Old Acquaintance
Su Li and Dean Gu were strolling in Wutong Academy, calmly listening to the various discussions among the students, while focusing on enjoying the scenery of the academy.
She knew that coming to the nation’s top academy as a young teacher would naturally spark much gossip and many doubters, but she wasn’t anxious or afraid.
Because she possessed genuine talent and skills, true gold fears no fire.
The first day was for the welcome ceremony and familiarizing with the environment. Dean Gu took Su Li to the Mathematics Academy, where she met her future colleagues and subordinates.
With Dean Gu present, everyone showed a friendly attitude toward this young math teacher. Even the hot-headed Liu Bai suppressed his resentment and politely greeted Su Li.
Overall, the math teachers were surprisingly harmonious that day.
After introductions, Dean Gu told her, "Today was the welcome ceremony and environment tour. It’s getting late, so everyone has dispersed. Rest early. Formal work starts tomorrow."
Everyone dispersed, and Su Li took Lingdang directly by carriage to Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant to change back into women’s clothing.
"Master, you’re amazing! Even the formidable Dean Gu treats you with such respect," Lingdang looked at Su Li with admiration.
Su Li smiled, about to reply, when a waiter from Qingya Vegetarian Restaurant rushed in to deliver a message: there was a guest in the private room insisting on seeing her—it was an old acquaintance.
"Oh? An old acquaintance?" Su Li was surprised, and followed the waiter with Lingdang to the private room.
As soon as the private room door opened, she indeed saw a very, very familiar face.
Li Yanhao was flushed red from drinking, sitting next to Shen Yan, with one arm draped over Shen Yan’s neck, whispering something. Seeing Su Li enter, he sprang up like a spring.
Su Li looked at Li Yanhao, half amused and half exasperated, and said, "Oh, it really is an old acquaintance. I say, Young Master, what brings you to my vegetarian restaurant?"
Li Yanhao poked Shen Yan, who stood and cupped his hands with a smile to Su Li: "Madam Su, greetings."
"Young Master Shen," Su Li smiled and returned the greeting.
Li Yanhao poked Shen Yan and said to Su Li, "A Li, I bragged to Young Master Shen that I could get you to personally cook some delicious dishes. Don’t embarrass me now."
Su Li smiled gently and said, "Young Master, you specifically called me here just to have me cook personally?"
Li Yanhao surprisingly admitted immediately, nodding like a pecking chick, "Alright, A Li, just make one dish, any dish will do. I’ve already said it, so I can’t let Young Master Shen look down on me!"
Li Yanhao had helped Su Li a lot, but asking her to cook a dish was a small matter, nothing for a cook to worry about.
Su Li waved her hand generously. The waiter handed the menu to Shen Yan. Su Li said, "Young Master Shen, order whatever you like. Today I’ll cook personally for you all, this table is on me, consider it thanks to Young Master for helping me so much."
Li Yanhao was delighted to be given face by Su Li and proudly showed off in front of Shen Yan: "Young Master Shen, see that? As soon as I spoke, A Li agreed to cook herself. You know, outsiders can’t get a taste of dishes personally made by A Li!"
Li Yanhao wasn’t lying. Since Su Li handed the vegetarian restaurant over to her three disciples to manage, she rarely had time to cook personally. Even the most distinguished guests had to book in advance and depend on Su Li’s mood.
If she’s in a bad mood, not even the emperor himself could make her cook.