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墨書 Inktalez
When the third submission was finally made, although Lan Wangji still wore an expression that was hard to decipher, he ultimately relented.
Phew—finally freed!
As for the additional penalty of Li Ze Pian, there were no issues after its submission. This mission seemed to have concluded smoothly… or so I thought.
"You despicable person, you truly are full of lies!"
I silently watched Lan Juan, who stood before me with a face full of disdain and disgust.
Ah, the most troublesome person has indeed come knocking again.
I smiled at her nonchalantly, casually brushing my hair back, and replied with pride, "Thanks to you, at least this time it really turned out to be true."
"You!" Lan Juan choked for a moment but said nothing more and angrily swept away.
Huh? She conceded so quickly? How rare. Did Lan Wangji specifically tell her something?
"Mian Fei, what happened with Lan Juan? Did you say something that made her misunderstand?" Qi Wei turned to me with a puzzled expression.
"Nothing much, don’t worry about it," I shrugged dismissively.
Well, as long as everything is fine.
Aside from that, things went on peacefully for quite some time.
However, I thought I could continue living in this calm and stable manner, only to find that everything was not as easy as I had imagined—
Speaking of which, although Song Lan once hoped I would achieve commendable results to bring back home, I genuinely felt he was overthinking it. After all, talent is innate; it cannot be solely achieved through hard work. So from the very beginning, I only held the mindset of aiming for an average score or even just scraping by. I planned to get through this year without any intention of pushing myself too hard.
After returning, I would just need to emphasize to Song Lan that I had done my best.
That’s why I deliberately chose an inconspicuous corner in the Plum Blossom Chamber, hoping to minimize my presence and quietly count the days.
However, Elder Lan seemed to have a grudge against me or simply found me displeasing, as he called my name in almost every class. I could only respond with a series of "I don't know," "I can't," and "I don't understand," which resulted in me being punished to stand for the entire class.
...I had already tried to keep a low profile and stayed awake during lectures, so why couldn't he show a little mercy? One shouldn't be so ruthless!
After being punished to stand for several classes in a row, I was forced to stay after school for a face-to-face talk with Elder Lan.
"Why do you know nothing? What exactly has your teacher taught you?" Lan Qiren glared at me, his mustache bristling with anger.
"Um..." I tried hard to recall. "Probably just some survival skills..." Certainly not the textbook knowledge about types of malevolent spirits, methods of exorcism, changes in the cultivation world, famous sayings, or the shifting powers among various clans.
Lan Qiren fell silent for a long while. "Then what has Song Zichen taught you?"
"Master Song taught me how to read and some common life knowledge."
This time, Lan Qiren was silent even longer.
"It seems I have been negligent... However, since your foundational knowledge is lacking compared to others, you should work twice as hard." Lan Qiren said earnestly, "Starting tomorrow, after school, you will go to the library and copy all the lecture content from that day."
I was left dumbfounded.
Wait a minute! My ideal was not to work hard! Isn’t it better to go with the flow? Even if my grades are poor, it shouldn't bother you, right?!
"If I let you continue without learning anything, I would truly feel guilty for Song Zichen's trust."
"No, no, no, I believe Master Song won't mind. Don't just take the responsibility upon yourself and then shift it onto me!"
"Um... is there any other option?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face. As long as it wasn't copying books, anything was fine!
Lan Qiren raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Then copy it twice."
I couldn't help but shrink back. "…I take back what I just said…" I immediately backed down without a second thought.
The situation was settled.
Oh my! Someone save me!
How long will this endless cycle of copying last? When will it finally come to an end?
※※※
The next day after school, Qi Wei dutifully led the way, accompanying me—who was feeling dejected—to the library.
"I'm sorry, Mian Fei, but I have something to attend to later and can't stay with you..." she said apologetically.
I waved my hand dismissively.
"It's fine, you go ahead. I'm okay with it." I gave her a faint smile. "Thank you for showing me the way."
"Then... I'll be on my way."
After waving goodbye to her, I entered the library and headed up to the second floor.
The space on the first floor was primarily used for storing books, while the second floor, being brighter, was divided into two rooms for transcribing books, reading, or sunning them.
I couldn't help but pause for a moment in the front room, which was well-lit and had a view of the magnolia tree outside. I took a few extra glances...
I chuckled to myself and continued toward the back room as directed by Elder Lan.
To my surprise, there was already someone inside.
"Eh?" I blinked in astonishment. "Si Chui? What are you doing here?"
Lan Sizhui didn't seem surprised at all, as if he had known I would come. He smiled at me with an air of calmness.
"I'm here to supervise."
At his words, I couldn't help but twitch my lips. How much did Elder Lan worry about me slacking off?
"Don't just stand there; sit down, Mian Fei."
Feeling somewhat bewildered, I followed his instructions and took a seat across from him.
"Are there any parts of today's lecture that you don't understand?" Lan Sizhui asked as he opened the book in front of him.
"Uh..." I hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed as I scratched my head.
"Hmm?" He smiled at me, patiently waiting for my response.
"...Everything..." I mumbled awkwardly under my breath.
I really can't be blamed for this. After all, Elder Lan's lectures are as monotonous as chanting scriptures; I completely zone out, with no memory of what was said. Just managing to stay awake is already a courtesy to him.
Lan Sizhui looked slightly surprised for a moment, then smiled knowingly.
"Well then, let's review today's material once more."
I stared thoughtfully at Lan Sizhui.
...So, is this what they call after-class tutoring?
Sigh, it seems I can't afford to slack off any longer.
However, having a charming and graceful young gentleman accompanying me makes this tedious life of copying texts seem a bit more bearable.
***
With Lan Sizhui's relentless help in catching up, my grades may not have skyrocketed, but the number of times I had to stand in punishment certainly decreased. During in-class dictations, at least I no longer turned in blank papers.
That said, I still couldn't understand why I had to learn all this. Our paths are different; your common knowledge isn't mine. Is it really meaningful to toil over these subjects?
As for the daily routine of copying texts, I had gradually gotten used to it and was even starting to find my rhythm... just kidding! I still write until my hands ache and copy until I feel like I'm about to cough up blood! Even with a handsome young man sitting across from me, it's still not enough to outweigh the mental strain of writing!
During the copying process, Lan Sizhui also took the opportunity to correct my grip on the pen and the way I moved it. He even enthusiastically found some practice sheets for me to use in my spare time...
No, sorry, I'm too busy; I'll have to decline!
Picking up a pen has become my greatest psychological burden. Just holding one makes my head throb painfully.
Sometimes, due to missions or other reasons, Lan Sizhui would be away, leaving me alone in the library to study and quietly copy books.
Though it could be a bit dull and tedious, at least being by myself felt quite relaxed and free.
However, there were times when someone else would come to supervise—
“Uh…” I couldn’t help but stare in shock at the person who appeared in the study.
Isn’t that the upright and noble Hanguang Jun? What is he doing here?!
Wait a minute! Isn’t Hanguang Jun a very busy person? Why does he have time to supervise my copying? This is too much of a demotion for him!
“What’s wrong?” Lan Wangji asked, his expression indifferent as he fixed his gaze on me, frozen in place.
“N-no, nothing…” I replied nervously, taking my seat with a heavy heart.
Can I request someone else? At least change it to Wei Wuxian! The pressure of facing this esteemed figure is overwhelming!!!
I would rather be alone quietly copying books!
Under Lan Wangji’s cold and calm instruction, although the content was straightforward and easy to understand, it made me feel a prickling unease. Throughout the copying process, I was constantly reminded that my handwriting was messy…
Alright, I get it! It seems I really should listen to Sizhui’s advice and practice my writing more often!
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