Chapter 45: Finding a Teacher

Chapter 45: Finding a Teacher

Gu Chaoning had originally wanted to take on the matter of finding a teacher for Yin Hongxue.

But he was about to take his examinations soon.

Besides, to borrow Gu Daniu's own words.

With all four elders still around, there was no need for him to bust his butt finding a teacher.

So for the past two days, Gu Daniu and Gu Wen had been coming home more worn out than usual after work each day.

Wang Xiuxiu and Chen Youyan had also been making more trips into town.

In less than three days.

Half the village had learned that Yin Hongxue, the bought child groom of the Gu family, could actually paint and bring in money for the Gu family.

And that the Gu family was getting ready to find him a painting teacher.

"Chaoning, hold on a sec."

Hearing the teacher's call, Gu Chaoning, who had been walking out together with Gu Rong, stopped dead in his tracks.

Gu Rong glanced back, confirmed that the teacher had only called for Gu Chaoning, then bowed politely and walked off with proper bearing.

But that dignified air didn't last long.

Once the teacher was out of sight, Gu Rong gave Gu Chaoning a subtle wink.

Gu Chaoning: "..."

Gu Chaoning acted like he hadn't seen a thing and followed after the teacher.

The teacher walked all the way to his private study before stopping.

He poured two cups of tea at the tea table, sliding one over to Gu Chaoning.

Gu Chaoning took it carefully, thanked the teacher, and then asked, "Teacher, what did you call me here for?"

The teacher's name was Zhang Chengzhou, 38 years old this year.

After flunking the imperial exams twice, seeing his wife, kids, and parents slaving away for the family, he had stopped obsessing over the exams and found a way to scrape by.

Being a farm kid himself, he knew all too well how hard it was for farm kids to get an education.

After getting word from Gu Xingzhi and figuring that the monthly pay would let his family live a lot better than before, he'd moved to Xiaohe Village.

That was ten years ago now.

"I hear your family's looking for a painting teacher for your little brother?"

Gu Chaoning nodded warily. "That's right, my little brother's got a bit of a knack for painting, and he loves it too, so we're hoping to find a teacher to help him get better."

Teacher Zhang nodded, his face giving nothing away.

He just asked, "Have you found a teacher yet?"

"Not yet."

Gu Chaoning couldn't quite read the teacher's thoughts for a moment.

But between his past life and this one, he'd known the teacher pretty well, and he knew the teacher's personality well—he definitely wasn't the type to look down on something like this.

"Father! Mother asks..."

A bright voice suddenly rang out from outside the door. Gu Chaoning and Zhang Chengzhou instinctively looked over, and sure enough, it was the teacher's little boy.

The moment he saw his little boy, Zhang Chengzhou's face softened.

But his voice was a bit stern as he said, "So reckless. Haven't you greeted your Chaoning Ge yet?"

The little boy gave a bow in greeting. "Hello, Chaoning Ge."

Teacher Zhang looked at his boy, a warm smile in his eyes.

He said fondly, "Alright, your Chaoning Ge and I still have things to talk about. Go find your mom first."

"Yes, Papa."

He answered, then bowed to Gu Chaoning again. Gu Chaoning returned the bow, and the boy walked out.

Life in the village was modest. Although Teacher Zhang lived in Xiaohe Village, he actually had a place in Dukou Town too.

His wife and kids usually stayed in Dukou Town, and only now and then, when there was nothing going on, would they come to Xiaohe Village, or Teacher Zhang would head to Dukou Town.

Zhang Chengzhou set down his teacup, not in the mood to sit around chatting with Gu Chaoning.

He slid a piece of paper over and cut to the chase.

"I happen to know a painter. Here's the address. But whether your brother makes the cut is another story."

Gu Chaoning looked at Teacher Zhang, surprised.

"But... Teacher..."

Zhang Chengzhou raised a hand, cutting Gu Chaoning off.

"Alright, no need for thanks between teacher and student. I just gave you a tip. The rest is on your family."

Zhang Chengzhou stood up, motioning for Gu Chaoning to leave, then headed to the backyard.

Gu Chaoning followed, then stopped when the teacher headed into the backyard.

As he was leaving, Gu Chaoning saw Teacher Zhang's little boy and son come running over, all smiles.

Gu Chaoning clutched the piece of paper in his hand, gave the address a quick once-over, then slung his book box over his shoulder and left.

When he got back, Yin Hongxue and Gu Muan were waiting at the door.

The two little boys were kicking a shuttlecock around.

The shuttlecock Gu Wen had made was solidly built, hitting their feet with a solid "thump."

The moment they saw Gu Chaoning, the shuttlecock hit the ground with another "thump."

"Big bro!"

"Chaoning Ge!"

Gu Chaoning placed a hand on each boy's head and led them inside.

As they passed the shuttlecock on the ground, he flicked it up with his toe, kicked it, and sent it thudding back into the yard.

"Why are you playing outside?"

"Waiting for Chaoning Ge to come back."

Yin Hongxue replied casually, but his gaze was fixed intently on the shuttlecock in the yard.

How did he manage to kick it up without picking it up?

He replayed what Gu Chaoning had just done in his mind, already itching to try it himself.

Gu Muan, however, wasn't as curious as Yin Hongxue.

He answered plainly, "When Chaoning Ge gets back, we can eat."

"Hey, you little rascal!"

Gu Chaoning ruffled his hair playfully.

"Oh, Ge, stop it! You're messing up my hair!"

Gu Muan pushed his hand away and ran off.

Yin Hongxue then grabbed Gu Chaoning's hand, wanting to ask how he'd kicked the shuttlecock.

But as he pulled, the hem of his clothes brushed the book box and knocked off a piece of paper.

Yin Hongxue caught it quickly, looking a bit flustered, "Chaoning Ge..."

Gu Chaoning said, "Open it and see."

Yin Hongxue unfolded the paper.

"No. 8, Sweet Apricot Hutong, Red Apricot Street, Dukou Town."

"The painting instructor recommended by Teacher Zhang."

Gu Chaoning explained how Teacher Zhang had stopped him before they left.

"...But whether it works out is up to you, Xue Geer. Do you have confidence?"

A teacher recommended by Teacher Zhang must be just as impressive.

Yin Hongxue felt both excited and a little worried, but at Gu Chaoning's words, he nodded firmly.

Seeing Xue Geer's expression, Gu Chaoning chuckled softly.

The two chatted and laughed as they continued toward the house.

"Chaoning, Xue Geer, wash your hands and come to eat."

Chen Youyan, holding the rice pot, urged them when he saw they were taking their time.

Gu Chaoning put his things away, washed his hands, and then hurried toward the main hall.

Once he entered the main hall, everyone had gathered.

Judging by Gu Wen and Gu Daniu's appearance, they had clearly just gotten back.

The hair at their temples was damp, as if they'd just washed up.

Seeing everyone was present, Gu Wen looked pleased, and Gu Daniu took a contented sip of his tea.

"I have good news," Gu Wen said as everyone looked at him. "Father and I found a suitable teacher!"

"Really!" Chen Youyan exclaimed.

What?!

Hearing this, Yin Hongxue instinctively looked at Gu Chaoning, a mix of joy and worry on his face.

This...