Even he himself was caught in the triangular relationship between science, art, and mysticism, unable to grasp it.

The sound of two people walking came from the bedroom, and Li Zhiyuan put the memorial photo back, sticking it behind him, ready to let it fall again when he gets up later to find an opportunity to ask questions.

Professor Zhu helped his wife out.

The elderly couple shared the same surname, Zhu.

Mrs. Zhu, after being called upon earlier, had probably tidied up and dressed a bit, but her face still showed signs of infirmity.

She was truly in her twilight years, possibly not old in age, but her body was approaching a certain critical point.

"Hello, Grandma Zhu."

Li Zhiyuan stood up to greet, and the memorial photo fell down again behind him.

Mrs. Zhu looked at Li Zhiyuan with a smile, gently patting her husband's hand, said:

"You were right, this child indeed looks handsome, there's a scholarly aura about him that's quite likable."

Everyone has their own aesthetic preferences. Looking at the setup inside and outside the house, and Mrs. Zhu's profession before retiring, one could discern her interests and hobbies.

However, this was the first time Li Zhiyuan had been described as having a scholarly aura.

Thinking about it, those who died by Li Zhiyuan's hand, whether human or demon, probably wouldn't object to this statement.

"Child, please sit down."

"Alright, Grandma."

As Li Zhiyuan sat down, he touched the photo frame of the memorial picture and reached out to adjust it.

Mrs. Zhu was unconcerned about this; instead, she proactively asked, "Does it look good in the photo?"

Professor Zhu got up to tidy up the photo frame, slightly dissatisfied with his wife asking a child this, but he just smiled indulgently, knowing his wife didn't like restrictions.

"It's beautiful." Li Zhiyuan said while passing the photo frame to Professor Zhu, "It feels even prettier than you in person now."

"Hehehe." Mrs. Zhu covered her mouth and laughed, no longer restrained and reserved, genuinely delighted.

Usually, saying a photo looked better than the real person would upset a woman, but Mrs. Zhu was seeking precisely this effect. Being complimented and acknowledged made her feel peaceful and secure.

"Grandma's health is deteriorating, so I wanted a nice photo, so even if I'm not around, Mr. Zhu won't find it too tiresome to look at my photo while at home thinking of me."

Professor Zhu echoed, "Exactly, very beautiful, very beautiful indeed. I won't put it on the altar tonight; I'll take it to bed to sleep with."

Grandma Zhu blushed and said, "Oh, stop saying nonsense in front of the child."

To prevent the topic from drifting, Li Zhiyuan quickly asked, "Where was the photo taken, at a studio? My brother plans to take some artistic photos with his partner, and he's not sure which studio to choose."

Grandma Zhu said, "At the intersection of Zhengyang Street, Pingju Photography Studio."

"Oh, okay, I got it."

"Though the owner is young, the skills are excellent, very meticulous and responsible." Grandma Zhu added, "The price is also reasonable; you can recommend your brother to try it out with his partner."

"And this photo frame, is it also from the studio?"

"Of course, this frame is exquisite, I like the patterns very much, and the price is fair, but your brother probably won't choose this style, there are other designs available."

Being a rehired professor and a retired professor, their life regarding food and drink wasn't troubled, yet they weren't wealthy. Their professions made it difficult to earn extra income.

Items they considered cheap were definitely not expensive.

If expensive items were sold at low prices, then there was an issue with the studio.

Later, Grandma Zhu asked Li Zhiyuan which books he had read; of course, Li Zhiyuan didn't mention Wei Zhengdao.

Sensing the elderly's hobby, he mentioned a few books, and Grandma Zhu asked several questions, which Li Zhiyuan answered.

Grandma Zhu was pleasantly surprised, indicating for Li Zhiyuan to follow her into the study, evaluating the boy's writing and drawings.

Professor Zhu opened the door and said, "Lunch is ready, how are you both doing?"

Grandma Zhu bitterly smiled and said, "I wanted to guide the child a bit, but the kid's calligraphy and painting skills surpass mine. If it weren't for my poor health now, I would want to take this child as my teacher."

Li Zhiyuan's calligraphy was already well practiced as a child when Li Lan worked in the study, with rubbings of stone inscriptions all over the floor, where he would crawl on them.

As for painting, that was learned from Alii.

The boy was skilled in calligraphy and painting, though not yet at a master level, but Grandma Zhu was someone with extensive but shallow interests, highlighting the boy's expertise.

Li Zhiyuan assisted Grandma Zhu out of the study and sat down for a meal.

Two vegetarian dishes and one meat dish with soup, the menu was simple and flavors mild.

Grandma Zhu only ate a few bites and drank half a bowl of soup, then put down her chopsticks.

Professor Zhu warmly invited Li Zhiyuan to continue eating.

After lunch, Grandma Zhu motioned for Li Zhiyuan to help her into the bedroom. From the cabinet beneath the bookshelf, she took out a set of hardcover books as a gift for Li Zhiyuan.

Though not an antique, it held value and for an average family, this was considered a generous gift.

Li Zhiyuan accepted it, expressing his gratitude earnestly.

Grandma Zhu was delighted, holding Li Zhiyuan's hand and chatting for a while.

Needing to check out the photo studio, Li Zhiyuan excused himself by saying he had classes in the afternoon and needed to return to school.

This left Grandma Zhu a bit stunned, hurriedly calling Professor Zhu over to ask, "Xiao Yuan is a student?"

"Huh?" Professor Zhu was also puzzled, "Of course, he's attending school."

"You're confused, that's not what I meant." Grandma Zhu looked at Li Zhiyuan, "Are you a university student?"

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