Simultaneous Transmigration: From Japanese Anime to American Comics

Chapter 97: Huang Rong and Mu Nianci

The martial arts world.

A small Southern Song city.

The closure of the local academy caused an uproar in the surrounding villages, leaving the county magistrate as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

It wasn't that there were no other scholars in the city qualified to take over teaching duties; rather, the former teacher, Mr. Chu, had proven to be exceptional in his methods.

Rumor had it that even prestigious families with literary traditions were planning to send their young heirs to his academy for foundational education.

Considering the flourishing children's education in both Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, for Mr. Chu to carve out such a reputation was no small feat.

The magistrate was puzzled. If not for the public complaints brought to his office, he would never have heard of this prodigious scholar despite his many years in the county.

After some investigation, he discovered that the much-praised Mr. Chu was merely a young man in his early twenties. Upon reading the educational essays Mr. Chu had taught the children, the magistrate found each to be a timeless classic—beneficial even to someone of his age.

The idea that such writings came from someone so young astonished him, sparking a deep curiosity about this Mr. Chu.

"Magistrate! Mr. Chu seems to have returned! Someone saw the gate to his courtyard open!"

The county clerk rushed in so hastily that he tripped over the threshold, falling headfirst at the magistrate's feet.

"Why the panic!"

The magistrate coldly reprimanded him without even a glance, brushing off his sleeves before heading out in haste himself.

"You're no better than I am..." the clerk muttered under his breath, quickly following the magistrate.

The magistrate, surnamed Huang, was forty years old—a man who might be considered a confirmed bachelor in modern times but was already a grandfather in the Southern Song Dynasty.

Even in his urgency, he maintained an air of composure befitting his status, traveling to Chu's courtyard in a slow-moving sedan chair.

However, the local residents, eager to secure their children's education, had already arrived, standing outside the courtyard like modern parents vying for coveted preschool spots.

The desire to give their children a strong start in life had not changed in over a thousand years.

Their urgency was understandable; Chu Yang had been gone for several months.

When he left for the Jin Kingdom, he had flown. On his return, however, he traveled on foot, burdened with a group of companions.

Huang Rong was one of them. Her playful nature delayed their journey significantly as she insisted on sightseeing along the way.

If it were just Huang Rong, Chu Yang might have carried her back using his earth-based abilities, having already demonstrated his wood techniques. He felt no need to hide his talents in this world.

However, trailing behind him was Guo Jing.

Chu Yang couldn't bring himself to send him away.

Guo Jing, known for his honesty and humility, had continuously apologized for the misunderstanding that had occurred. His tireless efforts and willingness to endure hardship made it impossible to stay angry at him.

Following Guo Jing was the Yang family, including Yang Tiexin, Mu Nianci, and the now-subdued Yang Kang.

Yang Kang had transformed into a diligent worker, eager to please and second only to Guo Jing in his efforts. He feared that any lapse in behavior might provoke Chu Yang's wrath.

Reflecting on his previous arrogance, flaunting Jin soldiers in front of Chu Yang, Yang Kang wished he could slap himself senseless.

Seeing Yang Kang's change, Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo felt both relieved and gratified.

As for Mu Nianci, she had become even more attentive and understanding.

Initially, after recognizing Guo Jing as a relative, Yang Tiexin had considered betrothing Mu Nianci to him. However, Guo Jing deflected the matter, citing the need for his mother's approval.

Yang Tiexin believed him and decided to wait until Guo Jing and Yang Kang resolved their duel before traveling with him to Mongolia to visit Guo's mother, Li Ping.

Midway through the journey, Bao Xiruo noticed Guo Jing's affection for Huang Rong and discreetly mentioned it to her husband.

"Tiexin, Jing seems fond of Miss Huang. Let's not force the marriage with Nianci. You and I both understand the pain of unfulfilled love; why make the younger generation suffer?"

Yang Tiexin frowned deeply, then sighed. "Of all people, Jing likes her? Miss Huang is mischievous enough as it is, and her relationship with Mr. Chu seems rather unique..."

Bao Xiruo laughed softly. "With Mr. Chu's otherworldly demeanor and kindness, it's no surprise Miss Huang admires him."

She couldn't hold back her laughter, her voice rising with amusement. "Such a fine match, yet Mr. Chu seems oblivious to romance, calling Miss Huang 'good brother' from time to time, which leaves her fuming!"

Yang Tiexin also laughed, though his mirth soon faded.

"It's just a pity for Nianci," he said. "She can only watch Mr. Chu and Miss Huang from a distance, swallowing her feelings in silence."

Bao Xiruo's smile disappeared, her heart aching for her daughter.

"Tiexin, you mean Nianci..."

"You're right. I'll drop the idea of pairing her with Guo Jing. They are not destined for each other," Bao Xiruo advised.

Yang Tiexin nodded, but his expression showed he was deep in thought.

Finally, he said, "If Mr. Chu has no romantic feelings for Miss Huang, perhaps there's still a chance for Nianci..."

Bao Xiruo felt uneasy but couldn't dissuade her husband, who was determined to create opportunities for the two during the journey.

Meanwhile, Yang Kang, though aware of his parents' intentions, dared not voice his objections. Although he harbored feelings for Mu Nianci, he couldn't resist the thought that, if she married Chu Yang, he might benefit from their connection.

When the group arrived in the city, the courtyard was quickly surrounded by locals seeking Mr. Chu.

After tidying his dusty home, Chu Yang stepped out to find Huang Rong scurrying about like a mouse in a granary.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Picking a room, of course!" Huang Rong replied. "These rooms are filthy and messy. Don't you ever clean?"

Chu Yang raised an eyebrow. "Why would I clean rooms I don't use? It's a waste of effort."

"Well, you need them now! I need a room to sleep in and a clean kitchen to cook—"

"Hold on!" Chu Yang interrupted. "Who said you could live here?"

Huang Rong froze, her eyes widening. She pointed a trembling finger at him, her voice catching in disbelief.

"Why can't I stay?"

Chu Yang responded earnestly, "I'm light sleeper. You're too noisy—chattering all day long."

Huang Rong gaped at him, stunned into silence. She looked as though she had been abandoned.

Eventually, her indignation flared. "If I can't stay, where should I go?"

"Wherever you stayed as a beggar before—this county is more familiar to you than me," Chu Yang retorted.

Huang Rong ground her teeth in frustration but couldn't bring herself to leave, remembering how Chu Yang had crossed borders to rescue her.

Meanwhile, Guo Jing and Yang Kang, overhearing the exchange, hesitated by the door with their luggage. If Huang Rong couldn't stay, how could they?

Yang Kang, ever the opportunist, laughed awkwardly. "Mr. Chu, saving my family was already a great kindness; we wouldn't dare impose further."

Guo Jing agreed, adding, "I should be finding my master anyway..."

The young girl's eyes darted around as she tried to come up with an excuse to stay. Spotting the massive crowd outside, she quickly changed the subject. "Chu Yang, are all those people outside here for you?"

Chu Yang looked up and saw the yard outside packed with people, their gazes brimming with eager hope as they focused on him.

He had been gone for several months, and some parents, worried about their children's education being delayed, had sent their kids to other schools. Yet, as time passed, they noticed that their children not only failed to make progress in their studies but also seemed less lively and more wooden in their behavior.

Previously, they had merely thought Chu Yang was a capable teacher. Now they realized the stark contrast between him and others. The longer Chu Yang's school remained closed, the more anxious the parents became.

In addition to his former students, many newcomers had arrived after hearing of his reputation. With the school space limited and only Chu Yang teaching, competition for enrollment was fierce. Everyone wanted to leave a good impression on him.

However, what they didn't know was that after returning from the Soul Palace, Chu Yang had no intention of reopening his school anytime soon. His current priority was to organize his affairs and embark on a journey to collect martial arts techniques that could aid his counterparts in other worlds.

For him, this mission was paramount—if one prospered, all would benefit, and if one fell, all would suffer.

He stepped forward and clasped his hands toward the gathered crowd. "Everyone, I still have unfinished matters to attend to, so I cannot reopen the school at this time. My apologies for making you come all this way."

The light in the parents' eyes dimmed at his decisive words, replaced by some children's secret delight—another extended holiday!

Gradually, the crowd outside began to disperse, though a few parents lingered.

One woman in plain clothing, clutching her child's hand, nervously asked, "Mr. Chu, when the school reopens, will my second son still be able to study here?"

She looked at him almost pleadingly. Their family was poor, and they had initially chosen Chu Yang's school because of the affordable fees. With the growing competition, she worried they wouldn't stand a chance against wealthier families.

"Of course," Chu Yang replied, frowning slightly but with a hint of amusement. "And make sure he finishes his assignments. He's the loudest when school ends, but his homework is always half-hearted. If he slacks off again..."

Hearing this, the woman pushed her son forward with joy. "Did you hear that? Thank Mr. Chu! And when we get home, finish your homework! Otherwise, I'll deal with you myself!"

The boy's face crumpled, and he began wailing, tears and snot streaming down his face. It wasn't the slap on the back of his head—his mother hadn't hit him hard—it was the thought of Chu Yang's homework, which was both difficult and plentiful.

Seeing the boy's pitiful sobbing, Chu Yang suddenly felt refreshed, as if all the grievances from his own student days had vanished. He thought, I suffered through the rain, so I'll tear up your umbrellas, flood the streets, and let you all sprint through the downpour.

After the crowd had dispersed, Chu Yang returned home, only to find Yang Kang and Guo Jing moving the luggage back out of the house. Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo approached him with apologetic expressions. "Mr. Chu, we overstepped. Please don't take offense."

Chu Yang waved it off with a smile. "I was only joking with Huang Rong before. Don't take it seriously. It's just that I have to leave for a long journey, so I can't host anyone at home."

Realizing this, Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Mu Nianci, who had been helping with the packing, suddenly froze, wanting to say something but hesitating.

Huang Rong, however, spoke up first, clapping her hands in excitement. "Hehe, traveling is much more fun! What's the point of staying in this little county? Last time, you mentioned some interesting places. Let's visit them together this time!"

Chu Yang glanced at her. "I didn't say I was taking you."

Huang Rong froze, her eyes welling up with tears. "My father doesn't want me, and now you're abandoning me too? Chu Yang, I'll never speak to you again!"

She turned to leave, but Chu Yang, exasperated, grabbed her arm. "I really have business to attend to, and my plans aren't set. I might be wandering all over the place. Why would a minor like you tag along?"

Huang Rong didn't respond, only yanking her hand away forcefully. Her sadness was clear.

"Fine, fine! Go wherever you want. Just don't cry! You love wandering so much—be careful you don't get kidnapped!" Chu Yang relented, shaking his head. At least she was a good cook, so bringing her along wasn't entirely inconvenient.

One moment, she was crying; the next, she was beaming. With a quick wipe of her sleeve, her face was spotless, leaving Chu Yang stunned by her impeccable emotional turnaround. Even Guo Jing and Yang Kang were left speechless.

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