17 A Picnic on the Roof (1/2)

Falling Star exited the classroom and caught up to Yu Chang at the stairs to the roof. She followed along without speaking as he stepped out into the sunlight. She marveled at the way the sun splashed across his generally plain features. At this moment he truly looked like an uncut gem waiting to be shaped and polished. Her desire to polish this gem rose even more.

As she stepped out into the sun behind him, a wind rose. Turning to look, Yu Chang froze. The breeze caught her hair up, and it danced on the light air current. This appearance really captured the essence of a goddess that had descended from the heavens.

”Master, why are you up here?”

”I want to know what you think of the lunch I made you.”

”Oh.”

”Oh? What's that supposed to mean?”

”I just didn't think your reason would be so simple.”

Falling Star sighed and dragged Yu Chang to a shady corner of the roof. In the corner, she let go of his arm and placed a hand on the pendant hanging from her neck, the same pendant that she had previously loaned him to move his things. She held out her other hand with her palm facing up. After a brief moment, a cloth and a wrapped lunch box identical to the one she gave to Yu Chang appeared. ”Let's have a picnic!”

”A picnic?”

”Yeah! Why not?”

Yu Chang looked at the carefree woman in front of him with an unreadable expression on his face.

”Is it that bad to have a nice picnic with me?” After asking the question, she sighed. ”Oh alright, I wanted to talk to you. I haven't had the chance to really get to know you yet even though we've known each other for a few days. I figured now would be as good a time as any to start. It's also important that I get an understanding of what you've already learned so I can tailor a proper training plan for you.”

”I see. Well, when you put it that way it makes sense. What do you want to know?”