"I graduated from high school and didn't continue studies at a domestic university; instead, I went abroad for a few years. Only this year did I return, and I am presently working as a residential teacher at Mingren Girls' High School," Lin Yu confessed, touching his nose. It wasn't that he didn't wish to provide an explanation; rather, the universities he attended were extremely prestigious. Simply naming one would be among the world's top-tier institutions. In the eyes of ordinary people, someone who had attended such esteemed universities now returning as a mere teacher was indeed difficult to believe.
To avoid further complicated explanations, he chose to skip over details and speak vaguely instead.
Beside him, Zhang Xinran's face revealed a hint of amusement. Given that Mingren Girls' High School only enrolled female students, she naturally knew. A young man like him working as a residential teacher for those girls, who were only a few years younger, was quite an unusual affair.
However, Lin Yu was indeed fortunate to work in the girls' dormitory. Moreover, it was quite challenging for him. Graduating from high school and entering Mingren Girls' High School for employment was not a simple feat.
Listening to Lin Yu's remarks, Zhang Xinran's mother furrowed her brows. The young man appeared decent, but the level of his education compared to his job seemed somewhat unjust.
"Oh, I see," she said, slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, upon further thought, she became understanding. Lin Yu's personal circumstances were impeccable. Graduating from a prestigious university, even though he was currently just a part-time tutor, earning over ten thousand yuan per month was still considered a high income. If not for the heavy burden her and her father's dependency placed on the family, she wouldn't have lowered her expectations. She even adjusted her sights to accept a residential teacher?
Thinking about this, she felt a pang of bitterness and resentment towards herself and her father.
With a gentle sigh, she continued, "Oh, I see. Well, just work hard. Young man, as long as you're ambitious and willing to strive, a bright future awaits." Zhang Xinran's mother spoke, yet her forehead was now knitted.
It wasn't that she was dissatisfied with her daughter's prospects; rather, she was upset about inadvertently burdening her daughter.
Zhang Xinran beside her found her mother's sudden low spirits rather puzzling. Lin Yu, on the other hand, misunderstood and thought the aunt was frowning due to some discomfort.
At that moment, Zhang Xinran gestured to Lin Yu, indicating they could bypass these perfunctory conversations and proceed.
Understanding her gesture, Lin Yu felt touched by Zhang Xinran's thoughtfulness.
"Mom, please sit here for a moment. I'll check on Dad. Lin Yu, please come too and chat with my dad. He used to love talking to young people the most. But now... sigh..." She paused without completing her sentence.
As they conversed, the two had already made their way to the bedroom. Inside lay a middle-aged man with a pale complexion, overweight, lying on the bed. His eyes lacked any vitality; he appeared lifeless, almost resembling someone who had already passed away from a distance. Witnessing this scene, Lin Yu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
"Dad, this is my classmate, Lin Yu. Nothing serious, just here to chat with you," Zhang Xinran said with a smile, walking over to her father. She propped him up and arranged his pillow to make him more comfortable.
"Lin Yu, hello..." Zhang Xinran's father, Zhang Yunjie, struggled to sit upright. His body was uncoordinated due to the aftereffects of a stroke, unable to move properly. His right hand was curled up, seemingly unable to make any movement.
Needless to say, this was a result of the aftermath of a stroke.
"Uncle, hello. Please don't move. Oh, your condition seems quite severe," Lin Yu hurried over to assist Zhang Xinran while discreetly touching her waist. Zhang Xinran naturally understood, giving him a grateful smile.
However, outside the room, Li Qiuli, who was standing near the door frame, interpreted this scene differently. She thought the two young people were indulging in romantic banter, prompting another sigh, worrying about her daughter's future once again.
This concern was understandable. After all, every parent hoped their daughter would marry a reliable and promising young man. While this young man was decent-looking, his family background and occupation didn't seem to match her daughter's.
Thinking about this, she felt quite uncomfortable.
The young couple remained oblivious to Li Qiuli's concerns. Zhang Xinran cleared her throat as if nothing was amiss. "Right, Lin Yu, haven't you mentioned previously that you studied acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine? You claimed to specialize in treating the aftereffects of strokes. Can you take a look at my father and see if you can help?" She was trying to pave the way for Lin Yu.
Lin Yu went along, "Sure, no problem. I actually bought a set of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture tools today. I can give it a try for Uncle."
"Go ahead then. But don't mess up my dad. If anything goes wrong, I'll hunt you down to the ends of the earth," Zhang Xinran chuckled, her eyes displaying excitement, gratitude, and a hint of nervousness.
"No worries, trust me, everything will be fine," Lin Yu understood her feelings, patting her shoulder gently and smiling.
Li Qiuli, witnessing this, let out a long sigh. Yet, listening to their conversation, her brows furrowed. What were these two young people up to? It was nothing short of absurd.
Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture? What a joke. Even if she didn't understand much, she knew that acupuncture was something that required at least thirty years of expertise before attempting to treat someone. How could an ordinary person master this national treasure? At the very least, only a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in their fifties or sixties could do it.
Yet, how old was this young man?
Certainly, he must have learned a few tricks to impress Zhang Xinran and deceived her into thinking he could cure her father's illness. However, it was excessive to use her husband's health for the sake of impressing her daughter.
Thinking this, Li Qiuli felt rather uncomfortable.
Watching the two getting ready to treat Zhang Xinran's father, removing his clothes to prepare for acupuncture, she couldn't bear to watch anymore. She cleared her throat and slowly walked over, leaning against the wall. "What are you two doing?" she asked, quite dissatisfied.