Seeing the tenderness and affection between Shoi-Ming and the child, one can understand that this bond is special and that he is destined to be this young disciple's mentor.
At least, that's how Zi Xuan sees it. And Shoi-Ming realizes his mistake only too late.
Even though his body stiffens, particularly surprised by this gesture as if even Shoi-Ming's body had not felt human warmth in so long, he gently pats the boy's back, a little embarrassed, not quite sure how to react.
Damn it, Zi Xuan! Anyone would do. It's just that this boy needs love, that's all. He needs a good teacher.
Shoi Ming glares accusingly at Zi Xuan, still disagreeing with his opinion.
You'll see, he's right, he's planned a whole program! The child just needs to get a little better first, and then they'll start. He shouldn't give in to all his whims, but... he can only be understanding, he has just lost everything. Damn it, why are the protagonists' stories always so depressing!
Pulling himself together, he gently pushes the boy away with a tender smile.
"Wait, let me do it, okay?"
Shoi-Ming grabs something to bandage his wound, and gets to work. He surprises himself with how efficiently and quickly he does it, as if he's done this many times before.
Oh. Yes—that makes sense. It's ridiculous, really, he could heal it with his Qi, but... well, he'd rather not try if it's going to make things worse. For a moment, his gaze remains vague. The protagonist will certainly go through difficult trials, he needs someone to protect him.
And he is not that person.
Sakeru gives in, but his eyes shining like the sun betrays a deep admiration as he watches him treat his wound. After being treated, he looks at Shoi-Ming gratefully and calls him with great joy and cuteness: "Daozhang!" His smile lights up the room.
[ Protagonist's satisfaction +5 ]
Those two hundred Charisma points really work well, this kid is going to win everyone's hearts, and if he messes up, even Zi Xuan might let it slide. He says that, but he also really thinks he's cute. If he didn't have to restrain himself, he would give him a big hug.
"I can't wait to see how you will educate your shidi. He doesn't seem so traumatized after all." Zi Xuan added, nodding with a slight smile when he heard Sakeru's affectionate call.
It's official, he's not getting rid of him.
He looks at him in shock. What?! Don't say that, he just lost his parents! He's just a kid. Shoi-Ming will have to bring up the subject at some point and it's going to be difficult. Urgh! He's already suffering just thinking about it.
"Shixiong, you are mistaken. There are much better masters than me. It is not for us to decide for him, and he will learn much better with someone more competent who will be able to exploit his full potential."
Gentleness? The world is cold and cruel. One mistake is enough to lose your life. He already struggles to ensure his survival... no, this child must be able to survive on his own.
"Xiao-Sakeru, today you will have nothing to do. We will observe the training of the other disciples of the masters of our sect. We will spend several days studying them, and only then will you be able to choose the master you prefer."
Sakeru nods enthusiastically at Shoi-Ming's decision. His beaming smile never fades as he follows him like a little chick, full of curiosity and excitement at the thought of discovering what he has in store for him.
Finally, he'll be able to turn the protagonist towards someone who can REALLY train him, perfect! That way, later on, the protagonist will be grateful to him for not becoming like him.
Which protagonist wants to become as weak as Shoi-Ming?
No, no, Zi Xuan, in this case, your kindness and indulgence are doing you a disservice. There's a difference between providing moral support and serving as a teacher to this child!
There are three main risks: One, he fails to protect the protagonist from danger because he is incompetent, and either the protagonist survives and seeks revenge on him, or the protagonist dies, and then—wait, is it possible for the hero of a story to die? That would be a disaster!
Two, he fails in his education because he doesn't have enough skills. At best, the main character ends up disgusted with him and sees him as a nobody, eventually turning to someone else. At worst, he sees his failure in cultivation as a Machiavellian plan by a tormentor and takes revenge accordingly.
Three, he ends up getting killed if he strays too far from the protagonist or if he is too close to him. Being so weak, Shoi-Ming will inevitably die at some point, so he needs protection. What better protection than to get closer to the protagonist? Yes, but we all know that everyone who gravitates around the hero is more likely to die at the hands of the antagonists or the villain.
Haha, so he has the pleasure of being in deep shit no matter what he chooses.