Zhu Yanyi nodded. "I’ve studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for years. If I failed such a simple exam, Master Yao would surely kick me out of her school. Now that I passed, why is she shouting about it everywhere? It’s not a big deal." She truly didn’t think getting the license was hard.
Xie Zhong nodded, agreeing. "Maybe Old Yao is just happy. You are his youngest disciple. Getting the license at eleven makes him proud. It’s easy for you, but not for others. That’s why so few people pass every year."
Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Grandpa, guess what? A man in her forties took the exam with me. She looked down on me before the test. But I passed, and she failed. Her face was so ugly! Luckily, I’m kind-hearted. I didn’t laugh at her when she fell."
"Alright. Passing is good, but it’s in the past. Don’t get proud. The next big thing is middle school." Xie Zhong paused, then added, "Also, prepare for the Junior Calligraphy Competition next spring."
Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t you say my calligraphy isn’t ready to show anyone?" After her painting won second prize in the city, Xie Zhong had complained that her writing was bad. She was only six then, barely holding the brush steady. She had made her practice until she improved. Now she wanted her to enter a pure calligraphy contest. Her writing must be decent now.
"It’s not perfect, but it’s acceptable. You need to show it to people. It’s good to see the world," Xie Zhong said calmly. He didn’t feel bad about teasing her.
Zhu Yanyi rubbed her forehead, looking helpless. "Do you have a grandpa like you? You always enjoy hitting my self-esteem."
Xie Zhong laughed loudly. "I’m very happy to hit your self-esteem." her granddaughter was growing up too fast. She acted like a little adult, busier than her sometimes. Teasing her was her fun.
Zhu Yanyi sighed helplessly. What could she do? She had such a grandpa. But despite the teasing, their love was deep.
"Your master called me. He said not to let the license make you proud," Xie Zhong said seriously.
Zhu Yanyi paused. Master Yao had said this before she left Beijing. Why say it again? She thought for a moment. Xie Zhong thought she was upset by her teasing, but saw she was thinking. "What’s wrong?"
Zhu Yanyi frowned. "Grandpa, Master Yao told me not to be proud before I left Beijing. She said it with Senior Brother and Fifth Senior Brother. Now she calls you to say it again. Master Yao doesn’t repeat things. Why is she doing this?"