Chapter 46: The Matchmaker - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 46: The Matchmaker Seven years later, Luo Cong An will formally embark on the path of cultivation. This was the answer given by the system. ... ... In the days that followed, apart from the addition of a fluffy white-haired presence in the house, Chen An's life didn't experience much change. Sometimes he would attend classes at private school and when returning, he'd bring some treats for Luo Cong An. These could be the new pastries from the cake shop or possibly sugar-coated hawthorn skewers from street vendors. The type of treat was random, as was the flavor, depending purely on what he came across on his way. Yet, Luo Cong An wasn't picky; she always accepted whatever was offered. Over these days, Luo Cong An's mood gradually improved. Except for her unwillingness to stray even a step away from Chen An, she finally began to exhibit the typical behavior of a girl her age. She no longer called him "Master" at every turn, nor did she think about kneeling to apologize at the slightest mishap. To Chen An, many things simply didn't warrant such reactions. For instance, if she accidentally scuffed the new jacket he bought her, Luo Cong An would hide away, secretly nursing her sadness for a long while. If Chen An hadn't intervened, she might have ended up apologizing tearfully yet again. "Cong An, do you remember the characters I taught you yesterday?" In the old courtyard hall, Chen An lay as usual on the bamboo chair, a thick blanket covering him, as he casually inquired. After some time taking care of her health, Luo Cong An's complexion and skin looked significantly better than when they first met. Her cheeks showed a slight roundness, and her skin had a faint blush reminiscent of light rouge; she looked remarkably endearing. Once life started getting back on track, the next step was naturally learning. No child escapes this stage. Chen An began teaching her to recognize characters, read books, and occasionally shared small stories from the Blue Star as an after-school pastime. Upon hearing his question, the little girl who had been daydreaming on the doorstep suddenly wore an expression as if she had swallowed a bitter gourd. She shyly murmured, "I-I remember." Her voice lacked conviction. "Really remembered?" Chen An glanced at her. Luo Cong An immediately conceded defeat, carefully shuffling over to the bamboo chair and lowering her head in self-reproach. "I'm sorry, sir." She berated herself for being too dim-witted; despite his earnest efforts to teach her, she could learn instantly but forget just as quickly when writing. When asked in sequence, she could pronounce the characters, but the moment Chen An mixed them up, she was baffled. Words failed her, her eyes could only blink, and she stood there staring blankly, unable to utter a coherent sentence. Wouldn't completing a task result in punishment? She couldn't help but let her imagination run wild, recalling when staying with her uncle, Luo Hua had also hired a tutor for his son, Luo Hao. Though that teacher refused to teach her and everyone shunned her, keeping her away from the study that served as a classroom. But at times passing the study, she occasionally heard the sounds of reciting within. She remembered once when Luo Hao hadn't finished his assignment, his teacher erupted in fury, smacking the boy repeatedly until he cried out for his parents. So now, she couldn't help but wonder if the same fate awaited her: a smacking, or perhaps some other form of punishment. However, the anticipated scolding never came. Chen An took her small hand, gently kneading it. He nodded in satisfaction, "Seems like the new jacket is indeed useful; your hands aren't as cold as before." At this mention, Luo Cong An's eyes turned red, and distressingly, she glanced at the jacket's hem. There was a tiny tear in the fabric that would go unnoticed unless meticulously examined. She rubbed her eyes, her expression gloomy. "Sir, I'm really useless." Chen An chuckled softly, utilizing his usual tactic of gently patting her head, which now felt smoother and silkier than the first time. "Why say you’re useless? You’ve already done great and tried your best." Luo Cong An pursed her lips, tears brimming in her eyes. "But those characters, sir taught me so many times, and I still can't remember them all..." "It doesn’t matter; we can go through it again." He smiled, showing no sign of impatience. Softly, he continued, "This is just the start; if not once, then twice; if not twice, then three times." "That's how learning works—a process of repeated practice." Hearing this, the little girl hesitated before finally leaning into his arms. Her head rested against his chest, and her murmured voice came through softly. "Sir, why are you so good to me?" Faced with this tough question, Chen An pondered while gazing outside, silently, before finally replying. "There aren’t always reasons for everything in this world." Suddenly snapping back to himself, he playfully scolded, "Go and fetch the textbook from the study; you almost tricked me; we haven’t had today’s lesson yet." Luo Cong An mumbled a small objection. “I didn’t…” But still obediently ran to get the textbook. Yet when she returned, she couldn't find her teacher in the hall. Alarmed, she peered out the door, and her heart settled upon seeing the familiar silhouette at the courtyard’s entrance. Next to her teacher stood a man clad in a black cloak, snow hat covering his head. Relieved yet intrigued, she wondered. These days, she rarely saw her teacher interact with others beyond the occasional passerby exchange on the streets. Who, then, was this man who came directly to their door? Though itching with curiosity, she chose not to interfere. Despite her teacher’s indulgence, which would forgive her if she ran over for a little tantrum, she preferred restraint. Just a few minutes later, Chen An and the man completed their conversation and returned together. Seeing the girl peeking from behind the door, he smiled, "What’s up?" Without speaking, she came up to him and hugged him tightly, pointing a finger toward the gate. Understanding her query, Chen An explained, "His name’s Li Ye, a former classmate of mine." She nodded, still gazing at him with anticipation. Amused, he remarked, "If you wish to know something, feel free to ask; there’s no need for such subtlety with me." The girl placed a finger on her lips, a hint of conflict crossing her face, before ultimately shaking her head. Her curiosity stemmed from the fact that, for her, he was the world. Everything related to him sparked her interest. But now, realizing incessant inquiries weren't ideal, she reconsidered. Nevertheless, Chen An continued, "Oddly enough, he came to play matchmaker." Clatter. The sound of a textbook hitting the floor echoed. (End of Chapter)