Shi Nian smiled lightly.
"Alright. But I don't just teach anyone lightly," she lifted her small chin proudly in the glow of the night lights, her eyes lively: "If you really want to be my apprentice, you'll have to sincerely listen to me. Not just for a moment, but in all times and matters."
This was a subtle switch in concept.
Huangfu Huazhang laughed, "Do you really want me to become your apprentice?"
Shi Nian shrugged, "Given your status, you'd need a formal apprenticeship ceremony to be worthy."
Huangfu Huazhang laughed, turning his head to gaze at the enchanting night outside the window.
The ambiguity in his previous words had been completely dispelled by her earnestness. However, from a logical standpoint, he couldn't argue with her.
He had long known her cleverness. Now, she had finally shown him her sharp edge.
He laughed, turning back to gaze at her intensely, "Nian, you're very clever."
