Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 62: Leaving Home

The day before Su Ming was set to depart, he made a special trip to the schoolhouse at the east end of the village.

Teacher Zhou was sitting under the old locust tree in the courtyard, holding a yellowed book in his hands, completely absorbed. Hearing the footsteps, he looked up, a hint of a smile appearing in his muddled eyes.

"You've come."

"Teacher." Su Ming bowed respectfully.

Teacher Zhou put down the book and gestured for Su Ming to sit on the small stone stool opposite him. He examined the youth before him—wearing clean, starched old cloth clothes, his posture straight, the childishness between his brows and eyes having faded somewhat, replaced by a touch of steadiness.

"Going to town?"

"Yes, I depart tomorrow. I've come specifically to bid you farewell."

Teacher Zhou nodded, his gaze distant, as if seeing his own youthful shadow through Su Ming.

"Good, very good. When a young eagle grows up, it must always leave the nest to see how high the sky is." He sighed, a touch of desolation in his voice. "The world outside is much bigger than this Su Family Village, and far more complex. People's hearts are harder to fathom than the beasts in the mountains."

He stood up, walked into the room filled with the scent of ink, and returned moments later holding a small inkstone. The edges of the inkstone were worn, clearly showing its age."This 'Pine Grain Inkstone' has been with me for half my life. It's not considered a particularly fine item, but its stone is dense and firm, and it grinds ink quickly. Take it with you. A scholar's writing brush is like a soldier's sword and spear on the battlefield; keeping it sharpened is never a bad thing."

Su Ming received it with both hands. The inkstone felt warm and smooth to the touch, still carrying the teacher's body heat.

"Teacher, this is too valuable."

"Take it." Teacher Zhou waved his hand, his expression brooking no refusal. "This old bones of mine won't last many more years. If you truly have the heart, in the future, if you pass the imperial examinations and gain scholarly honor, come back and repair this dilapidated courtyard for me. That would make it worthwhile."

A warmth surged in Su Ming's heart. He nodded heavily and carefully put the inkstone away.

"Your teachings, Teacher, this student will not dare forget."

its usual flatness. "Remember, you must study, but don't become a fool from studying. In any situation, observe more, think more, speak less. Protecting yourself is more important

Ming bowed deeply once

old gentleman

an approving

the sky was just beginning to

in the Su family

her eyes rimmed red, was stuffing things into Su Ming's bundle over and

jacket, it gets cold in the morning and evening... Once you get to town, don't be stingy with spending money. If you run out of money, send a message back with someone, your mother

and on, as if trying to convey a

hot egg noodles and shoved it into Su Ming's hands. "Little Uncle, eat

Su Ming's shoulder, saying nothing, but hung a newly

curled and drifted, obscuring his expression. Only after Su Ming finished the noodles did he stand up, knocking the pipe

don't cause trouble, but don't be afraid of trouble either. If someone bullies you..." He paused, his voice hoarse. "...avoid them.

Ming nodded heavily. "Father,

Dequan's voice came

Xiao Ming

Zhao Rui inside. Zhao Rui was also carrying a brand new, large book box on his back, his

Su family's. Zhao Rui's mother followed behind, carrying a food box, stuffing

on the road! This bundle has a few newly made clothes, and forty taels of

impatient expression but

his shoulder. "Xiao Ming, once you get to town, I'm

"Uncle Zhao, don't worry."

mule cart was already waiting at the village entrance—still Old

parting

mother's hand in return and

not daring to look into his mother's

his mother's embrace, keeping his head down as he followed