Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 25: is done.

The facade of Qingshi Town's County School office was modest, with two stone lions so weathered by wind and rain their features were barely discernible, exuding an air of aged authority.

Zhao Rui stood at the entrance, his palms sweating with nervousness. He tugged at Su Ming's sleeve, his voice trembling: "Su Ming, I... my legs feel like jelly. This is the County School, the place that oversees all the scholars in our entire town."

Su Ming patted the back of his hand, signaling him to relax. His expression was calm, but only he knew that beneath that calm was the result of half an hour of mental preparation from his master, Lin Yu.

Lin Yu's voice sounded lazily in Su Ming's mind, "Disciple, remember, rules are rigid but people are flexible. If he handles things smoothly, we respond with smiles. If he puts on airs and tries to control us, don't panic. We have a contingency plan."

"What contingency plan?" Su Ming asked mentally.

Lin Yu played coy, "You'll find out when the time comes."

The two entered the County School office, greeted by the musty scent of old ink and decaying wood. The main hall was dimly lit, with only a minor official dozing behind a glossy, oil-shined counter.

"Esteemed... esteemed sir." Zhao Rui mustered his courage, his voice as faint as a mosquito's hum.

The minor official's eyelids twitched as he slowly raised his head, revealing a sharp-featured, weasel-like face. It was none other than Clerk Qian.

He glanced at the two of them, took in their faded coarse clothing, and didn't bother to conceal the disdain in his eyes."What do you want?" His voice was drawn out, dripping with impatience.

"Sir, we're here to register our examination credentials." Su Ming respectfully presented the recommendation letter written by Teacher Zhou along with both of their household registration documents.

Clerk Qian didn't even lift his eyelids, using two fingers to pinch the papers as if they were something filthy.

He gave them a cursory glance, then slapped the documents back onto the counter.

"Not compliant with regulations."

Zhao Rui's face instantly turned pale.

"S-sir, what's not compliant? These were personally written by Teacher Zhou, and they bear his seal..."

"Teacher Zhou?" Clerk Qian sneered, picking at his teeth with a fingernail, "Even Teacher Zhou can't break the County School's rules. This guarantor's seal is blurry and unclear. And these household registration documents—the paper is crude, the handwriting is practically fading. How can these be filed?"

Everything he said was pure nonsense, nitpicking flaws where none existed. The seal was perfectly clear, and the documents were legitimately issued by the village.

Su Ming's heart sank. He knew trouble had arrived.

"Then... may I ask, sir, how should we go about rectifying this?" Su Ming suppressed his anger and asked in a low voice.

acted as if he'd heard the biggest joke. He looked up, pointing his chin at Su Ming, "Go back, have Teacher Zhou re-stamp it using the County School's official inkpad. Then have your Village Chief countersign the household registration documents to verify your

this, Zhao Rui grew anxious: "Sir, it takes nearly a full day's walk to get from Qingshui Village to

problem, what does it have to do with me?" Clerk Qian waved

but Su Ming grabbed his arm and pulled him

Ming shook his head

disciple? Classic delay tactic." Lin Yu's voice turned cold, "He's not following the rules; he's targeting us. If there's no one behind this, I'll kick my own soul around like

Su Ming

voice regained its composure, even carrying a hint of leisurely

Su Ming's heart stirred.

Lin Yu directed, "Just place that rosewood box on the counter. Do it slowly, steadily. Then open it, saying you need to check your writing tools to make sure they weren't damaged

Ming took a deep breath and

silently placed the heavy rosewood box onto

"Thud."

but

displeased at Su Ming: "What are you doing? I told you to leave, can't you understand plain speech? Take

ignored him, simply extending his slender fingers

"Click."

the bright yellow silk lining inside. That silk seemed to glow with its own light in the dim

merely wished to check whether the writing tools gifted by Young

loud, his tone flat, but the three words "Young Master Zhou"

Clerk Qian froze mid-action.

Zhou? Which Young Master

was

fingers continued their movement, fully opening the

with the scent of precious wood permeated the air. The "Layered Peaks Amidst Clouds" Duan Inkstone lay quietly on the silk, its stone texture warm and smooth, carving exquisite, emitting a subtle, restrained glow under the light. Beside it, the pair of Wolf Hair Brushes had shafts made

small, seal-script character branded

not recognize it, but Clerk Qian, having worked in the County School for over a decade, identified it

was Zhou Wenhai's personal

Qian's mind buzzed as if stung by

looked up, reassessing

this seemingly ordinary country boy held in his hands an item gifted by the Zhou family's eldest young master, Zhou

exploded in Clerk Qian's mind: Could this poor boy be an honored guest of Young Master Zhou Yulin? Or... perhaps

instructions from Second Master of Zhou Family, Zhou Kang, cold sweat instantly broke out on

like him got

Zhou Yulin was the future

income streams. But if he

Qian's face turned even paler than