Red Line Resurrection Chapter 9
byChapter 9
◎Bring the learning device over here.◎
Before going to sleep, Liang Ji’an went to the study. He Wen handed him a stack of documents, which contained Zhou Shunan’s personal information clearly laid out. He quickly flipped through them, his brows slightly furrowed.
He Wen had been a Butler for many years, but he never thought that his workload would intensify right before retirement, nor did he expect Liang Ji’an to develop such a strong need for control after becoming an older brother. He could only offer a gentle suggestion: “The Young Master has only been at school for a few days. It’s a good thing that he gets along with his classmates.”
Liang Ji’an lightly tossed the documents onto the desk. He seemed about to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words, letting out a soft laugh. “You’re right.”
He couldn’t interfere too much with his brother’s friendships and life, and there really was no need to.
No matter how childish or slow-witted Shen Lingjun’s personality was, he was still an adult.
“Uncle He,” Liang Ji’an said, “take these papers and throw them away. Throw them far away so he doesn’t see them.”
*
School life was extremely dull and boring. Every day, Shen Lingjun followed the same routine of class and dismissal. Although his grades had improved slightly, this small progress wasn’t enough to motivate him to keep going. Instead, Zhou Shunan truly took on the role of a tutor, pushing him daily to memorize classical texts and vocabulary, and do practice problems. They didn’t go to the lounge at noon, instead staying in the classroom to talk.
Shen Lingjun felt ashamed that he was learning so slowly and felt a bit guilty about Zhou Shunan’s efforts. He repeatedly suggested that they stop the tutoring, but Zhou Shunan disagreed.
“The test is in two days,” Zhou Shunan said, twirling his pen. “If your total score exceeds 300 this time, how are you going to thank me, your teacher?”
With a total score of 750, even if he scored 50 in each of the six subjects, it should add up to 300. Shen Lingjun looked at him with slight displeasure. “Who are you looking down on?”
“I could score 300 even before the tutoring, okay?”
Zhou Shunan chuckled repeatedly. “Yes, yes, yes, 300 points is definitely not a problem.”
“Then I deserve some credit for my hard work during this time, right? Little Shen can’t be ungrateful and just abandon me afterward.”
Shen Lingjun asked curiously, “What kind of thanks do you want? How about I treat you to a meal? Not the school cafeteria food.”
Zhou Shunan thought for a moment, then suddenly leaned closer. “Really? A new French restaurant opened downtown. I’d really like to try it.”
He hadn’t been able to figure out Shen Lingjun’s family background during this time. If he forced the issue, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to handle the aftermath. Besides, he genuinely had developed some interest, so using this opportunity to probe his financial situation was harmless.
Shen Lingjun, however, was startled by the request, nearly jumping out of his seat. He had originally thought that since he still had the money from selling the learning device, a meal would cost a few hundred yuan at most, which he could afford. He never expected Zhou Shunan to take advantage of the situation and demand a reward for his favor!
Shen Lingjun lowered his eyes, muttering internally, I told you not to tutor me, not to tutor me. My fate was already sealed—either a vocational college or a private university. But you insisted on tutoring, insisted on tutoring. So this is where you were waiting to fleece me?
He remained silent, his face drained of color from shock. Zhou Shunan sighed, about to say he was joking, but Shen Lingjun unexpectedly said, “I’ll treat you then.”
Shen Lingjun crossed his arms and straightened his back. “My biggest virtue is that I never go back on my word.”
Zhou Shunan was momentarily stunned. He stared at Shen Lingjun’s bright, sparkling eyes for a long time before suddenly asking, “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Shen Lingjun couldn’t figure out what Zhou Shunan was trying to do today; his words were getting more shocking by the minute. After thinking for a long time, he finally came up with a reasonable answer. “What nonsense are you talking about? I’m straight!”
The atmosphere fell into an awkward deadlock. Zhou Shunan thought, You don’t look straight at all, but this question was already very inappropriate. If he asked any more, his intentions would be exposed. He shook his head and said, “I was just joking with you.”
Shen Lingjun looked at him suspiciously again. “You’re really strange today.”
Zhou Shunan patted his shoulder in a friendly manner. “Don’t let my words distract you from the test. I still want to check the results of my tutoring efforts over this period.”
Shen Lingjun nodded. Using the excuse of needing to use the restroom, he quickly left the awkward classroom. He splashed cold water on his face before finally calming down. Zhou Shunan’s words today briefly reminded him of Ji Yuxuan.
He did have a boyfriend, but he had only gotten together with Ji Yuxuan to seek protection and a sense of belonging. Now that he had left the small town, Ji Yuxuan was completely useless.
Shen Lingjun also recalled the tone Liang Ji’an had used last time when asking about his relationship with Ji Yuxuan. Instantly, he lost all desire to date. If his brother found out again, who knows what he would say.
He decided he should pick an auspicious day to break up with Ji Yuxuan. He didn’t want to anger Liang Ji’an right now.
However, things often go awry. A week later, when the test scores were released, Shen Lingjun felt like the sky was falling.
Zhou Shunan held his report card, pondering for a long time, then couldn’t help but ask, “Are you still worried about what I said the other day, and did this on purpose?”
Shen Lingjun’s eyes were red with anger. He snatched back the report card. “I studied seriously!”
Outside, the sky was clear, but only a small dark cloud over Shen Lingjun’s head was flashing with lightning and thunder. He dragged his heavy steps back home. He Wen finally couldn’t bear it and reminded him, “Young Master, the Master is waiting for you in the study.”
Shen Lingjun was surprised. “My brother is back so early?”
It wasn’t even six o’clock.
He Wen said, “The student account is linked to the guardian. The Master probably knew the test scores even earlier than you did.”
He offered comfort. “Don’t worry. The Master shouldn’t be too angry. He isn’t a parent who judges solely by grades. He probably just wants to chat with you.”
Shen Lingjun sighed gloomily. He stood outside the study door, took several deep breaths, and then knocked. Liang Ji’an’s voice sounded flat. “Come in.”
He sat in the large office chair, looking at the string of numbers on the screen with a headache. “Are math and physics very difficult for you?”
A 22 and an 11. They didn’t even add up to 50 points.
Shen Lingjun stood there, staring at his shoelaces, silent.
Liang Ji’an continued, “I’m not blaming you. You haven’t been in school properly for too long, so it’s normal to fall behind. I’m just surprised you never mentioned it to me.”
Shen Lingjun whispered, “I was embarrassed.”
Liang Ji’an felt like an old father now. He said patiently, “I know you might feel embarrassed. I considered hiring a tutor for you before, but then I thought it would be better to have the lessons recorded so you could watch them anytime. There is a complete set of courses on the learning device. Didn’t you notice?”
“Bring the learning device over here. I’ll show you where it is.”
The sky had truly collapsed now. Forget the courses, he hadn’t even turned on the learning device. He never thought he would use the thing, which was why he had sold it with a clear conscience.
Why was it suddenly being brought up now?!
[Author’s Note]
Smooch smooch smooch!