Chapter 20 Delivering Meals

After Song Yushu took him back, the news of his expulsion had already spread throughout the academy, and people were quite surprised to see him come yesterday.

"Zhou Chengyu, didn't your mother tell you to drop out of school? Why are you still at the academy?"

"It's not just dropping out of school; my mother said his parents have already divorced, so where would they get the money to pay his tuition?"

"Won't he drop out of school again soon?"

The oldest student in the Qisi Class was only fourteen years old. Although they were young, they spoke more directly and never avoided discussing Zhou Chengyu's affairs.

“I will not drop out of school. My mother said that as long as I don’t skip school, she will continue to support my studies at the academy.” Zhou Chengyu didn’t know where he got his confidence from. Perhaps it was because Song Yushu had kept all the promises she made to them during this period that he trusted her so much.

"Pshaw, his mother is really fierce, we don't believe it!" Those who had skipped school with Zhou Chengyu before had seen Song Yushu's fierce appearance and thought he was just bragging.

Zhou Chengli was initially angry, but he was also worried that causing trouble after only two days at the academy would be bad if Song Yushu found out. So he had to hold back and picked up his books to recite them, which really surprised the other students. They knew that Zhou Chengyu had never been so serious at the academy before, otherwise he would not have skipped school.

"Master Xue has arrived!"

Someone said something, and the others immediately opened their books and pretended to read aloud.

Xue Huai'an came to inspect as usual. He knew that these students were not so well-behaved, so he picked out several students who were holding their books upside down and made them recite.

Those who were chosen were devastated. As expected, they couldn't recite it and were punished by having to copy it five times before they realized they should behave.

"Zhou Chengyu, come out for a moment," Xue Huai'an said, turning his gaze to Zhou Chengyu after finishing his back exercises.

Despite the gloating looks from others, Zhou Chengyu obediently went outside.

“You’ve fallen behind in so much lately, so you naturally have more to memorize than other students. You need to work hard when you get back and not slack off,” Xue Huai’an said, seeing that he was doing well and worried that he would revert to his old lazy ways.

"Understood, Master."

After Xue Huai'an finished reviewing the students' memorization, he began teaching. Fifty students in the Qisi class were crammed into the stuffy classroom, and even opening the windows couldn't dispel the heat.

Halfway through the lesson, not only were the students drenched in sweat, but even Xue Huai'an's back was soaked with sweat.

After finally getting through the day, Xue Huai'an had just left when the students from the school behind him rushed out to cool off under the trees.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhou Chengyu decided to take his books and a kettle to find Xue Huai'an.

"Look at his pretentious behavior, he even went to ask Master Xue questions. Let's see how long he can keep up this act!" A student who had a grudge against Zhou Chengyu also joined in the mockery.

"What don't you know?" Xue Huai'an wasn't surprised when he saw him come in; he just felt that he had indeed become much more mature and sensible recently.

Zhou Chengyu breathed a sigh of relief and asked about the parts of the drawing that he didn't understand.

Xue Huai'an patiently explained it to him, and he finally understood.

Noticing that Master Xue's voice was a little hoarse, Zhou Chengyu took out his water bottle somewhat embarrassed and poured Master Xue a cup of plum juice.

"Master Xue, this is some sour plum drink that I made at home. Please try it."

Xue Huai'an didn't refuse and took a sip from the cup.

It was sweet and sour, which was perfect for the hot and humid weather. The plum juice in the cup was gone in just a few sips.

Seeing that he liked it, Zhou Chengyu poured him another cup.

"Alright, there's not much water in your kettle. It's hot and humid, so save some for yourself," Xue Huai'an said, feeling embarrassed to take advantage of him.

“Master, you have enlightened me. What’s a little plum juice? I’ll bring you another pot tomorrow. My family is planning to sell plum juice anyway, so it won’t take much effort,” Zhou Chengyu explained casually.

Xue Huai'an did think the plum juice was good, so he didn't refuse. However, there were several old teachers eagerly watching, and he couldn't keep it to himself, so he spoke up for them: "Bring more tomorrow. The teachers work hard teaching, and we won't drink it for free."

“That’s right, we’ll settle the bill with you when it’s delivered tomorrow. We won’t take advantage of you as a student.” The other teachers also knew their stuff. Even someone as picky as Xue Huai’an liked it, so this plum juice must be pretty good.

"Oh, right! Could you ask your mom to save some braised pork and Dongpo pork for us? Bring them together, and we'll settle the bill together!"

Seeing this, Zhou Chengyu had no choice but to agree.

Song Yushu didn't expect that Zhou Chengyu's trip to the academy would bring them so much business. Now, they've sold an extra serving of plum juice at their stall, and business is booming.

At first, Zhou Chengzhu was hesitant to speak, but as more and more customers came and she heard the clinking of coins collected by Song Yushu, her heart warmed, and she finally mustered up the courage to call out her wares.

"Sour plum juice! Only one penny a bowl!"

Customers buying Dongpo pork noticed a little girl selling sour plum juice nearby.

"Mr. Wei, is this plum juice part of your business?"

"Yes, it's hot these days, and it must be tiring for you to stand in line, so we cleared out a space to sell sour plum juice. It's sweet and sour, just right to quench your thirst," Song Yushu explained with a smile.

"Mr. Wei really knows how to do business. I'm thirsty, and it's not expensive at all. Give me a bowl!"

Customers who could afford Dongpo pork naturally didn't mind spending a penny more, and many others also bought sour plum drink afterward.

Collecting money one coin at a time, the amount was not large. Zhou Chengzhu did not need Song Yushu's help. While ladling plum juice, he collected money, and his movements became more and more skilled.

By noon, the food on the stall was almost sold out. There was still some sour plum drink left, as well as some braised meat, but the Dongpo pork was all gone.

Thinking of bringing food to Zhou Chengyu, she asked Wei's mother to tidy up the stall and then took Zhou Chengzhu back home.

Zhou Chengyu, sitting in the academy, watched as everyone else rushed to the cafeteria to get their food, without even moving an inch.

"Zhou Chengyu, what are you daydreaming about! If you're late, there won't be any meat left!" His chubby classmate kindly urged him.

“My mother will bring me food later, and I won’t go to the cafeteria for meals anymore,” Zhou Chengyu explained.

Upon hearing this, the chubby Xia Yun didn't hesitate any longer and quickly rushed out.

Song Yushu arrived a little late. When he arrived at the academy, the other students were eating heartily. Zhou Chengyu was sitting alone with nothing on him, which made him feel a little out of place. Even his deskmate, Xia Yun, couldn't help but glance at him several times.

"Zhou Chengyu, this is what your mother asked me to bring in," the gatekeeper of the academy said as he carried in a food box, attracting the attention of many students.

"Thank you, this is the food my mother brought me," Zhou Chengyu quickly got up to take it.

"Your mother really prepared a meal for you, that's so kind!" Xia Yun said enviously.

Zhou Chengyu smiled and opened the food box. There were two dishes and a soup: braised eggplant and Dongpo pork, as well as a tube of sour plum juice.