After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

The next day, Zhao's sister-in-law took the well-rested Xiao Cui to the house she had bought. Gu Lin did not go with them, leaving the aunt and nephew some space to talk.

However, when Gu Lin asked Zhao's wife and brother to drive the oxcart, Zhao's wife waved her hand and refused, saying, "Zheng still needs the oxcart at home. If we drive the oxcart away, how will Zheng get to the prefectural school?"

Gu Lin had also thought of this. He said to Sister Zhao, "Good Luck Restaurant has an oxcart. After the ingredients are transported in the morning, the oxcart won't be of much use. It will be easier for you to drive the oxcart there."

Sister-in-law Zhao thought this made sense and said, "Okay, your brother Zhao and I will borrow the oxcart for the day, and we will return it tonight."

Gu Lin nodded and had no objection.

But Zhao's wife acted faster than he expected. After noon, she brought Xiao Cui to Haoyunlou.

At this moment, Gu Lin and Gu An had just finished lunch and were digesting their food in the backyard of Haoyunlou. When they saw Sister Zhao and Xiao Cui come in, he was a little surprised and said, "Sister-in-law, you got ready so quickly?"

Sister-in-law Zhao nodded and said, "There's nothing that needs a lot of fuss. Your brother Zhao and I will tidy up the house and add a few things, and that should be enough. Then, I'll take Xiao Cui to the market to buy her a few sets of clothes and a few pairs of shoes. We can add more later if she needs anything else."

Then, Zhao's sister-in-law frowned and looked at Xiao Cui beside her with a worried expression, saying, "But if Xiao Cui lives there alone, it will be a bit empty. I want to ask Xiao Yao and the others if they can go and live with Xiao Cui, so that they can take care of her."

Just as Sister Zhao finished speaking, Lin Xiaoyao walked in.

He heard Sister Zhao mention his name and asked, "Sister Zhao, I heard you call me just now, what's wrong?"

Sister Zhao told Lin Xiaoyao about Xiao Cui's escape and her wish to invite the boys to move in with Xiao Cui. After listening, Lin Xiaoyao relaxed and said, "If that's possible, that would be great."

After saying that, Lin Xiaoyao turned to Gu Lin and said, "Master, I originally wanted to talk to you about this in a few days. Although there are several rooms in the backyard of the restaurant that can accommodate all of us, it is fine for a short time if men and women live together, but in the long run, it will cause a lot of trouble."

Upon hearing this, Gu Lin's expression immediately turned serious, and he asked, "But who broke the rules and offended you?"

Regardless of gender, Gu Lin detests people who harass others the most. If there are such people among the waiters in the restaurant, Gu Lin will never let them off easily.

This was the first time Lin Xiaoyao had seen her boss's face look so grim. Even when someone came to cause trouble and was taken away by the yamen runners, she hadn't looked this bad. Lin Xiaoyao felt a surge of warmth in her heart and said, "Don't worry, boss, there's no such thing. It's just that we're all at the age where we're full of youthful vigor. If we stay together for too long, it's inevitable that the man and woman will develop feelings for each other. It's better to separate and live separately sooner rather than later to avoid any scandals in the future."

Gu Lin's expression softened, and he nodded slightly, saying, "I'm not one to make sweeping decisions. If you two are sincere with each other, openly and honestly cultivate your relationship, and don't do anything to hurt others, I won't stop you. If either of you ends up getting married, I will send you a generous red envelope."

“However,” Gu Lin’s words shifted, his tone unchanged but revealing a hint of force, “if anyone knowingly commits a disgraceful act, I will not be lenient. Take my words with you.”

"Yes," Lin Xiaoyao replied.

After settling Xiao Cui in, Zhao's wife would visit her for a few days every ten days or so. But as life gradually stabilized and there was no danger around, Xiao Cui slowly lowered her guard. Seeing Lin Xiaoyao and the others, who got up early and returned late every day, full of energy, Xiao Cui gradually regained her spirits.

Although Xiao Cui was quiet and reserved, Lin Xiaoyao and the others were outgoing and lively. When they were together, Xiao Cui liked their constant chatter, which was full of vitality that she longed for. Lin Xiaoyao and the others also liked that Xiao Cui could patiently listen to them.

Although they have completely different personalities, they are all kind-hearted people who have experienced hardship, so they are very considerate and tolerant of each other.

Seeing that Xiao Cui and Lin Xiaoyao got along very well, Sister Zhao was truly relieved. After that, her visits changed from going several times every ten days or half a month to going for two days every month and then returning home.

.

Good Fortune Building is thriving, Zheng Hao is focused on preparing for his exams, Sister-in-law Zhao and Brother Zhao are in good health, and the dividends from the soap business are flowing steadily into Gu Lin's pocket. Gu Lin should be living a comfortable and carefree life, and indeed he is. However, there is still a problem troubling Gu Lin.

That means Gu An is eight years old this year and it's time for him to start his formal education.

Although Gu Lin bought Gu An from the brokerage firm, he never intended to use a child. Now that he had brought the child into his home, Gu Lin was prepared to treat him as family.

Moreover, after spending half a year together, Gu An's obedience, intelligence, and thoughtfulness made Gu Lin's heart soften more and more. Once, Gu Lin fell asleep indoors. Because the room was warm with charcoal burning, Gu Lin lay on the soft couch without covering himself with a blanket. If it were any other time, he would definitely catch a cold and have a fever after sleeping without a blanket.

But Gu An, who was squatting to the side playing with the seven-linked rings, heard the young man's voice disappear and then he raised his head slightly and saw that the young man on the soft couch was asleep.

Seeing that the other person was completely naked, Gu An glanced around and finally moved a blanket from the bed to cover the other person.

Similar situations occurred several times afterward, so Gu Lin knew that although Gu An didn't say it, he actually cared about them.

Gu An should have been sent to a private school for his early education when he was seven years old last year, but Gu Lin had many things to deal with after arriving in the prefectural city. In addition, Gu An did not like to communicate with others, so Gu Lin was not comfortable sending him to a private school.

However, after six months of getting along, Gu Lin and Sister-in-law Zhao treated Gu An patiently. As Gu An gradually realized that the outside world was safe and there was no danger, he began to react to things in the outside world.

Although Gu An still doesn't like to talk, he has made great progress. At least when others talk to him, Gu An can give short replies such as "okay" or "um".

Gu Lin felt the time was right and could try letting the other person go to school alone.

Although he could teach Gu An to recognize characters and learn primers such as the "Three Character Classic" and the "Thousand Character Classic," the other party could not stay at home forever without contact with outsiders. He had to take advantage of the time when Gu An's sensitivity to the outside world softened and let him come into contact with more people and things.

At the same time, Gu Lin was afraid that the private school he had chosen was not good, and that Gu An, who was already different from other children, would suffer ridicule, mockery, or even violence and abuse from others.

Unlike the county town, which only had a few private schools, the prefectural city had far too many. Gu Lin inquired around for a long time and finally came to the conclusion that each school had its own advantages, but also its own disadvantages.

It can't be called a bad thing. The common understanding in this world is that strict teachers produce outstanding students. Gu Lin inquired about several private school teachers who used to slap the palms of the hands and make children stand as punishment. This wouldn't be a problem for other children, but Gu Lin was worried that Gu An would suffer secondary trauma.

After agonizing for several days, Gu Lin finally decided to wait for Zheng Hao to return so he could discuss sending Gu An to school.

So, when Zheng Hao returned home from the academy in the evening, he saw Uncle Gu, whose cheeks were red from being roasted by charcoal fire, as soon as he entered the main hall. As soon as he saw him come in, Uncle Gu waved to him with shining eyes.

Zheng Hao walked over and sat down in the empty seat next to the other person, tilting his head slightly as he said, "Uncle Gu."

It's almost April now, and Zheng Hao still felt a bit chilly when he came back from outside. Gu Lin looked worried and said, "It's too cold outside at night. I'll prepare some charcoal and put it in the carriage. When you come back from the academy, you can light the charcoal brazier and it won't be cold."

If someone else had said this, it might have been a joke, but the young man in front of him looked worried, his clear eyes filled with heartache. Zheng Hao lowered his eyes slightly and said, "It's alright, Uncle Gu, I'm not cold. I just came back from outside, and the charcoal fire inside made me feel cold."

At this point, Zheng Hao frowned as he glanced at the other person's slightly pale face and asked, "Uncle Gu, is there any charcoal fire in the carriage when you travel?"

Gu Lin shook his head and said, "It's too stuffy to have charcoal burning in the carriage. I don't like it."

Zheng Hao's dark eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything to the other person.

Gu Lin didn't notice and bypassed the matter to ask, "Xiao Hao, An'an is eight years old now and it's time for her to start her education. Do you know which private schools in the prefectural city are suitable for An'an?"

Gu Lin added, "Don't choose teachers who are too strict; don't choose those who hit your palms or make you stand as punishment."

Zheng Hao asked, "Uncle Gu has no requirements for Gu An's studies?"

Gu Lin thought for a moment and said, "An'an is very smart. He has already learned all the primers. I am not worried about his studies. Moreover, compared to studying, I would prefer that he can make good friends of the same age in the private school."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hao paused, his hand holding the chopsticks still.

Gu Lin continued, "Just like you before, I don't expect you to become the top scholar or a Jinshi after you study. I send you to school in the hope that you will understand right from wrong. I will treat Gu An the same way now. As long as you don't commit any crimes in the future, I will not object to whatever you want to do."

After a moment of silence, Zheng Hao said to Gu Lin, "I will go to the prefectural school tomorrow to inquire about it, and then I will let Uncle Gu know if I have any news."

Upon hearing the reply, Gu Lin immediately smiled and said to Zheng Hao, "I'm relieved to leave this matter to you."

With a softened expression, Zheng Hao kept this matter in mind. As he grew older and taller than Uncle Gu, he became a man who could shoulder responsibilities in Uncle Gu's presence. Zheng Hao knew that Uncle Gu was stronger than many men, but that didn't stop him from wanting to protect him and ensure he could live a peaceful and carefree life.

Zheng Hao hoped that in the future, Uncle Gu would come to him when he encountered difficulties, just like he did today, instead of struggling with his own problems.

Zheng Hao is the man of this family, and also the man of this family that consists only of him and Uncle Gu. He has a responsibility to shield Uncle Gu from all worries and protect him from all hardships.

Three days later, Zheng Hao returned home from school with news of a private school suitable for Gu An.

Zheng Hao looked at Uncle Gu and said, "Recently, my classmates and I inquired about a scholar named Chen in the prefectural city. He is over sixty years old and has raised his son to become a scholar, but he doesn't plan to continue taking the imperial examinations. Scholar Chen loves children and has opened a private school for young children. He advocates teaching according to aptitude and education for all. He is gentle and doesn't like to punish students. Even if students do something wrong, he makes them copy books. He is very suitable for Gu An."

If the punishment is only copying books, that's acceptable. Gu Lin raised his head slightly, looked at Zheng Hao, and asked, "Then when shall we visit this Scholar Chen?"

Zheng Hao said to Gu Lin, "The prefectural school will have its monthly break the day after tomorrow. Uncle Gu, please prepare Gu An's apprenticeship gift in the next two days. Then we will take Gu An to visit Scholar Chen."

Gu Lin nodded in agreement.

The next day, after the three finished their breakfast, they boarded an oxcart and headed to Chen Ju's house. When the three arrived at Chen's house, a servant came forward.

Zheng Hao handed over a card, which the servant took and ran into the Chen family's residence.

After a while, the servant ran out and said to the three people in front of him, "The master is in the study. Please come with me."

The servant led the way, with Gu Lin and Zheng Hao flanking Gu An as they entered the Chen family home. The servant first led the three to the main hall, then turned to Gu Lin and said, "Husband, you may rest here for a while while your husband and child go in to be tested by the master."

Zheng Hao's indifferent expression faltered for a moment. Upon closer inspection, his smooth jawline tightened slightly.

However, because he usually has this expression, it is difficult for people to notice this subtle change.

Gu Lin's expression stiffened at first, then he came to his senses and tried to explain his relationship with Zheng Hao, but under the servant's gaze, it seemed even stranger to explain seriously.

Finally, Zheng Hao broke the silence, looking at Gu Lin as usual and saying, "Uncle Gu, please wait here for a moment. I'll take Gu An inside to be examined by Scholar Chen."

Zheng Hao's expression remained normal, as if the servant's behavior had no effect on him whatsoever.

Looking at Zheng Hao, who was unusually calm in front of him, Gu Lin suddenly realized that he had made a fuss over nothing. Given their appearances, it was easy for people to mistake them for a family of three when they traveled together with a child.

Gu Lin responded softly, "Okay."

The servant standing to the side was both embarrassed and confused after realizing that he had mistaken the relationship between the three people in front of him. He was embarrassed because he had mistaken an uncle and nephew for a husband and wife, and confused because he couldn't see where the young husband was. He hadn't seen the child go to school. The man in charge of the household hadn't come over and had just left the husband and child with his nephew.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have misjudged the relationship between the two people in front of him, making such a fool of himself.

The servant was quite embarrassed and asked the tea server to bring two more plates of pastries for Gu Lin. Then he led Zheng Hao and Gu An through the corridor to Chen Juren's study.

With Zheng Hao taking Gu An to see Scholar Chen, Gu Lin was completely at ease. He only needed to sit in the main hall and wait for the two of them to return.

But for some reason, after a long time, Gu Lin had drunk a cup of tea and eaten three snacks, but the two still hadn't returned.

The pastries from the Chen family were too sweet, and Gu Lin felt a bit thirsty, so he drank some tea again to quench his thirst.

After a moment, he put down his teacup and looked up slightly at the outside of the hall. Suddenly, two figures appeared at the corner of the corridor and walked towards the hall.