[The Next Morning]
Bruce woke up early, muscles recovered from yesterday's training and ready for more. He brushed his teeth, washed up, wearing his loose training pants and a T-shirt, quietly padded downstairs to the training area.
The familiar scent of incense wafted through the air and Uncle was seated by the chair near the training area, reading a book with his glasses perched at the end of his nose.
"Jackie?" Bruce blinked, looking next to Uncle. "When did you get back?"
Jackie raised a brow and gave a sleepy grin. "Very Late last night. Didn't want to wake you. Figured you needed more sleep than my charming company."
Bruce chuckled and went to the kitchen. Moved toward the kettle and began making tea using the leaves Uncle liked best, remembering his exact instructions. Uncle didn't look up, but gave a small approving nod.
He placed the cup, handled the pot with skill and poured the tea for Uncle. Uncle nodded at his steady hands and sniffed the tea, after a few sips, he grunted approvingly. "Your tea skills have improved"
"Miracles happen," Bruce replied with a smirk.
Jackie stood and stretched. "Come on. Let's get that body training." Bruce followed him to the back yard training space.
Training – Take It Slow
They stepped into the open space behind the shop. Bruce started his routine, and Jackie circled him slowly, analyzing his form.
"You've gotten stronger," Jackie admitted. "But strength alone isn't everything."
Bruce continued to push forward with each exercise by increasing the reputation from yesterday's count. As they continued through each exercise, Jackie suddenly asked "Hey—Uncle told me you've been pushing yourself on Chi training."
Bruce froze mid-push up. "A bit... Guess I was just trying to catch up."
Jackie crossed his arms, serious now. "Bruce. This isn't a game. Uncle's worried. Your Chi potential can't be treated like this. You must take your time to understand and not focus on progress. Wild Chi reacts to everything. Your emotions, your drive, even your ego. You rush, it'll push back harder."
Bruce took a breath. "You're right. I didn't realize I was pushing too fast until Uncle talked about his Master. It scared me a little… how long it took him."
Jackie relaxed slightly. "It's not about fear. It's about respect—for yourself, your chi, and the journey. Every shortcut you take comes with a hidden cost."
Bruce nodded, eyes sincere. "I promise. I'm going to take it slow"
Jackie studied his face and then gave a short nod. "Alright. You've got a good head on your shoulders."
They shared a small smile and continued with the session.
Breakfast – Storage Key
Over breakfast, Jackie sipped his tea and pulled out two small silver keys from his pocket, placing them beside Bruce's bowl.
"What's this?" Bruce questioned
"Storage lockers. Two units to be precise. Your parents' shop items and everything from home arrived yesterday. I had it stored safely. Also—your parents' funds have been transferred to a new account in your name. I took care of the paperwork."
Bruce blinked. "Seriously? Jackie… thank you."
Jackie shrugged. "It's what family does."
Bruce smiled. "Let's go check it out after school."
Jackie grinned. "You read my mind."
At School – Calligraphy and Friends
Classes passed by uneventfully. Bruce submitted his form to join the Calligraphy Club. The advisor told him the Club Activity will be held twice a week and apart from that, everyone should work on their own time.
She also told him to buy his own brush, paper, and ink so that he can start attending from next session. Bruce made a mental note to ask Jackie or Uncle about it.
During lunch, he rejoined his usual group at the Geek Table.
Bruce and Tao, each holding food trays were greeted with a cheerful wave from their four friends
"Hey, everyone," Bruce greeted them and sat down with his food tray.
"Yo!" Tao greeted them and sat next to Bruce
Zhang Weiren, the history lover asked, "Any progress on the temple layout idea for my novel?"
Bruce nodded, took out a folded paper and handed it to him. Zhang Weiren didn't waste time and went through the content and was amazed because he wanted realistic description of a hidden temple as a reference for his novel. "Thanks Bruce"
Bruce shook his head and said "Just had to refer one of my Uncle's book, No trouble"
Lin Qiun was sketching a moon chart in her notebook. She offered Bruce a small smile.
Guo Minghao was busy on his computer while also grumbling over a bug in his code. "This algorithm's a menace."
And Mei Yanyan was flipping her sketchbook to show Bruce a cartoon version of him doing pushups. "This one's you in training mode."
Bruce laughed. "Not bad."
Tao held up a bento box. "We should hang out more outside class. Want to go to the Arcade this weekend?"
"Not sure about this weekend. How about the next one? " Bruce asked and they agreed.
The Cass rep and her group stayed quiet for now. Bruce noted the absence of confrontation, but stayed alert.
Storage Units – Past and Present
When school ended, Jackie was waiting at the gate. "Ready?" he asked
"Yeah." Bruce replied and they took a cab. During the ride Bruce told Jackie about the Calligraphy Club and he needed Brush, Paper and Inc.
"No need to go and buy, Uncle has plenty of it, I'll inform him"
They drove across town and arrived at a clean and secured storage facility.
Jackie unlocked the first unit. Inside were boxes labeled with content details and neatly stacked.
Bruce stepped in, taking in the sight. "This… this was our home."
He moved slowly, packed some of his clothes, sneakers, jacket, a worn baseball cap, and finally, a framed photograph—his parents smiling beside him at the beach.
Jackie quietly said, "I thought you'd want that."
Bruce held the photo tightly. "Thanks."
Jackie opened the second unit. Inside were antiques—vases, scrolls, paintings and lots of delicate books that were properly stored to prevent damage.
Bruce stepped back. "Not ready to go through these yet."
Jackie understood. "When you're ready, you know where to find them" and he just nodded
Before leaving, Bruce handed over his card. "The rent comes from my account."
Jackie frowned. "You don't have to—"
"I want to. My parents left it for me. Let me handle it." He insisted
Jackie paused… feeling that Bruce wouldn't back down, so he accepted "Alright."
As they locked up, Jackie added, "Uncle and I have few units here too. For business stuff."
Bruce smiled. "Figures."
Evening – A Decision Made
At home, during dinner, Bruce finally told them.
"I've made a decision," he said, placing down his chopsticks.
Uncle and Jackie raised an eyebrow, but waited for him to continue
"I'm going to pause my Chi understanding for now. For now—I'm going to train my body and map my Chi pathways. Chi understanding will have to wait until I get my Intent right!"
Jackie blinked. "Wow. That's… mature of you."
Uncle slowly nodded. "A wise choice. Many blindly chase power. Only a few be patient and prepare themself for it."
Bruce added, "When I start again, I want to do it right."
Jackie smiled. "Then we'll be here to help you when you do."
Uncle reached for his teacup. "Just don't expect praise every day."
Bruce chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Night – A Quiet Vow
Later, Bruce sat at his desk, the picture of his parents now placed beside his lamp. He touched the frame gently.
"I'll make you proud. All three of you." he included the old Bruce who also passed away "It's a Promise."
He opened Uncle's notes, the Paper talisman book, and the ancient language book along with his own notes. Hours passed in focused study and his hard work was yielding results, as notes filled the margins and translations took shape of meaning, and his knowledge leaped further.
Satisfied with the progress, Bruce stretched, exhaled, and closed his books.
With one last glance at the photo, he whispered, "Goodnight." to the three of them and slipped under the covers, letting peaceful sleep take him.
Note:
1. Middle School Arc which will end in few Chapters
2. The High School Arc will will be very short (Maximum 15 Chapters)
3. The Collage Arc will be taking place in America where his Adventure starts. Bruce will be meeting all the other characters from different movies and series starting from this Arc.
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