Settling Affairs

Lily Evans lowered her head and looked at the carefully wrapped silk bundle. She opened it to find a letter of appointment and several official seals and tokens neatly arranged inside.

Lily knew that these represented all of Principal Gregory Gu's life's work and final wishes. He trusted her so much, entrusting everything to her.

Lily carefully put the items away and said solemnly, "Principal Gu, please rest assured. I will not let you down."

"Good, good child..." Principal Gu looked at Lily with satisfaction and sighed, "I've been proud all my life, but who would have thought that in my old age, I'd be won over by a young lady? Haha, if this had happened when I was young, I would've said, 'Women and petty men are hard to raise.' Who knew a woman could be so outstanding? Lily, meeting you has truly opened my eyes."

Lily smiled and looked at Principal Gu. "Since you've let go of your bias against women, if I recruit female students at the academy in the future, would you oppose it?"

"Of course not, of course not!" Principal Gu laughed heartily. "If we could train more Lilys, that would be a blessing for the people and the world!"

Seeing how open-minded Principal Gu was despite his age, Lily respected him even more, realizing he wasn't an old stick-in-the-mud at all.

The two friends, despite their age gap, chatted for a long time. Lily and Principal Gu discussed academy matters and her business ventures.

Principal Gu listened with great interest, saying that if he were thirty years younger, he'd definitely become Lily's student and learn mathematics from her.

Meanwhile, outside the door, Gregory Gu Jr. occasionally felt a pang of anxiety as he listened to the laughter and cheerful voices coming from inside.

He was deeply worried that Lily Evans would retaliate against him by telling his grandfather about his collusion with Chu to cheat. So when his grandfather said he wanted to meet with Lily, Gregory Gu Jr. was strongly opposed.

But he couldn't go against his grandfather, so in the end, he came along.

Gregory Gu Jr. stood anxiously at the door for what felt like ages. Only when the door finally opened and he saw Principal Gu happily chatting and laughing with Lily did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Judging by his grandfather's expression, Lily probably hadn't tattled on him.

"Professor Evans, take care of yourself." Principal Gu patted Lily on the shoulder, smiling warmly.

Lily replied earnestly, "Absolutely! Principal Gu, you must also look after yourself and take care of your health."

Lily walked Principal Gu all the way to the academy gates. She stood at the entrance, watching the elderly man disappear into the distance before finally returning to her own little courtyard.

Lily stroked the items Principal Gu had left behind, feeling a wave of inexplicable sadness.

Principal Gu had begun to settle his affairs, which meant he knew he didn't have much time left.

Just thinking about how this wise old man—who had recognized her talents—didn't have much time left made Lily's chest tighten painfully, as if she couldn't breathe. She also felt deeply guilty for not visiting him more often, forcing him to come see her in person and entrust the Phoenix Academy to her with such faith.

Lily carefully put away the things Principal Gu had left and made a mental note to visit the Gu family and see Principal Gu whenever she could.

Even though she disliked Gregory Gu Jr. and wanted to avoid him, she couldn't let her aversion to one person leave her with lifelong regrets.

Lily sighed and silently prayed that Principal Gu would live a long and healthy life.

Just as Lily was lost in melancholy, Lola returned from class.

Martin Wu came along with Lola, as well as Martin's parents.

Lily watched as Martin Wu's parents entered the house, carrying large bundles of local specialties. They bowed respectfully to her and greeted, "Professor Evans, good day."

Seeing Martin Wu's parents, Lily frowned slightly, wondering if they had changed their minds and wanted to take Martin away, preventing this gifted and clever girl from continuing her studies.