Chapter 131: The Little Boy

  Wen Ning looked at the little boy sitting in a daze by the lake in the distance, then turned to glance at Fang Qing beside him. "Has this child always been so quiet?"

  Fang Qing nodded. "When I rescued him that year, he didn't say a word. At the time, I wondered if he was mute, but later I realized he just didn't like to talk. Unexpectedly, three years later, the child hasn't changed at all. His parents said they've tried many teachers to teach him cultural knowledge, but he's withdrawn and quiet, even avoiding strangers. His parents were forced to think of me, someone they'd once interacted with."

  Fang Qing didn't need to explain the rest; Wen Ning understood. When Fang Qing rescued the little boy, although he didn't speak, he had cooperated with Fang Qing to defeat the human traffickers and even remembered Fang Qing's name. No wonder the family placed their last hope on Fang Qing.

  "Have you decided what to do?" Wen Ning had been dragged along by Fang Qing to accompany the child, but the final decision on whether to proceed lay with Fang Qing.

  In the distance, a bodyguard picked up a stone and threw it at the water, sending a series of splashes across the surface. The little boy finally piqued his interest and picked up the stone to learn.

  Fang Qing shook her head at Wen Ning's words. "I've never taught children before, and I don't know how to teach them. I'm not sure."

  Wen Ning saw her concern and stroked her hair with a smile. "This job would be a boon to you. If you really want to do it, I can help you."

  Fang Qing's eyes lit up. How could she have forgotten Wen Ning?

  Although Wen Ning appeared aloof, he was incredibly patient when teaching. His gentle personality and pleasant voice made him a favorite among the children. Wen Ning had tutored many times before, and all his students had a good impression of him.

  Fang Qing had even teased him about this, saying that if he couldn't find a job, he could become a teacher. Schools would surely be eager to hire him.

  Fang Qing grew increasingly agitated as she thought about it. She turned around and tugged at Wen Ning's sleeve, almost fawningly. "Well... if I take this job, can you teach him with me?"

  Wen Ning sighed. "His parents asked you to be their teacher, and it wouldn't be nice if you brought me along. You can spend time with the child alone. If you have any problems, tell me and I'll give you advice."

  The two of them discussed it for a long time outside, and Fang Qing finally made a decision. After all, the job was too good for her.

  On the way back, a man selling candied haws on a bicycle caught the child's attention. Seeing him curiously gazing at the colorful candied haws for a long time, Fang Qing bought several and handed them to the child.

  "The black one is candied black dates, the flat one is sweet and sour, the red one is strawberry candy, and we also have grape candied haws. I'll buy you one each. You can have whichever you like, okay?"

  Before the child could react, the bodyguard behind him stepped forward and stopped Fang Qing. "Sorry, my young master doesn't eat these things."

  Fang Qing was a little embarrassed holding up the candied haws, "Rich families are more particular about things, okay..."

  But the little boy pushed the bodyguard aside, stood in front of Fang Qing, and pointed at the green candied haws in front of everyone's surprised eyes.

  The bodyguard following behind was very surprised. He looked at Fang Qing in surprise, and when he saw that the young master did not reject it, he stepped back. Fang Qing smiled at this and bent down to give all the candied haws in his hand to the child, "Take them, these are all yours."

  This time the child did not hesitate, and Fang Qing felt that there seemed to be light in his dark eyes.

  After returning home, Fang Qing took Wen Ning to the parents and made his request. "Can you... bring my fiancé along? He has extensive teaching experience and will be more effective than me..."

  But before Fang Qing could finish her words, the parents across from her excitedly stood up and immediately nodded in agreement. "Don't say anything. We'll agree to anything you ask. Thank you so much. I'll leave my child in your care from now on."

  Wen Ning glanced at the child's parents, his cool voice calming them down.

  "I have something to say to you two. We're starting to teach your son, and we hope you won't interfere, especially if we punish him. If you can't meet this condition, please reconsider."

  The child's parents looked at the gentle young man before them. They were well aware of the abilities of Wen Ning. But after hearing Wen Ning's words, Zhang Ting frowned slightly, feeling a little unhappy. But Meng Ting suddenly understood, instantly grasping Wen Ning's meaning.

  "Don't worry. Since we've entrusted the child to you two, we won't interfere."

  Zhang Ting was about to speak when her husband restrained her. Meng Ting gave his wife a reassuring look, then looked back at Wen Ning. "I wonder when you two can return to the capital so we can arrange your rooms in advance?"

  Wen Ning nodded. "It just so happens that we'll be back to school soon, at the earliest a week after we return."

  Reassured, Meng Ting called a bodyguard over. "This is my child's bodyguard, Ah Cheng. You can contact him directly; he'll be responsible for your transportation and security."

  The plan was finally finalized, and the family prepared to depart. Just before boarding the car, the little boy suddenly let go of his mother's hand and returned. He snatched a candied haws from the bodyguard's hand and ran to Fang Qing, offering it.

  Everyone watched in amazement, and Fang Qing was pleasantly surprised. It seemed the child wasn't repulsed by her. "Is this for me? Thank you,"

  Fang Qing said as she took the candied haws. She noticed the little boy's lips curl slightly. As the luxurious car drove away, everyone felt the events of the past two days were truly a dream.

  The family returned to the house, and their father and mother worriedly told them to be careful and observe etiquette after returning to the capital.

  Father Fang was quite confident in Wen Ning. The child had always been polite and courteous since childhood, and now he was even more calm and composed. He was like a piece of jade, and even standing still could make people feel good. However, he was a little worried about his daughter.

  "Xiao Ning, after returning to the capital, if Qingqing does anything wrong, just point it out directly. She's been spoiled at home by us and sometimes has a bad temper. You must be more tolerant of her."

  Wen Ning respected Fang Qing's parents very much and quickly agreed with a smile, "Dad, don't worry, I will."

  The word "Dad" made Father Fang smile, and he happily drank too much that night.

  (End of this chapter)