“Fourth Brother? Since he is your classmate, why don’t you invite him up to sit with us?” In Old Lady Zhang’s eyes, a classmate was equivalent to a friend, and her son’s friend deserved a warm welcome.
Old Man Zhang suddenly recalled the words Hao Zhuang had said when he went to the academy to move books. His mood turned gloomy. His gaze towards Zhang Fang became complex, as if he wanted to admonish him, but he did not want Old Lady Zhang to know about these matters, so he held back his words.
Noticing the change in his father’s mood, Zhang Fang decided to be honest: “Father, this person has always targeted me at the academy. When you went to visit me before, he mocked you. I couldn’t bear it and ended up telling many lies to avoid offending him. I realize my mistakes and am trying to turn over a new leaf.”
Zhang Fang’s candidness eased Old Man Zhang’s heart considerably. His expression softened, and he spoke lightly: “Last time I went to the academy to help you move books, I noticed this person didn’t seem very friendly. It was clear he wasn’t an amiable classmate.”
Hearing this, Old Lady Zhang, who initially intended to warmly greet Hao Zhuang, instantly dismissed that thought. She whispered angrily, “This scoundrel has led my Fourth Brother astray! Fourth Brother, you must not engage with him in the future!”
“Okay!” Zhang Fang smiled lightly.
This smile was like a refreshing breeze that swept through the heart, leaving a small boy across from him staring blankly.
Lin Yue Rong, disguised as a man while out for stories, did not expect to encounter such a handsome young man here. She felt bashful but couldn’t help but keep staring at him, unable to retract her gaze.
Feeling that cursing in such a place was too embarrassing, Old Man Zhang coughed lightly to remind Old Lady Zhang: “You don’t want others to mock Fourth Brother’s parents as uncultured ruffians. When we are out in public, refrain from speaking crudely.”
Old Lady Zhang’s expression turned awkward, and she instinctively covered her mouth, thinking that she needed to change her ways from now on! God forbid Fourth Brother earns a name for himself while she remains a rough peasant, for she would surely become a laughingstock, affecting Fourth Brother’s reputation!
Worried that their son might get angry, Old Lady Zhang glanced at Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang appeared unconcerned, offering Old Lady Zhang a piece of pastry to enjoy.
The teahouse was filling up with patrons, and seeing that the tables and chairs in the hall had been cleared meant they would have to stand, which left no one pleased.
Especially many scholars arrived, seeking out Manager Wu to express their concerns.
Manager Wu calmly repeated the earlier explanation he gave to Hao Zhuang to the scholars, skillfully navigating through their complaints.
To enjoy the stories, they had no choice but to temporarily endure the current situation.
The second floor also received customers. Zhang Fang stood out and drew many gazes, and naturally, both Old Lady Zhang and Old Man Zhang beside him were also scrutinized by others.
The attention on herself made Old Lady Zhang feel nervous and insecure, her feelings of inferiority creeping back. She instinctively wanted to find a place to hide.
“Mother hasn’t heard the stories I’ve written, has she? Listen carefully later.” Zhang Fang poured a cup of tea for Old Lady Zhang, softly comforting her.
Old Lady Zhang held the tea cup in her hands, and to hear her son’s story, she forced herself to endure her discomfort and stay seated.
Chapter 27: Vanity of the Farmer’s Family
The teahouse was packed, with many people unable to enter. Manager Wu was busy bustling about, feeling ecstatic; this wave of popularity would last for some time!
He did not forget to keep an eye on Zhang Fang’s situation. Even amidst all the busyness, Manager Wu had someone prepare a lavish banquet for Zhang Fang.
Seeing this table filled with fine food and drink, both Old Man Zhang and Old Lady Zhang couldn’t help but salivate.
Zhang Fang picked up his chopsticks to serve them dishes, prompting the elderly couple to hesitate before finally joining him in the meal.
“Fourth Brother, so many people are here, all for your story.” Seeing this, Old Man Zhang realized that his son had penned an extraordinary tale! Pride swelled in his heart!
Zhang Fang smiled and nodded, serving himself a piece of braised pork—delicious!
Manager Wu had already blocked the incoming guests, instructing his staff to close the doors and have Old Cai prepare for the storytelling.
It had been many years since encountering such a full house, and Old Cai felt exhilarated. He hurried upstairs to get Zhang Fang’s manuscript, reviewing the content several times.
When Old Cai took the stage, the chatter in the teahouse ceased, and all eyes were fixed on the storyteller.
Clearing his throat, Old Cai politely greeted everyone before briefly summarizing the previous installment’s story, then began telling new content.
In the teahouse, everyone listened intently, so much so that they didn’t touch their snacks. Only Zhang Fang dined calmly. Old Man Zhang and Old Lady Zhang leaned over the railing, watching the storyteller below, appearing equally enraptured.
Having heard plenty of romantic tales, they found this cultivation story utterly captivating! Even Old Lady Zhang, an illiterate farmer woman, was lost in the world of the narrative, momentarily forgetting her son had written it.
As the crucial plot unfolded, Old Cai suddenly stopped. Faced with the eager faces before him, he felt tremendous pressure. In an awkward tone, he said, “To know what happens next, why not invite the original author to the stage to share more with everyone!”
The crowd was abruptly snapped back to reality, glaring displeasedly at Old Cai. However, upon hearing that the story’s creator was present today, they were particularly intrigued by the person capable of crafting such an extraordinary tale! What kind of individual could produce such captivating and fantastic stories!
Putting down his chopsticks and taking a sip of tea to suppress the richness of the meal, Zhang Fang stood up, casually tidied his clothes.
This scene caught Lin Yue Rong’s attention across the room, making her heart race. Could this young man be…
Watching Zhang Fang descend the stairs and approach the stage, Lin Yue Rong’s eyes widened, and her gaze became even more infatuated.
The teahouse had quite a few scholars; some recognized Zhang Fang, and upon seeing him on stage, their expressions turned strange. Especially Hao Zhuang, who shook his head violently, mumbling, “Impossible!”
How could that poor performer Zhang Si Lang write such a remarkable story!
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