am-books Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Copying books was mostly a matter of practice makes perfect, and Li Mingwei did not need much guidance, but she also did not reject Liu Yizhu sharing some experiences with her.
Liu Yizhu also showed her his calligraphy and discussed the issue of style and form with her for a while.
As winter approached, the days grew darker earlier. Liu Yizhu was keeping an eye on the gradually darkening sky outside and interrupted their conversation, "Mr. Jin, Miss Li, I'm afraid I have to head back now. My mother is probably waiting for me to have dinner."
Jin and Li Mingwei looked out the window in unison and both nodded, saying in chorus, "It's gotten quite late."
At this time, her sister Chunhua was probably also waiting for her to have dinner. Li Mingwei stood up, "I should go back too."
Liu Yizhu extended an invitation, "Shall we go together?"
"No need. Go ahead if you're in a hurry. I still have some packing up to do."
Li Mingwei politely declined. After all, there were differences between men and women. With just Mr. Jin here, it was fine, but if they went out together, who knows what kind of idle gossip would spread around town tomorrow.
One was a promising young scholar, the other a married woman living separately from her husband. No matter how the gossip went, she would be the one losing face. She had finally regained some reputation and did not want it ruined again in one stroke.
Liu Yizhu did not consider this level of implications. Seeing the paper and writing brushes Li Mingwei had used on her desk, he assumed she wanted to wash her brushes before heading back. So he went ahead and left first.
Indeed, Li Mingwei washed her brushes and put back all the books they had used before thinking about leaving. But before she could take a step, snow began fluttering down heavily.
Jin stopped her, "The snow is heavy. Wait for me, I'll go find an umbrella for you."
"Alright."
Jin could not find an umbrella in his room and went to the storage room in the backyard to look around. Finally he found an umbrella that had not been used for years and was covered in dust. He used a handkerchief to wipe off the dust before handing it to Li Mingwei, "Make do with this for now."
"Thank you, Sir."
Li Mingwei walked briskly towards home holding the umbrella. Because of the delay from Jin, the sky had already darkened completely.
The snow fell heavily and the ground was completely covered in white. There was no one else on the road. Li Mingwei stepped on the soft snow, sinking deeper with each step. She had not expected it to snow today and wore a pair of shoes with poor traction.
Wu Dong blamed all these days of suffering on Li Mingwei. Lurking around waiting for a chance ever since he came back, he was determined to violate then defame her. Even if she could not marry for the rest of her life, he would not let her off.
The gold hairpin must be his!
His face revealed resentful rage as he pounced forward to rip Li Mingwei's clothes. Li Mingwei cried loudly for help. Wu Dong instantly covered her mouth, laughing sinisterly, "Go ahead and yell! I hope you scream louder to draw more people over to see you in this state. Who would want you in the future!"
He removed his hand covering her mouth after he finished. Single-mindedly focused on tearing her clothes.
"Help!"
How could Li Mingwei possibly let him succeed? Even if she remained unmarried for life, she would not allow him to humiliate her. Resisting with all her might, she continued shouting loudly for help.
Wu Dong hesitated briefly, wondering if he should muffle her again, when an enraged roar came from behind. "Who's there!"
It was Liu Yizhu!
Like grasping onto a life-saving straw, Li Mingwei screamed at the top of her lungs, "Save me!"
Recognizing her voice, Liu Yizhu threw down his umbrella and charged over, forcefully dragging Wu Dong off of her. Seeing the man clearly, he berated angrily, "Wu Dong! What are you doing!"
Wu Dong cowered instantly. Of all people, it had to be him. This brat was classmates with the county official's son! Mentally cursing his bad luck, he crawled up and turned to run away.
Liu Yizhu had no time to chase him. He pulled Li Mingwei up from the snow covered ground and hastily averted his eyes when he saw her disheveled clothing. Taking off his outer robe, he wrapped it around her.
Gently asking, "Are you alright?"
Having just endured an ordeal, Li Mingwei's body trembled slightly. Feeling his strong, sturdy arm, she could not help but sob softly.
The nearby residents who came out to investigate after hearing the commotion arrived at this scene. Seeing it, they widened their mouths in shock.
In this small town, everyone knew everyone. But because it was Liu Yizhu, they cautiously asked, "What happened here?"
Hearing the voices, Liu Yizhu wrapped Li Mingwei more tightly to prevent them from seeing her messy garb. In a low voice, he explained, "Miss Li slipped and twisted her ankle. She probably can't walk. Please help inform her family."