Not long after his rebirth, Zhang Jue had already seen the doctor twice. Fortunately, he was lucky, and each time the injuries were not severe, falling within the normal range of “everyday bumps and bruises without lingering effects.”

Ballet was out of the question until he fully recovered, and the same applied to figure skating. However, domestic figure skating competitions didn’t enjoy much popularity, and there were limited items thrown onto the ice by the audience. Missing one ice boy didn’t affect the work of the others much, so Zhang Jue comfortably took the time to recuperate. He had finished his winter vacation homework early, and during his free time, he lay around at home, eating, drinking, and reading. A few days ago, Zhang Qingyan had bought a bunch of pig stomach, pig trotters, and ox tails. She made a braising sauce and began stewing, creating an aroma that wafted throughout the house.

Zhang Jue developed a habit of sneakily picking out braised eggs from the pot. Being young and unafraid of high cholesterol, he ate them one after another.

When Zhang Junbao came to his house, he found the kid wearing a fluffy brown bear onesie, lying leisurely on the sofa, watching “Taozhe Pavilion Teaches You Mathematics.” There was even a tuft of lint on his backside.

Dela, who was about to go out to practice the violin, was dressed a bit more formally in a sweater and long pants. At the moment, he was leaning over the coffee table, shelling sunflower seeds. His hands were busy, and his round, shiny eyes were fixed on the TV screen broadcasting “The Great Qin Empire: Fission.”

When Zhang Junbao entered, the sunflower seeds had just filled a small plate to half its size. Dela nudged Zhang Jue, who immediately got up, holding the small plate and pouring seeds into his mouth.

Zhang Junbao: … What is this? Is having a little brother like having a treasure?

In his hands, Zhang Junbao held two thermos flasks: “Stop eating. Be careful of getting too heated. Little Jue, Dela, come for dinner. Uncle has made pig trotters, braised big shrimp, and cooked rice.”

Dela immediately replied crisply: “Brother has already cooked it. I washed the Chinese cabbage and boiled water. It’ll be ready after a quick blanch.”

Zhang Junbao, showing an expression of surprise, said: “Little Jue, you can cook? I thought Dela takes care of you.”

Dela looked even more diligent than Zhang Jue, who… considering his current lazy appearance lying down… it was easy to understand.

Dela, with a hint of dissatisfaction on his face, replied: “My brother did it.”

Zhang Junbao mouth twitched: “Alright, alright, your brother is the best.”

The parents of the Xu family were busy. When the family wasn’t as well-off in the early days, Xu Yan and Zhang Qingyan were both busy earning money and couldn’t take care of the children. Initially, they hired a cleaning lady to pick up the children, but after two months, they discovered that she was stealing and was too lazy to cook, only feeding the children snacks and even hitting them.

Zhang Jue, although as pretty as a little girl, had a strong temperament. One time when he saw bruises on his younger brother’s arm he exploded, grabbing a foldable stool and hitting back.

This incident resulted in Zhang Jue losing a front tooth from being hit by the adult cleaning lady. Xu Yan was furious and fired the cleaning lady on the spot, while Zhang Qingyan, hugging the child distressed, cried for a long time. After that, they never considered hiring someone to take care of their children.

When Zhang Jue came home from school, he would conveniently pick up his younger brother from kindergarten and then cook noodles with the use of stool. Dela stood beside him, tugging at his brother’s clothes, tears and saliva flowing from hunger.

As long as Zhang Jue was there, Dela wouldn’t go hungry. In the morning, his brother would take him to eat fried dough sticks, meat porridge, and tofu brains. At noon, he ate at kindergarten. At first, they only had noodles for dinner, but after Zhang Jue’s cooking skills improved, Dela gained six pounds in three months.

So, this kid was now the type to follow his brother’s instructions without question. Just thinking about it, Zhang Junbao couldn’t understand that, in case he got cancer, Zhang Jue would also take good care of him. He’d make red bean soup to alleviate chemotherapy discomfort, bring him meals, wipe his body, and wash his underwear and socks, breaking the traditional saying that there’s no filial son in front of a long illness.

Those who had spent time with Zhang Jue knew that he treated his family very well. However, fate took them all away, leaving Zhang Jue in his early twenties feeling that the most heartbreaking things in this world couldn’t be retained. Still, he no longer spoke of it, swallowing all the bitterness and sorrow alone. He only displayed effort and dreams on his face.

Now, Zhang Jue, who was still young and possessed a charming baby face, was gnawing on the pig trotters stewed by his uncle. In his bowl was fragrant Northeastern rice. After dinner, Dela washed the dishes, and Zhang Jue, being carried, went to see Dr. Qin.

He asked Zhang Junbao: “Uncle, do you really want the rise of men’s singles so much?”

Zhang Junbao responded: “Of course, I want that. Despite Uncle participating in international competitions, it was only one Four Continents Championship. At that time, our men’s singles still had no presence. Uncle gave his all but only managed eleventh place. Nine of the top ten were from North America, and one was from Japan.”

“But this has nothing to do with you, Little Jue. You do whatever you want. The rise of men’s singles is Uncle’s dream, not yours. With the improvement of the country’s economy, there will surely be more talented individuals joining this sport in the future.”

Zhang Jue thought to himself: “No, in the next ten years, you never encountered the talented individuals you wanted. The decline of domestic men’s singles persisted until my death.”

He nestled into his uncle’s neck.

“In fact, Uncle, I don’t have the ambition to become a world champion because reaching that level requires too much sacrifice, and I’m not sure if I have that ability. But if you want to take on an outstanding disciple, I’m more than willing. Hehe.”

As soon as this was said, Zhang Jue immediately felt Zhang Junbao’s mood improving.

His uncle responded cheerfully: “That’s great! Coincidentally, our provincial youth team has no one. No one under 18 can perform all five triple jumps. If you manage to master the 3Lo, 3F, and 3Lz before July this year, Uncle might be able to take you abroad for a competition!”

The deal was set.

Zhang Jue thought that, although he didn’t want to endure the hardships of being an athlete with little return, participating in competitions to broaden his horizons, gain experience, and help his uncle relieve stress was not a problem.

Even if he had to participate in talent shows or training athlete competitions later, having some professional figure skating skills on his resume wouldn’t hurt.

This time, it was still Qin Xuejun who came to the entrance of the community to pick them up. The tall and robust teenager exuded heat, holding a basketball in his arms, indicating that he had just finished exercising.

Zhang Jue believes that Qin Xuejun is a legendary young talent who combines culture and sports with all-round development. He had a strong and tall physique, a handsome face with mixed-race features, and was a top-notch medical student.

Little did he know that Qin Xuejun also thought highly of Zhang Jue as an excellent young man. The kid went out without changing clothes, still in that cute brown bear pajamas , with rows of smoking moxibustion on his feet and a math book in his hand.

Qin Xuejun glanced at him: “This book focuses on the thought process of solving mathematical problems, it is very suitable for competitive students. Do you want to participate in the mathematics competition?”

Zhang Jue thought that he had just agreed to figure skating competitions and had enough to handle in terms of academics. Where would he find the energy to participate in math competitions, an activity exclusive to academic prodigies?

He shook his head: “Just pre-studying high school math in advance. I usually have to skate, so I need to learn more on my own in terms of academics.”

Zhang Junbao nodded repeatedly at this response, and Qin Xuejun, with a blink of his gray wolf-like eyes, decided not to mention “Harry Potter” anymore and sat beside him.

“If you have any questions, you can ask me.”

Zhang Jue pointed at a geometry problem without hesitation: “This one. I’m good at analyzing and calculating problems, but a bit weaker in geometry.”

Qin Xuejun responded: “Before solving the problem, analyze it first. Tell me your approach…”

After listening to Zhang Jue’s thought process, Qin Xuejun fetched a notebook and drew a black-and-white floral pattern constructed with pencils on the top layer. Qin Xuejun, bowing his head, explained the problem to Zhang Jue at a moderate pace. His hands were steady, and he drew straight lines without needing a ruler, while his logic was particularly clear.

Not to mention that Zhang Jue himself was a top student who managed to get into a prestigious university after two years of being a slacker. Even if a real eighth grader was here, they would still understand this high school-level problem through Qin Xuejun’s explanation.

Then Zhang Jue realized that Qin Xuejun deliberately used a problem-solving method that even a junior high school student could use.

The weather was good today, with a strand of sunlight inviting itself in from the window, reflecting on Qin Xuejun’s three-dimensional profile. The sunlight dyed his thick eyelashes with a layer of fine gold.

Zhang Jue thought, this person doesn’t look very warm, but he has a very considerate heart.

Just at that moment, Zhang Junbao, who was originally talking to Madam. Mia, rushed into the living room: “Little Jun, I’m turning on the TV!”

He quickly tuned to Channel 5. Currently, in the coldest part of midwinter, most popular track and field events had already concluded so the national figure skating championship managed to secure a broadcast time in the morning.

At this moment, the TV broadcasted the results of the competition: “The men’s singles figure skating adult group event at this year’s National Figure Skating Championship has successfully concluded. Shen Liu from H Province successfully completed the difficult move of quadruple jump, securing the championship…”

Zhang Jue was quite happy: “Uncle, Shen Liu can go to Vancouver this time!”

Zhang Junbao nodded with a serious expression as the TV continued reporting.

“The champion of the men’s singles figure skating youth group is Fan Zhaoying from J Province. This young athlete successfully completed the difficult consecutive jumps of the hook three-week and the back outside edge three-week (3lz+3T) during the competition. Unfortunately, he made a significant mistake in the last jump. After the free program, he couldn’t leave the ice on his own…”

Zhang Jue looked at the big boy on the TV who seemed to be fifteen or sixteen years old and very handsome, asking in confusion: “Uncle, are you watching Fan Zhaoying?”

Zhang Junbao took a deep breath, as if trying to exhale disappointment and regret together.

Rubbing his fingers, he explained in a low voice: “Little Fan is currently the only one in the country who has mastered all five triple jumps before the age of 16. It’s said that he’s already practicing the triple Axel. He also practiced the Tango, and his performance is quite good. He was originally going to participate in this year’s World Junior Championships.”

Just like Shen Liu was the only men’s singles skater in the country who could stand out in international adult competitions, Fan Zhaoying was also the only youth group leader who could perform well in international youth competitions.

As a result, Fan Zhaoying directly suffered a serious injury during the competition. For a moment, Zhang Jue recounted the young men’s singles skaters he knew. Several of those who mastered all five triple jumps were 18 or 19 years old, and if they got any older, they would exceed the age limit for the youth group, but their performance skills were lacking.

It seemed that the talent pool was too thin and when finally producing a decent player, each of them was plagued by injuries.

Zhang Junbao felt a bit frustrated, but seeing his elder nephew with a worried look, he couldn’t help but relax a bit.

Fortunately, he had a good prospect at hand. As long as this kid was nurtured properly, he could be sent out to compete in no more than two years.

Zhang Jue, unaware of his uncle’s urgency, left the room, standing on one foot as he bowed, supporting himself on his uncle’s arm. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Qin and madam Mia.

Polite and good-looking kids are always likable. Even the usually reserved madam Mia had a smile on her face when facing Zhang Jue. When it was time to bid farewell to Qin Xuejun, he extended his hand, holding a piece of purple candy.

Zhang Jue also extended his hand, offering a piece of crispy heart candy.

Qin Xuejun was momentarily stunned, taking the candy. He then saw the boy’s eyes, black and bright, filled with a playful smile.

“Brother, we’ve just made a candy exchange.”

This young boy had delicate features, and even when he smiled, he looked lively. For a brief moment, Qin Xuejun almost felt like the dull walls of the corridor had brightened up, and his mood had improved.

Qin Xuejun wasn’t fond of children, finding those younger than him, and even some of his peers, too immature and noisy. However, Zhang Jue was an exception; he enjoyed spending time with this young boy.

Two days later, someone rang the doorbell. Qin Xuejun opened the door to find Zhang Jue standing there on one foot, wearing a tiger-patterned pajama, a Lei Feng hat on his head, carrying a bag. He looked up at Qin Xuejun with a familiar smile and a casual tone.

“Brother Qin, I’m here to do moxibustion again.”

Then Zhang Jue saw the surprise in Qin Xuejun’s eyes who then asked an unrelated question: “Who bought your clothes?”

“Ah,” Zhang Jue tilted his head: “My mom bought them. My zodiac sign is tiger, and it’s cold outside. This outfit is warm, so I didn’t change when I went out.”

The winter in the Northeast was terrifying so Zhang Jue wanted to wrap himself up like a bear every time he went out. Of course, his appearance might suffer a bit, but for a child, warmth was the most important.

At this point, doctor Qin appeared from behind his grandson: “Oh, you’re a Tiger? No wonder you get along with Xuejun. People online say that these two zodiac signs are the most compatible. Did you come alone, kid?”

Zhang Jue obediently replied: “Yes, my uncle has to go to the capital for training, so I came by myself. It’s just a two-minute walk from the bus stop.”

Zhang Jue raised the bag in his hand: “Brother Qin, my mom asked me to deliver some braised dishes. Can you let me in?”

Qin Xuejun finally stepped aside. Doctor Qin took the braised dishes from Zhang Jue’s hand. Seeing the child limping, he promptly gave his grandson a nudge.

“He still can’t walk properly. Go help him.”

Qin Xuejun responded with an “Oh,” lifted the child around the waist, and Zhang Jue was surprised and instinctively tense. When he was placed on the sofa, he still felt a bit dazed.

Wow, did he just experience his first princess carry in two lifetimes? Although he avoided indulging in the sale of shipping marketing in his previous life… but when Qin Xuejun held him, it felt similar to holding a child, Zhang Jue didn’t mind at all.

Doctor Qin arranged the braised dishes, carried the medicine box over, and pinched Zhang Jue’s ankle. Slowly and leisurely, he said: “You still can’t walk, huh? In that case, wait until the day after tomorrow, and I’ll have Xuejun pick you up.”

“Is that okay?” Zhang Jue said hesitantly.

Old doctor Qin waved his hand: “It’s fine. He stays at home all day long and watches “The Lancet”. You play with brother Xuejun more and don’t let him get moldy. Just think of it as helping grandpa.”

 

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