Chapter 8: Taking Things One Step at a Time in Romance

And so, everyone began to pick up their textbooks and head to the classroom.

In the Jing Yi Pavilion.

“Jijiu Daren, I have already given the instructions. This Lu Yuner is quite obedient and has willingly complied with the arrangements,” Du Hongying said, slightly bowing and looking at the Jijiu Daren with a flattering expression. The Jijiu Daren was standing by the curio shelf, carefully wiping porcelain with a silk handkerchief. Du Hongying continued to praise, “To think of how ignorant she was before, daring to disrespect you. She probably never imagined she’d end up like this. Now that she’s been demoted and works under you, Jijiu Daren, she must be feeling extremely regretful.”

“What do you know!” Hu Lanzhen put down the red-glazed willow leaf vase in her hand and gave her a sidelong glance, saying coldly, “This Lu Yuner is not as simple as you think.”

The latter half of her words became icy, and a hint of malice flashed in her turbid eyes.

Hu Lanzhen turned and sat in the official’s hat chair, with Du Hongying following closely behind.

Hu Lanzhen picked up the tea on the table and gently brushed the lid, “However, this Lu Yuner is indeed a talented and rare woman. She has only been the Minister of Revenue for a year, yet her political achievements are remarkable. To have such accomplishments at such a young age, her abilities cannot be underestimated. By all rights, she should be rising rapidly in her official career. How could she suddenly be demoted?”

Du Hongying carefully speculated, “Well… since the new Emperor ascended the throne, there have been many changes in officialdom. Lu Yuner has always been unaware of the situation. Perhaps she offended Her Majesty in some way.”

After sipping her tea, Hu Lanzhen narrowed her eyes, her gaze turning colder, “Those above have said that regardless of the reason, we must be careful. As long as Lu Yuner behaves herself, we can leave her alone for now. The main thing is that it’s been a year since that item disappeared. The longer we delay, the more dangerous it becomes. We must find it quickly, otherwise, our heads might not stay on our shoulders.”

Hearing the Jijiu Daren say this, Du Hongying involuntarily swallowed hard, cold sweat breaking out on her shiny forehead. She responded, “Yes.”

At the mention of this, Du Hongying silently cursed to herself. Over the past year, she had spared no effort, turning the Imperial College upside down, but to no avail. It was all because that wench was so good at hiding things.

Hu Lanzhen slightly raised her eyelids to look at Du Hongying, a meaningful smile hanging at the corners of her eyes lined with fine wrinkles, “I heard your youngest son recently became a Guiren. Congratulations, Jiancheng Daren!”

Du Hongying’s eyes rolled, immediately understanding. She quickly flattered, “That’s right, my youngest son was just recently made a Guiren by Her Majesty. Oh, by the way, I just noticed that there are still a few empty spots on your curio shelf, Jijiu Daren. I recently received some fine Jun kiln porcelain from a friend.”

Du Hongying paused here, glancing at the Jijiu Daren’s expression. Seeing her eyebrows raise, she continued, “As people say, ‘One color enters the kiln, a myriad of colors emerge.’ The glaze of Jun kiln porcelain is crystalline and brilliantly colorful. I thought to borrow these flowers to present to Buddha, offering them to you, Jijiu Daren. I hope you won’t find them lacking.”

“As the saying goes: ‘A piece of Jun kiln porcelain is worth more than a fortune,'” Hu Lanzhen smiled, her tone lifting slightly as she spoke, “Jun kiln porcelain is extremely precious. Since it was a gift from a good friend to you, Jiancheng Daren, how could I take what others cherish? This doesn’t seem quite right!”

Du Hongying fawned, “If it weren’t for Jijiu Daren’s help, how could my youngest son have achieved his wish? This is just a token of my appreciation. I hope Jijiu Daren will accept it.”

Hu Lanzhen’s smile widened, the curve of her lips growing larger: “Hmm, alright! Since it’s Jiancheng Daren’s heartfelt intention, I’ll accept it. Have it sent to my residence another day!”

Du Hongying, her heart as clear as a mirror, smiled ingratiatingly and said, “Yes.”

At this moment, a cute male student happily walked into the Lexin Hall.

The cute male student waved his hand, excited and pretending to be profound, “According to reliable information, a female doctor will soon be coming to our male academy. Do you know who the female doctor coming to our male academy is?”

The students all crowded around, asking curiously, “Who is it?”

The cute male student smiled sweetly, his fair little face immediately revealing a pair of charming dimples, and hinted, “Do you remember the woman in white standing next to the Siye Daren on the day of the Vegetable Sacrifice Ceremony? The female doctor who will soon be teaching in our Lexin Hall is her.”

As soon as the male student said this, discussions broke out, and the place was in an uproar.

“It’s really her! That’s wonderful!”

“Yes! She’s so beautiful.”

“I heard that this Dr. Lu used to be the Minister of Revenue! She’s a very talented woman.”

…

Suddenly, a clear and melodious male voice rang out.

“Quiet, class has already started. Everyone please return to your seats. Zhen Keke, quickly return to your own seat.” This male student had a gentle and beautiful face, with eyes as gentle as jade, like a clear breeze and bright moon, making people feel extremely comfortable.

Zhen Keke obediently replied, “I know, Zhai Zhang An.”

An Caihe smiled with satisfaction.

A moment later.

A figure in blue approached gracefully, with flowing robes and light steps, unhurriedly entering the Lexin Hall.

Seeing someone enter, the male students immediately sat upright at their desks, all staring intently at the new Economics Doctor standing by the main lectern.

Meanwhile, a ripple appeared in An Caihe’s calm eyes.

Lu Yuner’s eyes and brows were filled with smiles as she stood calmly and elegantly by the main lectern, like a cloud-white magnolia flower, exuding a faint fragrance that unconsciously attracted people’s attention.

She calmly met the gaze of the group of youthful and lively students, smiling as she spoke first, “Hello, male students! My surname is Lu, and from now on, I will be teaching you Economics. Don’t worry, my teaching style is quite relaxed. If you have any questions that I can answer, I will address them one by one. Of course, I also hope that everyone can follow the classroom discipline, not leaving early or arriving late. Finally, I wish everyone here a happy learning experience and hope you all gain knowledge.”

Lu Yuner had looked over the Imperial College’s teaching arrangements, which were too dry and complicated. After all, she had been a student herself, but she could only make moderate changes within the scope of what was regulated and universally acceptable in this world.

After all, few people treat studying as a hobby.

An Caihe stood up, his manners refined: “Dr. Lu, hello! My name is An Caihe, I’m the Zhai Zhang of Lexin Hall. If Dr. Lu needs any help in the future, please let me know.”

Lu Yuner looked at An Caihe, whose appearance was beautiful and gentle, and polite, and smiled lightly, “Mm.”

Lu Yuner’s gaze followed the position of the desks, roughly looking at the appearance of these male students. She noticed an empty seat in the second row, second column, and curiously asked, “Where is the student for this empty seat? Is he sick?”

Zhen Keke looked at the empty seat and immediately spoke up, “That’s Su Qingwan, Young Master Su’s seat.”

Lu Yuner frowned slightly, so it was that Young Master Su, and asked, “Has he requested leave for personal reasons or illness?”

An Caihe: “Neither.”

Lu Yuner lowered her brows in thought: Although Her Majesty had regulations for the Imperial College, stating that within the college there were only teachers and students, with teachers taking precedence, in reality, power and influence still held sway. However, this young master’s absence without reason could also be due to other factors. As a teacher, one should be responsible to the end, and moreover…

After thinking for a moment, Lu Yuner said, “This class will be temporarily led by Zhai Zhang An. I’ll go to the Jing Yi Pavilion.”

An Caihe: “Yes, Dr. Lu.”

On her way to the Jing Yi Pavilion, Lu Yuner saw from afar a small male student crouching by the lotus pond, enjoying the scenery and playing with the fish, having a great time.

As Lu Yuner gradually approached, she discovered it was actually Young Master Su. She couldn’t help but smile, thinking that this young master was so playful. Indeed, at such a beautiful age of youth, one could indulge a bit. After all, youth only comes once, but it should also be done with purpose.

“Young Master Su, are you enjoying yourself?” Lu Yuner smiled gracefully.

“It’s you! Are you looking for me?” Su Qingwan stood up and turned to respond, gazing at the smiling Lu Yuner before him. She stood like an orchid or jade tree, her smile like the bright moon embracing [1]. When she smiled, especially those peach blossom eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight, bright as the stars, clear and transparent.

It seemed true what that student had said, if you look for too long, you’ll fall in.

Suddenly he realized something, his pupils dilated slightly, his gaze flickered, and moved towards the lotus pond.

Author’s note:

***

My Husband Asks for a Divorce Every Day (Female-Dominant)

This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.

The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.

Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.

If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.

It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.

The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.

In the end, everything will come together and be explained.

One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!

In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.

Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.

However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.

Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.

Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?

——

Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.

His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.

Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”

——

The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.

Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!

Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!

The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…

——

But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.

The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.

She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…

Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”

Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”

Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?

[Small Theater]

The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.

Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”

Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.

Zhu Wansheng: ?

Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…

On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.

Warm breath lingers on her neck.

“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”

[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]

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