Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 33: Minglania Chinese Vacation P2

Lesson In Silence & Listening To It

"Let's test the whole class, Shang, with a hard, hard exercise," Mulan announced, her voice ringing out with authority. "Guests, you must do as they do too. Trainees, we begin our real test of friendship: can you do nothing with the person sitting next to you for a full thirty minutes? You may not think, you may not speak, and your hands may not work on crafts. Time begins now."

Mulan's words hung in the air like the delicate chime of a distant bell, reverberating through the assembly with a weight that was both daunting and charged with potential. Evie and Musa exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions reflecting the shock of the challenge. It was a bold move—one that stripped away their usual distractions and forced them into an uneasy confrontation with themselves and each other.

In contrast, Lonnie and Ben wore giant smiles that quickly hardened into straight seriousness. They understood the intent behind Mulan's exercise: it was not merely a test of patience but a profound invitation to explore the essence of their connections. Mulan's keen gaze swept the crowd, searching for signs of tension—the shifting eyes, the fidgeting fingers—as she sought the weak links in their bond that could splinter under pressure.

As the timer began, Mulan took her position, determined to model the silence she was asking of her students. She purposefully avoided making eye contact with Shang, though she could sense his steady presence beside her. The air was thick with anticipation. The moment hung heavily, suffused with uncertainty and curiosity, creating an almost palpable energy in the outdoor open arena.

The first few moments were awkward. Students shuffled in their seats, glancing at each other, unsure of what to do in this enforced stillness. A few chuckled nervously, breaking the silence only to realize they had already failed the very first command. Mulan's heart pounded softly in her chest; she understood how uncomfortable this could be, especially for a generation accustomed to constant noise and distraction.

For Musa, the silence felt both hostile and liberating. She usually thrived in the hustle and bustle of social interactions, often seen as too popular for her own good. But here, amidst the stillness, she found herself in a cocoon of tranquility that she hadn't experienced in a long time. She could hear the faint sounds of nature outside—the rustle of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and even the whisper of the wind as it danced through the trees.

Evie fidgeted beside Musa, her mind racing. What was she supposed to do with this time? She was used to busy schedules, planning events, and chatting excitedly with friends about fashion and adventure. But here, in the silence, she felt an urge to explore her thoughts and emotions as well. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing her mind to drift, breathing deep and focusing on the rhythm of her breath.

As the seconds ticked by, the atmosphere transformed. Some trainees took to observing their partner's subtle movements—the way their eyes flickered or how they shifted in their seat. Others seemed to find comfort in the stillness, allowing themselves to exist in a shared space without the need for words. Mulan could sense these shifts as she surveyed the crowd.

Lonnie, sitting next to Ben, took the opportunity to study him. She noticed the way his brow furrowed ever so slightly in concentration and how, despite the challenge of silence, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Maybe there was beauty in this moment—an opportunity to connect not through speech but through presence. She let herself relax into the silence, appreciating the stillness between them, the unspoken communications that flowed in the pauses.

For Mulan, watching her students was a reminder of her own journey. She recalled the years of training, the moments of self-doubt, and the times she felt utterly alone in a crowd. Yet here, in this exercise, she could see them navigating the same waters. The silence became a canvas for her own reflections, allowing her to appreciate the strength that lay in patience and understanding.