Chapter 109
The martial arts school didn’t need to be located on a bustling street. A spacious place where people could practice martial arts would suffice.
Qingshan Lane was located in a quiet part of Siyang City, with plenty of open space and less congestion compared to the busy market areas. This made it easier to rent a spacious shop, and the rent was also lower than in the bustling parts of the city.
Zhang Fangyuan quickly found a suitable location, not far from their house, just a fifteen-minute walk away. This would make it convenient for them to keep an eye on things.
The shop was a single-story building with a large courtyard. Xu He went to inspect it and thought that with such a large space, they could easily set aside a room for the newlyweds to live in.
He and Zhang Fangyuan had discussed this. Although living in the martial arts school might be a bit inconvenient and the space smaller compared to the large house in the village, it would be more than enough for Zhuang Qi and Xiaomao, who were just starting their life together. They wouldn’t be living with their parents, and since they didn’t have children yet, the two of them would have plenty of space.
Once the martial arts school started making a profit, the couple could save up to buy their own property in the city.
Xu He had previously asked Zhang Fangyuan if they should help the couple buy a small house in the city so they could live outside the martial arts school. Zhang Fangyuan felt that helping them start the martial arts school was already a significant favor. If they provided everything, it might dampen their motivation to work hard.
Zhuang Qi was a capable man. Although he was willing to be a live-in son-in-law for Xiaomao, that didn’t mean he lacked ambition or self-respect. If they provided both the martial arts school and a house, it might put too much pressure on him and make him feel indebted.
Starting with a bit of hardship would make them appreciate the good life more. After all, their own start had been much harder.
Once the location for the martial arts school was finalized, Zhang Fangyuan posted notices in the bustling market areas, spreading the news. He scheduled the recruitment process to take place after Xiaomao’s wedding, which would give Zhuang Qi enough time to settle in and start selecting candidates.
By the time they finished their preparations, Xiaomao’s wedding day was approaching.
“Today’s lesson ends here. Ruijin and Ruili, your father has requested a two-day leave for you this afternoon. Even though it’s a break, make sure to review the characters we’ve learned. I’ll test you when you return. Once you’ve mastered the characters, we’ll move on to writing.”
Little Ruili, who had been secretly playing with his brush under the table, perked up at Luo Yan’s words. He blinked his eyes and quickly mimicked his brother’s serious tone, saying, “We will follow the teacher’s instructions.”
Luo Yan nodded, then left the classroom with his teacup in hand.
“When I go back to the village, I’ll bring you something fun. What do you want, Little Xing?”
Ruili was so excited about the unexpected break that he almost jumped for joy. After Luo Yan left, the little ge'er didn’t even bother to tidy his desk. Instead, he ran over to Luo Yuxing.
While Ruili was thrilled about the break, Luo Yuxing’s eyes drooped slightly. If Ruili and his brother weren’t in class, the house would feel very quiet.
“Don’t be sad. I’ll be back soon.”
Ruili pinched Luo Yuxing’s soft cheeks.
“It’s getting hot, and Grandfather said the lotus flowers outside the city are blooming early. If there’s a lotus pond in the village, could you bring me some lotus flowers?”
“No problem! I’ll pick the prettiest ones for you. Our village has lots of fish ponds, so someone must have lotus flowers. If not, I’ll ask Dad to take Xiao Hei to another village to get some.”
Ruili added, “But just lotus flowers would be too plain. I’ll also bring you mulberries, watermelons…”
Ruijin carefully folded a corner of the Thousand Character Classic as a bookmark and gently closed the book, placing it in his book box so he could review it later.
Seeing Ruili’s messy desk and the little ge'er chattering away like a frog with Luo Yuxing, Ruijin sighed and went over to tidy up his brother’s things.
“I think you’re not just bringing things for Little Xing. You’re just using him as an excuse to satisfy your own cravings.”
“But you’ll eat them too, right?” Ruili grinned. “We can share!”
Ruijin knew it was pointless to argue with a foodie like Ruili. After tidying the desk, he handed both his and Ruili’s book boxes to their study companions. He was ready to go home, but seeing the two little ones still huddled together, he asked, “Little Xing, do you want to come with us?”
On the days when school was out, Luo Yuxing was usually allowed to go to the Zhang family to play with Ruili. However, today wasn’t a regular holiday. “I have to attend a banquet with Grandfather tonight, so I won’t be going.”
Ruijin nodded.
“Then I’m going home~”
Ruili gave Luo Yuxing a quick kiss on the cheek before skipping after Ruijin, who walked with his back straight.
Luo Yuxing waved at the brothers as they left.
“Why are you back so early today?”
Xu He had gone to the market to pick out gifts for Xiaomao’s wedding. Although he could have sent a servant to do it, he remembered how Xiaomao had helped him dig wild vegetables and stood up for him when he first married into the family. He wanted to personally choose the gifts as a gesture of gratitude.
He returned with a cart full of items and happened to run into the two children at the gate.
“The teacher said you requested leave for us.”
“Your uncle has carried you two around a lot. Now that he’s getting married, of course, you two should take some time off to attend the banquet.”
“Yay! Banquet, banquet!”
Ruili jumped around excitedly at Xu He’s feet.
Xu He took each child by the hand and led them back into the house.
On regular school days, Ruili hated getting up early and would often stay in bed, refusing to budge even after multiple reminders. By the time his brother was fully dressed, Ruili would still be groggy, shaking his head and eating his breakfast sluggishly.
But today, with no school and a banquet to attend, Ruili was full of energy. Seeing that his brother hadn’t gotten up yet, he kicked him in the butt.
Thanks for the update!!!!
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