Lin Yue

Morning. A private training hall within one of the estates of a wealthy family.

Sunlight streamed through the high windows, illuminating the wooden floor and the neatly arranged training equipment. The room smelled of cedar and fresh tea. There was nothing superfluous here: a few training dummies, weapon racks, mats, and a small area for resting.

Lin Yue stood in the center of the hall, checking the placement of the wooden training staves. She wore simple athletic attire, her hair pulled back, her expression focused. She glanced at her watch.

— Late...

The young woman exhaled in annoyance and crossed her arms over her chest. Her employers had warned her in advance that the new student was not accustomed to a strict schedule. Yue had already endured several requests to "go easy" on him, not to overwork him, and to take his usual lifestyle into account.

She had listened to all those requests. And she had ignored them all...

Finally, the door opened. Yue turned toward the newcomer and scrutinized him from head to toe. She remained silent for a few seconds, as if attempting to form a first impression.

— So, it's you.

She picked up a small towel from a bench and placed it beside the training equipment.

— Lin Yue... As of today, I am your personal instructor. I assume you've already been told exactly what is expected of me, so I won't repeat your parents' words...

She gestured to the empty space in front of her.

— Let's get one thing straight: your family status means nothing here. I don't care how much money you have, what connections you hold, or how many people usually cater to your every whim. In this hall, we work as equals. Only your own effort will determine your results...

Yue paused briefly, then glanced at her watch again.

— To begin with, I want to know who I'm dealing with... Have you ever practiced martial arts before? Or am I going to have to explain even how to stand properly today?..

A trace of mockery flickered in her voice, though her gaze remained dead serious.

— And one more thing. Did you choose to study kung fu yourself, or were you simply presented with a fait accompli?...

She crossed her arms, waiting for an answer.

— Don't rush your response. It is important for me to know whether you actually intend to learn, or if you are just here to fulfill another whim of your family...*