"It's a shame about this zither," Master You said, running her hand over the strings. She could tell the materials were extraordinary.
"And the carving," she shook her head, sighing. Her words were filled with regret.
Huo Rou covered her mouth and chuckled, "Teacher, you clearly have better ones. This isn't worth you sighing over."
Master You glanced at her, "You just have to be cheeky! How do you know I have good things?"
"Even if you want it, I won't give it to you!" she said with a smile, her face practically saying "Please beg me."
Huo Rou shook her head, feeling that her teacher, after so many years apart, had become a bit of a mischievous old child.
She spoke with a hint of helplessness, "The guzheng I gave you is the best. This is just for practicing beforehand."
Master You's eyes widened, "Huh?"
"You didn't receive it?"
Huo Rou felt something was wrong. She had clearly sent someone to deliver it to Master You's doorstep.
"The 'Pine Crane Longevity' design also has this mark," Huo Rou prompted.
Although she hadn't explicitly left a message when she sent the zither, there were poems she'd inscribed for her teacher on the zither's head. Next to the Deng family's mark, she had also specifically carved Master You's name.
"It really was you who sent it!" Master You exclaimed, overjoyed. "My old man and I guessed for ages. Not many people know the address of my old house. I said you sent it, but he insisted that a little girl as delicate as you couldn't possibly do such fine craftsmanship."
She pulled Huo Rou's hand and looked at it over and over. Feeling the calluses on her palm, she said with concern, "Don't do this anymore, okay? If you're short on money, tell your teacher. Teacher will give you New Year's money."
"Right, and have your husband give you all his salary cards!"
Master You looked disapprovingly at Qin Ningyi, "Wives are meant to be cherished, not made to do hard labor! You have your own company, surely you can afford to support my precious student?"
Another day of Qin Ningyi's reputation being unfairly tarnished.
He smiled wryly at Huo Rou, feeling he needed a chance to show his worth.
"Yes, Teacher. I will cherish A'Rou well and not let her suffer."
"Me too, me too!" An An immediately chimed in, "I will cherish Mommy well and not let her suffer!"
Master You doted on him, rubbing An An's slightly chubby cheeks, "An An is so sensible, what a good child!"
Being doted on by both of them, Huo Rou felt her heart warm. She then smiled and explained, "Teacher, I was just bored and making it for fun. I wasn't tired, and I don't lack money."
"Besides, you don't like that zither? I've seen you use it for your personal concerts several times!"
After the pleasantries, Master You, though reluctant, couldn't stay long. Her schedule was packed. Even though she wanted to spend more time with Huo Rou, she could only manage to stay for dinner.
After dinner, Huo Rou helped Master You into the car and personally saw her off at the airport.
Under the warm moonlight at the airport, Master You held Huo Rou and took a photo, which she uploaded to her social media account.
"Now, everyone knows you're my student. If you try to run away, someone will help me catch you!" Master You threatened childishly.
"I won't run," Huo Rou promised. "I'm going to Taichuan City in a while. May I visit you then?"
Master You nodded with satisfaction, smiling broadly, "That's good! Call me in advance, and I'll have the old man cook you a few good dishes!"
"You don't have to bother. Have him cook then," Huo Rou said, pointing at Qin Ningyi, assigning him a task without prior consultation.
Master You immediately focused her gaze on Qin Ningyi. For such matters, many men were too proud to cook, especially successful men like Qin Ningyi.
To her surprise, Qin Ningyi seemed to bask in a spring breeze upon hearing this. He responded quickly, as if afraid Huo Rou would retract her words, "Yes, I'll cook. You can just chat with A'Rou then."
Master You was completely reassured. She leaned over to Huo Rou's ear and whispered, "You found a good husband!"
After Master You boarded her flight, the family also left the airport, preparing to return.
As Qin Ningyi helped Huo Rou into the car, his motion to buckle the seatbelt paused.
In the midst of his crisp scent, Huo Rou looked at the Adam's apple bobbing in his throat and heard his mellow voice.
"Master You's prized disciple?"
"Deng family's guzheng?"