Yuxuan (REMASTERED)

Chapter Twenty-Four

I didn't know where to start. Yuxuan wanted to learn more about London. Where was I to begin? The people? The food? Our customs?

Well, the third option seemed most reasonable. Bella handled all the cooking for me, so I lacked that skill. And talking about the people was too advanced.

Perhaps telling Yuxuan about some of my hobbies or favorite traditions was okay?

For starters, I enjoyed tea parties.

"Alexandrea," Hansel stepped over logs and twigs just to come near me. "Phew! It's certainly hotter today than most." He wiped his sweat off his head and rested his hands on his hips.

"Hansel, do you suppose these leaves would make good tea?"

"Hmm..." Hansel plopped down on one knee to observe closely.

The leaves were a bright green color, with pointed specks outlining the edge. He glazed his fingers over them and gave them a sniff.

"I'm not sure. But, why are you looking to make tea?"

"Yuxuan... he wants to know more about London. So I figured this would be a great place to start."

"Does he?" Hansel stood up excitedly. His eyes sparkled with amazement. "How swell! I wonder what stirred his interest. Perhaps a darling young miss?" He teased, and I rolled my eyes.

"No matter, Hans." I dismissed his joke shyly.

"You're so bashful." He chortled. "That lad is very smitten with you. Perhaps teaching him is a great opportunity. Just imagine how wonderful it would be! Can you? If he were to introduce our customs to his tribe, it would be inspiring!"

"I'm not sure if the other tribe members would like to learn it. It's just he who has expressed interest."

Hansel was right though. It would be a great opportunity for him to get closer to Yuxuan. The more trust he had in us, the better. We would be able to search for a port without his worrying.

"Is it okay if I join you?"

"Of course. But first, I must see if this is great for tea."

"Oh, do not mind the tea! We have to start bigger! Let us teach him about manners!"

"I tried. He doesn't seem fond of those."

"Do not underestimate him, Alexandrea. His mind is capable of many things. We must give him a chance."

"Oh, alright."

~~~

"Alright lad, so I hear you want to learn a bit about our city and way of life. We'll start with learning our way of greeting. So, stand tall." Hansel smiled wide at Yuxuan, who was sitting near his hut sharpening his spear.

Lazily, he glanced up at Hansel. There was no response from him, and I could tell Hansel was starting to become nervous at the awkward tension forming.

"Yuxuan, you wanted me to teach you about London, yes?" I grabbed onto his arms and pulled him to stand.

"London?"

"My city. My home."

"Yes." Yuxuan nodded. "I learn... later." And with that, he pulled away from me and began to walk away.

"Wait! Wait, wait!" Hansel pressed his hands against Yuxuan's chest, stopping him from moving further. "Okay, maybe it's too soon, but... if you want to impress Miss Alex... you have to learn now."

"Impress?"

"Ah, yes. Make Alex Happy." Hansel repeated the phrase he heard Yuxuan repeat when he wanted my attention.