Chapter 2- Lemon Tea

Flashback 8 years ago

Ya Nuo: 10 years old

Huan Hei: 10 Years old

It was a hot summer day and Ya Nuo was running on the track field.

"Wow! You've ran around the tracks 5 times already! Impressive! I can't even do that." a boy with brown hair who wore a short sleeve shirt and navy blue shorts approached her.

Sweat traced down her delicate face as she slowed down her pace to rest. "Thanks" she said as she took deep breaths.

"You run almost every week. I always see you when I pass by to play with friends."

"Yeah, I enjoy the feeling of wind brushing against my face. It makes me feel free from the rest of the world."

"Haha! You're funny. What do kids have to worry about? My name is Xu Huan Hei, what's yours?"

"Yang.. Ya Nuo"

"Ehhh such a girly name haha your parent's must've wanted a girl"

Ya Nuo sighed inwardly, 'Although I have feminine features, around 3 weeks ago I shaved my head. On top of that, my oversized shirt and stained beige shorts... Of course everyone will mistaken my gender.. hah.. oh wells, it's not like I'll see this guy again.'

"Hey Nuo, do you have a reason for running? "

"I want to grow stronger so when the time comes, I can run far away.."

"Ahhhh, then what about learning martial arts like Taekwondo?"

"I don't have money."

"Don't worry! It's free. I go there to train for fun. You can join me!"

"No thanks.. I just met you so I can't accept your offer. Thanks though."

"You have the potential! With your type of determination, my master would definitely accept you! No problem!"

"But I…"

Huan Hei placed a cold bottle of lemon tea against her face and smiled brightly, "Ahhh I need to go home now, but come and try it out! Here, this is for you. The address is 1314 Lordly Street. You must come! We have a lot of delicious food tomorrow! I'll see you then."

"W..wait!!"

"Bye~"

"Sigh.. how could I reject you now that you gave me a free drink…"

-Next day-

'At the end, I really came..' she scratched her head as she stood in front of the Taekwondo training house. When she turned around to leave, Huan Hei called out to her.

"Ya Nuo! You're here!! quick, come in. We have a lot of good food and drinks."

He pulled her by her arm before she could walk away.

"Master Master~ This is the kid I mentioned from last week! He has great potential!"

"Nuo~ This is Master Hoon! He is very generous and outgoing despite his mean and strict looking appearance"

"You squirt, who did you just call mean and strict? Back in those days, I used to be handsome and chased after by lines of girls okay? This is a man's attractiveness."

The middle aged man grinned as he messed with Huan Hei's hair.

"So you are the youngster that Huan Hei was advertising to all our ears for the past few days. Hmm, you look skinny. How about this? Come do some basic moves and I will see what moves you should practice."

"uh..master.. I don't have m-"

Master Hoon waved his hand, "Don't call me master, in here, just address me as grandpa Hoon. and I don't care about money baloney, I teach for fun, not for a profit. Since our Huan Hei finally talked this much about someone, I must test you myself. Don't worry about the fees, we also have food if you haven't eaten yet. Huan Hei's lemon tea is very delicious."

"mm.. then thanks ma- I mean uh.. grandpa Hoon."

Ya Nuo observed master Hoon before changing the way she addressed him. This man looked like he is in his 40's and very strong. His aura is similar to a king's right hand man who is wise. He didn't seem like a bad man, so she decided to follow them into the taekwondo house.

When she entered, her eyes sparkled in interest concentrating on the variety of dishes on two long tables. She is a food lover so she knew from the scent and colors of the dishes whether the dishes are bad or decent. The fragrance and colors from the food showed how skillful the chef is.

"Here, try this!"

Huan Hei fed her a piece of sweet and sour spare rib

"mmmmm!!! Delicious!!!" she mumbled as she chewed happily on the piece of meat.

"Hahahaha! Aunty Marina is the best cook!"

A woman in her 30s, with an orange wavy ponytail walked over holding a plate of food, "hahaa Little Hei, are you trying to help me open a stand? Every time someone comes to visit, you advertise my food to them. Anyways, Hello dear, feel free to eat as much as you like. Feel comfortable like at home okay? I'm Marina Sanoski, the chef here. I treat everyone here like my family. Here, try these."

"Thank you...uhm.."

"Just call me aunty Marina"

"Aunty Marina" she smiled sweetly as she held the plate of food in her hand. The food was very warm, just like everyone else in the house.

"Awwwww, your handsome face looks just like an angel!!!So adorable!!! smile more often! Damn, Huan hei, you found us a gem woooo"

"Hahaha! I saw him running several times on the track field. It was like 100 degrees outside and he was running over and over nonstop. He is extremely impressive!"

Grandpa Hoon walked over and coughed twice, "With our training, you wouldn't need to run around the tracks. Take your time with the food. After you're done, come look for me and we can start practicing basic moves. Don't eat too much, save some room for dinner. Tonight is Marina's dinner special, homemade curry chicken over fried rice."

After trying out different dishes, she rested a bit before practicing basic moves. Grandpa Hoon patiently taught her the basics and corrected her postures. Soon, dinner was ready and everyone raced to the dining room.

"Wait wait! what are the rules?" Aunty Marina shouted with her arms crossed. the group of male students stopped in front of the table and looked at each other, "Wash up first…."

"Then what are you guys doing here huh? Need me to whack your butts before dinner? Go wash up and then come!"

Ya Nuo stood by the corner as others walked out of the dining room, "Little Nuo, you can go with them as well. You're sweaty and sticky. It's uncomfortable isn't it?" Aunt Marina said as she approached her with a towel in her hands.

Ya Nuo shook her head, "It's alright. I think I should head back home now."

Grandpa Hoon held her wrist when she tried to leave hurriedly, "Hold on, pack some food home with yo-" his eyes widened as he felt her pulse.

"Ya Nuo, you are a…"

She quickly turned around and placed a finger on her lips. Grandpa Hoon nodded as he gave her a meaningful glance and signaled her to follow him to the garden.