76 Strong-ling

Coming back to her apartment, Ru was trying to sort out her thoughts.

Alev Knight meeting Xiao Zhi Ren?

Hmmm...

She knocked on her own head, 'Aish! What am I going to do now?'

While she was lost in her own thoughts, she heard the sound of the doorbell. Upon opening the door, she came face-to-face with an enraged Lilith.

"What's wrong with you?" On Ru's question, Lilith clenched her fists tightly trying to calm herself.

"I can't be a mentor of a weakling." Understanding Lilith's hand signs, Ru frowned.

"What happened?" There was no way this girl was reacting like this over nothing.

Lilith took a deep breath and tried to explain herself with as much detail as she could. "That little fresh meat[1] can't even throw a punch. What am I going to teach him?"

Ru cocked her head to a side as she stated matter-of-factly, "Perhaps... You have to teach him how to throw a punch."

Lilith gaped at Ru in disbelief. Although in the past months, her respect and admiration for Ru had reached a whole new pinnacle...

But she still thought that this master of hers was really unexpected. Especially with words. How could 'he' always make people speechless?

"He almost broke his knuckles while trying to throw a single punch," added Lilith.

That got Ru's attention. "Where is he?"

"He's fine. You are not getting the point here. He is a weakling." Lilith was exasperated trying to state her main point.

"Then it's your job to turn him into a strong-ling." Ru shrugged her shoulders while she put some water to boil for tea.

"Is there even such a thing as being a strong-ling?" Lilith asked shoving herself right in front of Ru's eyes to make her notice the hand signs clearly.

Ru sighed heavily before she touched Lilith's head and said, "Life can't be found in the terms defined by the world. If the term you want doesn't exist in the dictionary, make sure to add that term in your personal blank book of life."

Lilith's heartbeat precipitated and she wasn't sure whether it was because of the words she heard or because of that gentle hand on her head that was enshrouding her heart in a gush of warmth.

"As long as you believe that there is a thing called being strong-ling. No one can convince you otherwise."

Pouring some tea in two cups, Ru pushed one cup towards Lilith as she continued, "Apart from that, I know it will be a bit difficult for you to like Yuan. But bear with it. Patience is the key." Looking out the glass wall with a thoughtful look, she went on, "He's different than you and I. He has lived a guarded life. Unlike both of us, he doesn't really know how cruel this world can be."

Turning back, she patted Lilith's shoulder. "I told you before, your job is not just to teach him how to defend himself, you have to make his safety your first priority." Lilith nodded her head understanding one thing very clearly...

That weakling boy is really important to her master. But the question was; WHY?

Oblivious to this discussion, Xiao Zhi Yuan went to school as per his routine. His life at school had been a lot easier since the time, Zhang Han and he had gotten closer to each other. Both were always found together and although the students found this odd, no one dared to comment.

Zhang Han had always stayed in the teacher's good books because he was the class president but 'till now he never managed to have a close friend. Perhaps that's why his bonding with Xiao Zhi Yuan was stronger.

There was obviously another reason...

"Good morning, little Uncle!" Zhang Han teased Xiao Zhi Yuan as he put his arm around his shoulder.

Peeling Zhang Han's hand off of his shoulder, Xiao Zhi Yuan shoved his school bag at Zhang Han and said, "My dearest nephew, why don't you help your uncle in carrying his schoolbag?"

Zhang Han scrunched up his face indignantly. "That's not fair."

"Why? Isn't helping your uncle a part of being respectful to your elders?"

"Don't take it too far. I'm older than you by the whole three months." Zhang Han retorted.

Xiao Zhi Yuan pinched Zhang Han's cheek with an excessive force making him wince. "Who started it, little nephew?"

"Forget it, I'll just carry the bag." In the end, Zhang Han had to resign since he was the one who started with the teasing.

They had a pact that both of them won't disclose their relationship in school at any cost. Being uncle and nephew of a classmate was quite embarrassing or awkward for both of them. Now that Zhang Han brought up the topic, he had to pay for it.

During the lunch hours, Zhang Han placed a lunch box before Xiao Zhi Yuan. "Your sister wanted me to deliver this to you. She has some urgent matter to deal with so she can't come herself today."

Xiao Zhi Yaun was quite used to these delicious lunch boxes by now but it was always brought by Ji Caihong herself. It was very odd for her to not show up herself.

After pondering and hesitating for a long while, Xiao Zhi Yuan finally mustered up the courage to ask, "Is she sick? Or is she sick of bringing this to me herself?"

Zhang Han had already been told that Xiao Zhi Yuan was quite a sensitive individual but it was his first time seeing Xiao Zhi Yuan acting like this. It was obvious that he was worried for Ji Caihong but he was also scared that just like everyone else, she is also tired of him.

"Stop overthinking... Great grandmother is coming back. So, my dearest aunt is busy preparing for that." Zhang Han decided to disclose this matter to Xiao Zhi Yuan since he was actually a family member.

"Great grandmother? You mean my grandmother Zhao Mi?" Zhang Han nodded giving his confirmation. "Where is she coming from?"

Zhang Han rolled his eyes at Xiao Zhi Yuan before telling him in detail, "Great grandmother had surgery six months ago. She's been recuperating in Germany. Now, that her health has been restored, she is coming back home." Recalling something, Zhang Han tapped on Xiao Zhi Yuan's shoulder in excitement and said, "Oh, oh, there is going to be a banquet as well. Also, I heard you're on the guest list."

Xiao Zhi Yuan was surprised to hear that but he didn't show it on his face. "I won't be attending."

"That's not up to you to decide." Zhang Han gloated. "From what I heard, your brother and great grandmother are very close to each other. And there is no way that great grandmother calls and your brother won't show up. If my first uncle will come, obviously, my third uncle has to follow." He lowered his voice deliberately to say his last sentence.

Little Yuan scowled but didn't say anything since Zhang Han was right. If his grandmother was the hostess, Xiao Zhi Ren would never refuse to be the guest. And if his brother went, he'll drag him along. How troublesome!

When the long day at school finished, both Zhang Han and Xiao Zhi Yuan were leaving the school together. But suddenly, catching sight of the person waiting for him at the gate, Xiao Zhi Yuan was left dumbfounded.

'Am I dreaming?' He wondered to himself as he rubbed his eyes to make sure that he wasn't being delusional.

[1] 'Little Fresh Meat': handsome young males