Time slipped by like sand through one's fingers, and in the blink of an eye, it was the end of the year. The schools were on break, and before the New Year, Li Xiu had to make a trip back to his hometown to visit his master's grave. This was a matter of utmost importance that could not be delayed.
Usually, Li Xiu was the one who made these arrangements. This time, however, Zhou Lian took charge of everything with an authority that brooked no argument. Seeing this rarely assertive side of her, everyone fell silent. Li Xiu, especially, couldn't bear to see her upset, so he went along with all her decisions.
