Memories Like the Wind

Su Li avoided Gregory Gu Jr.'s gaze, her eyes landing on Principal Gregory Gu, and felt a jolt of surprise.

The last time Su Li saw Principal Gregory Gu at the Gu Family residence, the elderly man was ill but still in good spirits.

But now, Principal Gregory Gu seemed to have aged ten years overnight—his face was gaunt and his energy drained, looking far more frail than before.

Yet the moment Principal Gregory Gu saw Su Li, he smiled, genuinely delighted.

"Please, come inside quickly." Su Li hurriedly had the servants carry the sedan chair toward her own courtyard.

At the courtyard entrance, the sedan chair was set down, and Gregory Gu Jr. quickly helped his grandfather out.

Principal Gregory Gu's legs were no longer steady; he clearly struggled to walk and lacked strength.

This reminded Su Li of their very first meeting, when he was still a vigorous and robust elder. Seeing Principal Gregory Gu so sickly now left her feeling especially uneasy.

Once the guests were seated, Su Li had tea served and sent the bookboys outside.

With no one else left in the room, Principal Gregory Gu looked Su Li up and down, then said warmly, "A-Li, it's been ages since you came to see me."

Su Li listened, feeling a bit guilty as she lowered her head. She had promised to visit Principal Gregory Gu, but not once had she gone.

"Ah... I know you've been busy." Principal Gregory Gu took the initiative to excuse her, chuckling. "You really are something special. Even while I've been ill, I've heard all about what you've accomplished. Your business is thriving, and the Royal Academy of Mathematics is flourishing under your leadership—truly impressive!"

Principal Gregory Gu's eyes were full of admiration and affection, as if he were looking at his own grandchild. His gaze drifted into the distance. "Thinking back to when we first met, you were just a village woman. Now, in the blink of an eye, you've become the famous Professor Jade Evans. It's like a dream..."

Principal Gregory Gu was especially talkative today, rambling about the past. Su Li listened quietly and patiently to the kind old man reminisce, occasionally chiming in to agree.

Meanwhile, Gregory Gu Jr.'s eyes grew dim as he watched his grandfather, a trace of sadness in his gaze.

From Gregory Gu Jr.'s look at Principal Gregory Gu, and the principal's own frail state, Su Li understood that this wise and kindly elder didn't have much time left.

Thinking of this, Su Li couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness.

If not for Principal Gregory Gu's guidance, she would never have become a teacher, nor would she be known today as Professor Jade Evans.

After reminiscing for a while, Principal Gregory Gu was clearly tired. He sipped his tea, glanced at Gregory Gu Jr., and said, "Zhe'er, step outside. I have something to say to A-Li alone."

Gregory Gu Jr. hesitated, then obediently got up and walked out, closing the door behind him and standing guard outside.

Inside, only Su Li and Principal Gregory Gu remained. The principal's gaze fell on Su Li's belly, and he smiled gently: "A-Li, how many months along are you?"

Su Li blushed, touching her belly. "Five months," she replied.

"Ah, already five months. A-Li is going to be a mother soon." Principal Gregory Gu looked overjoyed. "I wonder if I'll live to see your child."

"Once the baby is a month old, I'll be sure to invite you to the celebration!" Su Li said quickly. "Principal Gregory Gu, you'll live a long and healthy life, don't think such things."

Principal Gregory Gu waved his hand, looking serene. "Life and death are fated; everyone must face it someday. I've long since come to terms with it. I was born poor, rose to high rank, and in my old age fulfilled my dream by founding Phoenix Academy for the good of the people. I've done most of what I set out to do, and I have no regrets. If I go now, I can rest easy."