Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

...Could it be...?

Ruan Mei's pupils trembled slightly.

Was it because of this sentence that he returned to his old place after completing his apprenticeship and never left until his death?

She only remembered this part of the past now...

No… "finding" would be a more appropriate word.

What complicated her even more was—

Even until his death, Qi Zhimu never forgot this phrase that he had long forgotten.

After completing his apprenticeship, he returned to his home world and stayed there for 111 years without ever leaving.

Even in death, he left behind puppets to keep his promise.

For a moment, Ruan Mei felt a tightness in her chest, and an unknown emotion she had never felt before welled up in her heart.

That's not how it is... It shouldn't be like this...

Students' love for their teachers shouldn't be like this...

But why does he do it this way?

Six months after moving.

"Teacher, plum blossoms can be used to make pastries, so could they be used to make wine? I've noticed you occasionally enjoy a drink..."

"To make plum blossom wine, you need better quality ingredients, but I don't have the time."

"I can do things that the teacher doesn't have time for. If I don't know how, I'll try my best to learn."

"Um."

She nodded casually, not taking it to heart.

But the boy learned a lot, and very quickly.

Gradually, apart from her research, she no longer needed to worry about other trivial matters, and her daily life was entirely taken care of by Qi Zhimu.

The boy's pastries tasted better and better, and he was able to absorb the knowledge he was taught very quickly.

During this period, he also learned many musical instruments, especially the ruan, which he studied very diligently.

Whenever he had free time, the boy could be seen holding her musical instrument in his arms.

Gradually, the boy was able to follow along with her train of thought and play together.

She gave him a zhongruan, so that he could officially own his own musical instrument.

His days were incredibly fulfilling, and in just three years, Qi Zhimu completed the education that ordinary people receive from elementary school to university.

Of course, he doesn't have a written diploma yet; if he wants one, he'll have to apply to a school and go through the process.

But he didn't care, saying that he didn't need a written diploma to follow his teacher.

Qi Zhimu didn't mention graduation, and she temporarily forgot about that casual remark.

When Amu was 15, she met Yu Qingtu, member #55 of the Genius Club.

When the genius visited, the latter was rather cold towards her students, and not at all friendly.

Later, at some point, Yu Qingtu changed his attitude.

Ruan Mei carefully reviewed the past and found the truth behind many long-forgotten, trivial matters that she had taken for granted back then.

It turns out that Yu Qingtu made a bet with Amu back then.

How can I make pastries that she will like?

To be honest, even the pastries I make myself always get criticized by Yu Qingtu.

That person had extremely picky tastes, even to the point of being pedantic.

The outcome of the bet is currently unknown, but it is unlikely to be the same as what happened to Qi Zhimu back then.

A year later, Qi Zhimu turned 16.

More than five years have passed since I became her student.

On the night of her birthday, a boy almost as tall as her appeared, carrying a jar of wine in his arms.

"Happy birthday, teacher. Would you like some plum blossom wine? It's five years old; the information says that's when it's at its best."

She was somewhat surprised at that moment, as the student's youthful voice from a few years ago echoed in her ears.

It turns out that when he was just a young child, he was never joking; he would do exactly what he said.

"Teacher?" Seeing her in a daze, the boy tilted his head slightly.

"...Hmm, I thought you were just saying it casually."

"How could that be? My teacher taught me that I should do what I say, otherwise I shouldn't say it at all." The boy smiled brightly.

"...Xiao Mu is very well-behaved and did a great job. What reward would you like?"

"I want to develop a universal MSG, but two of the ingredients... the company's list price and delivery costs are very high..."

"Just log in to this account and buy whatever you want; the cost is negotiable."

To her, credits were just a string of numbers; whenever she needed them, she could simply sell some of her research and development patents.

"Thank you, teacher! Let me pour you some plum wine~~"

The boy, unable to hide his joy at getting what he wanted, respectfully stepped forward and filled his wine cup.

Upon seeing this, Ruan Mei's eyes flickered.

She remembers that night.

The plum blossom wine made by the young man left a very deep impression on her.

From that night on, whenever her research encountered difficulties or caused her distress, she would sip a small glass of plum blossom wine.

Once you drink it, all your worries and unhappiness will disappear.

On rare occasions, it can even spark a burst of inspiration.

Ruan Mei continued reading.

She took a small sip and was momentarily lost in thought.

"How is it, teacher? Does it suit your taste?" The boy stood to the side, looking somewhat nervous.

"Not bad." She tilted her head back slightly and downed the drink in one gulp. "Pour me another glass."

One cup.

Two cups.

Three cups...

Gradually, as the birthday banquet drew to a close, most of the jar of plum blossom wine disappeared.

Qi Zhimu was too young to drink alcohol, so it all ended up in Ruan Mei's stomach.

At this moment, her pretty face had a slightly alluring blush, and she seemed to feel a little hot, so she took off her coat.

"Xiao Mu, I want more..."

"...Teacher, you seem a little drunk. Shall we call it a day for tonight?"

"I'm not drunk."

Qi Zhimu immediately deflated, looking helpless.

Drunk people always say they're not drunk.

"..." Ruan Mei frowned.

How come she doesn't remember this scene?

Upon careful recollection, I honestly can't remember; there are gaps in my memory.

I only remember sleeping until the next day after the birthday banquet. When I woke up, I felt refreshed and continued to devote myself to my research.

After a few more drinks, he finished his meal.

"Teacher, you really can't drink anymore!"

"A drunk person can't speak clearly, so keep pouring drinks."

"well……"

Seeing the boy's helpless sigh, Ruan Mei's eyes were full of confusion.

She had tried drinking a whole jar in a short time before, but she was never drunk.

I have never been drunk before, from childhood to adulthood.

What exactly happened back then?

In the end, the entire jar of plum blossom wine was completely emptied, not a single drop remained.

At this moment, Ruan Meixue's white neck was flushed red, and anyone could see that she was completely drunk.

"Xiao Mu, help me to the bathroom."

"Teacher...you're not in a good condition to shower...okay..."

Under the teacher's half-closed gaze, the boy had no choice but to back down and help her into the bathroom.

She thoughtfully filled the bathtub with water before turning around to leave.

Just as he lifted his right foot, his arm was suddenly grabbed.

"Why are you walking so fast? When you take a bath later, give the teacher a shoulder massage."

"what?"

Qi Zhimu instinctively shook his head in a panic.

"No, teacher! There's a difference between teachers and students, and between men and women. How can you let me—"

"Be good, listen to me, and you'll get a reward if you do well."