"Teacher, President."
As soon as Tang Wulin entered and saw Mu Chen and Mang Tian, he hurriedly bowed in greeting.
He had been in such a hurry after receiving Mang Tian's call that he had not even had time to change out of his forging work clothes. A little dust still clung to his sleeves and trouser cuffs, and he carried the heat of the forging room and a strong metallic scent.
Mu Chen and Mang Tian needed only one glance to know he had come straight from the Workshop.
Mu Chen sighed softly.
"Wulin, I know you take things to heart and want to repay the money the association lent you as soon as possible. But you need to look after your health, too."
His voice was gentle, yet carried the concern of an elder.
"You're only nine, after all. You can't push yourself too hard. If you impair your physical development, both your cultivation and your forging will be limited in the future. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Tang Wulin answered respectfully.
Yet his gaze still drifted involuntarily toward Mang Tian.
This was the first time he had seen Mang Tian at the Blacksmith Association.
In the past, Mang Tian had mostly taught him in Aolai City. After moving to Eastsea City, Tang Wulin often visited the association, but rarely saw his teacher here. Seeing Mang Tian sitting in the president's office now, looking rather grim, filled Tang Wulin with an inexplicable unease.
Mang Tian beckoned to him.
"Come here. Sit beside me."
Tang Wulin hurried over and sat down.
Mang Tian looked at him and remained silent for a moment before saying gravely, "Wulin, I called you here today because there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Please go ahead, Teacher."
Mang Tian raised his head and