The Opening

Xinghe looked at him and suggested kindly, "Actually, you're quite good already, there's no need to do all this."

"But I'm still less than you. Don't worry, I don't mind calling you teacher if it can help improve my ability," Ee Chen said openly without any trouble or pretext. He was a broad-minded person, he didn't mind learning from his peer if it could enrich himself. Unlike many other characters in this book, he didn't feel envious or annoyed by Xinghe simply because she was better than he was.

Xinghe nodded. "Okay, we can discuss this later."

That was as good a promise as any for Ee Chen. His lips curved from elation and promised to treat her like he would treat a respectable teacher. Ali's group felt oddly envious watching Xinghe take Ee Chen as her student. They also wanted to be her students!