Temporary Leave

"Martin, come in quickly!" Martin Wu was lost in thought when his father's voice came from behind.

"Coming!" Martin Wu hurried inside and saw his parents signing what looked like some kind of contract with Mr. Evans.

"Dad, Mom, what are you signing?" Martin Wu asked.

"It's a franchise agreement!" Mr. Wu Sr. said happily, handing it to Martin. "We've asked all the questions. This Hot Pot franchise is backed by Prince of Qin's Manor, and the recipe comes from Princess Lily Hayes, the top chef in the Capital. Mr. Evans just took us to taste the hot pot, and it was delicious! The business is sure to be good! Mr. Evans said that if we sign now, we'll be the first branch and get discounts and extra support. After talking it over with your mom, since our old business is barely hanging on, we might as well take a chance and try opening a hot pot restaurant!"

Martin Wu was delighted. He hadn't expected his parents to make such a quick, decisive move in business.

Martin couldn't help with the family business, so his parents handled everything while he focused on his studies.

Martin watched as his parents finished all the franchise paperwork. Then, the three of them happily escorted him back to the academy.

All the way, his parents excitedly discussed where to open the new shop in the provincial capital. They said the main office would take care of renovations and staff training, which saved them a lot of worry.

Seeing his parents so excited and full of hope for a better life, Martin couldn't help but smile along with them.

Amid their cheerful laughter, the first Hot Pot franchise branch was officially settled. Years later, Martin would never have imagined that his sharp eye for opportunity—and his parents' vision and decisiveness—would make the Wu family famous local tycoons, all thanks to the hot pot restaurant.

In just a few days, Lily Evans finished handling all the academy affairs. Then, citing poor health, she took a long leave of absence.

When the students heard that Professor Lily Evans needed several months to recover, they were extremely concerned.

So, on the day Lily Evans left the academy, many students brought handmade gifts to see her off. Some enthusiastically recommended renowned doctors to Professor Evans, while others from well-off families even invited her to recuperate at their scenic country estates.

The students' concerned gazes deeply moved Lily Evans.

All these students were her pupils, most of whom had attended her classes.

"Professor Evans, you must take care and come back soon! We all miss you!"

"Yes, Professor Evans, rest well and don't overwork yourself."

"Professor Evans, from now on I promise not to be naughty. I'll study hard so you won't have to worry about me."

"..."

The farewell procession stretched far down the road. Lily Evans sat in her carriage, watching students run after it, reluctant to part. The younger children chased the carriage, crying as they ran, unable to let go of the famous yet always kind and fair Professor Evans.

"Go on back now! I'll return in a few months, once I've recovered. While I'm gone, don't slack off—when I come back, I'll make sure to test you all thoroughly!" Lily Evans lifted the curtain of her carriage and called out to the students behind.

The students burst into laughter. The children wiped their tears, cupped their hands around their mouths, and shouted, "Professor Evans, we'll be waiting for you to come back and test us!"