That Fair-Faced 'Sage' {Completed}

40. First Meeting

~

Twelve years ago...

Shuǐ ChénLín had developed a new found love for his home.

It wasn't that he hadn't loved the Shuǐ Manor before now.

That wasn't it.

The problem was that, he hadn't met Zhao Mao!

From the first day Shuǐ ChénLín and his father had arrived in the Zhao Clan, Zhao Mao, the sole Successor, had demanded a duel.

Zhao Mao was only a year older than him, but his sense of pride and importance was 'as wide as the skies'.

"I will permit you to address me as 'big brother', and as your elder brother, I will take care of you." Zhao Mao had said, placing his hand to his chest importantly.

"But what I want the most is to fight with you. Everyone says the Shuǐ genius is great, so I've become curious."

Shuǐ ChénLín had bowed politely to him, but had refused his request. "It was a long journey, so I would like to rest now, young master Zhao."

But Zhao Mao had been persistent after that, following him from place to place.

"Perhaps, the Shuǐ Clan isn't as great as we heard... Their 'shining light' keeps running away from a simple duel!"

But Shuǐ ChénLín swallowed his annoyance. "Young Master Zhao, it's the study hour, so I must return and study..."

Or...

"Everything we've all heard about the Shuǐ Genius, was it all wind? Are you that afraid? This Elder brother will not harm you too much!"

But again, Shuǐ ChénLín swallowed his rising anger, and just bowed. "Perhaps my fame is just rumours. I must go and see my father now."

And he had strode off in anger.

Zhao Mao was someone Shuǐ ChénLín wanted to beat severely, but on the journey here, his father had said to him,

"Shuǐ Chén, I know you are naturally well behaved, so I will trust you not to make any trouble. While we are in the Zhao Clan, avoid unnecessary confrontations, and be a graceful guest at all times. You might see things you disapprove of, but for now, just turn a blind eye..."

To which Shuǐ ChénLín had simply responded, "Yes, Father."

So when Zhao Mao's disturbance increased, Shuǐ ChénLín had responded by spending most of his time away from the central areas of the Zhao Manor.

And yet...

"Young Master Shuǐ! I've been looking for you!"

Zhao Mao had found him again!

It was as if Zhao Mao had heard his thoughts and manifested out from nowhere.

'He always comes looking for me!' But Shuǐ ChénLín somehow managed to keep the tightness from his voice, as he greeted.

"Young master Zhao." He gave a slight bow.

Zhao Mao waved his greeting away. "No need to stand on ceremony. Clan Leader Shuǐ and Father, are no where close by. I have come to ask for a duel..."

Shuǐ ChénLín's face had turned sour, but Zhao Mao kept talking.

"Young Master Shuǐ, You keep refusing my request. Aren't you worried about your face? If it goes around that the so-called 'Shuǐ genius' is actually a coward, then I worry for the Shuǐ Clan.

As he spoke, Shuǐ ChénLín's eyes grew narrower, and his annoyance rose.

A few of the other disciples noticed this, and were now taking cautious steps backwards, but it was completely lost on Zhao Mao.