Literary Master 1918: Starting with New Youth

who is it?

Ma Yu was puzzled, but her eyes gradually adjusted to the light.

The moment my vision cleared again, the familiar scene in front of the door reappeared.

The dirt road compacted by the passing crowds, the mottled earthen wall across the street, and... a figure standing three steps away from the door.

He was wearing a brand-new student uniform, which made him stand tall and straight like a pine tree. A fountain pen was tucked into his breast pocket. His refined demeanor exuded a youthful vigor that belonged to the new era in this ancient alley.

Unlike other visitors, he did not bow humbly; instead, he stood calmly with his hands relaxed.

Ma Yu realized that this might be the guest her father had mentioned.

Her gaze moved upwards and froze when it landed on that young face.

So handsome...

His handsome, dashing face showed no sign of seriousness. On the contrary, the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, and his eyes held an indescribable smile, making him look extremely gentle.

Just like the bamboo gentleman she imagined...

And so, Ma Yu smiled wistfully, her smile as radiant as a flower blooming in late autumn.

.......

Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

The commotion inside the door, the autumn sun outside, and the short distance between the two young people meeting for the first time—all these elements combined to create a silent drama.

As someone who has been a sucker for good looks in two lifetimes, Wu Zhu has never been able to resist beautiful women since childhood, and he is no better than her in this case; he's just good at pretending.

He nodded slightly to the somewhat disheveled girl:

"What a coincidence, Huaijin."

The sound was faint; probably only the two of them could hear it.

This left Ma Yu speechless, somewhat bewildered—Do we know each other?

But as she gradually realized what the last four words the visitor had said were, an unbelievable thought exploded in her mind, leaving her frozen in place, mouth slightly agape, her mind completely blank!

Currently, only two people know about Huaijin: one is Yang Zizhen, the vengeful messenger, and the other is the teacher he talks about day and night...

My goodness!

Many contradictions quietly became clear at this moment.

Ma Yu burst out laughing, her eyes instantly turning red. She lowered her head, shyly tucking her hair behind her ear, and remained silent for a long time.

Wu Zhu didn't intend to explain further. Yesterday, Mr. Pa Weng told Ma Yuzhao his home address, and the first person he thought of was Huai Jin. That's why he went out in the morning to buy a new outfit.

Money should be spent wisely; I should dress up a bit before meeting Huaijin...

"That's right, would your parents ever harm you? You'll know once you meet this guest..."

When Ma Yuzhao saw his daughter standing at the door like a guardian deity, he thought she had come to her senses. He came to the door while trying to comfort her, but his words came to an abrupt halt.

His previously serious expression instantly transformed into one of surprise:

"Oh dear! Wu Zhu! Why did you come without saying a word and just stand at the door? Were you startled by my daughter? Don't worry about it, it was really my oversight. Please come in, please come in!"

Wu Zhu calmly cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Ma Yuzhao, his tone neither humble nor arrogant:

"Uncle Ma, your nephew has come as promised. I heard some noise inside and felt it would be presumptuous to knock on the door so I waited here. It has nothing to do with your daughter, please forgive me."

"No, no, please come in."

Ma Yuzhao's face nearly split open with a grin when he heard Wu Zhu address him as "Uncle-Master" repeatedly.

Wu Zhu picked up the gifts placed on the ground and went into the house at Ma Yuzhao's invitation. When he passed by the mentally challenged Ma Yu, he winked at her and tilted his head slightly to signal her to follow.

"call!"

Ma Yu was then freed from the immobilization spell and exhaled a long, cool breath.

Then, she blinked and laughed heartily, but then realized something was amiss and quickly composed herself, skipping and hopping behind the two of them.

hey-hey......

Making friends is not out of the question.

However, she didn't dare to go directly into the main house, and only dared to hide under the eaves, peeking inside.

Ma Yuzhao is introducing Wu Zhu's family to him:

"This is my mother, and this is my wife. You must have met her at school, so I won't go into details."

"Hello, Grandma. Hello, Auntie. I am Wu Zhu, your student. I apologize for bothering you."

Wu Zhu was quite outgoing and behaved very politely.

"Good, good! What a handsome young man! Since you're from the same sect as Yuzhao, why did you bring anything with you!"

"Yes, you're visiting your uncle's house, why are you being so polite?"

"Since Grandma and Auntie said so, I won't bring it next time I come."

The room was filled with laughter and chatter; everyone forgot there was someone else there.

Upon hearing the clear, gentle voice, Ma Yu's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason.

She hesitated under the eaves, wanting to go in and talk to him, but remembering his stubbornness just now, she couldn't bring herself to move.

Nora, you've really gotten me into trouble!

......

Inside the main house, the group finished exchanging pleasantries.

Grandma and Chen Dexin went to the kitchen to work. She glanced at Ma Yu, who was hiding under the eaves, with surprise. She didn't tease her, but just gave her a slightly amused look.

As Ma Yuzhao was offering Wu Zhu tea, his gaze swept across the room and he noticed a figure standing awkwardly in front of the door.

Weren't you leaving? Now that the guests have arrived, why aren't you leaving?

Thinking of this, Ma Yuzhao was both annoyed and amused, and deliberately shouted:

"Yu'er, why are you standing at the door and not coming in?"

"I......"

"Oh! I remember now, you're going to meet your pen pal! Go ahead! I want to have a good chat about literature with my junior apprentice!"

Ma Yuzhao pronounced the words "pen pal" with a slurred tone, clearly making a joke.

Ma Yu, who was hiding outside the door, suddenly felt her cheeks burn and turned bright red.

How could you do that to your husband in front of him!

Wu Zhu's hand, which was holding the teacup, trembled slightly. He glanced at the doorway as if by accident, exchanged a glance with Ma Yu, and then withdrew his hand.

"Nephew, you don't know this. My daughter is always talking about pen pals. The argument you heard outside the door just now was her insisting on going out to see that pen pal and throwing a tantrum at us."

"Saying things like 'No one is as good as my pen pal' and 'My pen pal is better than anyone you've invited; only he understands me' is incredibly childish."

Ma Yuzhao ruthlessly sabotaged him.

Wu Zhu knew perfectly well who Huai Jin's pen pal was.

He just didn't expect Huaijin to be so bold as to plan a sneak attack on him, and even throw a tantrum at his family. If he hadn't come today, he would have been caught off guard.

However, he didn't intend to explain anything.

Some things are little secrets that belong only between two people. Once they are told, they lose their charm. Otherwise, Huaijin would have told them long ago.

These "bold words" are quite effective!

"Your daughter is truly fascinating. Why don't we invite her in and have her sit down, so we can discuss our views on modern literature?"

"Alright...did you hear me! If you're not leaving, come in quickly, it'll be good to serve the guests some tea!"

Ma Yuzhao laughed and shouted loudly towards the door.

Ma Yu could no longer contain herself and rushed in, both embarrassed and anxious, like a boiled shrimp:

"Father! You're talking nonsense!"

After saying that, he stood in the living room, wishing he could disappear into a crack in the floor.

Especially when faced with Wu Zhu's enigmatic eyes, he wished he could immediately pluck out a three-bedroom apartment.

"Junior Sister, your Martial Uncle was just joking, don't take it to heart."

Wu Zhu spoke softly and gently, offering his advice.

Huaijin is so adorable! Meeting her in person is a completely different story from what I wrote in the letter! It's so much fun to tease her.

"Our junior colleague is in the prime of her youth, lively and energetic, with pioneering ideas—this is exactly the kind of student that *New Youth* magazine wants!"

"Um... I'm going back to my room to get some things..."

Ma Yu gave a barely audible "hmm," but no one could hear what she said. Like a startled little rabbit, she hurriedly ran back to her room.

She closed the door behind her, leaned against the cold door panel, and her heart pounded.

Once she had calmed down, she went to the bedside, buried her head in the covers like an ostrich, and pounded the bed with all her might.

"Oh dear...this is so embarrassing..."

"How can someone be so shameful..."