Chapter 52: Senior Brother, The Plot Succeeds

"Alright, here you go." The little boy handed the bowl to Chu Junhan.

The child with innocent, limpid eyes shot a glance at the old man, then reluctantly accepted the bowl. He began to wolf down the food, speaking between mouthfuls, "Thank you, Senior Brother. I will never forget your great kindness today, not even in a lifetime."

"Then would you like another lesson from your Senior Brother?" The little boy raised his sword-like brows, a look of triumph gleaming on his face.

"What?" Chu Junhan's heart gave a jolt. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her stomach. She cried out inwardly—something was wrong, the food was poisoned! She didn’t care if Cen Song would be angry; tossing down the bowl, she raced off toward the latrine.

When Chu Junhan finally emerged, the little boy doubled over with laughter. "Junior Brother, did you learn the lesson your Senior Brother just taught you?"

"I did, thank you," Chu Junhan ground out between clenched teeth, clutching the bamboo fence for support, her steps uneven.

"Junior Brother, let me help you back! You’re still young and frail. Though a bad stomach isn’t a big deal, one shouldn’t take it lightly." As Zimo spoke, he reached out to take Chu Junhan’s small hand.

Chu Junhan, truly exasperated now, slapped the outstretched hand away, stubbornly forging ahead. "The first time I was deceived, it was because I underestimated you. The second time, I was careless. If there’s a third, then I am a fool!"

Zimo pressed his lips together in a smile and boldly slung his arm around the child’s shoulder. The top of the child’s head just brushed his own shoulder, and so he dragged her forward. "Junior Brother, you’re too small. You must eat more meat to grow. Come, Senior Brother will take you hunting for wild game."

"Let go of me! Don’t forget I’m still being punished." Chu Junhan was genuinely wary of this little boy; when it came to cunning, she had to admit defeat. She had no choice but to invoke Cen Song’s authority.

At that moment, Cen Song rose leisurely to his feet, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a silk handkerchief. "Zimo, come clear the dishes. There’s no need for lessons today. Ruyan, come with me."

"Yes, Master." Zimo released the struggling Chu Junhan and obediently went over to the stone table, carefully gathering up the bowls and chopsticks.

Chu Junhan, still clutching her stomach, silently followed Cen Song away.

"Close the door."

"Yes, Master." The child gently shut the door, just in time to catch sight of the little boy outside, who flashed Chu Junhan a cold, sly smile, as if to say, "Just wait and see."

That smile left Zimo rooted to the spot. In that instant, he felt as if he had just provoked a slumbering wolf, and now that the wolf had opened its eyes, attack was imminent.

He involuntarily stepped back, the handkerchief slipping from his grasp to the ground. Flustered, he swallowed nervously. "Mother...Mother used to smile like that too!"

As the door closed, the child turned calmly around.

"Do you know why I called you in here?" Cen Song was already seated in his usual spot for reading, surrounded by a clutter of books.

"Master wishes to summarize today’s lesson for me!"

The old man gave a half-smile, waving his folding fan. "I remember meeting you for the first time last December. Back then, you were not so tall, your skin delicate and fair, the very picture of someone pampered since birth. In just a few months, you’ve changed quite a bit, and your features have matured."

Chu Junhan remained silent, quietly pondering Cen Song’s words, searching for their deeper meaning.

Seeing the child’s silence, Cen Song continued in a slow, deliberate tone. "When I first met you, I saw something different in your eyes from the others. There was ambition in them."

"Master must be joking."

The old man smiled, undeterred. "The reason you sought me out as your master, I suspect, is not for the sake of study alone."

"Master’s insight is as remarkable as the rumors say. My intentions were clear as day to you."

Cen Song patted the seat beside him. "Sit."