Saturday night.
The dimly lit street was deserted. Apart from the occasional barking of dogs, it was utterly silent.
Tap.
Tap.
Andrew Han had just finished school. Dressed in his blue-and-white uniform, he walked home with hopeful thoughts, stretching his limbs contentedly.
Although his current goal was to reach the Third Rank and strive for admission to the Academy, he had already attained the Fifth Rank. The period for tempering his muscles and bones had also been greatly shortened, ensuring his eligibility for Elite University. At least, he no longer needed to worry about failing the college entrance exam.
......
Inside the living room.
Slurp.
Andrew Han took a sip of steaming egg drop soup, squinting his eyes in satisfaction. He cupped the flawless, large white bowl in both hands, lost in thought.
Maybe I shouldn't tell Mom and Dad for now.
He chewed the soft egg flower, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes: "If Mom and Dad don't approve of the martial arts path, it could be troublesome. It's better to wait until the martial arts exam... If I really reach Third Rank, I'm sure they'll happily accept it."
Slurp.
Andrew Han drank his egg drop soup.
His mother, Linda Chen, sat beside him and apologized: "I forgot to buy ribs today. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made egg drop soup—rib soup is much more nutritious."
"It's alright."
Andrew Han replied quickly.
His younger sister, Lucy Han, with her fair cheeks, stretched her tiny hands to reach the edge of the table. Her big, hopeful eyes watched her brother eat, and she kept swallowing her saliva.
But she said nothing, just quietly watched.
"You silly girl." Linda Chen chuckled and patted Lucy Han's head. "I brought you another bowl of egg drop soup, but you won't drink it. You just want to fight with your brother over his bowl."
"Lucy won't fight for it."
Lucy said crisply, her face showing a conflicted expression. After thinking for a while, she simply buried her head in Andrew Han's arms.
If she couldn't see it, she wouldn't crave it.
Andrew Han couldn't help but shake his head and laugh. He gently hugged Lucy with his right arm, comforting her while secretly pondering where to search for Graywhite Aura tomorrow.
"Andrew."
Linda Chen tapped the table and said thoughtfully, "Your uncle called today and wants to invite our family to lunch tomorrow. Do you have time? If not, I'll ask your dad to decline."
Uncle?
Andrew Han blinked twice.
Uncle George Han is William Han's elder brother, around fifty years old.
Uncle George has a rough personality but treats Andrew Han very well. He often takes him out to play and once gave Andrew a smartphone.
"It's fine, it's just a meal. It won't take much time." After a moment's thought, Andrew Han added, "I might be a little late tomorrow since I need to study at a classmate's house first."
Linda Chen nodded, "Right, your studies are more important. It's okay to be late."
"Meat!"
A delicate little face popped out of Andrew Han's arms, exclaiming joyfully, "Lucy wants meat! Lucy wants to go too!"
"Alright, alright."
Linda Chen smiled and hugged Lucy, gently smoothing her shoulder-length black hair.
Slurp.
Andrew Han finished his last sip of egg drop soup, letting the soft egg flower fill his mouth with warmth, and allowing the happiness to flow peacefully in his heart.
"Mom."
"I'll go study in my room now."