"My mind's a mess. It's like there's a fog banked up inside me."
"Teacher, do you know who my father really is?"
"My background... what's the truth?" His eyes brimmed with a bewildered longing for the truth, like a lost young beast desperately in need of direction.
Yu Xiaogang stiffened slightly. A troubled look crossed his face, and his eyes darted aside.
He parted his lips as if to say something, then swallowed his words and sighed. "Xiao San, some things aren't necessarily good to know too soon."
"Your father... he had his reasons."
"Teacher!"
Tang San's voice caught in his throat. Gripping Yu Xiaogang's sleeve, he pleaded, "Please, Teacher!"
"I don't want to go on like this... like a headless fly, knowing nothing about where I came from and unable to understand why my enemies are targeting me!"
"It's unbearable!"
He acted with heartfelt sincerity, perfectly portraying a boy who had suddenly stumbled upon the mystery of his origins and longed to discover his roots.
Looking at the genuine pain and trust in his beloved disciple's eyes, Yu Xiaogang felt the last of his hesitation crumble.
He closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, they held a note of resolve.
He glanced around the poorly soundproofed dormitory and said gravely, "...All right. This isn't the place to talk. Come with me."
One after the other, the two left the dormitory area without a sound. They crossed the dilapidated training ground and made their way to a secluded corner of the academy's back hill, far from prying eyes and choked with scattered rocks.
Yu Xiaogang cautiously checked the surroundings once more. Only after confirming that no one was watching did he motion for Tang San to come closer.
He drew a deep breath and said solemnly:
"Xiao San,