Your Friend Is a Girl, Right

As Leonard Yuan spoke, Lily Evans listened quietly. She hadn't expected her younger brother to be so full of ideas.

The more Leonard spoke, the more animated he became. "Sis, there's no doubt that reading can enlighten and broaden the mind. But which books are truly useful, which ones can save the country and its people? I've thought about it for days, and I finally figured it out!"

Leonard tossed the book of ancient sages to the ground. "Sure, those classics help you write fancy essays and climb the official ladder, but I've found a better way for our people to live well! Sis, I don't want to study these old texts anymore. No matter how beautiful my writing is, what good does it do if folks can't fill their bellies or keep warm? They don't need flowery words—they need food, clothes, and homes! You've always been practical, never cared for that pretentious stuff. The subject you pioneered, mathematics, actually solves real problems for people. I don't want to study the Four Books and Five Classics anymore. I want to learn something truly useful!"

Leonard's chest heaved, his face flushed but his eyes were resolute. He walked over to Lily, half-knelt before her, clutching her wrist. "Sis, I know the merchant ship is about to return. Next time it sets sail, it'll take the remaining students from the language academy abroad to study. Sis, I want to go too—please let me! I want to learn how to grow more crops, build tall buildings, make better clothes. I don't want to hide at home memorizing ancient texts anymore!"

"Leonard, you want to… study abroad!?" Lily was utterly shocked. She never imagined Leonard would come up with such an idea.

"Yes, I want to go abroad. I want to learn skills that are actually useful! When I come back, I'll serve the Kingdom of Qin for you and Alexander, and help our people live better lives." Leonard was so excited: "Sis, please say yes! Language isn't a problem—I have a good memory and I'm hardworking. If I focus on it, I'll definitely keep up!"

Lily looked at Leonard, knowing that despite his young age, his resolve was unshakable. Seeing his determined expression, Lily realized he had made up his mind.

Lily sighed, her eyes full of pride. She gently stroked her brother's cheek. "Good boy, you really have guts and vision—just what I'd expect from my brother. But I can't make this decision alone. You need to understand, the merchant ship spends months at sea, facing countless storms. One mistake, and you could be lost to the ocean. You're Uncle Arthur and Mrs. Charlotte Yuan's son. You have to get your parents' permission before I can let you join the voyage."

"Alright, Sis, it's a deal! As long as I can convince my parents, you'll let me go study abroad!" Hope sparkled in the young man's eyes as he held out his pinky. "Sis, let's pinky swear—no backing out!"

"Alright, pinky swear!"

Although he knew convincing his parents would be difficult, Leonard was thrilled to finally say what he'd been holding in his heart.

Lily looked at Leonard, her gaze flickering, and suddenly asked, 'Ling'er, who was the person that asked you what skills you have?'

Leonard instantly turned as red as a cooked shrimp, stammering, 'N-no one, just... just a friend I know...'

'Oh? Just a friend?' Lily grew more suspicious, rubbing her chin and staring into Leonard's eyes. 'That friend of yours—is she a girl?'