A New Beginning

"Stay here with me for the next couple of days," Zhuo Shi told the youngsters. His gaze moved from Tang Wulin to Gu Yue, then from Xie Xie to Xu Xiaoyan. The creases in his aged face had softened a little, and though the curve of his lips was slight, it was unmistakable.

"If Changkong had children, they'd probably be just as outstanding." He leaned back against the polished wood of his chair, one hand resting on the armrest, his fingers slightly curled. A faint smile appeared on his face, mingling contentment with a weariness that had lingered for years.

"I only wonder whether these old bones of mine will last long enough to watch his children grow up."

Creak.

The door opened. A cool evening breeze swept in, clearing Zhuo Shi's head. He turned toward the doorway as a few strands of graying hair lifted in the wind and settled again.

"You're back."

"Yes, Teacher." Wu Changkong stood in the doorway, his coat collar stirring in the breeze and his blue hair falling beside his shoulders. His shoulders looked a little less tense than they had a few days ago. Long Bing stood beside him with her arm linked through his, her cheeks still faintly flushed from the wind outside. Shen Yi stood half a step behind them, her ponytail swaying.

"Why are you standing in the doorway? Come in." Zhuo Shi's voice was gentler than usual, its final note falling softly, almost without effort.

Wu Changkong and Shen Yi were taken aback. They knew their teacher had a sharp tongue but a soft heart, yet he had never been this amiable. They exchanged a glance. Shen Yi's mouth twitched, and she looked away. Wu Changkong remained in the doorway as though his feet were stuck to the threshold.