expression soured, and the excitement died. It wasn’t love at first sight, but he had a really good impression of Gu’er. He was even thinking about pursuing her. To think that she and Lin Shan were...
’How could she be that kind of person? Wrecking a family just for money and status? Lin Shan is old enough to be her father! How could she!’
Li Zhi felt a surge of anger.
He knew he should just turn around, go home, and tell his father. But he couldn’t accept it. On some strange impulse, he walked over toward them.
"Uncle Lin. Gu’er."
He called out, only realizing after the words had left his mouth that he’d actually approached them. He quickly composed himself, forcing his expression into a natural, relaxed state.
Li Zhi’s mind had raced through all these thoughts in a split second; Gu’er and Lin Shan had only just exchanged a few words.
’Li Zhi knows my dad?’ Gu’er was taken aback.
"You’re Director Li’s boy, aren’t you? What was your name again? It was...?"
Lin Shan hadn’t expected anyone to approach, let alone someone who recognized him. He peered at the young man in the glow of the streetlight. The face was familiar, but the name escaped him. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"My name is Li Zhi. I’ve only met you a couple of times, Uncle Lin. I’m surprised you remember me. You have a great memory."
Li Zhi’s smile was perfectly polite, radiating warmth and a touch of admiration.
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