Chapter 363 - 361: The Decision to Skip Grades

Chapter 363: Chapter 361: The Decision to Skip Grades

Wen Xiu’s smile vanished, her expression turning somber. "We’ll do as you say. It’s a pity about Laidi, but there’s nothing to be done. Who’s to blame but her own mother? I just hope that when she grows up, she doesn’t follow her mother’s footsteps, go down the wrong path, and get crooked ideas. In the end, what kind of person you become is up to you..."

She waved her hand, and the hint of sadness quickly disappeared. At her age, she had been through a lot and knew there were people who had it much worse, so she quickly stopped feeling that her granddaughter was in such a pitiful state. She returned to her usual self. "Let’s not talk about that. By the way, tell me, how did your trip go?"

"It went well. I’ve gathered all the medicinal herbs I needed."

Thinking about her harvest from the past few days in the mountains, a huge smile spread across Gu Nuan Nuan’s face. Her gains this time were, of course, far more than just medicinal herbs. She and Cao Cao had actually discovered a Spiritual Energy fissure as large as a watermelon. Absorbing the Spiritual Energy that flowed out of it felt absolutely amazing.

’It’s a shame I’m still so young and have to go to school. Otherwise, I’d really want to just put down roots and live in the mountains. If only I could take a leave of absence from school.’ Gu Nuan Nuan was tempted for a moment before rejecting the idea. Even if she took a break, she would have to go back to school sooner or later. Plus, she’d need a convincing reason for the leave of absence.

’Forget it. I’ll just skip a few grades. If I keep going at this normal pace, I might not be in a hurry, but Cao Cao will probably go crazy. According to Cao Cao, since there’s a Spiritual Energy fissure the size of a watermelon, it’s highly likely there’s a real Spirit Vein in this mountain, or maybe even a spirit stone mine... It even suspects that the appearance of its master before its last one here was probably no accident—’

Gu Nuan Nuan shook her head. ’It’s useless to overthink it right now. I should just focus on finishing my studies as quickly as possible before considering anything else.’

"That’s good." Wen Xiu, unaware of Gu Nuan Nuan’s thoughts, gave a relieved smile and pulled her into the house. "You have no idea, we got a call from Mr. Mu in Beijing. He said that after taking your Hundred Herbs Rejuvenating Ointment, he’s much better. He can even get out of bed and walk around now. He looks perfectly fine most of the time. The people who came to visit him were stunned; their jaws dropped. A lot of people are asking around about it. He’s worried because, you know, word gets around, and eventually, people our family can’t easily refuse might come knocking on our door."

"It’s fine. I never planned on keeping the Hundred Herbs Rejuvenating Ointment a secret anyway. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have revealed it in front of Great-Grandpa and the others. I’ve found more than enough medicinal herbs. The only tricky part is that school is about to start. Otherwise, I’d ask you to help me take a few days off school so I can rush into the mountains and refine a new batch," Gu Nuan Nuan said, unconcerned.

"You still have the nerve to say that? How could you just let it slip like that? Even with people you trust completely, it’s always better for fewer people to know about something like this," Wen Xiu chided, then asked in surprise, "Why does this medicine have to be specially refined in the mountains? Can’t you make it at home?"

"I was too impulsive. It won’t happen again."

Gu Nuan Nuan stuck out her tongue. ’Grandma has already nagged me about this several times. I can only obediently admit my mistake every time; otherwise, she’ll go on and on forever. I’d never dare to call her long-winded. If I did, she’d only get more long-winded, the kind that drives the listener crazy while she herself remains completely oblivious.’

’To be honest, Grandma’s nagging is a latent trait. She’s normally fine, but if you accidentally trigger one of her buttons, she’ll start slipping into that long-winded state without even realizing it.’ ℯℓ.

’It’s terrifying.’ Gu Nuan Nuan shuddered. ’What’s even more terrifying is that there’s no cure for this tendency of hers. With anyone else, I could just toss them a "Speechless" pill and make them unable to talk for a few hours. But I’d never have the guts to do that to Grandma. Even thinking about it makes me feel like I’m being too cruel and unfilial...’

Wiping away the non-existent cold sweat from her forehead, Gu Nuan Nuan felt a wave of relief that her grandmother had changed the subject. She quickly replied, "If I’m only refining a small amount, I don’t need a special place. But it’s different for large quantities. It’s best to have a place that’s completely quiet. I also have to prevent the scent of the medicine from spreading. That’s why the mountains are the most suitable location."

"Oh, I see." Wen Xiu nodded, looking like she only half-understood, but she didn’t ask any more questions. She just said, "In that case, we’ll all come here together. Your grandpa and I can provide cover for you. But if you take leave right when school starts, will you be able to keep up with your studies?" ℴ𝒗ⅇ𝑙.

"No need. I’ll just enter the mountains from the Lihua Village side. When it’s time to go back after the holidays, just drop me off at my other grandpa’s place. After I visit him, I’ll sneak into the mountains by myself. No one will be the wiser," Gu Nuan Nuan said with a smile. "And don’t worry about my studies. I want to skip a few grades. Going to school at this slow pace is too much of a waste of time. Grandma, could you talk to my eldest uncle and have him communicate with the school? Have them let me take the grade-skipping exam as soon as school starts."

"Skip grades? Are you sure you can do it?" Wen Xiu knew Gu Nuan Nuan was a good student, but skipping grades? She was still a little doubtful, worried her granddaughter might be overestimating her abilities.

"I can. Skipping two grades won’t be a problem. Let’s just do two." The thought of advancing one grade at a time, graduating, and then probably getting married and having kids soon after... that feeling of being completely tied down was unpleasant. Gu Nuan Nuan instantly regretted having hidden her true abilities and not wanting to stand out too much. Now, even taking the grade-skipping exam required asking her eldest uncle to "pull some strings."

"Alright, as long as you’re truly confident, that’s all that matters. Grandma supports you." Hearing that Gu Nuan Nuan wanted to skip two whole grades actually put Wen Xiu at ease. She nodded. "Your mom and your eldest uncle are still on their way. They should arrive this afternoon. I’ll talk to them for you then. Do you want to eat something first before going to your room to wash up and rest?"

"No need for food. I’ve been eating on schedule, so I’m not hungry. I’ll just go straight to my room." Gu Nuan Nuan waved to her grandmother.

Back in her room, Gu Nuan Nuan grabbed Cao Cao, who had been spectating outside, and tossed it back into her space. Then she blissfully drew a bath and had a long soak. Afterward, she directly circulated her Internal Cultivation Methods to dry her hair, let out a sigh of relief, and called Cao Cao out again. "I haven’t slept in days. I don’t feel drowsy, but I just feel uncomfortable. Keep an eye out and call me when it’s time for dinner. I’m going to take a nap first."

"Go ahead and sleep, Master, don’t worry. I was just about to go out for a spin anyway. We’ve been gone for a few days, who knows what news around the village we might have missed?" Cao Cao was eager to go. As soon as it finished speaking, it vanished in a flash.

’Geez, of all the things to learn, it’s starting to become a gossip just like some people?’ Gu Nuan Nuan was speechless. She didn’t bother with it, just walked over to her bed, lay down, and fell asleep the moment she closed her eyes.