A Day of Laughter and Aspirations

The morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold as Li Xuehua stirred awake, her body feeling a slight weariness from the previous day's rigorous training. However, her fatigue was quickly replaced by the sound of laughter resonating from the kitchen below. Intrigued, she followed the joyous melody and made her way downstairs.

As Li Xuehua entered the kitchen, her presence illuminated the room. Xin Tiu, who had become a regular presence in her house, stood engaged in animated conversation with her parents. Their faces were alight with smiles as Xin Tiu recounted a funny tale, his words punctuated by bursts of laughter.

Caught off guard by Li Xuehua's sudden appearance, Xin Tiu felt his cheeks grow warm. His heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness, for his admiration for Li Xuehua had slowly blossomed into a crush. However, he remained clueless about Li Xuehua's obliviousness to his feelings.

Taking her seat opposite Xin Tiu, Li Xuehua greeted her parents with a warm smile. She grabbed a piece of bread and began to enjoy her breakfast, savoring the simple pleasure of the moment. Tian Wei, her father, noticed her empty plate and lovingly placed more food in front of her.

Amidst the light-hearted banter, Xin Tiu couldn't help but steal glances at Li Xuehua, captivated by her beauty that seemed to radiate from within. Every time their eyes met, his cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, a secret admiration hidden behind his youthful innocence.

During the conversation, Xin Tiu excitedly shared the news that had spread throughout the village. "Li Xuehua, have you heard? Master Zhi, the village chief, has announced the upcoming selection of the most promising child in our village. Every ten years, a chosen individual will have the opportunity to attend a renowned martial arts school."

Li Xuehua's eyes sparkled with intrigue, her mind racing with memories of her past life. She already knew about the selection, as it had been a pivotal event that she had eagerly awaited. The chance to showcase her skills and broaden her martial arts horizons had been the very reason for her relentless training.

She turned her gaze toward Xin Tiu, seeking his thoughts on the matter. "And what about you, Xin Tiu? Will you be participating?"

Xin Tiu nodded eagerly, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Yes, Li Xuehua, I will participate without a doubt! It's a chance for us to grow and prove ourselves. Together, we can show the village our determination and passion for martial arts."

Li Xuehua nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. Her student's courage and dedication filled her heart with pride. Unbeknownst to Xin Tiu, Li Xuehua admired his relentless pursuit of martial arts growth and the unwavering support he showed her as a friend and training partner.

In the depths of Xin Tiu's heart, he knew that his chances of impressing Li Xuehua were slim. She was his master, a martial arts prodigy who had far surpassed his own skills. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and pride in his own progress. He had surpassed his own father, Xin Tang, in martial prowess, a fact that made his father swell with pride and admiration.

As the breakfast conversation continued, laughter and aspirations filled the air. Li Xuehua's parents shared words of encouragement and pride for their daughter's dedication to martial arts. Xin Tiu basked in the warmth of their support, cherishing the friendship that had blossomed between them.