novelraw Chapter 81 : Meal
Chapter 81 : Meal
Chapter 81: Meal
Faced with Zhang Wenda’s words, Rabbit’s upright ears drooped slightly.『You haven’t left this Thought Stream yet. That proves you’re still trapped here. I want to help you. Whether it’s escaping this place or breaking free from control, I can help you.』
Taiwan Novel Network, super considerate.
『I can handle it myself. I can handle it—I don’t need your help.』
Zhang Wenda looked at the Rabbit in front of him with a complicated expression. He knew the other party meant well, but he truly didn’t want to trouble them because of him—especially knowing how difficult things already were for them.
Where they were heading next was extremely dangerous. It was precisely because he knew the other cared about him that he couldn’t drag them into this.
『It’s a pity I couldn’t help when you were punished by the rules before.』 Rabbit pulled out a Lollipop from a pocket and offered it to Zhang Wenda again.
Zhang Wenda didn’t take it and pushed it back.『I know. You’re just a teacher. You can only follow the rules teachers have to follow. Our family matters are none of your concern. I never blamed you. Besides, there’s no way you could persuade them.』
The things he once couldn’t understand—Zhang Wenda was slowly beginning to grasp what was really going on. Teachers had their own rules. Even if they knew what was tormenting him, they couldn’t stop it.
『Teacher Rabbit.』 Zhang Wenda looked at the other seriously.『I really appreciate your concern. Teachers with such professionalism are rare these days. But you’re a teacher—and I’m no longer a student. Your duty has been fulfilled. You can go care for other students now. You don’t need to come looking for me anymore.』
Rabbit quietly watched Zhang Wenda.『You want to resist the rules shackled to you—alone? Or, to put it differently, you want to rebel against your parents?』
『Yeah. I know what you’re going to say next. Spare me the clichés about communication being a bridge. I can’t communicate with them! I can’t even understand what they’re saying!』
Zhang Wenda clenched his fists tightly.『I won’t—and I don’t want to—understand what they’re thinking. All I understand now is one thing: I have to be stronger than them! Only then can I truly break free from them!』
『Can you do it?』
『I can. I already have a clue. I’ll resolve the rule punishment on me within a week at most.』
『Let me help you.』
『I said I don’t want your help!』 Zhang Wenda couldn’t help but raise his voice.『Why do you insist on helping me? I can do it alone! I’ve always done everything alone since I was a kid! And haven’t I turned out just fine?!』
Panting heavily, Zhang Wenda looked at him. After calming down slightly, he spoke again:『Teacher Rabbit, I’ve always respected you. I hope you can respect me too. When someone needs help and you help them—that’s called helping. When someone doesn’t need your help and you force it—that’s not helping. That’s control. Just like my parents.』
『I really don’t want that day to come. I’m sorry, Teacher Rabbit. This is the last time I’ll call you that. Goodbye.』
After he finished speaking, Zhang Wenda turned and left.
Rabbit looked at Zhang Wenda’s retreating figure and slowly spoke.『Wenda’s guardian, this is the current problem. He rejects me and doesn’t want my help. I hope you, as his elder, can talk to him.』
A voice came from behind Rabbit.『That kid’s still just as stubborn. No doubt he’s my nephew. Honestly, if he doesn’t want to study, then don’t. I didn’t study much either, and I’m still fine.』
Rabbit continued watching Zhang Wenda’s fading silhouette.『It’s not just about his studies—that’s the least of his problems. He has a deep shadow in his heart, but he can’t see it himself. I’m afraid that when he finally learns the truth, he won’t be able to accept it. Just like I couldn’t, back then.』
『What about you? You seem fine now, don’t you?』
Rabbit ignored him, pushed the bicycle next to him, and turned to leave.『I don’t have to tell you.』
For the rest of the day, Zhang Wenda didn’t see Teacher Rabbit again. Guessing the other had likely given up, he felt slightly relieved.
Whatever came next—good or bad—he would shoulder it alone.
『Here, today’s earnings.』 As the sunset accompanied her, a tired Song Jianguo handed over 3 yuan and 6 jiao with a group of cats.
『Only this much?』
Before Song Jianguo could bristle, Zhang Wenda placed a purple 5-jiao note and a 1-jiao coin into her hand.『Here—your wages for today.』
『Seriously? You’re paying me?』 Song Jianguo’s eyes lit up as she looked at her hard-earned money. It was the first time she had ever seen money—especially money she earned herself.
『Of course. Since Aunt Flo told me to treat you better, I naturally have to treat you better. Sigh, I’m just too kind-hearted—not fit to be a boss at all.』 Zhang Wenda, back to his usual self, said this while pocketing the remaining 3 yuan.
『Meow meow meow!』 The black cats gathered around, stacking atop one another until they formed the shape of a fish.
Though the cats couldn’t speak, Zhang Wenda understood them. It was time to fulfill the promise he had made them in the past. Back then, he really had promised these cats.
『You caught a mouse today—didn’t you eat enough?』 Zhang Wenda sighed and waved his hand.『Let’s go—we’ve got money now! I’ll treat you all to fish at a restaurant!』
Both Song Jianguo and the cats erupted in cheers.
After everything they’d been through lately—near-death experiences included—Zhang Wenda really did need to take them out for a proper celebration.
Even though things in the Children’s World were cheap, splurging a little still added up.
In a small restaurant near the school, as he watched the black cats and Song Jianguo feasting at the table—and all the fish bones—Zhang Wenda couldn’t help but start calculating: would 3 yuan be enough?
In fact, Zhang Wenda had ordered eight dishes. Now the square table was full of empty plates. Fish, eggs, and meat were their favorites—gone the moment they were served.
『Boss! One more braised fish!』 Song Jianguo shouted, holding up a spotless fishbone in both hands.
Zhang Wenda lifted his rice bowl and began eating with a piece of lotus root.『Eat all you want. If we run out of money, I’ll pawn you off here.』
『Cheapskate! I have money!』 Song Jianguo waved her 6 jiao proudly.
Soon, a fragrant braised fish was served. The restaurant staff didn’t dare get too close when they saw the ring of green eyes at the table. Before the plate even landed, even the soup was gone.
But then, a shiny, roasted suckling pig was brought out—making Song Jianguo’s eyes sparkle.
Zhang Wenda was stunned. He glanced at the price list on the wall and saw that a suckling pig cost 2 yuan! With the previous dishes, they’d already gone way over budget!
He hurriedly said,『You must have the wrong table! I didn’t order suckling pig!』
As soon as Zhang Wenda spoke, even more meat dishes were brought over plate by plate.
Seeing all these dishes, he panicked. Just these alone easily added up to at least 8 yuan!
『Wait, stop! You all stop! I didn’t order these dishes!』