C3 Beautiful Little Girl

"Ah? I'm... I'm fine now, Mom!" Zhang Xiaolong responded upon hearing his mother's call. He noticed how much she had aged in such a short time, her hair graying more than his parents'. It made his heart sour.

His attention then turned to Luh Dashan, who had been plotting against him. Despite Zhang Xiaolong's forgiving nature, he couldn't hide his cold anger and sarcasm. "Mr. Dashan, have you come to visit me? I'm truly touched by your concern."

"You... You're really awake?" Luh Dashan asked, his voice faltering.

"What, Mr. Dashan? Were you hoping I'd be bedridden forever so you could freely bully my parents and claim your betrothal money?" Zhang Xiaolong was seething with rage. He could endure a lot, but the thought of someone exploiting his illness to mistreat his parents was unbearable.

"Now, what are you implying?" Luh Dashan was visibly flustered.

He was the type to prey on the vulnerable and cower before the strong. With Zhang Daniu and his wife feeling helpless without their son, Luh Dashan saw an opportunity to swindle some money. But now that Zhang Xiaolong was up and about, his bravado had evaporated.

"Is what I'm saying incorrect?" Zhang Xiaolong had no intention of sparing his feelings. Although he was a straightforward man, he possessed the inherent defiance of a farmer. "You heard me, Mr. Dashan. Even if we had agreed to the bet, now that it's off, you won't see a penny of that betrothal money. If you have an issue, take it up with me!"

Zhang Daniu was visibly relieved and, despite still catching his breath, his spirits soared. "Luh Dashan, my son's right. The engagement is off, and you're not getting the money."

"Enough," Liu Mei interjected, her mind solely on her son's recovery, all other grievances forgotten. "Xiaolong, let's not quarrel with Mr. Dashan over this. Consider the matter closed."

Humiliated by the father and son's rebuke, Luh Dashan's face flushed with embarrassment. He hung his head low, ready to leave, but his frustration got the better of him. "So what if you're awake? I've heard from my daughter that you haven't shown up for two months. Your qualifications have been revoked. You thought you were the Number One Scholar, the Literati Star? Now, you're nothing."

"You're talking nonsense!" Zhang Daniu blurted out in a panic.

He had been so preoccupied with his son's vegetative state that he hadn't even considered the university enrollment issue. Now that it was brought up, he sensed trouble brewing.

"Nonsense? If you don't believe me, go ask around," Luh Dashan said, his spirits lifted. It seemed as though he thought he'd gain some advantage if Zhang Xiaolong couldn't register for university. "Why not ask your brilliant son? I may not understand these things, but isn't he the Number One Scholar? Surely he knows."

"Xiaolong, is it true you can't attend university?" Zhang Daniu and his wife turned to their son, their faces etched with concern.

Zhang Xiaolong didn't respond directly. He gave Luh Dashan a cold look and said, "Uncle Dashan, you sure do worry a lot. Even if I can't go now, what makes you think I won't pass the entrance exam next year? If I made it once, I can make it again."

"Pfft, you talk as if you own the university..." Luh Dashan muttered, eyeing the confident Zhang Xiaolong. Despite his grumbling, he felt a pang of regret. He sensed he had bungled things this time.

He couldn't shake the feeling that Zhang Xiaolong, now awake, had eyes that shone brighter than before his coma. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he felt that Zhang Xiaolong had the look of someone destined for greatness.

Now filled with regret, he wished he had arrived a day later, avoiding the tarnish to his reputation for not bringing up the annulment when Zhang Xiaolong was on his deathbed.

That would have sealed the marriage between Xiaoya and Zhang Xiaolong. Knowing Zhang Daniu's temperament, he would have forced them to marry, even if it meant using force.

But now, the fact that Zhang Daniu hadn't beaten him with a stick was already more than he could ask for. And yet, he still hoped for someone to advocate for him?

It seemed his daughter just wasn't fortunate enough. How could his few words have ruined such a promising arrangement?

Just as Zhang Xiaolong was about to add something more, a sudden warmth in his chest startled him. It was reminiscent of the sensation he had experienced in bed earlier. The thought of glowing and the black cauldron manifesting again terrified him; it could scare his parents to death.

"Mom, I need to rest in my room for a bit..." Without waiting for a response, Zhang Xiaolong dashed into another room and slammed the door shut.

Luh Dashan mistook Zhang Xiaolong's abrupt departure for disinterest and shuffled out of the room, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" At that moment, a crisp female voice rang out.

All eyes were drawn to the girl who had just spoken. She was tall, with long black hair draped over her shoulders, and her delicate features were tinged with a rosy hue. Her large, expressive eyes showed a touch of confusion. Clad in a simple dress, she radiated both purity and charm.

Had she not addressed Luh Dashan as "Dad," it would have been hard to believe that this was Luh Xiaoya, the same girl who had left home less than two months ago to attend university in Yanjing.

"Xiaoya? What brings you back home?" Luh Dashan asked, surprised to see his daughter, who was supposed to be at Yanjing University.

"The school is closed for a three-day holiday, and with Sunday, that makes five days. I wanted to come home and check in," Luh Xiaoya explained, oblivious to the astonishment on their faces. She glanced over at Zhang Daniu and his wife, "How's Mr. Xiaolong doing? Is he feeling any better?"

"He's just started feeling better," Liu Mei replied, her gaze lingering on the ever more lovely Luh Xiaoya and regretting the called-off engagement. "Xiaolong mentioned he was tired and went to rest in his room. Sit down, Xiaoya. I'll get you some water."

"Mr. Xiaolong is awake?" Luh Xiaoya asked excitedly. "I actually have some great news to share. I spoke to Yanjing University about Mr. Xiaolong's situation, and they've agreed to let him take a year off. If Mr. Xiaolong is well, he can report to the university anytime."

"Really?" Both Zhang Daniu and his wife lit up with joy.

"Absolutely," Luh Xiaoya said with a giggle. "Otherwise, why would I rush here to tell you as soon as I got back to the village without even stopping at my own home?"

"Oh my, this... I can't thank you enough!"

Zhang Daniu was so elated he was at a loss for words, while Liu Mei was so grateful she felt like bringing out all the best treats in the house to properly thank Luh Xiaoya.

Having a university student emerge from a rural family was no small feat, let alone a Number One Scholar! Now, not only was their son well again, but his university issues were resolved too. It was indeed a time for double celebration!

Seeing the elated couple, Luh Dashan didn't want to dampen their spirits, so he quickly excused himself after giving his daughter a few instructions.

My dear girl, whether you can join the Zhang family is now up to you. Your father is with you in spirit! Luh Dashan mused as he made his exit.

"I don't want to go to university anymore." Amidst the warm and cheerful atmosphere, Zhang Xiaolong suddenly emerged from the house and dropped the bombshell.