Chapter 701 - 700: The Shop
This small interlude naturally didn’t weigh on Wang Yongzhu’s mind. She waved to Song Chongjin, who was still looking at her from the doorway, and then turned and left.
Song Chongjin waited until Wang Yongzhu had walked a few steps and disappeared from view at the entrance of the alley before a dark shade crept into his eyes. He looked towards Scholar Gu, who hadn’t run too far off.
Picking up his pace, he quickly caught up with Scholar Gu and was about to speak when he saw Scholar Gu shaking off the young servant’s hand, stopping, and panting heavily.
Song Chongjin approached without a change in expression and stood beside Scholar Gu, "Brother Gu? What’s the matter?"
He feigned confusion.
Scholar Gu was startled, and when he saw it was Song Chongjin, he hurriedly straightened up and released the hem of his robe he had been clutching. He cleared his throat and tried to sound nonchalant, "Brother Song—"
"Brother Gu, where are you heading in such a hurry?" Song Chongjin asked without any expression on his face.
Scholar Gu felt a chill creep up his back for some reason and shivered before he replied with a smile, "I am off to Changqing Academy. I got up a bit late today and suspect I am already late. I thought to run there, but alas, due to lack of regular exercise, I was out of breath after just a few steps. It must be amusing for Brother Song to see."
His words were forthright and clear, holding no sign of concealment.
Song Chongjin lowered his eyelashes to hide his gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, "As it happens, I am also heading to Changqing Academy. It turns out that I am going the same way as Brother Gu. I wonder if Brother Gu would allow me to accompany him for part of the journey?"
Upon hearing this, Scholar Gu immediately nodded in agreement without heeding the young servant beside him who was gesticulating desperately like he was slitting a chicken’s throat. "It’s on the way and no trouble at all. Why should Brother Song stand on ceremony? Please, after you—"