Zora went straight to sleep after returning to Mr. Bo's residence and didn't wake up until late morning.
The tutor that Madam Bai had invited arrived at 7 a.m. and waited in Mr. Chen's courtyard for over two hours, getting more and more upset.
"Mr. Shi, please don't be angry. My daughter is still young and a bit spoiled. I'll talk to her when she wakes up. Please have a meal and rest first. I promise she'll meet you this afternoon," Mr. Chen said, pretending to feel guilty.
"She's already seventeen. That's not young anymore. I only came because of Mr. Jing's request. This kind of behavior is unacceptable. Why hasn't anyone gone to wake her?" the tutor snapped.
"We did! Five times, in fact," a maid said helplessly. "But the young miss's maids said she would call for the tutor herself when she wakes up. They didn't want to disturb her."
"Cui Zhu, stop talking nonsense," Mr. Chen scolded.
"Yes, madam," Cui Zhu answered quietly, glancing at the tutor with sympathy, which only made him angrier. He stood up and left, refusing to stay.
As soon as he left, Mr. Chen's face turned cold with a sneer.
…
Zora woke up from hunger.
Her stomach grumbled loudly.
"Ana, help me up and bring breakfast quickly," she called.
"I'm coming, miss! You finally woke up. If you slept any longer, I was ready to break the door down," Ana said.
Ana had been waiting outside all morning. Lisa had also checked several times but found no movement. Now that Zora was awake, the maids quickly got to work serving tea, helping her dress, and preparing food.
While brushing her teeth, Zora thought about her toothpaste and toothbrush. She figured Sean would like them, too. She planned to give him a set that evening. The nightlight from yesterday—he probably liked that as well...
Ana and Mana exchanged looks. Something was strange—why was their miss smiling like a fool?
"Miss, a tutor came to the house today. She's waiting at Peach Blossom Courtyard. She arrived early this morning, but since you were still asleep, I didn't disturb you," Ana said with a grin, as if keeping the tutor waiting was totally normal.
"Oh no! I completely forgot! She must be furious. Mother will scold me for sure. You silly girl, why didn't you wake me?"
"You told me yesterday not to enter without your call…" Ana looked wronged.
Zora: "…"
"Go get the tutor now. I'll finish eating quickly."
"Yes, miss."
Ana hurried toward Peach Blossom Courtyard but hadn't gone far when Cui Zhu, Mr. Chen's maid, approached and told her the tutor had already left in anger.
"She left because of me?"
"Mm. That's what Cui Zhu said. The tutor also said you were hopeless and she wouldn't come back. She said she couldn't teach someone like you."
"This is bad. Really bad. If she's gone, I don't think anyone else will want to teach me," Zora said, suddenly losing her appetite. She didn't know how to explain this to Madam Bai. And more importantly, she had to learn how to read!
Lisa saw how worried Zora was and offered an idea. "Miss, why not visit Lillian's Study Hall after breakfast? There are many scholars there. If we're willing to pay, it shouldn't be hard to find someone who can teach you."
"Right! I should've thought of that. You're so clever, Lisa. Go prepare the carriage. We'll head over after I eat."
Zora figured she had to solve this before Madam Bai returned. Otherwise, she'd be scolded badly.
…
Sean was checking the books on the third floor of Lillian's Study Hall when he saw Mr. Bo's carriage stop outside. Before he could react, Zora jumped out, dressed in red, and charged into the building.
He chuckled. "So determined. Is she aiming to be the top scholar?"
With a soft smile, Sean turned to the door. "Nat, go tell the manager downstairs to bring Miss Zora up."
"Yes, sir."
Zora rushed toward the front desk, ready to ask about hiring a tutor, when Nat came down and invited her upstairs. "Sir Sean would like to see you."
"He's here too?"
Nat nodded, but before he could explain, the manager, Lillian, laughed and said, "Miss Zora, didn't you know? This study hall belongs to Sean."
Zora: "…"
When she reached the third floor, the first thing she noticed was a beautiful scroll of calligraphy. She couldn't read it, though.
She stepped into the inner room. Sean was resting his chin on his hand, watching her with a slight smile. He wore a fitted purple robe that highlighted his broad shoulders and slim waist. His hair was tied up with a jade crown. He looked every bit the noble gentleman.
Zora stared, dazed by his beauty, which made Sean's smile grow even deeper.
"Nat, leave us."
"Well? Don't just stand there. Sit," Sean said, pointing to the chair beside him.
Zora snapped out of it and sat down. "You should smile more. You look amazing."
"That's the second time you've said that."
"Are you here to buy books today?" Sean poured her a cup of tea.
Zora shook her head, then briefly told him what had happened.
"You own this place and know many scholars. Could you recommend someone? I need someone right away."
Sean thought for a moment, then smiled. "Ordinary tutors won't do. I'm afraid they might mislead you. Since you're serious, why not let me teach you?"
Zora froze.
"Wouldn't that be too much for you? Do you even have the time?"
"Are you dumb?"
"I'm very smart!"
"Then you don't need to worry. My daily life is reading, playing chess, and drinking tea. If you want, come here. I can't visit your house—people talk."
Zora nodded quickly, making Sean laugh again.
"When do you want to start?"
"Today. Let's begin with recognizing characters."
Sean paused, then nodded and told Nat to bring a dictionary and writing materials.
Zora quickly stopped him. "Just the dictionary. No need for anything else."
"Why? You're not practicing writing?" Sean asked.
"Not yet. You just need to read the words out loud and give a simple meaning. That's enough."
"You only need to hear it once to remember?"
"…Yes."
Sean: "…"