Hearing the words "secret base," Xinhai's heart stirred slightly.
He remembered the small grove west of Orange East Village that A-Cheng had taken him to during his last visit. It was indeed well hidden, with dense trees, a small trampled clearing in the middle, and a stream nearby. It was an ideal place for quiet training.
"Big Brother Xinhai, I'll take you to find them!" A-Dou had already turned and run a few steps into the yard before looking back at Xinhai with sparkling eyes.
"I know the way! I often go watch my brother train. Every time, he makes me sit beside him and tells me not to make a sound."
"A-Dou, who's here?"
As they spoke, the door was pushed open from within. A-Cheng's mother called out, then emerged carrying a bowl of washed Berries.
She was slightly startled when she saw Xinhai, but then a warm smile appeared on her face. "Xinhai? What brings you here? Come in and sit!"
"Auntie, I was just passing by and came to see A-Cheng." Xinhai rose to his feet and gave her a slight bow. "A-Dou said A-Cheng was training at the secret base, so I was planning to go take a look."
A-Cheng's mother set the bowl of Berries on a stone platform beside the courtyard wall and smiled. "I see. Then let A-Dou go with you! A-Dou, show Xinhai the way. Don't run too fast, and be careful on the road."
"Got it, Mom!" A-Dou answered. He had already run to the courtyard gate and was waving vigorously at Xinhai. "Big Brother Xinhai, hurry, hurry! Let's go find my brother!"
"Goodbye, Auntie!"
Xinhai nodded to A-Cheng's mother, then followed A-Dou out of the courtyard.
A-Dou walked ahead, his steps light and practiced as he ran along the winding