Chapter 25: Nervousness upon Homecoming

Words : 1258 Updated : Sep 20th, 2025

Chapter 25 of "I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World" starts with unexpected events: Not long after, Li Yaozu and his wife, along with their guest Wei Tu, took... Find out more!

Not long after, Li Yaozu and his wife, along with their guest Wei Tu, took their seats on the stools around the dining table. “Brother Wei …” Li Xingye was the first to greet Wei Tu. Instead of addressing him as “Wei Ge’er” (Young Master Wei), he used the more respectful term “Wei Xiong.” His demeanor showed no trace of arrogance. He was humble and calm. The etiquette in hosting was exemplary. Wei Tu slightly raised his brows and immediately felt a greater sense of goodwill towards Li Xingye. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly—no wonder the county gentry flocked to the Li residence upon learning of Li Xingye’s performance in the county exam and sought to establish connections with the Li family. If Li Xingye treated those gentry with the same warmth and grace, it was no surprise that he was well-regarded. “I seldom return home as I have been studying at the provincial academy, so I haven’t had many opportunities to meet Brother Wei. I didn’t expect that despite living in a humble abode, Brother Wei still harbors great ambitions…” “When I heard about this remarkable news from my father, I was truly impressed by your goals.” Li Xingye smiled as he spoke, raising his hand in a gesture of respectful acknowledgment, and performed a slight bow towards Wei Tu. “With your skills, Brother Wei, you are bound to shine in the martial exams. Should we go to the provincial capital together, it would be good to have someone to look out for each other.” His tone was sincere. Upon hearing Li Xingye’s invitation, Wei Tu appeared momentarily hesitant, unsure of how to respond, feeling somewhat awkward. Aside from Shan Yanggong, he had not engaged much with scholars from this world. It was difficult to judge whether Li Xingye’s enthusiasm was appropriate or excessive. While traveling to the provincial capital with Li Xingye would be advantageous, Wei Tu was reluctant to further accept the Li family’s “favors.” If not for his financial constraints and Xinghua being at the Li residence, he would not have wanted to knock on the Li family’s door. “Master’s eldest son has a school in the provincial capital, and their residence is spacious. When leaving Shan’s residence, Yanggong had already suggested that I stay with him during the provincial exam, so I would not need to trouble Brother Xingye.” Wei Tu pondered for a moment, then shook his head and declined politely. Upon hearing this, Li Xingye’s smile slightly faltered, but he recovered after hearing Li Yaozu’s follow-up remarks. Li Yaozu, upon hearing this, said, “Scholar Shan has long resided in the provincial capital. Given Scholar Shan’s character, he would certainly have offered you lodging. It was my thoughtlessness. I hope Brother Wei will not take offense.” Li Xingye was unsure whether his father’s comments were meant to provide him with an excuse or were genuine, but he did not show any displeasure during the meal. After the dishes were served, the guests adhered to the etiquette of “not talking while eating” and remained silent. ……. After dinner in the inner quarters, Wei Tu, not wishing to overstay his welcome, bowed in thanks and was led out by the maid Chunlan. As he was about to exit the inner quarters, Wei Tu seemed to hear something. He paused briefly and looked up at the tall, upright ancient cypress tree planted deep in the courtyard. The courtyard walls obscured the trunk, but its lush branches and leaves extended above the roof tiles, swaying slightly in the moonlight. Wei Tu shook his head, then smiled with a sense of relief and relaxation as he stepped out of the gate. After mastering his cultivation and health practices, his senses were sharper than most. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have noticed the massacre of Baoyang County’s swordsmen by Zheng state’s soldiers outside the inn during his visit home. Wei Tu had heard the ancient cypress in the inner courtyard being kicked—kicked with considerable force. He guessed that the kick had likely come from the previously polite and humble Li Xingye. “Like father, like son. That saying is indeed true,” Wei Tu thought. ……. Upon arriving at the Li residence's front courtyard, Wei Tu saw Xinghua standing with a lantern in front of the hall where he had stayed six months ago. “Wei Ge’er. You’re back.” Seeing Wei Tu, Xinghua did not rush forward to embrace this man she had known since childhood. Instead, she hesitated, raising her foot before stepping back. Her gaze fell to Wei Tu’s bare upper body, which had become more muscular and broader since he left home. The stitches she had originally sewn had been removed and redone with finer craftsmanship. It was familiar, yet unfamiliar. Especially the imposing, warrior-like aura emanating from Wei Tu, which was both captivating and intimidating. Most people would instinctively feel a measure of fear upon encountering such an aura and would tend to keep their distance. When interacting, they would also be more cautious, using more polite and modest language. Xinghua, being a delicate maid who had not seen much of the world, was certain she was also intimidated by Wei Tu's presence. Wei Tu stopped in the courtyard and noticed Xinghua’s retreat and her apprehensive expression upon seeing him. “The dining in the inner quarters was too refined; I didn’t eat enough. Are there any leftover flatbreads? Bring me a few and prepare some bathwater. I’ve traveled all day.” Wei Tu spoke in a commanding tone, as though instructing a maid. Upon hearing these words, Xinghua felt a tinge of disappointment but also a sense of validation. At least she still had a role, serving her husband who was expected to achieve martial success. Xinghua accepted this with resignation. She turned and walked inside to find the flatbreads that had just been baked a quarter-hour earlier. However, at that moment, Wei Tu silently approached from behind and pinched her backside. Xinghua’s face immediately flushed with embarrassment. She turned around to glare at Wei Tu, clearly displeased. This time, the pinch was much stronger than before. “Clean yourself up and wait for me in bed. I’ve been cooped up at the Shan’s for too long.” Wei Tu unabashedly made a suggestive comment, causing a flush of embarrassment. “You eat first.” Xinghua stuffed the hot flatbreads into Wei Tu’s arms, stamped her foot in annoyance, and walked out of the hall to the washing area to bathe. “Indeed…This is likely Xinghua’s sentiment of nervousness upon me returning home.” Wei Tu watched Xinghua’s departing figure, shaking his head thoughtfully. He and Xinghua were different. Having received modern education, he could see through Xinghua’s efforts to conceal her thoughts. At this moment, Xinghua’s fear stemmed from her worry that Wei Tu, after achieving success, might no longer recognize her as his wife. ……. About half an hour later, Xinghua returned to the hall, deliberately lowering her head to hide her red cheeks, so that Wei Tu would not see it. Her worry proved unfounded. Wei Tu closed the door, extinguished the candle, and then lifted her onto the bed, tossing her onto the neatly arranged bedding. Soon, the bed was rocking, and waves of passion followed. By late at night, the two, having recovered from their exhaustion, held each other tightly, with none of the earlier awkwardness. “Wei Ge’er…” Xinghua opened her eyes, kissed Wei Tu’s forehead, and then, feeling content, went back to sleep.

Chapter 25: Nervousness upon Homecoming

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