Inside, Qingqing was alone with Mr. Liu, occasionally glancing outside, feeling both anxious and guilty, unable to focus on the lesson. Mr. Liu, pretending not to notice, said slowly, “During lessons, one should be undistracted. Like this, Miss, you are wasting your own time.” Qingqing’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled, “So, Mr. Liu, you also believe time should not be wasted?” Mr. Liu confirmed, “Naturally.” Qingqing gave a mysterious smile, “Then you agree to let my brother and sister go?” Mr. Liu replied, “I did not say that.” Qingqing retorted, “You said, ‘Youth comes but once, time waits for no one,’ their time is also precious, isn’t it?” Mr. Liu laughed, “It seems my reputation is at stake, outwitted by a young girl.” Qingqing responded, “You are merciful, Mr. Liu, you never really intended to punish them.”
Just now, I only wanted to warn Auntie about not overly pampering the younger siblings, as it would only harm them. Now that Auntie has left, and Qingqing has given me a way out, naturally, I should let Qingqing have the last word.” Surprise (1) Mr. Liu, looking at Qingqing’s cunning smile, suddenly put on a stern face: “You’re very clever, but the smartest kind of cleverness shouldn’t be shown. You must not let others see through your intelligence. The ultimate cleverness is ‘to appear foolish when wise.'” Qingqing thought for a moment and immediately said, “Mr. Liu’s teachings are wise, Qingqing will remember.” “Go call them in,” Mr. Liu nodded with satisfaction. This student of his, if only she were a boy…
Lin Hong and Yafu, although strictly disciplined since childhood, were also pampered. They had never experienced such treatment before. Upon entering the study, both sighed in relief and said in unison, “Thank you, Mr. Liu, we will not be late again.” Mr. Liu said, “You should thank the eldest miss; she convinced me to forgive you.” They then said, “Thank you, elder sister.” When Master Lin came in, he saw this warm scene of sibling affection. He couldn’t help but clap his hands and laugh, “I heard that Hong and Yafu were punished today. It seems they have no complaints at all.”
