Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

Chapter 227: Angry and unwilling to argue

Sigh, why are all three of these "fathers" single? Master Liu Dayong lives in a nursing home, so at least he has some "companionship." Uncle Song Yanchu is doing alright now, living with her in the city; with a suitable introduction, it shouldn't be too hard for him to find a partner.

Master Gao Haoran, that stubborn old man, seems to be completely incapable of romantic love. He's not even fifty yet; is it shameful for someone over fifty to be looking for a partner? He gets angry the moment you mention it; I'm really exasperated with him.

This once dashing middle-aged man has wasted his life. I'll go to the martial arts school tomorrow and ask my senior brothers and sisters about it.

"Tingnan, come here. Song Mingxiang and the others feel tired from practicing and want to give up. Did they talk to you about it?" Gao Haoran called out to Tingnan, who was busy cleaning, after dinner.

Nan said timidly, "Master, I'm sorry, they said they don't have that much time."

"You apologize? Do you think it's your fault?"

“They are my brothers.” Ting Nan lowered her head.

Gao Haoran said very seriously, "Yes, they are just your brothers, not you. Song Tingnan, remember this: you only need to be responsible for your own life. The actions of other people, including your siblings, parents, and us elders, are our own business, and you do not need to bear any responsibility."

"Master, I... I was very angry when I saw them like that!"

“I know, I’m angry at their lack of ambition! I understand, it’s because my expectations for them were too high. You matured early, are independent, and have excellent time management skills, which they can’t match. Don’t worry, I won’t force them in the future.” Gao Haoran patted Ting Nan’s head.

"Thank you, Master! Thank you for your understanding!" Ting Nan felt a lump in her throat. It was she who had asked her master to teach her younger brothers. For the past six months, her master had been traveling back and forth between the county town and Songjia Village, doing his best without holding back, and without charging a fee. Yet her brothers were still so disappointing, making her ashamed to face her master and even more embarrassed to ask for help.

"Thank you, Uncle!" She didn't know how to tell her master, so her uncle spoke to him for her.

Song Yanchu smiled and said, "There's no need to feel guilty. Ting Nan, you are who you are. Your master and I know that you think they are blessed but don't know it. You put in a lot of effort to learn kung fu from Ah Huo."

Ting Nan recalled the past, when she would secretly wait for her master until her legs went numb. She both hoped her master would see her and was afraid of being discovered; she wanted to learn by stealing knowledge but felt it was immoral, and she was very conflicted.

"Tingnan, why are you so determined to learn kung fu?" Song Yanchu never understood why this quiet and gentle girl was so determined to learn martial arts at such a young age, and never complained of being tired.

"Uncle, you don't know, I was so young back then, running my business was a constant source of anxiety. I was afraid of being chased and bitten by dogs, afraid of being hit by stones from kids, and even worse, some shameless adults would take advantage of the situation and steal my goods. I couldn't fight back at all. I was skinny and weak back then, I couldn't fight back, I couldn't outrun them, and I couldn't even win an argument. If I lost my goods and money, I would get a beating and scolding from my dad when I got home. Of course, it was right for my dad to scold me, we were poor, and I even lost my goods. And when I saw my master's martial arts skills, the sound of his punches echoing, how could I not be tempted? I wanted to become a master like him, so I had to pester him relentlessly." Ting Nan recounted her past with a mix of tears and laughter, not afraid of losing face in front of them.

“You child…” Song Yanchu patted her head tenderly, thinking: What a kind child she is. She is having such a hard time herself, yet she still makes excuses for her elders.

“Tingnan, I understand your thoughts, Master. But we must respect other people’s choices. Haven’t Mingxiang and Mingli been leaving as soon as morning training ends these past few days, afraid you’ll catch them sparring?”

"Master!" That's really how it's been for the past three days.