After settling Xia Kelan comfortably, Su Wanwan made a detour to the hotel. Upon seeing her, Lun En was overjoyed and embraced her tightly for a long moment, tears streaming down his face."You heartless little thing, don't you care for this old man at all?""Why don't you do the math yourself? How long has it been since we last met?"Su Wanwan placed the pastries she had brought onto the table and paused thoughtfully."It has been quite a while.""You insolent girl."Su Wanwan gazed at Lun En, whose hair had turned snowy white. His face was lined with fine wrinkles, his expression gentle and kind, illuminated by a joyous smile like that of a child savoring candy."Did you buy these for me?""Mm."Lun En unwrapped one and popped it into his mouth. It melted instantly, soft and fragrant."Delicious."Then he turned to the blond man standing nearby and said,"Go, call my student and tell him to come here at once!"A flicker of surprise crossed Su Wanwan's brow."You have a student now?"Lun En proudly lifted his chin."I had a student before I even met you."Su Wanwan rolled her eyes."Then why did you bluff me, saying you'd take me as your only direct disciple?"Lun En snorted softly."I said all that, yet you never formally became my disciple.""If I hadn't said those things, you wouldn't have accepted me either, right?""You and my student have exactly the same temperament! Sigh!"Su Wanwan waited for more, but no further words came. Resigned, she shifted her gaze to the blond man, who immediately explained in English:"The gentleman's so-called student was only temporarily registered under his name during a competition long ago; he's not truly a disciple."Lun En sighed deeply, eyes filled with regret as he looked at Su Wanwan like a rare treasure."In all my life, I've only seen two with such talent as you.""Too bad neither of you have any interest in this old skeleton."The blond man put down the phone."No answer.""Forget it, if he's not coming, so be it."Su Wanwan smiled softly, covering her lips."Your Chinese keeps improving."
Just then, the doorbell rang. The blond man went to the door and called out loudly,"No cleaning needed."Outside, Su's father and Su Nian felt awkward."We're here to visit Teacher Lun En."Upon hearing the familiar voice, Su Wanwan's eyes flickered. She picked up her teacup and took a measured sip."Sorry, Master Lun En is not receiving guests."Su's father seemed to have anticipated this reply."We came too early and disturbed him; we're willing to wait outside.""Suit yourself."
At the doorway, two figures stood upright. Su's father held many valuable gifts, clearly expensive. He had spared no effort to have Su Nian accepted under Master Lun En. Two hours passed. Both were proud souls; no one likes to be left standing aside. Su Nian rang the bell again. This time, no response came."Surely not putting on such airs?" Su Nian's finely arched brows knit together, her tone tinged with petulance. She pouted and pressed the doorbell repeatedly, the relentless chimes irritating everyone.
The door was suddenly flung open from within. The blond man's face was sour."Master is resting; could you please stop disturbing him?"Su Nian's red lips parted to speak but were cut off by Lun En's hearty laughter inside. From this angle, she caught sight of a slender female silhouette."Resting? Not seeing guests? That's just an excuse you're making up!""I've admired Master Lun En for many years; I know his character well. He would never leave someone waiting outside for two hours!"
The blond man growled in anger,"Miss, I never told you to wait; that was your choice, not the Master's.""Does he have to see everyone who wants to meet him?"Su Nian raised her chin, casting him a disdainful sideways glance, as if he were beneath contempt."I'm different. I've come specifically to become Master Lun En's disciple!"
Su's father stepped forward, raising the gifts in his hands."Yes, we are sincere."The blond man glanced dismissively, clearly unimpressed. Many have brought far more precious offerings, lining up daily for Lun En."Out."Su Nian's eyes narrowed sharply, her voice cutting like a blade. Her beautiful face turned fierce."Is this how you behave?""You say no guests, yet there's someone hiding inside!""Secretive and sneaky — anyone would think they were up to no good!"
The blond man snarled,"That is our most honored guest! Watch your words!"
Su Nian sneered venomously, her words harsh and cutting."Guest?""Oh right! Many young ladies clamoring daily for all kinds of 'guests'!""I'm dying to see what kind of scoundrel dares stand in my way!"
Before she could finish, Su Nian strode forward in fury, as if ready to confront a homewrecker. She grabbed the corner of the curtain and yanked it open—A sharp slap struck her face squarely! Her mind momentarily frozen.
Su Wanwan stood before her, eyes cold and unyielding. Within the depths of those jet-black pupils was an icy chill, utterly devoid of warmth."If you can't speak properly, I, as your elder sister, will teach you a lesson."
Su Nian clutched her cheek in disbelief, staring at her with shock. Her voice cracked sharply,"Su Wanwan! How dare you hit me?!"
Su's father's expression changed drastically. He dropped the gift box, furious, and rolled up his sleeves, ready to strike Su Wanwan. But before he could touch her, the blond man executed a swift judo throw, slamming him hard to the ground."Ahh…" Su's father cried out in pain.
"Dad!" Su Nian rushed forward to help him up, glaring fiercely at Su Wanwan."Why are you here?""Oh… I see. You must have heard Lun En was in West City and came here deliberately to seduce him.""Su Wanwan, you truly are a shameless woman. No matter your age, you'll take anything you want!""Dad, I always suspected how Su Wanwan could have so much money! Now you see!"
Su's father trembled, pointing at Su Wanwan, unable to utter a word.
Su Wanwan bent slightly, grabbing Su Nian's face and squeezing hard. Her smile was faint yet chilling, sending a shiver down the spine. Her measured, drawn-out words coiled like frost-covered vines around one's limbs—biting cold, inescapable.
"Unconsciously, your mouth has become so foul.""Come to think of it, I haven't fulfilled my duties as your elder sister.""But no matter, this time, sister will help you.""Wash your mouth thoroughly."