Because of what happened to Zhao Ke, Xue Wenhui took a week off from work to stay home with her son.
The incident had taken a heavy toll on Zhao Ke, leaving him quiet and withdrawn. Naturally, the family avoided talking about what had happened.
There wasn't much Zhao Rui could do about this kind of emotional struggle. Besides, he had been the one to trigger the whole incident, so it was best if he didn't spend too much time around his younger brother, Zhao Ke.
After returning home and having a quick meal, Zhao Rui went into his room to cultivate and meditate.
Although his system panel was a cheat that could directly increase his Inner Cultivation, the power still resided within his body. Even the most formidable Inner Strength would become sluggish and difficult to use if he neglected his Cultivation.
By the time he completed two Minor Circulations and opened his eyes, he had two missed calls on his phone.
Zhao Rui got out of bed and picked up the phone he'd silenced while cultivating. A glance at the screen showed one missed call from his Second Senior Brother and another from Yang Fan.
He decided to call his Second Senior Brother back first.
"Senior Brother? You called?"
"Zhao Rui, when does school start for you?"
Instead of answering, his Second Senior Brother asked a question of his own.
"I haven't gotten the official notice yet, but I figure I'll have to report in about twenty days."
Zhao Rui replied.
"Oh, that's plenty of time. Here's the deal: I have a friend whose daughter goes to your old high school. Her grades are just average, and he's looking for a tutor who just finished the college entrance exams and did well..."
His Second Senior Brother briefly explained the situation and asked if Zhao Rui would be free to tutor for a while.
The pay was good: two hundred an hour, and the schedule was flexible—mornings, afternoons, or evenings.
How could Zhao Rui possibly refuse? His morning job as a sparring partner was usually quiet anyway.
'I can totally take on another part-time job!'
They agreed to visit the employer's home together the next morning. After hanging up with his Second Senior Brother, Zhao Rui dialed Yang Fan's number.
"Brother Rui, great news! I got into Jeju Engineering Vocational and Technical College! We can hang out together again."
Yang Fan's voice was filled with excitement.
Unlike the loafers who hated school, he actually enjoyed it—as long as no one cared whether he got good grades or not.
"For real? Awesome! That's a huge expense off my back from now on!"
Zhao Rui chuckled.
"Screw you!"
The two of them joked around for a while before hanging up.
...
The next morning, shafts of sunlight slipped through the gaps in the leaves, falling directly on Zhao Rui's face.
It illuminated the fine, downy hair on his still-youthful face.
Exhaling, he finished his cultivation. Zhao Rui picked up his backpack from the ground, straightened his clothes, and got on the bicycle leaning against a nearby tree, heading for the neighborhood they had discussed last night.
Half an hour later, in front of an upscale gated community, Zhao Rui saw his Second Senior Brother sitting in the driver's seat of a car, leaning out and smoking a cigarette.
"Senior Brother!"
Zhao Rui walked his bike over and greeted him.
"You're here. Let's go."
His Second Senior Brother tossed the cigarette butt on the ground, stamped it out with his foot, then closed the car door and led Zhao Rui into the community.
The security at the gate was tight, and the two of them were only allowed to enter after their employer was called and came to meet them.
The employer was a woman in her early thirties with the surname Song. She had delicate features and long, lustrous black hair pulled back into a bun.
His Second Senior Brother was clearly well-acquainted with her. After they exchanged greetings, Ms. Song turned to Zhao Rui and said with a look of satisfaction, "Your junior brother is quite handsome!"
"Of course! Would I recommend someone subpar? He's not just handsome, he's a great student, too!" his Second Senior Brother said, laying on the praise.
"Senior Brother!"
Zhao Rui's face flushed. 'It's embarrassing when you praise one of your own people like that.'
"Haha, your senior brother and I have known each other for years. Come on, let's head inside and talk," the woman said with a smile, leading the way. She guided the two of them through a plaza surrounded by lush greenery and water features, stopping in front of a row of townhouses.
'It sure is nice to be rich,' Zhao Rui couldn't help but think.
He followed the woman through the courtyard gate, up the steps, and into the house. The first thing he saw was a spacious foyer, and just past it, an enormous living room opened up before him.
A crystal chandelier scattered brilliant light, like a canopy of stars looking down upon the world.
"Please, have a seat. I'll go get Yaru. Nanny Wang, please bring some tea for our guests!"
With that, the woman left the living room.
"So, what do you think? Impressive, huh?" his Second Senior Brother gestured at the massive living room and its exquisite furniture, asking Zhao Rui with a smile.
"I'm envious."
Zhao Rui admitted with a sincere nod.
"Haha, if you're envious, then focus on your training. Once you break through to become a Tenth Level Martial Artist, people will be lining up to hand you money!" his Second Senior Brother laughed.
"Okay. When that time comes, I'll save a couch for you, Senior Brother," Zhao Rui said.
His Second Senior Brother laughed and cursed at him good-naturedly, then said, "Sister Song's daughter might not be easy to deal with. Just see how it goes."
Zhao Rui nodded, picking up the cup of tea the maid had brought and taking a sip.
A moment later, Ms. Song came back, dragging a reluctant teenage girl behind her.
"Honestly, this child... Class assignments are coming up, and you couldn't care less!"
Ms. Song chided, leading her daughter into the living room.
"This is my daughter, Yaru. You've met Uncle Li before," she said, gesturing to the Second Senior Brother. "And this is his junior brother. I was hoping he could..."
Before she could finish, the girl's eyes widened as she stared at Zhao Rui. "Aren't you Zhao Ke's older brother?" she asked in surprise.
Zhao Rui was taken aback. Looking closer, he realized the girl did look a little familiar. "I do have a younger brother named Zhao Ke," he confirmed.
"I knew it! I saw you at the start of the school year. We even talked!"