Although the wedding banquet had been booked at a hotel, the relatives usually went to Zhao Rui's home first to sit for a while. When it was almost time to eat, they would all head to the hotel together.
Xue Wenhui had prepared several plates of fruit early that morning, arranging them neatly on the coffee table.
She had also cleaned every inch of the house, inside and out, even more thoroughly than the big cleanup before the Lunar New Year.
A little after eight, relatives from Zhao Rui's maternal grandmother's side arrived almost all at once. His uncle's family, his aunts' families, and even his grandparents, who lived back in their hometown, had all come along.
The relatives on his maternal grandmother's side were all ordinary people; none of them had any martial arts talent. His uncles and aunts were all from fairly average families, and most of them were office workers.
Only his younger aunt's husband worked at a township government office, which counted as a respectable job.
Once they entered the house, there was naturally a round of greetings after their long separation, along with plenty of praise for Zhao Rui.
His younger cousins especially admired their martial-arts-talented older cousin. Every time they saw him, they would pester him to tell them stories about his martial arts training.
Compared with his paternal grandfather's side of the family, Zhao Rui and his brother were clearly more familiar and closer with their maternal grandmother's relatives.
They had more chances to get together, too. Their circumstances were much the same, so there was no one looking up to anyone else or owing anyone favors.
Nearly an hour after the relatives on his maternal grandmother's side had arrived, someone knocked on Zhao Rui's door again.
Hearing the knock, Zhao Rui went to the entrance and opened the door. Seeing that it was his third uncle's family, he smiled and started to greet his uncle and aunt.
But before he could open his mouth to say hello, a rush of wind came straight at him.
Zhao Rui swept his palm diagonally to block the blow and dodged back a step. To his surprise, the other person had no intention of stopping. One punch missed, and another followed right after it.
Zhao Rui met each move as it came, deftly using Wing Chun Inquiry, a martial art suited to maneuvering and fighting in confined spaces. In an instant, he and his visitor exchanged five or six moves.
"Hey, Wing Chun? You little brat! No wonder you've improved so much."
After launching two fierce attacks and seeing Zhao Rui defend himself with tight, seasoned moves, the visitor withdrew his fist and stepped back, laughing heartily.
"Third Uncle, that's not very sporting!"
The one who had attacked him was naturally Zhao Rui's third uncle, Zhao Jinze.
"How else would I find out how impressive my nephew has become? Level Five now, right?"
Zhao Jinze asked, quite surprised.
"Yeah, but I only advanced after the Gaokao!"
Zhao Rui smiled as he ushered his third uncle's family inside.
"After the Gaokao? Does the Martial Arts Academy at Dongqi University not require a certain level anymore?"
"I applied to a different college!"
"Oh!"
Zhao Jinze paused, disappointment flashing briefly in his eyes. Still, he smiled and encouraged him:
"Build up your strength before you let it burst forth. Don't slack off!"
Then he turned toward the living room. As he walked, he cupped his hands toward the relatives from Zhao Rui's maternal grandmother's side, who had already stood up to welcome him, and apologized:
"Sorry for the intrusion, sorry! I got a little restless and my hands started itching."
"Don't mention it. We're all family. Come on over and sit!"
What could Zhao Rui's uncles and aunts say? All they felt was envy—and awe.
Those few moves just now had left them trembling with fright. It was lucky he was family; otherwise, they might have thought some thug had come barging in.
The two sides of the family knew each other well. After a round of polite invitations, everyone sat down on the sofa and chatted.
"Little brother, you've grown taller again!"
Only now did Zhao Rui have time to look at his cousin Zhao Xin, his third uncle's martial-arts prodigy.
"You're finally good enough for me to go all out against you."
"..."
What an arrogant little brat. He was practically asking for a beating!
Zhao Rui smiled and ignored him. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw his younger cousins peeking out from the bedroom doorway, watching with excited faces.
He said to Zhao Xin, "Sit for a bit. Have some fruit."
Then he walked over to the bedroom and asked the children, "Was it fun to watch?"
His younger siblings immediately exclaimed, "Big Brother, that was so cool! You were amazing!"
"I wish I could be as good as you, Big Brother!"
"Haha, I'll put on another fight for you some other day. Go play in the room!"
Zhao Rui smiled and ruffled their little heads, then sent them into the bedroom.
The youngest of these cousins was only in the second year of middle school. They were at the age when everything lively was fun to watch.
Everyone in the living room was chatting noisily when the doorbell rang again.
As before, Zhao Rui went to open the door. This time it was his eldest uncle's family.
His eldest uncle wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt made of fine fabric, paired with off-white trousers and a gold watch on his wrist.
He had the classic look of a successful man.
He even looked quite a bit younger than Zhao Jincheng.
His eldest aunt was dressed fashionably, and her skin was so well cared for that she didn't look a day over forty.
Behind them were his cousin Zhao Yurong, who had already graduated from university and worked for a multinational company, and his younger cousin Dou Bao, who was in his third year of middle school and was also a Martial Arts Student.
"Ruirui, congratulations on passing the exams and making the list. What a joyous occasion! This is a gift we bought for you."
His eldest aunt spoke first, handing Zhao Rui an exquisitely wrapped box.
Zhao Rui picked it up and took a look. It was the latest Youwei Mobile Phone model, and it certainly wasn't cheap.
He was a little surprised. He hadn't expected his usually stingy eldest aunt to be so generous.
"Thank you, Auntie. Thank you, Uncle!"
Zhao Rui quickly thanked them and ushered everyone inside.
The last time the house had been this lively was more than ten years ago, when his younger brother Zhao Ke was born.
After all, the family usually didn't gather at Zhao Rui's home unless there was an occasion.
Once all the relatives had arrived, it was soon eleven o'clock. Zhao Jincheng invited everyone to head to the hotel for the meal.
"Jincheng, which hotel did you book? This is such a happy occasion for Xiaorui. Don't choose somewhere that makes us look bad! If you don't have enough money, tell me."
As they were leaving, eldest uncle Zhao Jingguo frowned at Zhao Jincheng.
"No need. The restaurant's pretty good. Just come along, Big Brother! I sent the address to the group chat."
This was what Zhao Jincheng disliked most about his eldest brother. If he wanted to give him money, he could just transfer it to his account. Why all the talk?
"Mm."
Zhao Jingguo replied and climbed into the Mercedes-Benz business van he'd driven over, his face expressionless.
Most of the relatives had cars. Those who didn't squeezed in with other families, so getting there wasn't difficult.
Soon, everyone drove to the five-star hotel they'd booked.
When they arrived, Zhao Jingguo got out of the car and looked over the restaurant. He nodded slightly, apparently satisfied with the place his younger brother had chosen this time.
The group started walking toward the hotel.
Zhao Ke had arrived at the hotel early. He didn't want to stay home and listen to relatives offer insincere praise.
He'd rather come here, keep an eye on the private dining room, and see to the guests who arrived early.
Zhao Rui stayed busy helping his father entertain their friends and family. Along the way, he put on a shy act and accepted the guests' praise and encouragement.
It was a little dull and childish, but he enjoyed it.
As the saying went: How many times in life did one get to celebrate? Passing the imperial examinations was the perfect occasion!
But Zhao Rui wasn't the happiest one there. The happiest was his father, Zhao Jincheng.
His son had been admitted to one of the top universities in the province, a prestigious first-tier school. It had added a bold splash of color to his otherwise ordinary life.
It was also a chance for him to hold his head high.
Throughout the whole banquet, the smile never left his face. Before he could even greet anyone, he was already smiling from ear to ear.
Although his son hadn't enrolled in the Martial Arts Academy, the prestige of a top first-tier university was more than enough to make him happy.
At a celebration banquet for a student's admission, people came to show their support and exchange gifts. Some offered sincere congratulations, but most were just going through the motions, eating and drinking, and tossing out a few compliments.
In his previous life, Zhao Rui had seen enough of life's twists and turns and the ways people dealt with one another. In this life, he didn't want to overthink things. If you treated him well, he'd treat you well in return.
If you treated him badly, well, he knew a few moves, too—and he was best at making people yield through sheer force.
Besides family and friends, Zhao Rui's teacher and people from his martial arts school also attended the banquet.
As Zhao Rui's martial arts instructor, Li Cunxin was naturally the first person who had to be invited.
Li Cunxin took his student's admission banquet seriously. He'd made sure to look neat and proper that morning, and even put on a traditional Chinese jacket with a row of buttons down the front. Paired with his flowing white beard, it gave him something of an immortal's bearing.
Zhao Jincheng specifically arranged for his eldest brother, third brother, and the others to accompany him, making it clear just how much respect he had for the man.
The banquet didn't last long. By around one-thirty in the afternoon, nearly everyone except close relatives had left the hotel. Zhao Jincheng and his wife's friends and coworkers, along with distant relatives, had mostly collected their gift bags and gone.
Li Da Naodai had also returned to the martial arts school, drunk and unsteady, supported by several of his students.
The close relatives who remained helped gather up the leftover liquor, soft drinks, gift bags, and other things and put them in the cars.
Then, once Zhao Jincheng had settled the remaining bill at the front desk, they all returned to Zhao Rui's home together.
After all, it wasn't often they had a chance to get together. If they didn't stay a little longer and catch up, wouldn't that be a waste?
When everyone returned to Zhao Rui's home, they naturally fell into another round of family chatter.
Zhao Rui led the younger generation from the various families into the bedroom. They crowded together and enthusiastically played video games to pass the time.
He'd been thinking that he hadn't had a proper break in ages, so he wanted to relax as much as he could while he had the chance today.
He'd spent the whole summer taking classes, working as both a sparring partner and a tutor. It had honestly been pretty hectic.
Watching his older cousin play games with the younger cousins, completely absorbed in it, Zhao Xin couldn't help shaking his head.
On the path of martial arts, one either advanced or fell behind. What kind of skill level did his cousin have? He had no talent, and yet he was still addicted to video games.
He was a hopeless case.
Did he think getting into college meant he could just sit back and relax?
Childish!
His father had spent ages filling his head with grand principles. On top of that, Zhao Xin himself was talented and hardworking, so naturally he couldn't stand seeing Zhao Rui waste his time playing games.
As for his other cousin, Zhao Ke, he thought even less of him.
After frowning and putting up with it for a while, he got up and left the bedroom. He went to the living room and said to his father, "Let's go. I still have to get back and practice!"
"Oh, okay!"
When it came to his son's martial arts training, Zhao Jinze was always willing to meet his demands. Who wouldn't be proud of a son who was both talented and hardworking?
"Oh my, is that Xin'er? Look how tall you've gotten! And even more handsome!"
"You're in your first year of high school now, right? What level are you in martial arts?"
A few relatives praised him from the side.
Zhao Xin listened expressionlessly, with no intention of responding.
Zhao Jinze smiled and said, "The boy's a little shy about talking about martial arts. Anyway, you all stay a little longer. We'll be heading back first!"
With that, he stood up with his wife, said goodbye to Zhao Jincheng and his wife and the other relatives, and led his family out of Zhao Rui's home.
Once Zhao Jinze had left, Zhao Jingguo's family, who had already felt a little uncomfortable there, took the opportunity to say their goodbyes as well.
After those two families left, only the relatives from Zhao Rui's maternal grandmother's side remained in the living room. In an instant, the atmosphere grew much more relaxed and lively.
With his maternal grandparents there, his uncles and aunts stayed until after dinner. They chatted until eight or nine that evening before finally leaving Zhao Rui's home.
Once everyone had gone, Zhao Jincheng twisted his waist and said, "At last, we're done with all that! Son, get everything ready for school over the next few days. Pack all the things you'll need. Didn't you want a laptop the most? We'll buy one!"
Zhao Jincheng waved a hand grandly and spoke with great swagger.
"Dad, you don't have to. I made money working over the summer. I can buy one myself!"
Zhao Rui quickly turned him down.
"That money's yours. This one's from your mom and me. Your dad's got money! Xiaoke, when you get into college, I'll buy you one too!"
After saying that, Zhao Jincheng didn't forget to encourage his second son, Zhao Ke.
"You've had a bit to drink and now you don't even know what your last name is! Go to bed."
From the side of the living room, seeing her husband drunk and bragging, Xue Wenhui glared at him.
"I'm not drunk! I'm happy today! So happy!"
As he spoke, Zhao Jincheng was already staggering toward the bedroom!
The summer night breeze was cool and drifted gently from the balcony into the living room. It carried the hot smell of alcohol out of the house.
The bustle of the day had now given way to quiet once more.
"Big Brother, congratulations!"
Just as Zhao Rui was heading to his bedroom and was about to open the door, his younger brother Zhao Ke called out from behind him.
"Mm, thanks, little brother!"
Zhao Rui stopped and turned around, smiling at Zhao Ke.
"Go to bed! It's getting late."
"Mm!"
Days flew by, and time slipped away!
In a flash, it was August thirty-first.
At Lincheng High-Speed Rail Station, Zhao Rui slung a backpack over his shoulders, picked up a huge suitcase, and boarded the high-speed train to the provincial capital, Jizhou, alone.
He hadn't let his parents see him off. For one thing, it was a long trip, and driving there would be inconvenient. For another, his younger brother still had school, and his parents had work.
Even if they went now, they couldn't stay long.
It would be better to wait until the holidays, after Zhao Rui had gotten used to the school, and then have the whole family visit Jizhou.
Once aboard the high-speed train, Zhao Rui checked the carriage and seat numbers on his ticket and followed the crowd down the aisle.
After only a few steps, he reached his seat. He lifted his suitcase and set it on the luggage rack.
He was just about to sit down when a sweet, coquettish voice came from beside him. "Handsome, could you help me put my suitcase up?"
Zhao Rui turned his head. His gaze immediately froze, and the girl who had spoken looked just as astonished.
"It's you!"
They both cried out at the same time.
Zhao Rui's cheek twitched. He glanced at the tiny suitcase beside the girl, then sat down without saying a word.
He made no move to help her with her luggage.
The girl's pretty face flushed, and she grabbed the suitcase with one hand. With a light lift, she set it on the luggage rack.
Their seats were close, with only one person between them.
It wasn't long before that person arrived, too.
He was also dressed like a young student.
It was the peak of the school commute, and most of the people heading to Jeju were college students.
The newcomer wore black-framed glasses and had a slim build and a refined, scholarly air.
When he saw that there was a pretty girl sitting nearby, he couldn't help feeling delighted.
On a tedious journey, having a beauty to strike up a conversation with was certainly a fine thing.
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