Chapter 310 An Accidental Encounter with My Elder Brother
Shen Zhaolin's teacher was Zhou Shaoyan, who was older than Old Madam Lou. When the emperor was still in power, he served as an official in the court, and later as a university president, teaching countless students, including Shen Zhaolin. He then resigned to work in the government, where he worked for several years, but resigned again due to ideological differences and harsh criticism. Now he is retired and living in Haicheng.
While eating mooncakes, Mao Mao secretly glanced at him.
As Shen Zhaolin explained, he said, "The book I'm looking for was originally intended as a gift for my teacher."
Old Master Zhou snorted, "I don't want to."
Shen Zhaolin said helplessly, "Teacher, you don't even listen to what kind of book it is, and you just say you don't want it?"
"Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Are you here to be a mouthpiece for someone?" Old Master Zhou sneered. "You haven't even found it yet, and you're already trying to whet people's appetites. I can find the book I want myself."
After he said that, Shen Zhaolin didn't know what to say.
Because he was indeed asked to do something.
I've never heard of Mao Mao and Xia Xiaoxiang, but Old Master Zhou is actually quite famous. He's currently retired, but many people still want to invite him to come out of retirement. As Old Master Zhou's student, many people from all walks of life have come to Shen Zhaolin seeking his help.
But those things are not easy to say openly in public or in front of outsiders.
After finishing the meat mooncake, Mao Mao continued eating the sweet mooncake.
There were a few mooncakes, so she broke one in half and handed it to the new grandfather: "Grandpa, here you go."
Grandpa Zhou looked down at her, standing with his hands behind his back, and didn't take it: "Why are you giving it to me?"
"Here, have some." Mao Mao said obediently, "Grandpa, you're the oldest, you can have some."
Grandpa Zhou: "Hmph, I don't want it, I can buy it myself."
Mao Mao blinked.
If he doesn't want it, then Mao Mao won't give it to him.
She twirled her little hand halfway around and handed it to Shen Zhaolin: "Uncle, here you go."
Shen Zhaolin also declined, saying, "No need, Mao Mao, you eat it yourself."
Mao Mao honestly said, "Uncle, two mooncakes are too many, I can't eat them all."
Shen Zhaolin: "..."
Old Master Zhou: "..."
Sweet mooncakes are high in oil and sugar, and without tea to cut through the richness, one bite is enough to make you feel nauseous.
Shen Zhaolin didn't stand on ceremony and helped her eat the remaining half.
Grandpa Zhou joined the line to buy mooncakes with his hands behind his back. The line wasn't long yet, and he got his cakes quickly. When he was about to pay, Shen Zhaolin paid before him.
"What are you doing?" Zhou Shaoyan looked at him impatiently. "Didn't I tell you to give up on that idea? I'm too old for that kind of thing."
Shen Zhaolin humbly replied, "Teacher, I didn't mean anything by it. The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and I originally intended to send you mooncakes. However, many people will be sending you mooncakes, and since it's just the two of you at home, it would be a waste to send more. I'll buy them now and then I won't send any more later."
Old Master Zhou: "..."
His white beard twitched, and he glared at the student.
Grandpa Zhou angrily took the mooncake, then turned and walked home.
He hadn't walked two steps when he saw three people still following behind him.
He glared at Shen Zhaolin again: "Don't follow me."
Shen Zhaolin: "Teacher, you've misunderstood. We're going in the same direction."
Mao Mao held her mother's hand and nodded, "Mao Mao and Uncle are going to the department store to buy a birthday present for my sister."
Old Master Zhou: "..."
Grandpa Zhou carried the mooncakes, and his beard twitched again.
Old Master Zhou walked ahead with a stern face, and the voices of the two people behind him could be heard.
He didn't want to listen, but unfortunately, the department store and Grandpa Zhou's house were in the same direction, and the chattering little voices behind him kept ringing out.
"Uncle, what does my sister like? Does she like Maomao's stories? Maomao also gave her a gift, a story by Maomao!"
"Uncle, last time there was a typhoon at your house, a lot of your books got wet. Were you alright afterwards?"
"Uncle, do you prefer sweet or savory mooncakes? Teacher Ye said she'll teach us how to make mooncakes next week, so I'll make some for you."
"Uncle, I..."
"Sigh, he talks too much," Old Master Zhou thought to himself.
After walking down another street, he finally arrived near his home and breathed a sigh of relief.
However, just as he was about to turn around, his brows furrowed.
A military jeep was parked at the entrance of the alley. It was unclear how long it had been parked there, but the engine was off.
A guest has arrived.
Shen Zhaolin noticed this as well, and stopped in his tracks, looking over with concern.
The world is in chaos now, with various regions establishing their own governments, and there are many commanders like Commander Lou who control their own territories. After Old Master Zhou resigned, many people wanted to win him over to work for them, and people came to visit him every day.
I wonder who came today.
Hopefully, he's not some difficult person. Old Master Zhou moved to Haicheng because he encountered some unpleasant things.
"Brother!" Mao Mao exclaimed happily from the side.
"What?" Shen Zhaolin subconsciously looked around: "Where is Lou Yansui?"
Mao Mao pointed at the car and said again, "Brother's car."
He's not the fourth brother, he's the eldest brother.
Lou Fengju took that car home every day, and Mao Mao recognized his license plate.
Perhaps noticing the commotion outside, and finally seeing the person they were waiting for, the jeep's back window rolled down, revealing Lou Fengju's sharp and cold face.
He waited for an unknown amount of time, and a hint of impatience appeared on his face, but that displeasure quickly vanished upon seeing the young girl outside.
"Mao Mao?" Lou Fengju looked at her in surprise. He was about to greet his sister when his gaze shifted to the side, his eyes suddenly sharpening: "...Mr. Shen?"
Shen Zhaolin greeted him politely: "Young Marshal."
Lou Fengju pushed open the car door, stepped out of the back seat with his long legs, and arrived in front of the two people in a few steps.
"Why is Mr. Shen with my sister?"
“I happened to run into Mao Mao at the bookstore,” Shen Zhaolin explained good-naturedly. “So, I also asked Mao Mao to accompany me to the department store to help me pick out a gift for my niece.”
Lou Fengju remained silent.
By the way?
Where is it convenient?
Mao Mao said happily, "Uncle even treated Mao Mao to mooncakes!"
Lou Fengju ruffled her hair: "When your brother is done with his work, he'll buy you mooncakes too."
"Brother, are you busy?"
"Yes, I'm here to find someone."
As he spoke, Lou Fengju looked at Zhou Shaoyan, who had come with them.
Zhou Shaoyan recognized him from Shen Zhaolin's way of addressing him, and said calmly, "Young Marshal Lou."
Lou Fengju nodded: "Mr. Zhou, I have long admired your name."
"Young Marshal Lou, please leave." Zhou Shaoyan said coldly, his hands behind his back, "I've already retired and I'm no longer doing anything."
“Mr. Zhou, why speak so confidently? I see you are in excellent health and can work for several more decades.” Lou Fengju, dressed in military uniform, usually arrogant and domineering, was now humble: “You should know why I’m here. I won’t repeat those clichés, you’re too lazy to listen anyway. My father’s point is that since you’re already in Haicheng, it’s just a matter of course, and everything is negotiable.”
"I have nothing to discuss with you."
"Mr. Zhou..."
Zhou Shaoyan interrupted him with a stern face: "I'll only say this once, and it will be the same even if your father comes. I'm retired, and I won't work for anyone anymore."
After saying that, he turned around and walked home with the mooncakes in his arms.
Lou Fengju stood still, without forcibly chasing after him.
He just looked troubled; judging from Old Master Zhou's reaction, he knew this was going to be a tough battle. A soft approach wouldn't work, and a hard one would be even less effective. Everyone knew that Old Master Zhou's temper was harder than stone.
Mao Mao listened in a daze, turning her little head back and forth, staring blankly at them.
It wasn't until she saw Grandpa Zhou walking into the alley that Mao Mao blinked, suddenly let go of her mother's hand, ran over and grabbed the hem of Grandpa Zhou's clothes.
"Grandpa, no, don't go in."
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