C37 Han Xue's Hope!

Han Xue's Hope

"I challenge you to a match!" Yan Fengwu declared, locking eyes with Ye Yu, her gaze unwavering.

Ye Yu's mind reeled, caught off guard by the unexpected challenge, yet a part of him was pleasantly surprised.

"Why?"

Yan Fengwu's lips curled into a smile as she faced Ye Yu. "Because you surpass me in strength, speed, and bodily coordination. I can't stand being outdone!"

"So, you're set on defeating me in combat?" Ye Yu asked, incredulous.

"Exactly!" Yan Fengwu's smile deepened.

Ye Yu massaged his temples, exasperated. This martial arts fanatic!

"Is there any chance I can decline?"

Yan Fengwu shook her head firmly. "No way!"

Ye Yu grimaced. He only knew a routine of calisthenics, and now he was expected to spar? Panic set in.

Yan Fengwu chuckled at his expression and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Relax, we won't spar just yet. We'll wait until we're both Martial Artists."

"What makes you so certain I'll become a Martial Artist?"

Yan Fengwu cocked her head, her ponytail brushing against Ye Yu's shoulder. "Aren't you going to be one?"

Ye Yu paused, then a smile broke across his face. Of course, how could he turn down the path of a Martial Artist?

Standing tall, Ye Yu faced the earnest Yan Fengwu and extended his hand. "Alright, you have my word!"

They sealed the promise with a high-five. "It's settled then!"

In the senior year classroom, Ye Yu took his seat beside Han Xue.

She was lost in her book, her eyes glazed, clearly not absorbing the words.

Ye Yu gently tapped Han Xue's shoulder. "Han Xue, how are you holding up?"

Startled, Han Xue replied, "Much better, thank you."

Han Xue glanced at Ye Yu, biting her lip in hesitation before speaking softly. "Ye Yu, if..."

"If one day you can't find me, will you still remember me?"

Ye Yu turned to face her, sensing her unease. "Not see you? You mean after high school? We can always stay in touch."

"No," Han Xue pressed her lips together, "I mean if you can't see or contact me for a long time. Would you still remember me?"

The earnest plea in Han Xue's eyes sent a pang through Ye Yu's heart. "I'll always remember you, for a lifetime."

"Then it's a promise," Han Xue affirmed with a nod, her smile blossoming like a snow lotus basking in newfound sunlight.

As the school day ended, Ye Yu was about to leave when a voice halted him.

"Teacher Xing?"

Turning, Ye Yu saw Xing Meng beckoning from against the wall.

"Is something wrong, Teacher Xing?" Ye Yu inquired, eyeing the covert Martial Artist with curiosity.

"Follow me."

Without further explanation, Xing Meng strode off toward the school playground.

After a moment's hesitation, Ye Yu followed, trusting Xing Meng meant no harm.

They quickly reached the playground, where Ye Yu spotted a familiar figure—it was Yan Fengwu!

"Teacher, what's his status?" Yan Fengwu approached Xing Meng with concern.

Xing Meng gave a nod of approval. "He's pretty good. But I need to run a few tests on him to get a clear picture of his abilities."

Ye Yu was feeling a bit perplexed by their exchange. "What's all this about?"

"It was me who had Teacher Xing summon you," Yan Fengwu explained, fixing her gaze on Ye Yu. "You want to become a Martial Artist, don't you?"

Ye Yu nodded in confirmation. "Yes, exactly. Are you suggesting that Teacher Xing might train me?"