Ulin was originally a scout, and he had an exceptional talent for gathering information.
Wang Xiuxiu gave the guide she met on the day she entered the city a considerable sum of money in exchange for his agreement to teach her about interpersonal relationships in Wulin South City.
These days, he goes out early and returns late every day, studying very diligently.
"Is Wulin back?" Wang Xiuxiu put down the book in her hand, looked up at the door, and asked with a hint of concern.
"Not yet," Zisu replied softly, tidying up the tea set on the table. "He said today is the last day, and he's going to the East Market to buy some wine and food to send over as a gift for the apprenticeship ceremony."
As soon as he finished speaking, all three people in the room burst into laughter, especially Nan Wei, who laughed so hard she almost couldn't straighten up.
Upon seeing this, Wang Xiuxiu raised an eyebrow and asked with a hint of doubt, "Why are you laughing at him?"
Nanwei wiped away the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes and said breathlessly, "Laugh at him for being silly! Sister, you clearly paid that guide to teach him these things, but Wulin actually took him as his master! Look, he even went out to buy wine and food, preparing to perform the apprenticeship ceremony!"
Upon hearing this, Zisu couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.
Wang Xiuxiu didn't speak, but pursed her lips, picked up her teacup and took a sip, gazing thoughtfully out the window.
The aroma of tea wafts through the air, seemingly carrying a touch of melancholy.
Before long, Wulin returned, his face flushed with excitement.
As soon as he entered, he went straight to Wang Xiuxiu, bowed respectfully, and said, "Sir, I'm back."
Seeing this, Zisu quietly tugged at Nanwei's sleeve, and the two of them tacitly withdrew, leaving Wulin and Wang Xiuxiu alone.
"I heard you went to deliver the apprenticeship gift today?" Wang Xiuxiu put down her teacup, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
Ulin nodded, a shy smile on his face: "Yes, sir, I was quite embarrassed at first when it came to this."
"Oh? What's wrong? Are you embarrassed?" Wang Xiuxiu raised her eyebrows slightly, seemingly quite interested in Wu Lin's thoughts.
Wu Lin scratched his head and hesitated for a moment. “That guide taught me a lot. Although I am grateful, I always feel that he is hiding many secrets and old stories of the city from me. I thought I would take this opportunity to send some wine and food over and have a heart-to-heart talk with him so that he can tell me everything.”
Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Wang Xiuxiu's eyes, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly. Her tone was teasing: "You feel bad because you took advantage of them?"
Ulin's face flushed red instantly, and he lowered his head, his voice becoming even softer.
"Yes... Sir is right. I did have such thoughts, so I always feel a little guilty."
"Sir, is what I'm doing... a bit despicable?"
Wang Xiuxiu shook her head, her tone firm: "To call it despicable is too much. You just want to learn more, and we've already paid tuition, which is perfectly reasonable. As the saying goes, sincerity is the most important thing in interpersonal relationships, but the prerequisite for that is being able to judge people and things, and not being complacent."
Upon hearing this, Wu Lin's confusion did not completely dissipate; instead, it deepened.
He murmured to himself, “Judging people and making decisions…not being complacent…Sir, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying?”
“Ulin, people’s hearts are complicated. Not everyone deserves your sincerity. If you always treat people with sincerity but don’t know how to discern their true nature, you will only suffer in the end.”
She paused, then continued, "Just like when you gave him the apprenticeship gift today, although you had some ulterior motives, it wasn't excessive. We had already paid the tuition, and he received the payment. It was a transaction after all. And your willingness to put in extra effort to connect with him shows your intelligence. As long as you don't have any intention to harm others or violate morality, you don't need to be too hard on yourself."
As Wulin listened, the confusion in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a sense of understanding.
"Sir, I understand. You mean that in dealing with people, one must be both sincere and wise, and not foolishly open one's heart to everyone, right?"
Wang Xiuxiu nodded in satisfaction, her tone carrying a hint of approval: "That's right, it's good that you understand this! Sincerity is a virtue, but you also need to know how to protect yourself. True growth comes from being able to maintain your integrity while also being able to assess situations in your interactions with others."
Upon hearing this, Wulin nodded thoughtfully, the shame on his face gradually fading, replaced by a resolute expression.
"Sir, I understand! In the future, when interacting with others, I will neither lose my sincerity nor put myself in a passive position."
"That's good. Go back and rest now. We need you to 'teach' us again tomorrow."
"yes!"
After saying that, Wulin turned and left, his back view exuding a lightheartedness.
Wang Xiuxiu watched his retreating figure and muttered to herself, "He is thoughtful and knows how to reflect, but he is too naive. He needs to be trained more."
She picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and the aroma of the tea filled her mouth, carrying a slight bitterness, yet leaving a sweet aftertaste.
Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun streamed into the room, bathing everything in a soft golden light.
Inside, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, seemingly carrying a touch of wisdom and composure.
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