Chapter 22

Liu Meng was standing at the classroom door for the first time, taking a deep breath, and firmly gripping the letter containing secrets that his mother had given him.

Zheng Wen's home had a rather rustic style, with all the furniture being handcrafted old-style solid wood, including the coffee table and chairs.

He really wanted to see if Zheng Wen's bed had a rustic and elegant style. However, Zheng's father did not give Liu Meng this opportunity. The three women took turns showering, which took a long time. Liu Meng was pulled into the study by Zheng's father, who poured a cup of clear tea, and they began chatting.

Looking around the study, it was truly the style of a mathematics professor, with mathematics-related items visible everywhere, including biographies of mathematicians, works by mathematicians, and various mathematical materials.

"Xiao Liu, do you really like mathematics?" Zheng's father sipped his tea and asked with a smile.

"How could that be fake? I thought you were just humoring me. I probably had some talent from a young age and have always had a preference for mathematics. However, apart from exams, I haven't really found much use for it," Liu Meng replied.

Zheng's father sighed and said, "You're right. Mathematics is a beautiful philosophy, but using it only for exams is a waste, almost a desecration of mathematics. Which area of mathematics do you like the most?"

"Probability theory and mathematical statistics, and I also enjoy reading about game theory. I think game theory can be seen as a philosophical elevation of probability theory."

Zheng's father couldn't help but stand up, clapping his hands, very surprised, and grabbed Liu Meng's hand, saying, "I thought you were just trying to win my favor to pursue our Wen Wen. With just that sentence, you must have a certain level of expertise to have such insight."

The two got more and more into their conversation, and even after adding water to the teapot twice, they still hadn't finished. They were about to add water again when the door was knocked on violently, and Zheng Wen shouted, "Dad, it's time to eat, I'm starving."

They had chatted for about an hour and a half, but Zheng's father still felt it wasn't enough. He instructed Liu Meng to come over and play with Zheng Wen whenever he had time.

People who like to study mathematics are mostly driven by their love for it, and they are often lonely. Having someone to share with is a rare and precious thing.

When they came out, the three beauties had already finished getting ready. At first glance, Liu Meng was once again amazed. One was dynamic, the other was calm, each with its own unique beauty.

Zheng Wen's mother, Gu Pan's mother, had changed into high-end ready-to-wear, looking noble and elegant, with a designer handbag, her hair tied up, and a light makeup.

Gu Pan stood next to her mother, and at a glance, they looked quite similar, even their mouths were the same. However, Gu Pan's attire was quite lively and natural, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, exposing her long, white legs, which had a different kind of allure.

Zheng Wen, on the other hand, had put on a long skirt and was playing the role of a lady.

"Dad, what were you talking about? All that mathematical theory, it's so boring. Liu Meng, don't take it to heart, just pretend you were chatting with my dad," Zheng Wen complained.

Zheng's father had no way to deal with this daughter and could only pout, "This child, how can you talk to your father like that? I was having a great conversation with Xiao Liu. If it weren't for you women, we would have talked all night."

"Save it, you'd be dead from boredom after half an hour."

Gu Pan's mother had already gone downstairs to start the car. Zheng's father was about to go out when he realized he was wearing slippers and quickly went back to change. Zheng Wen was waiting for her father to lock the door, and at this moment, Liu Meng and Gu Pan walked down the stairs together.

Smelling the fresh scent of Gu Pan after her shower at such close range, Liu Meng couldn't help but be moved and praised, "Gu Pan, you look so beautiful! You're beautiful when you play sports, and you're beautiful now."

Since the incident in the small forest, Liu Meng had always felt a bit guilty. As they became more familiar, Liu Meng no longer considered Gu Pan as someone to be beaten down and realized he had a bias against her. Although they weren't very close, they were classmates now.

Being alone together always felt a bit awkward, so he praised her from the heart, partly to ease the awkwardness and partly to alleviate his guilt.

The stairs were quiet, and Gu Pan, who was still a bit nervous from the incident in the small forest, felt even more flustered when she heard Liu Meng's praise. Her heart beat faster, and her face turned slightly red. She replied, "Don't talk nonsense. If my mom hears, she'll break your legs."

"I'm just telling the truth. What's there to be afraid of? I'll say it again in front of your mom and see if she breaks my legs," Liu Meng couldn't stand such talk.

"Hey, wait for me," Zheng Wen called from behind, and Zheng's father followed.

Liu Meng got into the high-end BMW, feeling the high-quality leather seats. The class difference was quite significant. He had only known that Gu Pan's family was well-off, but he didn't expect it to be this good.

However, he quickly felt at ease. At this point, Liu Meng's inner strength was sufficient, and the fog that had once obscured his vision had dissipated, with sunlight fully illuminating his heart.

They drove to a high-end Western restaurant. As soon as they got out of the car, a valet came to park it. Upon entering, a waiter immediately followed, offering services and asking what they needed.

It was clear that the group were regulars here, and they went straight to a private room on the second floor. The music was elegant, with a French flair.

Liu Meng had never been to such a high-end place before.

Zheng Yuxiu walked along, secretly observing Liu Meng's reaction. She saw that this young man clearly hadn't been to such a place before and didn't understand the setup of the restaurant, but he remained calm and composed, showing a remarkable level of composure.

After all, she had invited Liu Meng to eat with them to show him the class difference. A poor boy like him should have been flustered, but he must be pretending, she thought firmly.

Once they were seated, a chef who looked French came over and gave Gu Pan's mother a cheek kiss, laughing and greeting her in French. Gu Pan's mother also replied in French, indicating they were old friends.

"Gu Pan, you look beautiful today," the Frenchman praised in broken Chinese.

"Of course, this beautiful lady is equally charming," he took Zheng Wen's hand and kissed it. Zheng Wen quickly pulled her hand back, finding the foreigner's saliva disgusting.

The three beauties each ordered their meals and chose their wines. When it was Zheng's father's turn, he waved his hand, "I'll have whatever my daughter has."

Then, the menu was passed to Liu Meng.

Zheng Yuxiu smiled, looking at Liu Meng.

Eating authentic Western cuisine isn't something everyone knows how to do. It requires a proper pairing of dishes and wines.

Liu Meng really didn't know. He had heard before that each dish should be paired with a different wine.

In such a situation, he would have been very embarrassed in the past.

Shaking his head, Liu Meng said, "I really don't know these pairings. Gu Pan, can you help me order? Whatever you choose will suit my taste."

He couldn't just copy Zheng Wen's order like Zheng Zhong. Liu Meng said this to ease his own awkwardness. He wasn't picky, and whatever Gu Pan chose would suit him. However, Zheng Yuxiu didn't see it that way.

The menu returned to Gu Pan's hands. Her mother's fleeting glance didn't escape her notice, but seeing Liu Meng's clear and slightly pleading eyes, she quickly placed the order.

Zheng Yuxiu was very unhappy. She was sure that this poor boy was familiar with her daughter, and her daughter's attitude was also unusual. She rarely showed such kindness to boys, except for Du Yi.

There was definitely something wrong.

"Auntie, you are so beautiful. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were Gu Pan's sister," Liu Meng said with a smile. Zheng Yuxiu politely smiled back, "It's because of a beautiful mother like you that Gu Pan is so beautiful, both in movement and in stillness."

After saying this, Liu Meng gave a subtle glance to Gu Pan, meaning, "I praised you in front of your mom, and my legs are still fine."

Gu Pan rolled her eyes.

Zheng Wen and Zheng's father were not pleased and said, "Kid, they say a niece resembles her aunt. You forgot? Our Wen Wen looks more like Yuxiu, she's also a beauty. Praise her quickly."

"Sure, sure, Wen Wen is so beautiful, her beauty can make the moon hide and the flowers blush, she moves like a rabbit and stands still like a lady. She's beautiful, very beautiful."

Zheng Wen chuckled, "I didn't expect you to be so smooth. No wonder! Hmph hmph."

Liu Meng was puzzled by her last "hmph hmph," but Gu Pan understood. Zheng Wen was teasing her.

The first authentic Western meal was enjoyed pleasantly, though Liu Meng, who had never eaten such food before, felt a bit uncomfortable.

Zheng Yuxiu took Zheng Wen and her father home, and Liu Meng also said goodbye.

"Xiao Liu, come over and play with Wen Wen when you have time. We still have many things to discuss," Zheng's father said as they parted. "Next time, I'll take you to meet a good friend, you'll be surprised."

After saying goodbye to Zheng's family, Liu Meng didn't rush back but went to the main building of the old campus, turned on the computer, and started typing. After so much contemplation, his ideas flowed like a fountain, and the plot of "Return to Ming" came to mind, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

The sound of the keyboard tapping was continuous, making the students studying nearby turn to look, wondering what this student was typing so furiously.

He stopped only when his fingers started to feel uncomfortable. It had been two hours, and he had written 13,500 words, a very fast speed.

Finally, he had taken this step. Liu Meng took a deep breath, feeling that his career was finally off the ground. He glanced at the software on the computer and prepared to shut down and return to the dormitory, as it took about 45 minutes to get from the old campus to the new one.

He found software like Protel and ProE on the computer. Liu Meng was very familiar with Protel. Over the past ten years, he had designed countless circuit boards, including remote wireless control, DC permanent magnet synchronous motor drives, and infrared self-identification.

...

Zheng Yuxiu didn't talk much on the way back, her expression somewhat displeased.

"Come clean, Pan. I raised you with my own hands, don't try to fool me," she finally said.

Gu Pan was playing with her phone and chuckled, "I thought you could hold it until we got home. Frowning too much can cause wrinkles, you know."

"You always joke around. I'm serious. I can check with your school if you don't tell me. These boys are really out of control, they should take a look at themselves."

"Mom, can you not be so harsh? Does having money mean being noble, and not having money mean being inferior? That's not what you've taught me," Gu Pan countered.

"My silly daughter, how can you be so naive? I've spoiled you. Throughout history, people have always matched in status. Do you really have feelings for that poor boy?" Zheng Yuxiu asked worriedly.

"What are you talking about? I just went to their class to study with Zheng Wen a few times. We're not even that familiar. Please, don't act like Sherlock Holmes, suspecting everything," Gu Pan said calmly.

Zheng Yuxiu realized she wouldn't get anything out of her daughter and said, "Pan, let's go to Kyoto for the National Day holiday. You've never been there, and I can take you. There are many interesting places in Kyoto."

"Really? You always go to Europe. Why the sudden change of heart?" Gu Pan was delighted. She had always wanted to visit Kyoto, but her mother had always preferred Europe, so the trip to Kyoto had never happened.

"I've been to Europe too many times, it's boring," Zheng Yuxiu giggled, thinking that Du Yi was in Kyoto, and it would be good to let the two young people meet as soon as possible. Du Yi, with his stubbornness, wouldn't take the initiative.

I have to take care of this, or my ideal son-in-law will be lost. The thought of her daughter with a poor boy made Zheng Yuxiu shudder. It would be so embarrassing.

...

Zheng Yuxiu didn't talk much on the way, her expression still somewhat displeased.

"Come clean, Pan. I raised you with my own hands, don't try to fool me," she finally said.

Gu Pan was playing with her phone and chuckled, "I thought you could hold it until we got home. Frowning too much can cause wrinkles, you know."

"You always joke around. I'm serious. I can check with your school if you don't tell me. These boys are really out of control, they should take a look at themselves."

"Mom, can you not be so harsh? Does having money mean being noble, and not having money mean being inferior? That's not what you've taught me," Gu Pan countered.

"My silly daughter, how can you be so naive? I've spoiled you. Throughout history, people have always matched in status. Do you really have feelings for that poor boy?" Zheng Yuxiu asked worriedly.

"What are you talking about? I just went to their class to study with Zheng Wen a few times. We're not even that familiar. Please, don't act like Sherlock Holmes, suspecting everything," Gu Pan said calmly.

Zheng Yuxiu realized she wouldn't get anything out of her daughter and said, "Pan, let's go to Kyoto for the National Day holiday. You've never been there, and I can take you. There are many interesting places in Kyoto."

"Really? You always go to Europe. Why the sudden change of heart?" Gu Pan was delighted. She had always wanted to visit Kyoto, but her mother had always preferred Europe, so the trip to Kyoto had never happened.

"I've been to Europe too many times, it's boring," Zheng Yuxiu giggled, thinking that Du Yi was in Kyoto, and it would be good to let the two young people meet as soon as possible. Du Yi, with his stubbornness, wouldn't take the initiative.

I have to take care of this, or my ideal son-in-law will be lost. The thought of her daughter with a poor boy made Zheng Yuxiu shudder. It would be so embarrassing.