After Chen Ye finished discussing business with Su Guang, a glance from the corner of his eye landed on San Gouzi in the corner of the courtyard.
The boy had his back to them, holding a low horse stance steadily as he punched forward with both fists in a meticulous rhythm, muttering under his breath.
The afternoon sun cast a long, slanting shadow from his small figure.
Chen Ye stopped to watch for a moment and found that although San Gouzi's movements were still awkward, every punch was delivered with extreme seriousness, without the slightest hint of slacking.
He turned to Su Guang and asked, "What is he muttering?"
"He's counting his punches." Su Guang followed his gaze and answered casually, "The boy has no particular strengths, but he's obedient. Whatever you tell him to do, he does without cutting corners. I told him to throw a thousand punches every day. Once he reaches a thousand, he stops—he refuses to throw even one more. But if he hasn't reached a thousand, even if the sky falls, he has to finish before resting."
Hearing this, Chen Ye could not help looking at San Gouzi a few more times.
The boy remained focused on his practice, counting continuously under his breath, utterly oblivious to everything around him.
Chen Ye watched quietly for a while, unable to suppress his amazement.
He had never seen anyone so rigid—so serious—to such an extent.
"Cough, cough..."
A few soft coughs came from inside the house, followed by a woman's weak voice.
Su Guang gave Chen Ye a slight bow of apology, then hurried inside to tend to her.
Seeing this, Chen Ye found it inconvenient to linger in the courtyard and left directly.
After leaving Su Guang's home, unease still lingered in his heart.
Su Guang