"Well, well, what wind has blown Director Chen to us today?"
Cheng Chuan had just gotten up and was about to head out to buy breakfast when he spotted Chen Shi approaching with an umbrella in one hand and a thermos cup in the other.
"I was planning to visit your place, and here you are," Chen Shi smiled. "By the way, why hasn't Cheng Xing been stopping by our house lately?"
"No idea. Honestly, I don't know what that kid's been up to. Last week, he asked me to hire a tutor, saying he wanted to study seriously. I didn't buy it at first, but this week, he's been getting up on time and attending all his classes. It's strange." Cheng Chuan chuckled, shaking his head.
Cheng Xing's transformation had been startling. Both Cheng Chuan and Deng Ying were equally surprised.
In the past, Cheng Xing couldn't get out of bed without a dozen wake-up calls. Even after being called, he would drag himself up around six or seven. Not to mention, he used to ask for money daily. But for the past few weeks, he hadn't asked for a penny. Even when they offered, he'd refuse, saying he still had enough.
"Really? That's great news!" Chen Shi raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
"You should definitely support him," Chen Shi continued. "Cheng Xing's a smart kid, just never focused on studying. If he's serious now, his grades won't stay low for long. Actually, I came here today to talk about something related to him."
"What's that? It's pouring outside. Come in, we'll talk inside," Cheng Chuan offered.
"No need, it's nothing major." Chen Shi smiled. "A while ago, Cheng Xing wrote a poem at school. I thought it was excellent. The provincial cultural department is collecting local works for publication, and I submitted his poem, Breaking the Formation, without asking first.
"I meant to tell Cheng Xing when he visited, but he hasn't been around. Since I was passing by, I thought I'd let you know. It's his work, and I felt you should be informed before it's officially submitted."
"Oh, that? Director Chen, you're too kind! We're thrilled you think so highly of his work. Our families have known each other forever. Cheng Xing and Chen Qing practically grew up together. You don't need to inform us for things like this. Make the call yourself. But honestly, Cheng Xing writing a good poem? You're flattering him," Cheng Chuan laughed.
"I'm not joking. It's really well-written," Chen Shi said, smiling. "Anyway, let Cheng Xing know to drop by sometime. I haven't seen him in days, and I miss the kid."
"Let me walk you out," Cheng Chuan offered again.
"No need. Stay put. I've got a meeting to attend," Chen Shi waved him off.
"Alright, Director Chen. Take care," Cheng Chuan said warmly.
After buying breakfast, Cheng Chuan told Deng Ying, "Chen Shi really sets an example. Most city leaders have assistants holding umbrellas, but he walked here alone in the rain."
"Director Chen came by? You didn't invite him in?" Deng Ying asked, surprised.
"He's busy. The city's got a lot going on. He didn't have time to chat," Cheng Chuan replied.
"So, what did he come by for?" Deng Ying pressed.
"He said Cheng Xing wrote a remarkable poem. The provincial department is asking for submissions, and Chen Shi submitted it. He just stopped by to let us know," Cheng Chuan explained.
"I'm curious. Given Cheng Xing's grades, how did he write something impressive enough for Director Chen to praise?" Cheng Chuan frowned.
"You don't pay enough attention to his studies. Sure, his other subjects are weak, but his Chinese scores are top of the class," Deng Ying pointed out.
"His grades always rank near the bottom. Just looking at them gives me a headache. How could I care about his studies?" Cheng Chuan sighed.
"Let's ask him tonight. I'm curious about this poem too," Deng Ying said.
Despite it being Saturday, their company was swamped. After breakfast, Cheng Chuan and Deng Ying headed to the office.
Cheng Xing returned home, shaking rain off his umbrella and setting it aside. His parents were already gone. He placed the breakfast he bought near school on the table, expecting Jiang Luxi to arrive late due to the rain.
He had barely taken two bites of his fried dough sticks when a knock sounded at the door.
Opening it, he found Jiang Luxi standing there, drenched, with her bicycle. Her glasses fogged up, water streaming down her delicate face.
"Why are you soaked?" Cheng Xing frowned.
Jiang Luxi, unable to see clearly through her foggy glasses, recognized the voice but not the figure. She parked her bike, wiping her lenses with her sleeve. When she finally looked up, she froze.
"You?! Why are you here?" Jiang Luxi's eyes widened in shock.
"This is my home. Where else would I be?" Cheng Xing smirked. "I should ask why you're here."
He had long anticipated this encounter and often imagined her reaction when she discovered he was her student. Her stunned expression didn't disappoint.
"This is your home?" Jiang Luxi scanned the familiar surroundings, ensuring she hadn't made a mistake.
"I'm the tutor," she said, still processing.
"Then you're in the right place," Cheng Xing grinned. "What a coincidence—I'm the student."
"You know Cheng Wen, right?" Cheng Xing asked.
"Yes," Jiang Luxi nodded.
"She's my cousin. Looks like you're the tutor she found for me." Cheng Xing laughed.
"What?" Jiang Luxi stood there, utterly dumbfounded.