Chapter 74: Holy shit! This young man...
Liu Yi felt that what Zhang Beixing had said made some sense and voiced his agreement.
But then he lowered his voice and reminded him, "Don't get nervous when the time comes, okay? Don't forget your purpose!"
"Hey, Teacher Liu, you're thinking too little of me. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous at first, but then I thought it over and, hey, I'm in here too. This place is actually just so-so!" Zhang Beixing said cheerfully.
For some reason, no matter how Liu Yi tried to digest those words, they just didn't sit right with him! It was like enjoying a piece of chocolate when suddenly you see a dog taking a dump next to you. Or like ordering a bowl of pork intestine noodles, only to discover it was delivered from right next to a proctology clinic. Just... really weird!
"I suggest you better behave yourself, kid. Your mouth is a little too sharp, and it's easy to invite trouble. This is their home court, and I won't be able to help you if you get beaten up," Liu Yi said. He thought it over and decided it would be better to distance himself a bit, just in case. Otherwise, if trouble came, he'd be the one to suffer the consequences.
Seeing him like this, Zhang Beixing pursed his lips. What was that supposed to mean? What did he mean by saying his, Zhang-ge's, mouth was too sharp and that he easily annoyed people? His sweet talk was actually very charming and likable! What blindness!
Without a trace, he rolled his eyes at Liu Yi.
In the end, Zhang Beixing obediently closed his mouth. After all, Teacher Liu had a point; this was someone else's home, and it was better to keep a low profile!
...
As the two of them chatted about this and that, the car stopped in front of the visitor's hall.
The Steward got out from the passenger side and unbuckled the seatbelts for Zhang Beixing and Liu Yi. Then he walked to the door and gently knocked twice.
Only when a robust "Enter!" came from inside did the Steward push open the door and gesture with a bow, "Please!"
Seeing his gesture, Liu Yi and Zhang Beixing didn't hesitate and stepped directly over the threshold and walked in.
Upon entering, they saw an elderly man with mixed black and white hair, a vibrant spirit, already in his nineties, sitting in the master's seat.
When he saw the visitors, or more precisely Liu Yi, a smile appeared on his aged face. He then stood up, striding energetically towards them with a hearty laugh. "HAHAHA, Liu Yi, Liu Eight-Steps, it's been such a long time since you've visited me! I've truly missed you greatly."
Seeing him like this, a smile also appeared on Liu Yi's face. He approached and cupped his fists in salute when he was a few steps away from the elder. Then he looked at Elder Chen and said, "I apologize for making Elder Brother worry; it's really my fault. In recent years, I've had a proper job, teaching and educating, and I've become quite serious about it. I got so engrossed that time flew by, and many years have passed before I knew it. I am truly sorry!"
"Tsk, look at what you're saying. What kind of relationship do we two have? Do we need to talk about these things? If you truly feel sorry, then stay tonight and have a good drink with me! That way, I can forgive you, how about that?" the elder said, not putting on any airs.
Hearing his words, Liu Yi laughed, knowing that there was no escaping this drink. So, he clasped his hands together and said, "It should be so. Tonight, the two of us must catch up on old times and share the fun stories of these years!"
"HAHAHA, good! Good! Just as it should be!" Elder Chen laughed heartily. Then his gaze fell on Zhang Beixing, who had been standing behind Liu Yi and had been silent since they entered.
"Little Brother Liu, I presume this young man is the talented individual you've mentioned, Zhang Beixing, young friend Zhang. Truly impressive in appearance! And just like my granddaughter, both students of Shi University, talented in both literature and martial arts, not bad at all!" Elder Chen complimented as he looked at Zhang Beixing.
Hearing his words, Zhang Beixing smiled slightly. Then, with his right fist clenched and his left hand open, he brought his hands together from the sides of his body to his chest. He slightly rotated his forearms inward, forming a circle with his arms, ensuring his elbows were not raised. Looking directly at the other party, he performed a standard junior's salute.
After completing these gestures, Zhang Beixing then spoke courteously, "Junior Zhang Beixing pays his respects to Chen Taishan! I live near Talltree District, and since my childhood, I have grown up hearing of Chen Taishan's deeds and have long admired you. Seeing you in person today fills my heart with excitement. I was so astonished just now that I didn't manage to greet you promptly. I hope Chen Taishan will forgive my rudeness!"
His manners were impeccable, his observance of ritual exact, not a whit off!
"WHOA!"
Seeing Zhang Beixing do this, Elder Chen's expression remained calm, but inside, he was extremely surprised. Because from the moment he laid eyes on Zhang Beixing, he had almost figured out what Zhang Beixing was all about. Martial Artists often use tools like wooden stakes, sandbags, and iron sand to hone their martial abilities. As a result, many develop thick calluses on their hands. But Zhang Beixing did not. His hands were very clean. To say they were as radiant as snow or delicate as jade might be an overstatement, but the essence was similar. They were long, white, and very delicate—the kind of hands perhaps suitable for a pianist. But for a Martial Artist, they seemed oddly discordant, no matter how one looked at it. If Liu Yi hadn't brought him, and if Zhang Beixing didn't stand as firm as a pine with such a sharp gaze, Elder Chen would never have associated him with being a Martial Artist.