Even in RPGs, there are breaks to catch your breath! Do you want him to have a burn-out?!
From an outside perspective, Shoi-Ming's panicked behavior must have seemed quite funny, but it didn't take him long to pull himself together, close the fan, and put it in his sleeve.
He just found out he has something in common with Shoi-Ming—he's good with kids.
Why?
Maybe because he's easy going? Funny? Want to treat them right, like an older brother?
"I'm Shoi-Ming, and you, what's your name?"
He has so many questions. Who hasn't dreamed of being a protagonist or at least being in their presence?
Finally, something interesting!
Does that mean he's the kind of orphaned protagonist who had a horrible childhood? Oh no, poor thing... Luckily, he's on the path to a much brighter future.
The child seems extremely shy, his golden eyes looking at Shoi-Ming with an expression of fear and curiosity. He nervously bites his sleeve, backing away slightly, as if he feels vulnerable in this new environment and in front of this stranger.
After a moment of silence, the child whispers in a trembling voice, "Mommy?"
At first worried even horrified, Shoi-Ming's expression softens and becomes more compassionate.
No way!
Has Jun Hie taken him away from his parents to make him his disciple because 'he has so much potential'?! He'll have to ask Zi Xuan if this is indeed the case and, secretly, this little angel must go back to his mother. He won't be responsible for this separation.
So he crouches down to be at the child's level. Normally, one wouldn't do this, but he's alone with him. The world already seems too big for children, so he prefers to show him that things are less intimidating than he imagines.
Nevertheless, he doesn't want to try to get closer to him—he's lost and it's too soon. He mustn't force things. It will happen naturally. He's just a stranger to this kid.
"Hey, are you hungry? Because I'm starving! What do you like to eat? I can ask them to make it for you."
As if to confirm his words, his stomach starts to growl. He had forgotten his own hunger with all this, but recently what he has eaten has been just enough to keep him going.
It would be good to have lunch in the Great Hall—that's where all the disciples and masters go, but the child will feel intimidated and uncomfortable. So he thinks that if he sends a message to the cook explaining the situation, he will understand and send someone to deliver the food to them.
The child simply nods in response to Shoi-Ming's suggestion. However, he remains silent about his food preferences. Instead, he looks at him for a moment, then shyly grabs his sleeve, as if seeking a little comfort or security.
What?
[ You requested: Display protagonist's stats. ]
No way! He must have made a mistake. But who would have thought he'd be entitled to this kind of thing. Free info!
[ Strength: 0.
Dexterity: 4.
Charisma: 200.
Luck: 0.
Constitution: 0.
Qi Mastery: 7. ]
OMG, those Charisma points! Protagonists are really something else. He'll have everyone at his feet when he grows up!
Ah, he's a little jealous. And look at that, he already has four in Dexterity and seven in Qi Mastery. Well, he shouldn't compare himself to the protagonist, he's clearly no match for him.
But zero luck? Surely, this should be higher than that. The protagonist should have the blessing of the heavens! How can anyone resist that little face? Even he cracks and smiles tenderly, gently placing his hand on his head to pat him.
"Don't be afraid, you're safe here. Okay, I'll take a little bit of everything in that case."
Fortunately, he remembers some dishes.
Ranging from sweet and savory to spicy, from soft like clouds melting in your mouth to comforting like a hot and soothing soup, to the most exquisite. Yes, there are plenty of choices.
He gets up and goes to his desk to write.
Shoi-Ming may have been homeless, but he didn't skimp on his own education. He writes well, his pen dancing across the paper. Even his style is recognizable, always folding his paper in such a way that it forms a small paper crane, both elegant and somewhat touching.
Now for the hard part... making that crane fly and ordering it to go find the cooks. It requires little Qi, so little that it's even easier than with talismans. But... such a simple task requires so much concentration that many would raise an eyebrow and ask him what he's waiting for.
Finally, he sighs with relief when sees the crane set to work, spreading its little paper wings to fly to the Great Hall, all the way to the kitchens to deliver the message.
The child watches in wonder his performance with the paper crane.
His eyes light up as he follows every movement of the bird flying towards its destination. He even tries to catch it, but his legs are too short. He seems fascinated by the way he manipulated Qi to bring the inanimate object to life.
Even Shoi-Ming takes a moment to admire the result of his 'hard' work before returning to the child.
"There, now we just have to wait. In the meantime, would you like to play a game with me?"
The protagonist nods with a slight smile. He seems a little happier than before, but from time to time he glances out the window, as if waiting for something.