Zhou Ling'an is writing something in the ledger.

After finishing his meal, Song Ning glanced at the text, but didn't pay attention to what it said; he was too busy reading the words.

No wonder he's the only educated person in their village; look at his handwriting, it's so beautiful.

"Zhou Ling'an, your handwriting is really beautiful."

In her past life, Song Ning envied people who could write calligraphy, but she never had the chance to learn it herself, so now when she sees other people's calligraphy, she is extremely envious.

Although she sometimes uses a pen, she's afraid of giving herself away with it, so she mostly uses a brush, and if her writing is a little ugly, so be it.

Zhou Ling'an smiled sheepishly: "It's alright, but not too good."

"You're so modest. Compared to your handwriting, mine looks even uglier."

Zhou Ling'an immediately said, "I have never thought your handwriting is ugly; it is already very well written."

In Zhou Ling'an's eyes, Song Ning had never been to school and had never learned to read or write. He had to rely on self-study, so it was already quite good that he could write like this.

"You're so smart, if you practice hard, you'll definitely write better than me. If you want to learn, I can teach you."

Song Ning really wanted to learn; he had practiced before, but his writing was unsatisfactory.

Now that there's one readily available, might as well use it.

“Okay, after you come back from the academy, you can teach me to write. In return, I will cook you something delicious.”

Zhou Ling'an had originally wanted to find an opportunity to spend more time with Song Ning, and when he heard Song Ning agree, he smiled excitedly.

"Then, I'll teach you now."

Song Ning thought for a moment and said, "Then let's start with my name."

She's never been able to write her own name well, so at least she should practice writing the two characters "Song Ning" properly first.

Song Ning took paper and pen from the side and quickly wrote her name on the paper for Zhou Ling'an to see.

Zhou Ling'an took the paper and wrote another version next to what she had written. After finishing, his ears turned red.

"From now on, just write like this."

Other people write neatly and legibly, but look at hers, all crooked and messy.

"Don't worry, I'm sure I can write this character well."

As he spoke, he picked up a pen and began to copy, but he could never write well. He understood in his mind, but his hand just wouldn't obey him.

Zhou Ling'an chuckled indulgently, stepped forward, and gently lifted her arm.

"You should hold your hand like this, with your wrist slightly bent down."

Zhou Ling'an grabbed her wrist through her clothes and gently placed the pen on the paper. The words that came out were indeed different.

Song Ning didn't realize that their current posture was a bit intimate, and gave him a thumbs up: "As expected of you, professional."

Zhou Ling'an was a little shy from the praise, and he held her hand, not wanting to let go, and kept adjusting her posture.

With a loud bang, the door suddenly opened from the outside, and the two of them looked towards the door at the same time. Xie Linzhou walked in with a nonchalant expression.

Song Ning was taken aback: "Why are you here?"

Weren't you eating upstairs? Why did you come down so quickly?

"Can't I come?"

That's not what I meant.

Zhou Ling'an quickly came out from behind the table and bowed respectfully to Xie Linzhou.

Xie Linzhou looked at Zhou Ling'an and said with a smile, "I heard that Young Master Zhou will be participating in the imperial examination next year. Why aren't you studying properly at the academy? Instead, you're working as an accountant for someone else?"

Zhou Ling'an remained as gentle and refined as ever: "The academy is closed today, so I came back to visit my father."

Xie Linzhou scoffed inwardly. Was he back to see his father, or to see Song Ning?

They're both men; don't think he can't see through her thoughts.

He turned to look at the words the two had just written, picked them up and examined them for a while, then pouted and said, "This is obviously not your writing."

Song Ning glanced at him but didn't bother arguing with him.

“My handwriting is naturally not that good; Zhou Ling’an taught me all of this.”

Upon hearing Song Ning mention his name, Zhou Ling'an smiled gently.

"I have something to discuss with Er Ya. Could you excuse me, Young Master Zhou?"

Zhou Ling'an hesitated for a moment, glancing at Song Ning with surprise. When did General Xie become so familiar with Er Ya that he even called her by her nickname?

Song Ning nodded, then turned and left.

As soon as the person left, Xie Linzhou went up and slammed the door shut, looking at Song Ning with a dissatisfied expression.

"Have you forgotten something?"

"ah?"

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head: "No?"

Xie Linzhou was grinding his teeth so hard they were almost broken. He really was a heartless person.

You just promised to do that, and you've already forgotten?

"Song Ning, do you even have a heart?"

Song Ning was taken aback. How did this involve whether someone was intentional or not?

"General, if you have something to say, just say it. How am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?"

Xie Linzhou said irritably, "You just said you'd have dinner with me, but instead you've come here to have dinner with that guy surnamed Zhou!"

Song Ning looked completely innocent: "Didn't you have someone with you?"

"When did I ever have someone to keep me company?"

In all honesty, Xiao Cui would never lie. If she saw it, she saw it, and there's absolutely no mistake.

"Didn't you invite a girl into your room? If I go up there, wouldn't I be disturbing you? I have that much sense."

Xie Linzhou was furious. How come she didn't notice when he kept the girl at arm's length before, but noticed it this one time?

"Don't you know how to go up and ask? Do you even care about what I said? Do you even respect me?"

"Yes, if I didn't respect the general, I would have just barged in without a care in the world."

She wouldn't have been so polite if it weren't for the fact that he had been kind to her and that he was of noble status.

"Then why don't you ask who that girl is?"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!