Chapter 38: Cherishing Talent

Director Liu had observed everything Chen Fan did that day. He had also seen Zhao Da handing money to Chen Fan. However, Director Liu remained silent, showing no intention of blaming Chen Fan. On the contrary, his appreciation for the young man only grew stronger. In Director Liu’s eyes, Chen Fan was not only talented and quick-witted but also possessed a knack for strategy. In short, all the qualities Director Liu admired could be found in Chen Fan.

Having developed a fondness for such talent, Director Liu wanted to bring Chen Fan into the Imperial Academy for proper training, certain that a spot in the upcoming imperial examinations would be within his reach. He believed Chen Fan’s future would be limitless. With this in mind, he instructed Chen Fan to meet him at the inn after selling his books.

When Chen Fan arrived at the inn, it was already dark. He knocked on Director Liu’s door, feeling somewhat puzzled; he had no idea why the official had summoned him. Could it be that he wanted a share of the spoils? Since Director Liu had witnessed the payment from Zhao Da, Chen Fan suspected he might be after a cut. Chen Fan had already prepared the six thousand taels Zhao Da had given him, ready to hand them over. He was generous because he understood the principle that one must give to receive. If this small sum could persuade Director Liu to make his storybook required reading for the imperial examinations, the future returns would far exceed these six thousand taels.

"Greetings, Director," Chen Fan said, bowing as he entered.

"You must be exhausted! Sit down and have some tea," Director Liu said with unexpected warmth, personally pouring a cup for Chen Fan.

"Director, this money is what Magistrate Zhao gave me today. Without your intervention, he would never have returned the books to me, let alone paid this sum. Therefore, this money belongs to you. I hope you will accept it," Chen Fan said calmly, showing no sign of reluctance, as if the wealth in his hands were nothing more than waste paper.

Director Liu had been observing Chen Fan closely. Seeing that the young man could offer such a large sum without a hint of regret, his admiration deepened even further.

"This money has nothing to do with me. I believe that even without my presence today, you would have recovered those books and received this payment," Director Liu said with a stern, sincere expression.

Seeing the director’s earnest demeanor, which did not appear to be an act, Chen Fan grew even more confused. If he didn't want the money, why call him here?

"Could you tell me the rest of the story? I promise not to reveal a single word to anyone else," Director Liu asked, unable to contain his impatience.

Hearing this, Chen Fan’s furrowed brow did not relax, as he suspected the director’s intentions went beyond mere curiosity. Nevertheless, he did not press the matter and began to recount the subsequent plot of the story.

"That Monk Tang is so annoying; I wish he would be eaten by those demons sooner."
"Zhu Bajie appears lazy, but he actually possesses great wisdom."
"As for Sha Wujing..."

Director Liu listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with his own comments. It was not until late at night that Chen Fan finished the tale. Even then, Director Liu was left wanting more.

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant," he exclaimed. "Chen Fan, I have heard that you never studied in a private school as a child. How did you manage to write such a magnificent story?"

"When I was young, I liked to sneak into the private school to listen to the lessons. When I grew up, I don't know why, but once I picked up a pen, I could write these stories," Chen Fan replied, his face showing no sign of deceit.

Hearing this, Director Liu grew excited. "A natural-born genius! You are truly the most suitable person for scholarly pursuits that I have ever met. Are you interested in entering the Imperial Academy? I can recommend you." He took a sip of tea, his mind already picturing Chen Fan’s ecstatic response. After all, this was the Imperial Academy.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan realized the old man’s true intent. "I am not interested."

*Cough, cough!* Director Liu choked on his tea before he could even finish it. "You... what did you say?" He looked at Chen Fan in disbelief, convinced he had misheard. How could anyone possibly refuse entry to the Imperial Academy?

"Thank you, Director, but my ambitions do not lie in the imperial examinations. I only wish to do business, earn a modest living, and provide a prosperous and happy life for my wife and children. That is enough for me," Chen Fan said sincerely. Having endured a life of displacement in his previous existence, he craved only stability in this one.

Director Liu’s brow furrowed immediately upon hearing this. "To be so young and yet desire a lowly trade—I see you have given no thought to your future at all," he said with dissatisfaction.

Chen Fan remained calm. "I have thought it through very clearly. While you may view business as a lowly trade, I do not."

Seeing Chen Fan’s firm attitude, the director became even more agitated. "Hmph! To be so young and yet so self-indulgent. I was wrong about you. Get out!"

Chen Fan offered a helpless smile and walked out.

"A life gone astray! A life gone astray!" Director Liu shouted in frustration at Chen Fan’s retreating back.

Chen Fan felt no regret for his choice. He knew that if he entered the Imperial Academy, he would certainly become an official, and likely a high-ranking one at that. But that was not the life he desired.

When Chen Fan returned to his small house, his wives, Yingchun and Yingxia, were still awake, waiting for him.

"Husband, tomorrow is Grandmother’s seventieth birthday. We have prepared a gift for you to give her," the sisters said.

Hearing this, Chen Fan felt no joy, as he held no affection for his grandmother. "You know my relationship with her. Let’s just not go tomorrow," he said with a wry smile. He knew that if he attended the birthday banquet, no one in the Chen family would welcome him; instead, they would likely mock him. He didn't care about the insults, but he did not want his wives to suffer for his sake.

"Husband, we have only just joined the Chen family. If we do not go, outsiders will gossip about us," the sisters replied. "Besides, you are her grandson. If you do not appear, she will likely use it as an excuse to call you unfilial."

It was clear they had considered everything.

"Very well, we will go together tomorrow," Chen Fan said, not wanting to disappoint the sisters. He could only hope that the members of the Chen family would be sensible enough not to provoke him.