Chapter 57: Grandmother's Ward

In the soft glow of the autumn afternoon, An Ran sat on the rocking chair in the courtyard, gently swaying as she basked in the warm sunlight. 

Returning home the previous night, her grandfather had immediately noticed her sprained ankle. His concern quickly turned into a stern lecture about her recklessness. After scolding her, he brought out a family-renowned medicinal tincture for bruises and began vigorously massaging her injured ankle, claiming it was necessary to disperse the stagnant blood. The pain brought tears to her eyes, and she couldn't help but think to herself: *Grandpa's hands are still as strong as ever.*

Unfortunately, tomorrow was Saturday, and it seemed her first weekend in Roseville would be spent cooped up at home, unable to go anywhere.

"Old An! Old An, are you there?" A man's booming voice called from outside the gate.

"Who's there yelling at this hour?" Grandfather An's robust voice echoed from inside the house.

An Ran quickly hopped off the rocking chair on one foot and called out, "Grandpa, I'll get the door!"

When she reached the gate and opened it, she was surprised to see the headmaster of Saint Academy standing there.

Headmaster Zhang carried a fishing box in one hand and wore a floppy fisherman's hat. He looked energetic and greeted her with a cheerful laugh, "Ah, little An Ran! Is your grandpa home? I've come to invite him fishing."

Noticing her awkward stance, he frowned slightly. "Did you hurt your foot?"

An Ran nodded. "Yes, I twisted it accidentally."

Just then, Grandfather An emerged from the house. Recognizing the visitor, he waved dismissively. "Oh, it's you, Old Zhang. No, no, I'm staying home to keep my granddaughter company. Find someone else to go with you."

"The others aren't as skilled as we are. It's just you and me who can compete. Are you sure you won't come? Last time, I caught a thirteen-pound fish at a hidden pool," Headmaster Zhang boasted, his tone dripping with pride.

"Thirteen pounds? Really?" Grandfather An's curiosity was piqued.

"Of course! What would I gain by lying to you?" Zhang replied, puffing out his chest.

An Ran couldn't help but smile inwardly. It seemed the headmaster and her grandfather were cut from the same cloth—both stubborn old men with a competitive streak.

"Grandpa, you should go fishing with Headmaster Zhang. Staying cooped up at home isn't good for your health. I'll just take a nap anyway," An Ran urged.

Hearing his granddaughter's encouragement, Grandfather An brightened. "Alright, Old Zhang, wait here. I'll get my gear."

As her grandfather hurried inside, An Ran turned to Headmaster Zhang. "Would you like to come in while you wait?"

He shook his head with a kind smile. "No need, little An Ran. We'll be off soon."

Moments later, Grandfather An reappeared, laden with fishing equipment. "Let's go! Take me to that pool. I'll catch a fourteen-pounder!"

An Ran stifled a laugh. Her grandfather's competitive spirit was truly something else.

Just as they stepped out, Grandfather An suddenly turned back, his expression serious. "An Ran, remember, don't let anyone inside after we leave."

"I know, Grandpa," she replied, slightly puzzled. Of course, she wouldn't let strangers in—why the reminder?

But Grandfather An's face grew even graver. "Roseville isn't like other places. This house is protected by a ** ward. Without the owner's permission, no spirits or demons can enter."

*A ward? Spirits and demons?* An Ran blinked, utterly confused. Before she could ask, her grandfather and Headmaster Zhang hurried off, leaving her standing at the gate.

With the autumn air growing cooler, An Ran decided it was time for a nap. She was just about to enter her room when she heard a familiar voice calling out.

"An Ran…"

She paused, recognizing the voice instantly.

"An Ran, kitten, are you home?"

There was no mistaking the owner of that voice. As much as An Ran wanted to ignore it, she knew the person wouldn't give up so easily. Sighing, she turned back and opened the door.

Standing there, as arrogant as ever, was none other than *that* guy.