Quick Transmigration: The Female Supporting Character's Counterattack, A Guide to Cunning Strat

"Although he has only recently learned to read, that's because he didn't have the opportunity to learn before. If you ask me, my cousin's photographic memory alone surpasses that of countless others."

"Oh, photographic memory? Is that really true?" Mr. Song asked Gu Yanli.

"Yes," Gu Yanli replied, bowing slightly.

Gu Yanli was just a little curious, as he had never told her about this before.

Yesterday, I only learned to recognize characters faster; it doesn't count as having a photographic memory. So how did Lin Shuwan find out that?

However, there's no need for him to ask.

(I just said it casually, and he actually has a photographic memory!?)

(This really makes me look good!)

Gu Yanli felt a little embarrassed. Hadn't she thought about how to handle the situation if her casual remark was exposed?

But as it turns out, Lin Shuwan didn't need to consider these things.

She became even more smug, her tone high and full of confidence, saying:

"It seems like he won't even need five years; he might bring back a little triple crown next year!"

Gu Yanli was both amused and exasperated by these words. She really thought too highly of him after knowing him for less than two days.

If it were his past life, it would be understandable, but now, he is just a lowly servant. Where does she get the confidence that he can pass the imperial examination with top honors?

Fortunately, Mr. Song still retained some rationality:

"I have been teaching for many years and have encountered a few students who have a photographic memory."

"Some of them passed the imperial examination with flying colors and now serve the court and work for the benefit of the people; others have repeatedly failed the examination and are still commoners, living a life of confusion."

"In the imperial examination system, having a photographic memory is merely icing on the cake; the real key lies in one's diligence and comprehension."

"That's not a problem, his comprehension is definitely excellent!" Lin Shuwan waved her hand, not worried at all, and said shamelessly.

(My grandmother said that this teacher had taught many scholars who passed the imperial examinations.)

(Let's keep the gentleman here for now, and deal with the rest later.)

(If he's really that stupid, then... then I won't consider him my student anymore!)

(How could someone as talented and beautiful as me teach mediocre students?)

(Now his looks are barely acceptable, all that's left is his talent.)

Gu Yanli couldn't help but glance at Lin Shuwan.

Just how big does one's face have to be to be so "confident"?

"Words are meaningless. In that case, I will wait and see if Gu An is truly as Miss Lin says."

Mr. Song remained skeptical. He believed that a person's level of understanding could not be hidden and that he would be able to tell after teaching them for a few days.

If he truly lacks comprehension, he could use this as an excuse to resign to Old Madam Lin.

With the class starting, Lin Shuwan's purpose for being there today was achieved.

I said no more.

(This is all I can do to help. Whether he can stay or not depends on his own abilities.)

In just one class period, Mr. Song's attitude towards Gu Yanli changed repeatedly.

From initial disdain to current surprise and joy.

Just as Lin Shuwan had said, Gu An not only had a photographic memory, but also possessed extremely high comprehension, and could easily apply what he learned to other situations.

This trip was worthwhile; he had a vague feeling that this boy was destined for greatness.

However, this lesson was rather boring for Gu Yanli.

These were all things he had already learned and knew by heart, and he could even multitask and think about other things.

For some reason, his mind wandered to Lin Shuwan, who was standing to the side.

Lin Shuwan was really sleepy, so she sat in the chair, leaned her head back, and fell asleep.

They were incredibly proud, and even when they were asleep, they wouldn't lower their heads.

But now she is quiet and still, her fierce features have softened, and she leans back lazily in the chair, as docile as a delicate cat.

But once awake, it will raise its head high, and if things don't go its way, it will stubbornly extend its claws, retract its nails, and scratch people fiercely.

It doesn't hurt, it's just incredibly annoying.

Just like when you're jogging in the morning, chasing after his long whip that's flying around.

He would instinctively feel fear, yet he knew clearly that the whip wouldn't actually hurt him.

It was precisely the concern he casually mentioned yesterday.

Although she was impatient, she would still come to keep him in check despite being sleepy...

"Gu An, where was I just now? Please repeat it."

Gu Yanli regained his composure, stood up, and repeated the story word for word.

Mr. Song nodded in satisfaction, gestured for him to sit down, and said:

"I know that young men like you are at the age where they are beginning to admire and succumb to love."

"A beautiful and graceful lady is the object of a gentleman's affections, and I, too, have had my share of such women."

"However, since your chances of passing the imperial examinations are still uncertain, why not establish a career first and then start a family? That would be more appropriate in terms of social standing, wouldn't it? Don't let your mind wander any further."

"I, she, I'm not..."

Gu Yanli wanted to explain, but seeing Old Master Song's "I know everything" expression, he felt it was unnecessary and finally cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, replying, "Yes, An Jinji."

He only glanced at Lin Shuwan a few times, so where did the gentleman get the idea that he was in love with her?

He might fall in love with her?!

Back in his day, the women who admired him could line up from Kyoto to the outskirts of the city.

How could she possibly fall for someone as arrogant and manipulative as Lin Shuwan?

It's absolutely ridiculous.

He will never fall in love with this wicked woman in his life.

no way!

……

"Wan'er has been quite well-behaved these past few days, she hasn't even gone out?" Old Madam Lin said suddenly, fiddling with the flowers.

"Yes, Madam. Miss is sensible now and naturally won't run all over the capital like before."

Granny Liu handed a flower branch with its thorns trimmed to Old Madam Lin.

"I don't think so. I guess they're still in high spirits these days. Who knows when the Fifth Princess will send an invitation and they'll run off again."

Madam Lin took it casually, compared it from left to right, and put it in the vase. Then she took the handkerchief handed to her by Granny Liu, wiped it, and asked, "How is he learning?"

"The old lady is indeed discerning. The tutor she invited said that Gu An has excellent comprehension and talent, and will surely achieve something in his official career in the future."

Granny Liu casually placed the vase in a spot where Old Madam Lin could see it at a glance, and replied.

"Yes, not bad," Madam Lin nodded.

“However…” Granny Liu hesitated.

"Speak, after so many years of friendship, what is there to worry about?" Old Madam Lin said slowly. "Is there any gossip circulating in the manor?"

"The old lady is wise. They are just short-sighted people who are resentful that Gu An has risen from a servant to a master."

"In my opinion, it's because he doesn't do enough work on a regular basis that he has time to think about these trivial things. I've already spoken to Steward Zhou and asked him to give him more tasks to do. After a few days of being busy, he won't have time to think about these things."

"It's not scarcity that's the problem, but inequality. But it doesn't matter. Once Gu An makes a name for himself in the exams, their worries will naturally fade away," said Old Madam Gu, closing her eyes in deep thought.

"There should be others, but you've already mentioned them all."

"Of course, it can't be hidden from the old lady. Also, these past few days, Miss has been running to Bamboo Garden every day. Rumors in the manor say that Miss is unaware, shameless, and spends all her time entangled with men, no..."

"How dare you!" Old Madam Lin suddenly opened her eyes and slammed her hand on the table.

"Madam, please calm down. You mustn't let these things upset you. I've already sold the ringleader far away, and the whole household has been deterred. I think they won't say anything more about it."

"Yes, you did the right thing. It's fine if those who gossip about the master behind his back are gone." Upon hearing this, Madam Lin softened her tone.

“However, shouldn’t we also pay attention to Miss’s side?” Liu Mama suggested.

"Well, that's the truth."

Madam Lin lowered her eyes and pondered for a while before saying, "From now on, if you want to practice in the morning, go to the martial arts training ground. As for lecturing, go to the master's study."

"Yes."