"Brother Ling Tian, are there any techniques the master taught you that I can practice?" Hua Min'er asked, her bright eyes fluttering mischievously.
"There are actually two techniques that would suit you. They'd make up for the weakness of your body," Ling Tian said after a moment's thought.
"Could you teach them to me?" Hua Min'er asked eagerly, her eyes full of anticipation.
"If it's you, I suppose I can," Ling Tian said. Remembering his father's remark about his "future daughter-in-law," his face flushed faintly.
"Why can you if it's me?" Hua Min'er asked deliberately, gazing at him expectantly.
"Because you are—you're..." Ling Tian faltered, unable to bring himself to say it. He couldn't very well tell her she was his future wife.
"What am I?" Hua Min'er pressed.
"You—you're someone I want to protect." Ling Tian relaxed all over and blurted it out.
"Oh!" Hua Min'er was a little disappointed. In truth, she'd hoped he would say those other words.
"Come on, Min'er. I'll teach you the techniques." Ling Tian had no idea she was fretting over what he might or might not say.
"Oh, all right." She took him by the hand and led him toward the "secret base" on the rear peak.
"Brother Ling Tian, do you know this year's competition is different from the past?" On the way, Hua Min'er had recovered from her disappointment and asked casually.
"I've heard a little, but I don't know the details." Ling Tian was mildly curious.
"My master said they'll choose some of the younger disciples to represent Qingyun Sect in exchanges with several other sects."
"Really? How many will they choose?"
"Four official members, plus four alternates. Eight in all."
"Oh. Do you want to go and see the world, Min'er?"
"I do. What about you? Do