Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 99 - 24: Love and Hate

Gu Chengyu heard these words and immediately realized that he had drawn too much attention today, already inciting jealousy from others. But he truly didn’t mean to! It was just that he was deeply immersed in a feeling that was indescribable.

However, upon further thought, why worry about making a high-profile display? In this ancient society where one entered officialdom through the imperial exams, if one had talent, it should be showcased early; becoming famous while young was advantageous for the exams. Only by revealing talent early can one obtain better resources; studying should not be done in isolation, and opportunities are always given to those with greater talent. Having figured this out, he was no longer troubled.

"Senior Brother Ma, your words are wrong! Just now, the teacher already mentioned that my writing is delicate but lacks strength. It is obvious that the teacher meant my writing lacks character, with a weak stroke. I find the teacher’s comments very reasonable and will certainly practice more in the future. When Senior Brother Wang said my writing was better than his older sister’s, he was likely just encouraging me. Senior Brother Wang’s older sister learned from a master, while I’m just a beginner. How can I compare with an accomplished student of a famous teacher? Senior Brother Ma, please don’t flatter me; those who don’t know might think I’m ignorant and reckless!" This Ma Junhui even discriminates against women? He must be taught a lesson.

"My older sister studied with Master Qin from the Capital for two years. Just the other day, the teacher praised her writing as divine, bold yet sophisticated. Junhui, have you even seen my older sister’s handwriting?"

Wang Qikai glanced sideways at Ma Junhui. Since Ye Zhiqiu left, only Ma Junhui stood out in Class C. Now, seeing a younger brother more gifted than him, his narrow-mindedness revealed itself. With Ye Zhiqiu, a senior brother who arrived earlier and was well regarded by the teacher, he wouldn’t dare show dissatisfaction. But now he picks on a newly admitted younger brother. He had initiated this matter; there was no need for Gu Chengyu to suffer injustice.

On the side, You Siyuan listened and was somewhat surprised that Wang Qikai helped smooth things over. This Fatty Wang was clever for once today.

Gu Chengyu felt warmth in his heart when Wang Qikai spoke up to assist. No matter what his intentions were, he was grateful to him.

Ma Junhui’s expression turned unsightly upon hearing this. He originally mocked Gu Chengyu’s writing as that of a woman’s, but unexpectedly, their few words turned the situation around to become praise. It was like moving a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

"Qikai, you really know how to joke. How could I have seen your older sister’s writing? I simply saw that Gu Chengyu writes well and offered a compliment!" Ma Junhui replied with a forced smile. How could he claim to have seen a woman’s writing? Although he was only eight years old, propriety between men and women must still be observed.

Having said that, he returned to his seat and began reading the Three Character Classic.

Gu Chengyu and Wang Qikai exchanged a smile. After such an interruption, neither of them was interested in continuing the conversation, so they adjusted themselves and went about their own activities.

The other children in the room only thought of it as entertainment, with a few looking over and whispering. Of course, some didn’t even lift their heads and were solely focused on reading. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

These ancient children were truly precocious! Just look at Class C, and there’s so much conflict. Gu Chengyu thought about how there was only Mr. Wen teaching at the private school, responsible for so many students, naturally he could only pay more attention to those talented and hard-working ones. In just an elementary class, there were already signs of rivalry. Must he constantly expend energy on such matters?

It seems if he wants to study peacefully, he must ascend to the highest point. When others see the vast gap between them, only then would jealousy not arise. He must strive harder because currently, he shouldn’t underestimate anyone.

He spread out the paper and continued practicing calligraphy, completely unaware it was already noon. The clock chimed again, and the room broke into a flurry of noise, with classmates packing their ink and books, rushing out of Class C.

"Chengyu, aren’t you going to eat? No need to be so hasty in your diligence, right?" Wang Qikai saw Gu Chengyu had just finished a large character and was waiting for the ink to dry, so he reminded him, afraid his junior brother might not know the private school’s schedule on his first day there.

"Oh! I’ll go now! Qikai, are you going to the dining hall too? Why not go together with me?" Gu Chengyu saw the room empty except for the two of them. Regardless of whether they brought food or bought it, everyone would eat at the dining hall, as even with hot food, one still needed to go to the dining hall, right?

"Sure! Let’s go together then!" Wang Qikai initially paused in his hand that was about to pack his book bag. Usually, he ate at home, but today he suddenly didn’t want to return. He too desired a confidant or acquaintance. Nobody ever wanted to befriend him; he knew it was because he was an illegitimate son, and families of equal standing looked down on his origin. Those not well-off were forbidden by his father to socialize with him, afraid they approached him with ulterior motives.

Actually, he thought his father was overly worried. His family was merely a branch of the Wang Family from the Capital, and in Shanhe Town, they were considered local gentry, actually sent to manage family business affairs. His branch was distantly related, merely carrying the Wang surname. Direct descendants likely didn’t even remember they had such a side branch, after all, they were several generations removed.

"Do you know the way to the dining hall? You can head there first, and I’ll follow shortly." Wang Qikai planned to go to the entrance to inform his servant he needed to review lessons at the private school, and then his father wouldn’t punish him for returning late.

"If I don’t know, I’ll just ask someone; do you have something to do? Should I wait for you?" If he needed to relieve himself, he could just wait in Class C.

"Alright! Then wait for me for a while!" With these words, Wang Qikai rushed out, and as Gu Chengyu watched him leave, he marveled at how fast Wang Qikai could run.

Gu Chengyu chuckled, shaking his head, and sat at his desk, carefully placing the brush he just used onto the brush rest. He would still write in the afternoon, so there was no need to wash the brush. It seems he needed to buy an ink wash; he was too focused on buying an inkstone that he forgot about the ink wash. In his past life, he was accustomed to washing the brush and hanging it on the brush rack after writing.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and Gu Chengyu could tell it wasn’t Wang Qikai; Wang Qikai was heavier and didn’t walk this lightly. Turning around, he realized it was You Siyuan.

"Brother You, did you leave something behind?" Generally, no one would come here during lunchtime unless it was something important.

"Do you know that Wang Qikai eats lunch at home every day? Today, he stayed specifically to accompany you. Regardless of what you think of him, I hope you won’t hurt his feelings. He... is a pitiful person." After saying this, You Siyuan ran off.

Gu Chengyu was utterly shocked; weren’t they supposed to dislike each other? Could this be what people mean by ’love-hate relationship’?

"Chengyu, I’m back! Let’s go!" Just as Gu Chengyu was daydreaming, Wang Qikai returned, accompanied by heavy breathing from running.

Gu Chengyu shook his head, dismissing the chaotic thoughts in his mind. Although for now, he and Wang Qikai seemed to get along, who knew about the future? Better to let things take their course. He didn’t bring up that You Siyuan had been there; it was better for Wang Qikai to discover this himself.