Chapter 191 - 188: A Far-reaching Reputation

Chapter 191: Chapter 188: A Far-reaching Reputation

As they watched the retreating figures of Li Xiu and Zhou Lian, the professors and administrators in the office remained silent, faintly hearing the voices of the pair who had already left.

"Are you that excited? You really like your new master!" came Li Xiu’s voice, tinged with affection.

"Yes! Professor Xiao—my master—is the person I admire most in the world!" came Zhou Lian’s excited, thrilled voice.

"Then just focus on studying with your master. I’ll be here to take care of things at home! Just don’t work too hard, Bao’er. You have plenty of time to learn from her slowly."

"What’s there to be tired about? You won’t even let me pick up an oil bottle at home if it tips over. I’m just going to be studying with my master. How hard can that be!"

"Right. So, Bao’er, are you heading straight home, or...?"

The people in the office listened as Li Xiu and Zhou Lian’s voices faded into the distance before looking at each other. No wonder student Zhou Lian had immediately agreed to become Professor Xiao’s disciple without the slightest hesitation. It seemed her husband truly doted on her to the core. And that pet name he had for her was so incredibly affectionate!

"Congratulations, Professor Xiao, on accepting such a wonderful disciple!" the academic advisor said with a smile. ’Professor Xiao has always seen something special in Zhou Lian. It seems she’s probably wanted to take her on as a disciple for a while now, but was just worried about external factors affecting her. Zhou Lian is really lucky. She’s managing to succeed in both her family life and her studies!’

Professor Xiao smiled and expressed her thanks. ’She was very satisfied with this disciple. Her only concern had been that family matters would affect Zhou Lian’s studies, but now it seemed she could put those worries to rest. Her new disciple was quite fortunate. She had married a good man who not only allowed her to attend university but also supported her in pursuing her passions. Their bond was clearly very deep. That was good. As a woman herself, she knew how important a family and a good man were to a woman.’

"Um, Professor Xiao, about the husband of your new disciple... he’s a bit... special. It’s just that..." The department head stammered, unsure of how to phrase it.

The vice-chancellor glanced at the department head and said directly, "Professor Xiao, this Li Xiu, Li Jincheng, is no ordinary country boy. He has connections to the Imperial Palace. His background is said to be incredibly deep!"

Smiling, Professor Xiao glanced at the vice-chancellor and the department head and said softly, "I’ve heard a few things, but what does any of that have to do with me? The disciple I’m accepting is simply one of my students who happens to be exceptionally talented."

The department head started to say something, but just as he opened his mouth, the vice-chancellor stopped him. ’Professor Xiao has always carried the lofty air of a true scholar. Even after living through the ten years of turmoil, that scholarly pride of hers hasn’t diminished in the slightest. And that’s a good thing. The excitement on Zhou Lian’s face when she learned she could become her disciple was genuine. It’s better not to let this pure master-disciple relationship be tainted by worldly affairs. A university is a place for teaching and nurturing minds. It’s best to keep it a tranquil place.’

News that Zhou Lian was going to become Professor Xiao’s disciple spread like wildfire. This, combined with the incident at the start of the semester where the female vice-class-monitor had sung "Guan Ju" to her, and the fact that she’d passed all her makeup exams—for general, major, and elective courses—with honors, made Zhou Lian the talk of the town. Her fame was suddenly unparalleled, and the entire Beijing University was abuzz about her. Many students even made special detours to the Chinese Department just to catch a glimpse and see for themselves who this Zhou Lian really was.

Seeing Zhou Lian trying to hide and dodge people, Zhang Hongying couldn’t help but roar with laughter. ’The ever-composed, elegant, and gentle Zhou Lian is finally in such a flustered state! It’s too much! I have to laugh for a little while first. After all, seeing Zhou Lian this disheveled is a rare sight indeed!’

Zhou Lian shot Zhang Hongying a disdainful look, feeling utterly frustrated. ’She should try being in my shoes, see what it feels like to be chased down and cornered by crowds. It’s no different from those fangirls chasing celebrities in later generations. It’s insane! We’re all students at the prestigious Beijing University, the best and the brightest. Is it really necessary to make such a big deal over something so small? Where’s their dignity as a chosen few!’

"It’s just an apprenticeship, isn’t it? My master is wonderful, but there’s no need for everyone to be so crazy about it! And all those underclassmen... they’re only freshmen. The professors aren’t going to be choosing disciples from among them right now," Zhou Lian said, perplexed. She had conveniently forgotten about the vice-class-monitor singing "Guan Ju" to her. In reality, that was the true cause of the sensation. After all, for one girl to publicly sing "Guan Ju" to another, just how beautiful must that other girl be?

Hearing Zhou Lian’s words, Zhang Hongying burst into another fit of laughter. ’Is this really about the apprenticeship?’ But it seemed Zhou Lian hadn’t considered the other reason. Wiping away tears of mirth, she said gently to Zhou Lian, "This has nothing to do with the apprenticeship. This is about ’Guan Ju.’ Becoming a disciple, even of someone as famous as Professor Xiao, wouldn’t cause this much of a commotion. The students just want to see how beautiful you really are! After all, for a female classmate, the vice-class-monitor no less, to sing that to you..."

"Oh, shut up!" Zhou Lian interrupted Zhang Hongying, embarrassed and annoyed. ’I’d forgotten about that... What a mess!’

Seeing Zhou Lian getting furious from embarrassment, Zhang Hongying waved her hands and said with a laugh, "Alright, alright, fine, I’ll stop. But I’m afraid this won’t blow over so easily. The news that you passed all your makeup exams with honors is out, Professor Xiao is taking you as a formal disciple, and then there’s the vice-class-monitor incident. On top of that, there are vague rumors spreading about Li Xiu. You’re right in the eye of the storm, and it’s not going to quiet down anytime soon!"

Zhou Lian nodded in understanding. ’It’s true, everything is piling up at once. Plus, with Ping’an following Li Xiu around for the past few months... that’s become an open secret within the Imperial Palace and the entire upper circle. There are plenty of scions from the great families here at Beijing University, so it’s not surprising the news leaked. But I’m sure the school administration will step in if things start to get out of hand. After all, some things can’t be so blatantly exposed.’

"By the way, are you all prepared for the apprenticeship ceremony on Sunday?" Zhang Hongying asked with concern. Although such ceremonies weren’t as elaborate or important as they used to be, Zhou Lian was becoming a formal disciple, and those who valued tradition still took it very seriously.

Seeing Zhang Hongying’s concerned expression, Zhou Lian smiled and said, "Yes, Jin Chen has it all prepared. He even specifically consulted with an elder who knows about these things. I don’t know the specifics of what he’s prepared; Jin Chen won’t let me get involved!"

Zhang Hongying nodded and fell silent. ’To be honest, I’m really a bit envious of my friend. Not for any other reason than that she married such a perfect husband. Li Xiu obeys her every whim and pampers her completely. But more than that, I admire my friend’s own elegant and composed demeanor. A perfect husband, a pair of adorable, well-behaved children, and now a famous master... Hmm, plus a considerate friend like me... you could say she’s a true winner in life. Yet she’s the same as always, without a hint of pride or arrogance. Her disposition is truly remarkable!’