Zhu Yanyi lowered her head, looking disappointed. "I knew it would be like this. Fine, I’ll go to school slowly. I can teach myself middle and high school lessons anyway." She tilted her head at Xie Zhong. "I’ll talk to the teacher myself. I’ll study other subjects during class. If it works, Grandpa, you can’t stop me."
Xie Zhong raised an eyebrow. "Ani, you’re still small. Is being in a hurry useful?"
"Life is short. I want to do meaningful things while I’m alive. That’s how I live well," Zhu Yanyi said seriously. "If you didn’t stop me, I could take the fifth-grade test now. Then I could take the middle school entrance exam. Since you want me to go slowly, I trust you. You must want what’s best for me. But I’ve already learned this stuff. I can’t keep chewing on it. That wastes my time. If I have to go year by year, I’ll use the time to learn other things. It makes life more fun."
Zhu Yanyi didn’t hide her thoughts. She had forgotten most of her past life’s knowledge, but she had relearned it. She had finished five years of primary school. She could pass the middle school entrance exam now. But Xie Zhong had her reasons. First, if Guanyin appeared on February 19, Zhu Yanyi would be special. She needed adult protection until she grew up. Middle school was unsafe. Second, Zhu Yanyi had learned too much. She had forgotten what childhood was. Other kids played, but she didn’t. Xie Zhong worried she was growing too fast. She wanted her to play with other children.
Both reasons showed Xie Zhong’s love. Zhu Yanyi might not understand his thoughts, but she knew one thing. He didn’t want her to skip grades because he cared.
But she had her own plans. She wanted to learn more. Primary school had less pressure. She could use these years to learn more. This would reduce her future study pressure.
Qi Jizong listened to their talk. Her eyes showed surprise. "I didn’t know Ani was so smart."
Xie Zhong sighed. "I worry she’s too smart. You know, tall trees catch the wind."
Qi Jizong was experienced. He understood Xie Zhong’s worry. He thought for a moment. "Brother is right. Let Ani go to school year by year."
Zhu Shun Yao listened nearby. "I’ll tell Brother Baokun. Ani can start school this fall."
Xie Zhong nodded. "Starting early is good. No skipping grades. No other problems."
In the village, many kids started school early. So starting early was fine. Xie Zhong thought of Zhu Yanyi’s words. "If you can get your teachers to agree, I won’t object. You can read other books during class."
Zhu Yanyi smiled sweetly at Xie Zhong. "It’s a promise."
"A gentleman’s word is hard to take back," Xie Zhong said with a smile. He made a promise to Zhu Yanyi. They high-fived to seal the deal.
Qi Jizong watched them and laughed. "Ani looks very smart. Shun Yao, you must raise her well."
Zhu Shun Yao nodded. "Uncle, don’t worry. I will raise her well."