Chapter 20: The Young Mother (Literal Meaning)

Weekend.

Lin Zhiyi set out early as planned, reaching the destination.

Curiously, that little rascal Lin Yingyuan had risen just as early today—usually, she slept till noon on weekends; when he left, she was changing clothes, who knew what plot she was hatching.

Glancing around, this was a villa complex far from downtown, each building a standalone home.

He located the number, rang the bell, waiting patiently.

A young, stunning woman answered—elegant and poised, the type who’d draw stares on the street.

She was his employer this time; Lin Zhiyi had prepped his gaokao scores, scholarship proofs, and full first-year transcript to show his teaching chops.

She nodded along as she scanned them, finally saying:

“Fine, that’s settled, little Lin.”

“I’m Shen—Shen Qinghe; call me Auntie Shen.”

“You seem solid—handsome too.

Done deal.”

Lin Zhiyi puzzled over the looks comment—was this a gig needing a pretty face?

“Our Xiangyang’s studies are yours now.”

“His personality’s shy, not much talk—didn’t gel with past tutors, so we thought a peer-age student might work.

But girls risk puppy love, so a boy’s perfect.

You’re not worlds apart—common ground, surely.”

Lin Zhiyi listened, baffled, then asked:

“How old is he?”

“Eleven—sixth grade elementary.”

He’d figured at least middle school; elementary needed tutoring too?

What was there to cram in grade-school books?

Shen Qinghe then introduced him to a little boy—indeed shy as described; Lin Zhiyi greeted with a smile, but the kid avoided eyes, mumbling a low “mm.”

Auntie Shen fussed over the boy endlessly, Lin Zhiyi listening with growing unease.

“Don’t ignore Brother, but don’t argue either.”

“Follow Brother’s instructions on tasks.

Blah blah, endless.

If Brother says you misbehaved, I’ll punish you when I get home tonight.”

Lin Zhiyi fell silent.

After drilling the boy, she pulled Lin Zhiyi aside.

“Our Xiangyang’s a bit timid.

Sorry you saw that.”

“Teach however— we’ve tried several tutors, no luck.

I’m braced; if it flops, not your fault.

But if—miracle—his grades rise, I’ll slip you a fat bonus red envelope.”

What? Bonus?

Say that up front—now I’m wide awake.

Should’ve led with it.

“Got it, Auntie Shen—I’ll give it my all.”

Lin Zhiyi beamed, brimming confidence.

Shen Qinghe smiled.

“Then I’m off—spa appointment.

You two get along.”

“Oh, right—one more: there’s someone else home—Xiangyang’s sister.

She rarely comes down; if you spot her, no shock.

She’s quiet—don’t mind.”

With that, she left, heels clicking fading.

He returned to the boy’s room; the kid still sat mute, eyes down.

So—where to start?

Lin Zhiyi mulled.

“Xiangyang, got your recent school test papers?

Lemme see, okay?”

“… (Hands over)”

Mm—basics solid, but geometry thinking lags.

Flipping the textbook, cross-referencing a scan-app on his phone.

Tailored a few problems to the boy’s level.

A while later, done.

“Is… this right?”

“Lemme check.”

Lin Zhiyi smiled, taking the workbook.

Wrong.

He frowned slightly.

Xiangyang watched warily; seeing the crease, he deflated, head drooping—Lin Zhiyi caught it sharp.

He asked:

“Mind walking me through your approach?”

Xiangyang hesitated, whispering:

“B-but… I got it wrong.”

“Everyone errs.

I log every mistake—my error book’s thicker than a calendar now.”

He kept it breezy.

Xiangyang wavered, then haltingly explained his logic; Lin Zhiyi listened intently, then shared thoughts.

“Your angle’s clever—right track there, but see here…”

He drew a red line.

“Skip that formula; try this one…”

“Got it!”

Xiangyang yelped, grabbing pen and workbook, scribbling furiously.

“This the answer?”

“Spot on!”

Lin Zhiyi cheered loud.

Xiangyang’s eyes sparkled.

“What’s all the yapping—guest?

Mom out?”

The door burst open; a girl entered.

Lin Zhiyi looked: stunning teen in white nightgown, oval face, double-lidded eyes soft and kind.

Oddly, she seemed familiar.

Even amid beauties, he blanked a second.

Subconsciously: if Ninghai High had her… freshman intake’d explode.

They could film another vid.

But the girl, spotting him, mirrored his shock—equally stunned.

She recovered with a helpless sigh, lightly smacking her forehead.

“Hi, I’m Xiangyang’s tutor.

Auntie Shen just left…”

She cleared her throat:

“You… how… what’s your name?”

“Lin Zhiyi.”

He noted her high pitch, voice soft.

“…………Fine—keep at lessons.”

Door clicked shut gently.

About an hour later, Lin Zhiyi stepped out for the bathroom, spotting the girl on the living room sofa, arms crossed, silently regarding him.

“Lin Zhiyi.”

She beckoned.

He approached.

“What?”

Girl propped her chin, pretty eyes blinking, hesitating:

“Your grades… pretty good?”

“Not just good—top ten at Ninghai.”

He said calmly, puffing a tad; client-facing, polish up—plus, it was true.

She lip-curved, asking:

“Then… could you tutor a high school sophomore?”

“Easy peasy—referral?

Awesome—I’m broke; I’ll take any gig.”

He joked, nose twitching with phantom coin-scent; for a flash, he was past-life merchant again.

“Perfect—I’ve got one.”

Her pretty face smiled.

“Phone number—I’ll text later.”

“You tutoring, or someone else?”

“Me.

Not here—I’ll set another spot.”

“Cool—158XXXXXXXX.”

Her fingers tapped the screen, logging it.

“Which school?”

“…No. 3 Middle.”

Lin Zhiyi nodded; Ninghai’s high schools shared curricula—even if No. 3 lagged Ninghai, content matched; no sweat teaching.

Casually:

“Your name?”

“…Li Yi zhi.”

Surname differed from parents’?

Lin Zhiyi mused: blended family?

Whatever—mind your business; others’ affairs off-limits.

The girl added:

“Don’t tell Mom—this is our deal.

Rest easy—pay full, no skimps.”

Lin Zhiyi thumbs-upped:

“Your call.”

Heading back to Xiangyang’s room, he caught her murmuring.

He glanced: girl blank-faced, lips still, eyes elsewhere.

Door push, door shut.

The girl lifted her head to the closed door, repeating softly.

“Things… getting more interesting.”