Shi Qing's father, Shi Zhongzheng, appeared to be just in his early forties; however, according to the information about my obedient disciple, he was actually fifty-one. Though I was reluctant to admit it, this man undeniably exuded charm; despite his age, he sported dimples that made him look at least a decade younger. His sharp gaze scrutinized those around him, leaving Xiang Ri momentarily wishing he possessed such penetrating eyes, imagining himself daily observing beauties on the streets.
"Are you Qingqing's master?" Shi Zhongzheng furrowed his brow, noting how young Xiang Ri appeared, likely younger than his own daughter.
"Yes, Mayor Shi. I sincerely appreciate your assistance with yesterday's matters," Xiang Ri replied, though internally he harbored discontent, maintaining a façade of sincerity.
"Then you've thanked the wrong person! If it weren't for Qingqing, I wouldn't even know who you are." Shi Zhongzheng lit a cigarette, enjoying it leisurely, clearly disinclined to share.
"Regardless, you did help me." The elder's words left Xiang Ri feeling deeply disrespected, as they implied contempt. Although he yearned to deliver a severe reprimand to this pretentious old man, he couldn't allow himself to act in a way that would tarnish the image of a teacher, especially with his lovely disciple watching intently.
"How old are you?" Shi Zhongzheng moved on, exhaling a plume of smoke as he inquired slowly.
"About... nearly twenty," Xiang Ri answered, a hint of impatience in his tone. It felt like an interrogation. He was reminded of being in a cramped interrogation room facing a girl named Tie, who, despite her predicament, was a beauty, unlike the aging man before him.
"About?" A flicker of anger flashed in Shi Zhongzheng's eyes. In his position for a decade, no one had ever spoken to him in such a manner. With a cold snort, he remarked, "So you're saying you're not even twenty yet, a year younger than Qingqing."
"Do you think I'm unworthy to be her master?" Xiang Ri retorted with a smirk.
"Teacher!" Shi Qing called softly, sensing the tension between the two.
"You young people have quite the audacity!" Shi Zhongzheng extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray, visibly seething with anger.
"Thank you for the compliment, Mayor; in truth, I'm quite timid." Despite standing before the mayor himself, Xiang Ri felt little intimidation; he was aware that a small favor didn't grant one the right to assume the role of a benefactor. If pressed too far... well, one could never tell who might end up being indebted to whom.
"Everyone, come enjoy some watermelon; it's freshly sliced!"
As the atmosphere grew tense, a sweet, melodious voice chimed in. A mature, beautiful woman, around thirty, approached, carrying a platter laden with neatly arranged watermelon slices.
"Mom!" Shi Qing exclaimed, rising to assist her with the platter.
"Qingzi," the woman said gently, stroking Shi Qing's hair as she handed her the tray.
"Teacher, please enjoy some fruit," Shi Qing offered, presenting Xiang Ri with the largest slice of watermelon.
"My disciple is truly obedient!" Xiang Ri beamed, casting a triumphant glance at the mayor, who merely huffed in response. Unfazed, he set the watermelon down and turned to the lovely woman. First, he stood and bowed respectfully, then extended his hands, "You must be Xiaoqing's mother. She has told me you are the most beautiful woman in the world, as stunning as the cherry blossoms on Mount Fuji. Yet, upon meeting you, I realize she deceived me; the cherry blossoms cannot compare to your beauty."
"Mr. Xiang, you are far too gracious; am I truly as remarkable as you say?" The woman smiled sweetly, her delicate, fair hands briefly clasping his before releasing.
Shi Qing's cheeks flushed as she overheard her teacher's flattering words, feeling bewildered that he would use her name to deceive her mother. Yet, she hesitated to expose him, noting her mother's delighted expression.
"Not just that, even the cherry blossoms of Mount Fuji combined cannot compare to the elegance of your pinky finger," Xiang Ri exclaimed, employing the most extravagant flattery, reminiscent of certain historical figures known for their sycophancy.
"You're too kind!" The woman beamed, crossing her hands respectfully as she bowed. "Thank you, Mr. Xiang, for taking care of Qingzi at school. She often speaks of you, saying you possess great wit and have single-handedly triumphed over hundreds—quite impressive, considering how unassuming your appearance is. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself; I'm Shi Meina. I entrust my Qingzi to your care from now on!"
"Of course, of course," Xiang Ri replied quickly, grateful for her excellent upbringing; otherwise, he wouldn't have such a remarkable disciple.
"Meina, have you prepared the ingredients for lunch?" Shi Zhongzheng interjected, feeling a twinge of jealousy at the sight of his wife enjoying the conversation with a young man, despite knowing he posed no threat.
"Ah... we're just short on eel rice. Just a moment, I'll get it ready," Shi Meina hurriedly responded, turning to dash to the kitchen, then paused at the doorway. "Mr. Xiang, please stay for lunch; my sushi is exceptional."
"Absolutely!" Xiang Ri replied with enthusiasm. He had ample experience conversing with women. From his obedient disciple's remarks, he inferred that her father held a disdain for culture, evident in his refusal to allow her to learn languages. Yet, based on how her mother referred to her, it was clear she held onto her roots, suppressed by her father; she likely hadn't heard her native dialect in ages. This tactic of appealing to her preferences should yield unexpected rewards.
Sure enough, as Shi Meina laughed melodiously while entering the kitchen, she was thoroughly pleased with this potential future "son-in-law."
"Qingqing, your mother is busy alone; go help her," Shi Zhongzheng suggested, dismissing his daughter.
"Okay, Dad!" Although puzzled by her father's request, Shi Qing complied dutifully.
"Old man, just say what you want," Xiang Ri said, adopting a more relaxed demeanor as soon as his disciple entered the kitchen, reclining on the comfortable sofa.
"Young man, if you intend to pursue my daughter, it's best to show me some respect!" Shi Zhongzheng warned, lighting another cigarette.
"What makes you think I wish to pursue your daughter?" Xiang Ri casually grabbed a slice of watermelon and bit into it, as if in his own home.
"Isn't that the case?" Shi Zhongzheng retorted.
"And if it were, what of it? I'm not courting you, so why should I be courteous?" Xiang Ri replied coolly.
"My patience has its limits, young man. Do not push me to anger," Shi Zhongzheng warned, his forehead twitching with strain as he calmed himself. "I've looked into your background. Your family has been farming for five generations, and your parents are merely factory workers... Overall, your background appears clean, with no unsavory records."
"What are you implying? Showing off your authority?" Xiang Ri felt an urge to land a punch on his teeth.
"Not at all; I'm merely considering you as one of my potential sons-in-law. To be frank, I've never seen Qingqing depend on anyone outside her family to this extent. Do you think I brought you here for no reason? However, don't get too complacent; I have many candidates for my daughter's hand, each vastly more capable than you. Most importantly, I retain the power to change candidates at any time," Shi Zhongzheng continued confidently.
"Is it still the age of arranged marriages?" Xiang Ri chuckled, finding the man's self-importance amusing. Did he truly think his daughter was such a treasure that everyone was vying for her?
"Say what you will; I will decide my daughter's future!" Shi Zhongzheng proclaimed.
"Quite arrogant of you!" Xiang Ri scoffed.
"What did you say?" Shi Zhongzheng's anger flared at the insult.
"I merely complimented you; no need to appear so menacing," Xiang Ri shrugged nonchalantly.
"Engaging in verbal sparring won't benefit you," Shi Zhongzheng threatened.
"Old man, may I ask about the... 5.18 case? How are you handling it?" Xiang Ri suddenly posed a seemingly unrelated question.
"5.18? You... who exactly are you?" Shi Zhongzheng stood abruptly, his expression shifting dramatically as he realized only two people knew about the matter: himself and the mysterious "him."
"That child urinated in the adult's mouth," Xiang Ri added with another puzzling statement.
"It's you!" Shi Zhongzheng's eyes sparkled with realization, though it quickly faded as he sat down slowly. "I didn't expect you to be so young; you were under fifteen a few years ago, yet your insight is remarkably sharp."
"Flattery, flattery," Xiang Ri replied, taking advantage of the situation. "Now, regarding Shi Qing..."
Before he could finish, Shi Zhongzheng interrupted, "While you did assist me greatly that time, I cannot unilaterally decide on Qingqing's marriage; she must consent herself."
Wait! Had he forgotten so quickly about his power to change potential "sons-in-law"? Xiang Ri decided to provoke him further. "I think you've misunderstood my intentions; I merely wished to inquire about your views on premarital pregnancy."