Chapter 24: My Own Way

As soon as they returned to their residence, they immediately bought two large tote bags to pack up the two wooden chests. Early the next morning, they boarded a vehicle bound for Wuzhen, and two days later finally arrived home. Old Chen and he each took one chest; the smaller one went to He Zhixing, though the books and such inside were always available for Old Chen to read at his leisure. The larger chest, filled mostly with silver, jewelry, and other valuables, belonged in large part to Old Chen, with He Zhixing and Ye Fei receiving a third each. Both men were pleased with their share and saw nothing amiss in the arrangement.

He Zhixing quickly found Uncle Zhang to help him sell off some of the jewels and jewelry, earning over two hundred thousand. Old Master Chen did the same with most of his portion. After giving his grandfather a little over ten thousand, He Zhixing’s assets combined from before and after the trip amounted to over three hundred thousand—a veritable fortune in 1996 or 1997. He enlisted Uncle Zhang’s help to tear down and rebuild the old house at the foot of Golden Rooster Ridge in Ping County, Jia Le, scheduling the construction to begin after the New Year.

He sought out Ling’er and Yan’er, the two sisters, to join him in play. Since his grandfather had carpentry work in Wuzhen and wasn’t coming home, this year they would also spend the New Year in Wuzhen. On the ridge of Yizi Peak on Golden Rooster Ridge, they would run and climb the mountain as soon as dawn broke. Though the air was cold, the mountain was beautiful. Frost covered the slopes of withered yellow grass, rooftops and tiled houses were draped with long icicles, and silver-white blanketed the mountain paths, slopes, and low shrubs. Even the leaves and branches were adorned with icicles, creating a unique world of silver and white.

The two sisters were in high spirits today; running at dawn and enjoying the mountain’s beauty together filled them with joy. They wandered through the woods, savoring every lovely detail.

Northern Guangdong lay draped in white, green fields glimmering with flowers. Icicles hung from the eaves like Wu hooks, sparkling in the sunlight, dazzling beneath the moon. Where could one find such tranquility that all thoughts of return were forgotten? The mountain village seemed a fairyland, a hidden paradise.

Reaching halfway up the mountain, by a pavilion, He Zhixing said, “Ling’er, Yan’er, I’m going to practice some martial arts here, stretch my limbs a little. You two can play nearby.”

The sisters replied with a cheerful “Okay” and stood by to watch. He Zhixing began to practice. The Thirty-Six Forms of the Hanyang Eight Principles were already second nature to him, and with the breathing techniques he had integrated from the chapter “On the Five Elements,” his movements flowed even more smoothly. Wherever his fists and feet struck, snowflakes were sent flying in wild flurries—truly a sight to behold.

The two girls watched, entranced, murmuring, “Brother… you’re amazing…”

He Zhixing’s movements grew faster and faster—several aerial spins, then landing, then a series of punches, leaving afterimages of fists and feet in all directions.

At some point he had circled around to their side. The two girls, seeing him so near, could not contain their delight and flung themselves into his arms at the same time. Neither cared whether he smelled of sweat; rather, they seemed intoxicated by it. He Zhixing’s arms were full, and he held them close, smiling down at them, his gaze full of tenderness, while the girls blushed shyly.

Suddenly, a pair of warm lips pressed against Ling’er’s. She gave a soft whimper, eyes closing. Yan’er, beside them, felt her heart race and couldn’t bear to look, covering her face. Ling’er, inexperienced, slowly responded—their first kiss, stolen, left her feeling wonderfully content. Her lips parted involuntarily, and He Zhixing’s tongue slipped inside. The two tongues intertwined, and the sound of swallowing echoed between them. After a long moment, their lips parted, and Ling’er collapsed breathlessly into He Zhixing’s arms.

Yan’er had long since peeked through her fingers. Now her eyes told He Zhixing that she, too, was lost in this warm, romantic atmosphere, her gaze filled with longing and anticipation. He Zhixing kissed her in the same way, and soon she too was utterly swept away.

Both sisters gave him their first kiss, and after their lips parted, they remained nestled in He Zhixing’s embrace until their blushes faded. Only then did they slowly make their way back together.

The three enjoyed a happy week together. In between, He Zhixing went to the city to withdraw fifty thousand to give to Uncle Zhang for the house construction, telling him to call if there was a shortfall. Only when his grandfather called to urge his return did he reluctantly pack his things to leave. As he departed, the two sisters’ eyes brimmed with tears, but they held them back for fear their parents would notice something amiss—after all, they were still too young for talk of marriage, and hadn’t even graduated yet.

They promised to see each other again after the New Year if time allowed, and so, with heavy hearts, escorted He Zhixing to the bus, watching as he set off once again for Wuzhen.

After the New Year, a new journey lay ahead. What unexpected events would the start of middle school bring? He Zhixing felt a sense of anticipation; every new place, he hoped, would bring a new hue to his life. Life’s richness lies in its countless unknowns, and each person’s pursuit is marked by strange and varied choices. Only by constantly striving, seeking, and reflecting along the road of life can one truly grow.

Before the New Year, the buses were so crowded that He Zhixing barely squeezed onto his ride—migrant workers returning from faraway places packed the aisle, and even standing meant being pressed tightly against others. He couldn’t fathom how the driver and conductor allowed more passengers to board. He thought to himself, “I’ll never take this lousy bus again—ugly, stuffy, and unbearable.” The mountain roads twisted and wound, leaving him dizzy. Next time, he resolved, he’d buy a motorcycle and drive himself…

For the latest chapters, stay tuned.