“Dean Lin, you’re here! Come take a look at this painting,” Principal Zhang said, handing him the artwork.
Initially indifferent, Dean Lin’s eyes lit up when he saw the painting. “Principal Zhang, whose work is this?” he exclaimed excitedly while grabbing Zhang’s arm.
“This painting is mine,” Wei Yanze said softly, feeling a bit nervous.
Upon seeing that Principal Zhang was pointing at a young child who looked like they had just reached adulthood, Dean Lin gasped, “I’m curious as to who this young friend has studied under! The brushwork is so intricate; the character depicted is quite captivating.”
Principal Zhang introduced them, “Yanze, this is Dean Lin from the Fashion Design Academy. He is also a twin; don’t be afraid.”
Wei Yanze composed himself and replied, “Hello, Dean Lin. I learned painting as a child, but I can’t say I had a mentor. In recent years, I have been studying it on my own. And I already have two children; I’m not a kid.”
Both Principal Zhang and Mother Zhou chuckled at the last statement. Dean Lin grabbed Wei Yanze’s hand excitedly and asked, “Would you do me the honor of being my student?”
Though Wei Yanze was unaware of Dean Lin’s past works, he believed that someone in his position must possess true talent. He earnestly replied, “I would be honored, Teacher Lin.”
“Just call me Teacher from now on. Come to class tomorrow; let’s exchange WeChat. I’ll send you what you need to prepare,” Dean Lin said, content with his request. He smiled casually, as if he wasn’t the excited person he had just been.
The two exchanged WeChat information, and Mother Zhou suggested, “I’ll treat you both to lunch. How about we go together?”
Principal Zhang replied, “Unfortunately, I have a meeting at S University shortly. I’ll be having lunch in their cafeteria. Let’s do it next time; I’ll make sure to go.”
Since Principal Zhang was unavailable, Mother Zhou and Wei Yanze focused on Dean Lin. “I’m going to S University with the Principal,” Dean Lin waved his hand dismissively.
It seemed no one had time after all.
Both claimed to have other matters, so Mother Zhou took Wei Yanze away. The campus was filled with spirited young students, which lightened Wei Yanze’s mood, and he couldn’t help but smile more easily, his steps feeling much lighter.
“I’ve reserved a table at Jinzhitang. Since they’re busy, let’s just go ourselves,” Mother Zhou said, her tone calm and devoid of anger.
Wei Yanze hesitated, “But Chengxing…”
“Chengxing has someone looking after him; he won’t go hungry. Unless you don’t want to go with me?” Mother Zhou stopped in her tracks.
Wei Yanze hurriedly shook his head, “Absolutely not, Mom. Let’s go to Jinzhitang.”
Satisfied, Mother Zhou nodded, “I knew you would do well in painting. Just look how happy Dean Lin was! In the past, others would beg him to take them on as students, but today he insisted you become his student. It shows how talented you are.”
“It’s because Mom has a good eye and knows what I’m suited for,” Wei Yanze praised.
When they arrived at Jinzhitang, Mother Zhou ordered several dishes, two of which Wei Yanze happened to love.
Mother Zhou was in a good mood and opened a bottle of red wine, “Let’s celebrate, just the two of us.”
After the meal, both felt a bit tipsy. Mother Zhou insisted on dragging Wei Yanze to the mall to buy clothes. Having gained some courage from the wine, Wei Yanze said, “Come on, Mom, Zhen Ting gave me a card; let’s use his card to shop.”
The mother-in-law duo spent two hours shopping, directly buying everything they liked until they couldn’t pay anymore because they’d maxed out Zhou Zhen Ting’s card.
As Wei Yanze sobered up, he looked at the twenty-something bags in his and Mother Zhou’s hands and began to feel apprehensive.
He made an excuse to go to the restroom and called Shuai Chang.
“Hello,” his voice sounded a bit gloomy.
Shuai Chang asked, “Yanze, what’s wrong? Did you buy too many clothes for Mom and your card got maxed out? Do you need me to come and bring you some money?”
Wei Yanze was shocked, “How did you know I was shopping with Mom?” He even knew about the card being maxed.
Shuai Chang chuckled lightly, “You’re using a supplementary card; every time it’s swiped, I get a text notification on my phone. All your purchases are recorded.”
Worried, Wei Yanze said, “Zhen Ting, I had a bit to drink at lunch with Mom, and I accidentally ended up buying so much. Do you think she’ll scold me when she sobers up for being a spendthrift? I’m so scared.” Although Mother Zhou had never scolded him, Wei Yanze felt an innate reverence for her, seeking comfort from Shuai Chang.
Shuai Chang reassured him, “It’s fine. Just act like nothing happened when you talk to her. Since it was her that dragged you to shop, her calling you a spendthrift doesn’t mean she’s scolding herself, right?”
Shuai Chang added, “Are you at Juntang Mall now? I’ll come pick you both up; it’ll be inconvenient to take a taxi with all the bags.”
Returning to Mother Zhou’s side, she frowned, “Why did you take so long? Are you feeling unwell?”
Wei Yanze shook his head, “Mom, I’m fine. Zhen Ting called earlier. He’s coming here to pick us up and take us home.”
Mother Zhou remarked, “I suppose he still has a bit of filial piety. Come on, let’s go to the café and wait for him.”
Once in the café, the large bags drew a lot of attention, and while Mother Zhou didn’t care, Wei Yanze felt a bit uneasy. She urged, “What are you worried about? They can’t eat you.”
They each ordered a coffee and sat down in an empty spot. Mother Zhou sighed with relief, “I haven’t shopped in a long time. Next time you’re short on clothes for school, just tell me. I’ll take you shopping.”
Wei Yanze instinctively wanted to refuse but suddenly thought that perhaps Mother Zhou was lonely, wanting company, so he nodded, saying, “Sure, I’ll shop with Mom when I have time.”
Mother Zhou smiled more softly.
After refilling their coffees twice, Shuai Chang finally arrived.
Even though he was mentally prepared, Shuai Chang was still taken aback by the mountain of bags surrounding the two women. “Did something special happen today to make you so happy, Mom? You’re not usually so extravagant.”
Standing proudly, Mother Zhou replied, “Dean Lin insisted on taking Yanze as his student after seeing his paintings! These are all rewards for him.”
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