The moment Jin Chi returned home from school, a nervous energy danced through him. He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, glancing at his mother.
"Mom…" he began, his voice hesitant.
"Yes, Chi?" she replied, looking up from her chores, eyes softening.
"Can… can I stay at my friend's house?"
For a heartbeat, she froze. Then, with exaggerated horror and dramatic flair, she threw her hands into the air.
"Honey! Come quick!"
Jin Chi's father appeared as if summoned by an emergency, rubbing his eyes in mock confusion.
"What… what is it now?" he asked, trying to sound serious but failing miserably.
"You know exactly what to do!" his mother called, waving her hands like she was conducting an orchestra. "Our son wishes to… stay at a friend's house!"
Jin Chi's face burned. Really? They're acting like I just asked to adopt a dragon…
"Of course," his father said, straightening his robes, puffing out his chest as if announcing a royal decree. "We must ensure this… stayover is conducted with all due precautions: snacks, games, and, of course, proper martial supervision."
"Martial supervision?" Jin Chi raised an eyebrow.
"Yes!" his mother chimed, pointing a dramatic finger. "You never know when wild beasts—or mischievous children—might strike!"
Jin Chi groaned but couldn't help smiling. So much drama for a sleepover… typical.
"Fine, fine," his father said, pretending to scribble notes on an invisible clipboard. "I shall accompany you… only to ensure the laws of friendship and honor are upheld."
Chi laughed softly. Ridiculous… but I kind of love it.
The atmosphere softened into warm relief. Both parents exchanged glances—they had feared that, with his early grade advancement and maturity, Jin Chi might never form close friendships.
"Great," Jin Chi said, trying to sound confident. "So, we agreed—I'll go to his house Saturday night and return Sunday around six. Alright? A week from now, so make sure you're free."
His mother nodded. "Yes, got it. Actually… it works out perfectly. We're meeting Loch and the others that day too."
Jin Chi frowned. "Really? Why… that's weird."
"It's alright. Go upstairs now," she said with a smile.
"Fine," Jin Chi muttered, retreating to his room.
Days passed, filled with anticipation. Chi and Yu's bond grew steadily—shared jokes, small challenges, and quiet conversations weaving a friendship that felt surprisingly effortless. Until finally, the long-awaited sleepover arrived.
Chi's father walked him to the doorstep as the late afternoon sun cast long shadows. He rang the bell, glancing at Jin Chi.
"Are you sure you want to take your books… huh?" he asked, sighing.
"Don't ask me that again, alright?" Jin Chi shot back, crossing his arms with excitement.
The door swung open, and Yu's father(Shen yuanhai) appeared, beaming warmly.
"Welcome!" he said, stepping aside.
Jin Chi felt a flutter of nervousness, but also anticipation. The night was about to begin, and the bond between him and Yu was ready to grow.
While both sets of parents lingered downstairs, exchanging polite smiles and soft laughter, Jin Chi and Yu sneaked into Yu's room. Yu had prepared his toys in anticipation of a typical night of games—but Jin Chi had other plans. Slowly, he pulled out a stack of books from his backpack.
Yu froze, eyes widening as if a wild monster had appeared. "Mm… why are you taking out books?" he whispered.
Jin Chi grinned. "Let's study," he said simply, mischief sparkling in his eyes.
Yu took a hesitant step back. "You… you mean like… study-study?"
"Exactly! Come on, it'll be fun," Jin Chi said cheerfully.
Yu groaned dramatically, flopping onto the bed. "Fun? Studying? Who even thinks that's fun?!"
Jin Chi laughed, unbothered. "Trust me… by the end of tonight, you'll thank me."
"What's your favorite subject? Come on, we'll play later—after I finish my milestone," he asked, voice brimming with determination.
Yu blinked. "Milestone? Bro, this is a sleepover, not an exam!"
"But all the more reason to make it productive," Jin Chi replied, already flipping open a textbook like a warrior unsheathing a blade.
Yu let out a long, defeated sigh. "Alright… fine. But if I fall asleep mid-equation, don't you dare wake me."
"Deal," Jin Chi said with a wink.
They studied until Yu's father knocked on the door. "Dinner's ready, boys."
The two jumped to their feet and dashed downstairs, laughter echoing through the house. As they sat, Jin Chi's gaze drifted across the table, and he noticed quietly—there was no mother present.
So… Yu doesn't have a mother, he realized softly, a warmth spreading in his chest.
Yet Yu smiled freely, chatting and laughing with his father. It was comfortable. It was… family. A fleeting moment Jin Chi hadn't realized he'd missed until now.
After dinner, they played, laughed, and returned to their books. Yu asked questions, curiosity finally sparked. By nightfall, they were exhausted, half-asleep amid scribbled notes.
Morning came late, groggy and tangled in blankets. Neither wanted the night to end. Before leaving, they planned their next meet—Yu would come over to Jin Chi's house next.
And so, a rhythm formed. Week after week, they studied, played, and trained. Chi drilled Yu relentlessly, turning every visit into a mini bootcamp of knowledge. For Chi, it was fun; for Yu, pure academic torture—but he endured, determined not to fall behind.
Finally, report card day arrived. Jin Chi's scores were near-perfect—99%. Yu followed closely at 97.9%. Like Chi, Yu had the chance to skip to sixth grade—but he had to pass a special test.
Chi drilled him in fourth-grade lessons day and night. For Chi, it was play; for Yu, torture. Still, he passed with 79% and earned his place alongside Chi.
With their friendship deepening, Chi felt a new excitement simmering within him—the martial arts class he had long awaited was about to begin.
Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived. Jin Chi felt a fire ignite within him—excitement, determination, and just a hint of nerves. His uniform was perfectly neat, lunch packed, and mind razor-sharp as he stepped into the Cloud Carriage.
He waited impatiently for his friend Yu, who soon arrived, practically buzzing with energy. "Martial arts class today! The new subject! Can you imagine all the boasting about family techniques?" Yu exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
Jin Chi couldn't help but smile at his friend's enthusiasm. He glanced around the carriage, half-expecting the usual chatter—but something felt… different. The silver-haired girl was nowhere in sight.
Shrugging off the distraction, Jin Chi stepped into the classroom alongside Yu. The air was already alive with the excited murmurs of students, each eager to flaunt their skills and family legacies in martial arts. Today, he thought, was going to be anything but ordinary.
The air buzzed with chatter. Students boasted about family techniques, famous clans, and legendary martial skills.
"My father said I'll master the Tiger Fist before next month!"
"Well, my brother's already training in Iron Palm!"
Jin Chi and Yu took their seats, only to be met by a group of boys, irritation etched on their faces. One crossed his arms and sneered.
"Hey… you two skipped fifth grade, right?"
Jin Chi blinked. "Uh… yeah?"
Another boy leaned forward mock-seriously. "So tell me, geniuses—did skipping a grade also skip your muscles? This is martial arts class, not math club."
Yu froze. Jin Chi smiled calmly, a thought flickering in his mind—so it begins.
And with that, a new chapter of challenges, laughter, and growth had begun.
Next chapter: payback and First Martial Arts Technique