C69 – There Is No Such Thing as a Proper Scholar
Yang Yi had encountered such situations many times before, so he casually waved his hand, saying, “Alright, alright, no need for more thanks. A tangible reward would be more meaningful than mere gratitude, anyway!”
Jiung Hengzhou quickly regained his composure and extended his courtesy to Yang Yi, “The students are all from modest backgrounds and lack talents. If the gallant men don’t mind, I would like to take the lead in inviting them for a meal.”
Yang Yi had never expected any compensation for providing a free meal, so he readily agreed, “Sure, let’s not waste time. It’s lunchtime already, so make sure there’s plenty of food. We men don’t eat like scholars; we’re more like hungry cats.”
Jiung Hengzhou smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with him before instructing someone to prepare lunch. While their boat had limited provisions, they had been fortunate to catch many fish and shrimp during the journey.
Inside the cabin, Zuo Shaoqing held Lu Zheng tightly, burying his face in Lu Zheng’s chest.
Even though he hadn’t noticed Lu Zheng’s earlier unease, he recognized the importance of seizing this moment to reveal his true feelings. He understood that, to Lu Zheng, genuine emotions carried more weight than any falsehoods.
It was the first time Lu Zheng had seen Zuo Shaoqing display such vulnerability. He gently stroked Zuo Shaoqing’s long hair and inquired, “What’s troubling you?”
Zuo Shaoqing’s muffled voice emanated from his chest, “It’s nothing. I was just a bit nervous at first, seeing all these lively students.”
“Is that all?” Lu Zheng was clearly skeptical that Zuo Shaoqing was the Top Scorer. Even in the presence of other students, he should have faith in himself.
Zuo Shaoqing fell silent for a moment before confessing with a hint of sulking, “I’m afraid someone might steal you away.”
Lu Zheng was momentarily taken aback. He then pulled Zuo Shaoqing’s head up from his chest, looking him in the eye, and solemnly stated, “Do you really think anyone else could take me away?”
“But they might be better than me,” Zuo Shaoqing blinked and gazed affectionately at Lu Zheng, conveying his insecurity.
Lu Zheng gently held Zuo Shaoqing’s chin, captured his lips with his own, and spoke in a deep voice, “You are truly...”
Zuo Shaoqing encircled his arms around Lu Zheng’s neck, feeling the softness of his lips. He gradually closed his eyes, calming down.
It was enough. Zuo Shaoqing should trust that Lu Zheng wasn’t one to be easily swayed. He just... harbored fears that if he failed the trial, fate might cruelly separate him from Lu Zheng.
Their lips remained connected for a while, neither of them moving away. Then, Zuo Shaoqing realized, Could it be that Master Lu won’t take the lead?
As his mood improved, Zuo Shaoqing’s thoughts turned more assertive. This was their first kiss, and he wanted to leave a lasting impression.
He extended his tongue and playfully licked Lu Zheng’s lips. He distinctly felt Lu Zheng briefly tense before boldly deepening the kiss.
Lu Zheng’s response came with a slight delay, but he soon reciprocated. He held Zuo Shaoqing’s waist, kissed him passionately, and used his tongue to gently part Zuo Shaoqing’s lips.
When their tongues met, both let out a soft sigh of pleasure, and their passionate kissing continued.
Lu Zheng observed his struggles from the sidelines, convinced that he would never comprehend the scholar’s thought process.
The two of them stepped outside in succession, and as Zuo Shaoqing reached the deck, he spotted Qu Changqing anxiously waiting for him.
Seeing Zuo Shaoqing emerge, Qu Changqing hurried forward, “Shao Qing, are you feeling well?”
To be honest, he had been away with that tall man for quite a while, leading many to harbor their own dubious speculations.
Eventually, it was Qu Changqing who invoked Zuo Shaoqing’s name and utilized his status as the Top Scorer to silence those suspicions.
After all, no one would believe that a Top Scorer would serve as someone’s secretive companion.
Zuo Shaoqing cupped his hands and coughed lightly, concealing his mouth. “Thank you for your concern, Brother Qu. I’m just a bit chilly, but I’ll be fine.”
Seeing him bundled up, Qu Changqing’s cheeks flushed. He replied with unwavering sincerity, “Then it’s best for our younger brother not to venture out. Return to your room and rest. I’ll bring you some food.”
Qu Changqing had always considered himself a brother in Zuo Shaoqing’s presence, and to those who didn’t know them well, they could easily be mistaken for actual siblings.
In his heart, Zuo Shaoqing acknowledged that even his own blood siblings from the Zuo Family weren’t as caring as Qu Changqing, causing him to sigh with emotion.
“No need, I’ve finally encountered Brother Qu and so many fellow students. I shouldn’t keep them waiting any longer.”
Upon entering the dining area, they found it already bustling with several occupied tables. The scholars were solemnly focused on their dishes, creating an air of tension.
Although this gathering was ostensibly a meal with a virtuous individual from the Cao Sect, there weren’t many Cao Sect members present. Aside from Yang Yi and Lu Zheng, the rest were individuals who had participated in the water rescue earlier.
Zuo Shaoqing’s gaze fell on the man seated at the head of the table. His sharp brows and starry eyes, along with his tightly pursed lips, exuded an aura that deterred unfamiliar individuals.
Beside him sat Yang Yi and Jiung Hengzhou. Both were seated with poise, but the latter’s posture was natural, while the former appeared somewhat uncomfortable.
Having spent a few days with them, Zuo Shaoqing had gained some insight into their personalities and understood that they were among those who despised restrictions the most.
Witnessing Zuo Shaoqing’s arrival, Lu Zheng picked up his chopsticks to alleviate the room’s awkwardness. “Let’s begin the meal!”
His demeanor reassured the students that Zuo Shaoqing wasn’t the pampered type.
Upon reflection, the way the crowd regarded Zuo Shaoqing took on a new light. Zuo Shaoqing, despite his youth and delicate features, fair complexion, and a hint of androgyny, was the Top Scorer of Changping County.
Yang Yi quickly rose and greeted Zuo Shaoqing enthusiastically, “Third Master Zuo, please sit here.” Were it not for the scholar’s invitation, he wouldn’t have taken this seat.
Over the past few days, Yang Yi had been the only one bold enough to occupy a seat near their boss. As for the other scholar seated next to Master Lu, Yang Yi was confident that he remained unaware of Lu Zheng’s true identity.