…Could it be…
Ruan Mei's pupils trembled.
Was it because of that single sentence that he returned to his old home after completing his apprenticeship, staying there until the day he died?
She was only remembering this past now… no, "recovering" it would be a more accurate description.
What made it even more complicated was that—until the very end, Qi Zhimu never forgot the words she had long ago discarded. He returned to the world where her home was and stayed for 111 years, never leaving. Even in death, he left behind a puppet creation to keep his promise.
For a moment, Ruan Mei felt a suffocating tightness in her chest. An unknown emotion, one she had never experienced before, surged into her heart.
It wasn't like this… it shouldn't have been like this…
A student's love for a teacher shouldn't be this way…
But why, why did he insist on this?
Six months after they moved:
"Teacher, plum blossoms can be used as ingredients for pastries. Can they be used to brew wine too? I noticed you enjoy a small drink occasionally…"
"Brewing plum blossom wine requires higher-quality materials. I don't have the time for that."
"Anything Teacher doesn't have time for, you can leave to me. If I don't know how, I will work hard to learn."
"Mm."
She nodded casually, not taking it to heart. But the boy learned a lot, and he learned fast. Gradually, aside from her research, she no longer had to worry about trivial matters. Her daily life was entirely managed by Qi Zhimu.
The pastries the boy made tasted better and better, and he absorbed the knowledge she taught him with remarkable speed. During this time, he also learned several instruments—especially the Ruan. He practiced with grueling diligence. In his spare time, he could often be seen cradling her instrument in his arms. Eventually, he could keep up with her thoughts, and they played duets together. She gifted him a Zhongruan, allowing him to officially own an instrument of his own.
Life was incredibly fulfilling. In just three years, Qi Zhimu completed the equivalent of primary school through university studies. Of course, he didn't have a formal diploma, but he didn't care, saying that staying by his teacher's side required no paperwork. He never mentioned graduation, and she had long since tossed that offhand remark to the back of her mind.
When Xiao Mu was fifteen, she met Member #55 of the Genius Society, Yu Qingtu. During the genius's visit, Yu was cold toward her student. But at some point, Yu's attitude changed. Looking back at her memories, Ruan Mei found the truth behind many small things she hadn't cared about then.
It turned out Yu Qingtu had made a bet with Xiao Mu: Could he make a pastry that she actually liked? Honestly, Yu was so picky she even found fault with Ruan Mei's own pastries. The result of the bet was unknown, but it likely didn't happen that year.
A year later, Qi Zhimu was sixteen. It had been five years since he became her student. On the night of her birthday, the boy—now nearly as tall as she was—appeared holding a jar of wine.
"Happy Birthday, Teacher. Would you like to try some Plum Blossom Brew? It's aged five years. The records say this is when the flavor is at its peak."
She was surprised. The immature voice of the child from years ago echoed in her ears. He hadn't been joking back then; he did exactly what he said he would.
"Teacher?" Seeing her daze, the boy tilted his head slightly.
"…Mm. I thought you were just speaking casually."
"How could that be? Teacher taught me: if you say you'll do something, you must do it. Otherwise, don't say it at all." The boy's smile was bright.
"…Xiao Mu is very good. You've done well. What reward do you want?"
"I want to develop a universal flavoring agent, but two of the materials… the IPC's price and shipping fees are very high…"
"Whatever you want, just log into this account to buy it. The cost doesn't matter." To her, Credits were just a string of numbers.
"Thank you, Teacher! Xiao Mu will pour the wine for you~~" The boy couldn't hide his joy as he respectfully filled her glass.
Watching the memory, Ruan Mei's eyes flickered. She remembered that night. The Plum Blossom Brew from the boy's hands left a deep impression on her. From that night on, whenever her research hit a wall, she would have a glass. The frustration would vanish. Occasionally, it even brought a surge of inspiration.
She continued watching. In the memory, she took a sip and lost herself for a moment.
"How is it, Teacher? Does it suit your palate?" The boy stood by, looking nervous.
"Not bad." She tilted her head back and drained the glass. "Pour me another."
One glass. Two glasses. Three…
By the end of the banquet, more than half the jar was gone. Qi Zhimu was too young to drink, so it all went into Ruan Mei. Her face was flushed with a seductive crimson. Feeling the heat, she took off her coat.
"Xiao Mu, I want more…"
"…Teacher, you seem a bit drunk. Let's end it here for tonight?"
"I'm not drunk."
Qi Zhimu sighed, helpless. Drunk people always say they aren't drunk.
"…" Ruan Mei frowned. Why didn't she remember this? There was a gap in her memory. She only remembered sleeping until the next day and waking up refreshed.
She watched her past self drink more.
"Teacher, you really can't drink any more!"
"A drunk person can't speak clearly. Keep pouring."
Watching the boy's helpless expression, Ruan Mei was puzzled. She had finished whole jars before and never felt drunk. She had no history of being intoxicated. What happened that year?
Finally, the jar was empty. Ruan Mei's neck was dyed a deep rose. She was completely intoxicated.
"Xiao Mu, help me to the bathroom."
"Teacher… in your state, bathing isn't conven—fine…"
Pinned by her half-lidded gaze, the boy gave in and supported her to the bathroom. He thoughtfully filled the tub with water and turned to leave. But as he stepped away, she grabbed his arm.
"Why are you leaving so fast? While I'm soaking, rub my shoulders."
"Huh?" Qi Zhimu shook his head in panic. "I can't, Teacher. There is a distinction between male and female, teacher and student. How can I—"
"Be good. Listen. There will be a reward if you do well."
....
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