Chapter 45
Chapter 45 – Very Satisfied (Part 1)
“I want to take you as my master, ah.” The old man suddenly spoke and scared Lin Mumu so much she didn’t speak anymore. (TN: He actually says ‘I want to worship you as my master’, which means to pay respects as a junior and accept her as his teacher.)
He was an old man who had participated in many foreign wars, and could kill people with his merits alone. Even if he had retreated from his position, he still had his military strong and intimidating aura. Lin Mumu didn’t dare accept him as her disciple even if she ate a bear’s heart and a leopard’s gall. If she accepted him, wouldn’t she be punished by copying ‘The Principles of Taoism’ 3000 times?
(TN: The idiom ‘to eat bear heart and leopard gall’ means to pluck up some courage. Also, ‘The Principles of Taoism’ is actually referred to as a well-known book tittle, in which you could find reflections like ‘those who understand others are clever, but those who know themselves are truly wise’.)
Most importantly, he was Yun Ting’s grandfather!
“Why, do you think I’m too old and useless?” Old general Yun childishly threw a tantrum.
It was said that the elderly needed to be coaxed, so Lin Mumu could only helplessly say: “I came down from a Taoist temple in the San Qing mountains. We have strict rules and regulations, and we can’t casually accept disciples.
Perhaps I could introduce you to my master first to see if he can accept you as a disciple?”
“Never mind, it’s alright.” The old man quickly waved his hand in refusal. How could he become a disciple? That would be a big loss of face. He was merely teasing Lin Mumu.
“If you want to learn how to grow flowers, I will call you again next time.”
“Good, you must call me, ah. I’ll let my grandson give you my tuition fee.”
“En.” Lin Mumu nodded and continued to cheerfully busying around the garden. She said: “Your grandson has already paid your tuition fee and left a card with me.”
The old man and the little girl kept busying themselves in the garden for two hours since the afternoon. Lin Mumu saw fresh vegetables in the refrigerator, so she cooked two small dishes and went back to school after eating dinner with the old man.
When Lin Mumu’s foot had barely left the estate, Old general Yun’s voice sounded out: “I’m very satisfied with my granddaughter-in-law. You can rest assured, Grandpa will support you.”
Chapter 45 – Very Satisfied (Part 2)
Afterwards, the old man leisurely took a trip to Beijing University and China University to listen to the news of the young people.
He had already removed his ‘intimidating general’ identity, and now looked more like a friendly old professor walking around the university.
The old professors of Beijing University usually liked to take strolls at school in the morning and in the evening, so he didn’t appear out of place at al.
When he heard that in Beijing University’s recent placement test Lin Mumu ranked first, he instantly felt as if his pride was as high as a mountain. He casually caught a little boy that was passing by and asked: “Tell me, what’s Lin Mumu’s major?”
“She’s in the religious studies department.”
“Oh.” The old general nodded in a proud and aloof manner. That’s indeed my granddaughter-in-law.
(TN: He says it in a very proud and affectionate way, like saying ‘naturally, that’s what you’d expect from my, old general Yun’s, granddaughter-in-law.)
……
The second day, all the majors were finally able to organize class meetings, distribute textbooks, and start preparing for the military training.
The liveliest discussions during this period were naturally about the newly established preparatory class.
How wonderful will be the sight of dragons fighting tigers? (TN: Idiom meaning a fierce battle between giants. This sentence is said in a gloating and excited manner, like waiting to watch the show of future conflicts.)
Lin Mumu didn’t enter the liberal arts’ preparatory class, but actually directly went to find the teacher in charge at the door. She politely greeted him and said: “I give up attending the preparatory class. I have already chosen the major I liked, and therefore, I’m not intending to change it.”
Before the teacher could advise her otherwise, Lin Mumu had already walked away.
Since she had already decided, there was no need for her to dawdled there for no reason. Although the preparatory class was a good opportunity, it had nothing to do with her as she wasn’t interested in participating in the dragons fighting tigers awaiting her there.
“Lin Mumu, stop right there!” Su Xinlan hurriedly run out of the classroom and called out to her in English.
Su Xinlan had spent her three years of high school in the United states. Her spoken English was so good she could easily communicate with Americans. She deliberately talked in a smooth and fluid voice with a provoking tone to show off her mastery of the language.
Su Xinlan’s movement was so huge that people immediately noticed them and quickly gathered around to watch the show. After all, Lin Mumu’s limelight was pretty big yesterday.