Song Wei was somewhat surprised that Hao Yun would visit. He thought that they were merely acquaintances and wouldn’t have much interaction in the future.
Hao Yun stepped forward two steps, cupped his hands, and apologized, "I’m sorry to intrude, Brother Song."
Since he was already at the door, it wouldn’t be appropriate to turn him away. Song Wei courteously said, "Come in and have a cup of tea before we talk further!"
Wen Wan led the way in front, with Hao Yun closely following behind.
Xie Zheng took the opportunity to pull Song Wei aside to ask, "How did you two meet?"
Song Wei briefly replied, "We stayed at the same inn during the provincial examination and met by chance."
Xie Zheng pointed at the book basket on Hao Yun’s back, "Do you know why he’s come to see you?"
Song Wei squinted his eyes slightly and stayed silent.
"He said sincerely that he’s here to seek your guidance." Xie Zheng rarely displayed a hint of jealousy in his tone, "You and I grew up together and have been classmates for years, but you’ve never taught me a single word. How is it that you’ve only known this person for a few days and now you’re taking him under your wing?"
Song Wei glanced at him, "Which word do you not recognize?"
Xie Zheng remained jealous, "I couldn’t care less, but if you take him under your wing, you have to take me along too."
"Alright then!" Song Wei said, "Tidy up your family’s private school, and I’ll come open your eyes to learning, teaching word by word."
"Stop joking! Once you say something, it’s like spilled water; you can’t take it back." Xie Zheng jumped at the opportunity, "Isn’t it already May? I’ve been thinking of giving the kids a month’s break to go home and help their families, and our private school is quite empty. Since Mr. Song agreed so forthrightly, as your student, I will be ready to welcome you at any time."
With guests at home, Song Wei didn’t linger outside, speaking while walking, "You’re already Scholars from the courtyard examination, yet you still speak like a child."
Xie Zheng intended to stick to him, nodding in agreement, "Whatever the teacher says is right."
"Yet you still don’t listen."
"Everything else is fine, but please don’t waste your efforts trying to persuade me on this matter." Xie Zheng said, "Someone who took first in both the county and provincial exams — you have no idea how many people outside want to learn from you. It’s my fault for not realizing earlier and wasting time mindlessly. Well then, now that someone has reminded me, all you need to do is teach openly, and I’ll learn openly from you."
Seeing that Song Wei wanted to say no, Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow and threatened, "Hao Yun plans to stay at your house, and don’t say I didn’t warn you. My little sister-in-law is too eye-catching; leaving such an outsider in your house for long might lead to unpredictable outcomes.
But then again, since I’m your cousin, if Brother Song just says the word, I can take him to our place right away and save you some trouble."
Song Wei understood, "So you’ve already thought about your backup plan on the way here, waiting to force me to comply?"
Xie Zheng cupped his hands, "You are wise."
Song Wei fell silent.
Xie Zheng’s reminder was not without reason. Although there was no reaction on his face, he had already made up his mind inside, "Fine, take him back later, and after the kids leave the private school, I’ll come to teach you."
"Delightful!" Xie Zheng laughed.
When it comes to academics, being serious is understandable, but in such a situation, especially with someone like Song Wei, it’s better not to be too proud; being proud won’t get you far.