Lunchtime – The Geek Table
After the first class, the other two didn't offer much excitement. Bruce paid attention, taking notes like a diligent student.
Between classes, he exchanged small talk with Tao, learning more about school environment.
Zhao Lifen and her clique occasionally glanced at Bruce, but he ignored them and focused on learning.
When the third class ended, the lunch bell rang.
The cafeteria buzzed with energy. Tao led Bruce through the chaotic flow of students toward the serving counters.
Rows of trays held a feast of stir-fried greens, dumplings, sweet pork buns, spiced tofu, steaming noodle soups, and fragrant rice bowls.
Bruce loaded his tray with a bit of everything, eager to explore.
Tao guided him to a corner table near the cafeteria entrance—dubbed "the geek table." There, four unassuming yet lively students paused their eating and glance at Bruce tagging along Tao.
A lanky boy adjusted a circuit-board bracelet on his wrist. "This him?"
Tao nodded. "Bruce. Guys, meet my new friend." Everyone just nodded and Tao started introduced them
He pointed at the boy with a neatly combed part and vintage-style glasses, wore a old watch and had a worn notebook filled with scribbles. His bag was lined with historical novels and local temple maps. "Zhang Weiren, Nick name 'Old Man'. Weiren has a passion for ancient civilizations, folklore, and legends."
Next he pointed at the soft-spoken girl with delicate features, wore a telescope pin on her collar and a starry charm bracelet. She rarely made eye contact, but offered a shy smile. "Lin Qiun, Nick name 'Gazer'. She is fascinated by astronomy and mythology."
Next, he pointed at the slim and sharp-eyed, constantly tapped on a handheld keyboard. He had a small device clipped to his waist and muttered things like "syntax error" between bites. "Guo Minghao, Nick name 'Matrix'. A genius with code."
Last, was a vibrant and expressive, short hair dyed slightly purple at the tips. Her fingers were stained with ink, and her sketchbook brimmed with anime-style art. "Mei Yanyan, Nick name 'Doodler', loves sketching and anime." Tao finished
Bruce introduced himself. "Bruce Chan. I'm from America, just moved in." They nodded.
Unlike others who mock and gave them a hard time because of their looks, introvert characteristics and unpopular interests, Bruce was actually interested in each one of them and was easy to talk to even though he was good looking and had all the requirements to be one of the cool kid, so Bruce was able to assimilate into the group without any trouble.
Lunch carried on with playful banter and chatter.
"Zhao Lifen acts like a queen," Mei muttered "But the real queen is Qin Yue," said Minghao.
"Top of our grade," Tao added. "An All-rounder. Her family is loaded. Her boyfriend's in high school—captain of the Martial Arts Club. Strong, popular, and not someone to cross."
Bruce listened and filed the information away. So there was a hierarchy. And Qin Yue sat at the top.
He glanced toward the "cool kids" table. Zhao Lifen was whispering something to a poised girl with long straight hair and a polished uniform—Qin Yue. The girl glanced at Bruce briefly, her gaze unreadable, before turning away with disinterest.
'Good' Bruce thought. 'I'm not here for drama. But if it comes… I won't fold.'
Evening – Back Home
After school, Tao took Bruce to picked up club form from the office. Tao cheerfully mentioned that he is in the Math Club.
"You should join," Tao suggested.
Bruce gave a lopsided grin. "No offense, but solving advanced equations for fun isn't my thing."
He scanned the list. Martial Arts Club caught his eye. So did Calligraphy Club. 'That could be useful for my talismans making in the future' were his thoughts.
They parted ways at the bus stop as they were taking different routs
Back at the shop, the scent of old wood and incense greeted him. Uncle sat at his counter, reading a scroll through his magnifying glass.
Bruce greeted Uncle and asked where Jackie was while setting down his bag.
Uncle didn't look up. "Gone out. Said you smart enough not to burn the house down."
"I was thinking of trying."
"Hah. Try, and I'll turn your tea into vinegar."
Bruce washed up and immediately went to work on his homework. He was able to finish his homework with ease, feeling hungry he headed downstairs to grab some dinner.
Downstairs, Uncle handed him some cash. "Dinner from next door. Tell it's for me."
Uncle reached into the drawer and pulled out a small stack of notes and handed it to Bruce "Go. Get dinner from next door restaurant. Tell, it's for me."
Bruce raising an eyebrow "Wait… takeout? From a restaurant? Are you feeling okay?"
"Aiyah! You think Uncle is stubborn old pot who only eats home food?" he questioned
"Yes." Bruce immediately replied, without any doubt
Waves a finger "Hmph! You only half wrong. Uncle only eat good food and Warm Flame Kitchen is good food"
Bruce, blinking with confusion asked "But, I thought you didn't trust restaurant kitchens."
Adjusting his glass while smirking "True for most places. Greasy oil, too much sugar, food made by chefs with no respect for the body's meridians, but Old Lady Lu… she is different. That woman cooks with care."
"Wait! You trust her because she's old?" he questioned
Uncle scoffed "Aiyah! Because she use medicinal herbs from her own garden! Fresh! Picked with knowledge! Her dishes are good, nourish the body and calm the heart. All recipes passed down three generations. No MSG! No frozen meat!"
"So, it's basically medicine that tastes good?" he was intrigued to try it out
"Exactly. Even Jackie says so—and he barely tastes what he eats."
"Alright. You had me at no MSG"
[Neighbor's Restaurant – Warm Flame Kitchen]
Bruce stepped into the cozy red-and-wood-themed restaurant. The warm lighting, soft red lanterns, and aroma of medicinal herbs instantly soothed him.
Ten tables, each capable of seating four, filled the room. Only two were occupied by elderly patrons reading newspapers. A young boy sat alone at a third table, hunched over a workbook.
Behind the counter stood a calm-faced man in his forties, wearing a grey apron.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"Uncle from next door sent me. He ordered food."
"Ah, you must be Bruce." The man nodded. "I'm Han." He turned to the kitchen. "Xinyi! Uncle's order!"
A woman emerged—her black hair tied into a bun, apron speckled with flour. "Coming!"
While waiting, Mr. Han leaned over the counter. "You Jackie's cousin?"
Bruce nodded. "And Uncle is my actual uncle."
"Good people. We live upstairs. Help manage this place. Old Lady Lu still owns it, but she's in her garden more than the kitchen these days."
Bruce glanced at the boy studying. "Your son?"
Han smiled. "Yep. Wants to be a scientist. Smart and stubborn. Just like his mom."
Xinyi returned with a cloth-wrapped bundle. "Hot and fresh. Here you go."
Bruce bowed slightly. "Thanks." and paid
"Come by anytime," Han said.
Bruce stepped outside, holding the warm package. 'The people here are good'
[Dinner and Chi Talk]
Back home, Bruce plated the meal and brewed Uncle's favorite tea. Uncle joined him, scroll finally set aside. They ate in silence until Uncle broke it.
"So… school still standing?"
"Barely."
"Good. Means you didn't explode."
Dinner continued, Bruce tapped his chopsticks and asked Uncle that has been bothering him for some time "My chi—it's fluctuating nature is hard to get a read on. Why Uncle?"
Uncle leaned back and studied him without replying.
"Something wrong, Uncle?" Bruce asked.
"Reason for your question?" Uncle probed
"Mapping out my Chi pathway is progressing smoothly, but when it comes to understanding my Chi flow rhythm, the progress is stagnant"
Uncle nodded, but he suspected something yet replied. "Chi is not always calm stream. It reacts to thoughts, emotions and surrounding, but in time you will succeed"
"Uncle, Have you seen or heard of anyone else with Wild Chi?" Bruce asked
Uncle's face held delight while answering "Wild Chi potential is very rare, but Yes! Uncle know someone with Wild Chi and He is the Strongest of our World!"
"Who is it?" Bruce asked-his curiosity at its peak
-----END-----
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