Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 604 - 604 605 Extremely Talented_1

Chapter 604: Chapter 605: Extremely Talented_1 Chapter 604: Chapter 605: Extremely Talented_1 Tianniu, who had been utterly bored lying in bed and daydreaming, watched as Qiao Yuanming brought in that sheet of problems. Thinking it was just another one hitting a wall, she didn’t pay much attention, since Muniang had already explained those problems to her, and she found them amusing.

“Tianniu, take a look. Another one’s just come to propose as a tutor. Do you think he’s suitable?”

With a casual glance, Tianniu saw the name Zhao Jiangshui and felt a surge of joy inside her, nearly bouncing off the bed. She quickly said, “Yes, yes, I need to pay my respects to my teacher right away, this master is so learned!”

Qiao Yuanming, not understanding, only held back Tianniu from getting up, “Your injuries haven’t healed yet. Let’s wait for another day.”

But how could Tianniu wait? Her heartthrob had come knocking at her door; she absolutely had to meet him. Throwing on an outer garment haphazardly, she said, “I’m all better, Dad, don’t worry. It’s not often that such an erudite teacher passes by—you can’t miss such an opportunity!”

Zhao Jiangshui had been sitting outside for less than the time it takes to finish a half-cup of tea when Tianniu hurried out. The wound on her back still hadn’t healed, burning painfully; in fact, she was just forcibly holding herself together.

“Zhao Jiangshui!” Tianniu called out excitedly.

Zhao Jiangshui looked at her lively appearance, still full of vigor, and he kind of set his mind at ease.

“Why are you here? Could it be that you missed me?” Tianniu said gleefully.

Zhao Jiangshui turned the conversation away, “I thought you had been beaten and couldn’t get out of bed—that’s why I came to check on you.”

In her heart, Tianniu was still happy; his concern for her meant he didn’t despise her that much.

Zhao Jiangshui glanced at her and, seeing she didn’t seem like someone who had been beaten, stood up and said, “Since you’re alright, I’ll be leaving now.”

He didn’t even understand why he had impulsively come, especially after seeing that she was fine, which made him feel like a fool.

However, Tianniu caught hold of him, “Who said I’m fine? I have a huge gash on my back. I can’t even get out of bed.” It seemed she had moved the wound, and Tianniu hissed in pain.

Zhao Jiangshui immediately stopped in his tracks, “Don’t move around, why did you get out of bed if the wound isn’t healed?”

“It’s because you came,” Tianniu blurted out without thinking.

Zhao Jiangshui’s fair face turned red; he had never interacted with girls like this before. Suddenly hearing something that sounded like a confession, he felt embarrassed himself.

Tianniu quickly corrected herself, “No, no, that’s not what I meant. I meant, isn’t it rare for someone to come proposing as a tutor? You know, I’ve always liked studying, but sadly, no tutor is willing to teach me. I think you are pretty great, and you are a scholar too; such a fine title, you definitely could teach me a lot. I got so excited that I hurried over.”

Zhao Jiangshui’s mouth twitched violently; it wasn’t that no one was willing to teach her, it was she who had driven them away. Just as he entered, he had encountered a teacher who’d been rejected here.

“But I couldn’t answer that question either, still…”

“Which question? That was just something I wrote on a whim, being unsolvable is the best answer, and you, Zhao Jiangshui, are the only one who achieved it!” Tian Niu solemnly spouted nonsense.

Just then, Qiao Yuanming came in with tea, spotted Zhao Jiangshui, and smiled as he said, “Master, please have a seat. It is rare for my daughter to have a tutor who can teach her, so please do not disdain us. Name your price, and as long as it is within our means, we will certainly meet it.”

Qiao Yuanming’s attitude was sincere, which made Zhao Jiangshui feel too embarrassed to decline, especially with Tian Niu looking at him so eagerly. In a moment of heat, he agreed.

Muniang had originally intended to match Tian Niu with Jianghe, but now that Tian Niu evidently had someone she liked, Muniang naturally would not meddle and draft a Love Match; when it came to marriage, it was best to let her decide for herself.

That evening, Qiao Yuanming told Madam Liu about hiring a new master, and when he mentioned that Tian Niu had agreed to it herself, she was overjoyed. Her daughter would finally settle down—a truly great matter.

However, upon seeing Zhao Jiangshui himself the next day, Madam Liu felt nervous. Even though he had credentials as a scholar, a person of distinction indeed, the way her daughter looked at him seemed conspicuously inappropriate.

Zhao Jiangshui was so young and had a refined appearance. Tian Niu was Madam Liu’s own flesh and blood, and she knew her well. Despite having many brothers, she had never looked at a man with such eyes. Madam Liu surmised that the person Tian Niu had previously spoken of liking was likely him.

What if something untoward happened while her daughter was alone with such a man? At that moment, Madam Liu was not inclined to trust Zhao Jiangshui’s character. She initially considered firing him, but thinking of her daughter’s rare fondness and fearing to push her away, which might result in her refusal to marry at all, Madam Liu decided to keep him. His presence would keep Tian Niu more settled.

Madam Liu then made a point to have Qiao Yuanming keep watch at all times at home. Whenever Zhao Jiangshui came to teach, he was to keep an eye on the situation.

Meanwhile, Muniang was busy with Mrs. Lin’s wedding preparations and so Madam Liu had not shared her concerns, not wanting to trouble her with worries. After all, it was her own daughter’s affair—how could she constantly bother someone else with it?

In the blink of an eye, three months passed, and the Zhao Family’s home was decorated inside and out with lively celebration, the firecrackers bursting with noise. They invited all the neighbors; Mr. Zhao, dressed in a crimson festive gown with a bright red flower pinned to his chest, bowed and thanked each guest with gratitude, making the atmosphere exceptionally lively.

When the auspicious hour arrived, Mr. Zhao hurriedly mounted a tall horse and, leading a procession of carriages, went to fetch his bride.

Mrs. Li, who had long been envious of Mr. Zhao, peered at the scene and could not help grinding her teeth in anger, “She’s just a widow remarrying, yet she’s making such a big spectacle. Isn’t she ashamed? If it were me, I wouldn’t even have a wedding feast, I’d just sneak into the man’s house and be done with it. What’s with this grandeur?”

Others, however, ridiculed her, “Mrs. Li, you’re just jealous, aren’t you? Both widows, yet Mr. Zhao didn’t fancy you, preferring someone else. Oh, I heard that you even dangled the businesses left by your deceased husband as bait, but Mr. Zhao never took any notice, did he?!”

Incensed, Mrs. Li retorted, “That’s because he has no taste!”

Everyone laughed uproariously.

Mr. Zhao, of course, had no mind to pay attention to these petty disturbances. All his thoughts were on Mrs. Lin; he had dreamed of marrying her since his youth, often imagining her in a wedding dress. He had thought such dreams wouldn’t come to fruition, but today, against all odds, his dream had come true. Mr. Zhao couldn’t contain his delight. All the way, he felt buoyant and full of zest, as if he had rejuvenated by ten years.