Rebirth: I Am Not the Movie Queen This Time-Chapter 105 Old Sir Zhong

Mai Qiqi tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "I know a place that’s perfect for practicing martial arts."

The two left the Mai Family’s home, and just as they were about to leave, Mai Qiqi ran back to grab her grandfather’s sword.

Wan Chu’er was somewhat speechless when she saw the sword; she had only learned some boxing and kicking techniques from An Lian. How could she perform a sword dance?

"I’m certainly not skilled in all eighteen types of martial arts."

Mai Qiqi blinked and said, "Give it a try later."

Wan Chu’er shook her head but went along with her.

After walking for a while, the two reached the highest point of the courtyard, a small hilltop. From there, they had a panoramic view of the entire courtyard.

On the summit was a small, open plaza with not a single soul in sight—a perfect place for practicing martial arts indeed.

Wan Chu’er warmed up, took off her jacket, and began to go through the moves that she and Mai Qiqi had just discussed.

The more she practiced, the smoother her actions became, and she felt increasingly exhilarated. By the end, as she launched her last kick, Wan Chu’er even let out a roar.

Mai Qiqi’s expression was somewhat odd as she said, "Chuchu, like this, others might think you’re about to fight someone to the death. A beauty fighting is indeed a spectacle, but it’s not very graceful."

Wan Chu’er wiped the sweat from her forehead and couldn’t help but laugh. She had felt so exuberant and refreshed just now that she completely forgot about looking graceful.

"Why don’t you try using the sword." Mai Qiqi handed over the sword.

Wan Chu’er couldn’t help but laugh; the sword really came into play.

It was her first time using a sword. Although she had the strength, she was completely uncoordinated, and it was a painful sight to behold, erasing all the previous enjoyment.

As Wan Chu’er was stubbornly struggling with the sword, a rustling sound suddenly came from the nearby woods.

Wan Chu’er thrust the sword and shouted, "Who’s there sneaking around, come out!"

The shout was quite commanding, leaving Mai Qiqi momentarily stunned before she burst into laughter.

"Hero Wan, what an imposing manner you have!"

Wan Chu’er also returned to her senses, giving a sheepish chuckle. Holding the sword, she felt as though her actions had become rather foolish.

However, from the woods slowly emerged a wheelchair, and Wan Chu’er and Mai Qiqi watched in surprise as a young man pushed the wheelchair out of the forest.

The elderly person seated in the wheelchair had a lean and shrewd appearance, with an inherently proud aura and eyes that were sharp and cunning.

Wan Chu’er looked at Mai Qiqi, realizing this elder was no ordinary person.

Upon seeing the visitor clearly, Mai Qiqi’s mouth dropped in surprise. She thought to herself, how could Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad be here? The old man glanced at her causally, prompting Mai Qiqi to quickly collect herself.

She immediately approached the old man with the utmost respect and carefully said, "Grandpa Zhong, hello. What brings you out here?"

She then felt her words might have been inappropriate and quickly added, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. You can be wherever you wish."

The old man responded with a casual "hmm" and then turned his gaze toward Wan Chu’er.

Following his gaze, Mai Qiqi explained, "That’s my friend, we’re just practicing a dance here."

Although the old man had an impressive presence, Wan Chu’er was not intimidated by him, as she had no demands from him.

Therefore, when the old man looked at her, she also slightly nodded her head as a sign of respect for the elderly.

Mai Qiqi stood before the old man, waiting for his instructions. After a while, the old man slowly said, "A sword dance should move like a dragon’s shape and a tiger’s stance, like a roaming dragon playing with a phoenix. Only when the hands, eyes, body, and steps are highly coordinated can it be truly pleasing to the eye."

After finishing speaking, he gestured for the man behind him to push his wheelchair away.

Once the sound of the wheelchair faded, Wan Chu’er finally realized that the old man had been instructing her in sword dance.

But his instruction was a bit too abstract. She understood the literal meaning, but how could she actually achieve it?

Nevertheless, it was well-intended advice, and judging by Mai Qiqi’s reaction, this elder seemed quite formidable. So, she called out, "Thank you."

The pace of the man pushing the wheelchair remained unchanged, and both he and the wheelchair quickly vanished from the sight of Wan Chu’er and her companion.

Mai Qiqi approached, patting her chest and taking a deep breath. She said to Wan Chu’er, "You’re really something, not even flinching in front of Old Sir Zhong. Didn’t you feel intimidated by him? I didn’t even dare to breathe heavily just now."

Wan Chu’er shrugged her shoulders and asked, "Who is Old Sir Zhong anyway, to scare you like that?"

"A legend!"

Wan Chu’er blinked, thinking to herself, how mysterious.

In the time that followed, Mai Qiqi seemed somewhat distracted. Wan Chu’er ignored this and took a sword to slowly figure out the movements, pondering the words Old Man Zhong had said.

How to embody the form of the dragon and the steps of the tiger, the frolicking dragon and the dancing phoenix.

She figured that "the form of the dragon and the steps of the tiger" probably referred to the footwork and body movements, while "frolicking dragon and dancing phoenix" was the final form displayed.

This was tricky. Understanding it was one thing, but implementation was another.

Wan Chu’er recalled watching videos of sword dances and replayed the moves in her mind from the tapes, imitating, understanding, and practicing them over and over again.

Unconsciously, the sky began to darken, and the sun was about to set.

"Chuchu, let’s stop here for today. We can continue tomorrow," Mai Qiqi called out to Wan Chu’er.

"Okay," Wan Chu’er sheathed her sword.

After returning to the Mai Family home, Wan Chu’er declined Mai Qiqi’s offer to stay for dinner, arranged to return on Sunday, and then took her leave.

Walking alone towards the gate, Wan Chu’er mulled over the movements she had just practiced, when suddenly, a car pulled up beside her.

The car window rolled down to reveal the young man who had been pushing the wheelchair. "Hello, would you like a lift? It’s quite far from here to the bus stop."

Wan Chu’er looked around incredulously—it was only her there.

She smiled and said, "Thank you, but no need, I can walk."

He was a stranger, and they didn’t know each other. Why would he suddenly offer her a lift? Was he that kind?

Besides, it was clear that the very same old man was in the car. With his imposing demeanor, she would probably feel uncomfortable sitting with him.

After thanking him, Wan Chu’er continued walking.

Inside the car, Old Sir Zhong "hmmphed" and said, "Drive."

"Yes," the young man respectfully replied.

Wan Chu’er ran ten kilometers every day, and although it was a long way from here to the bus station, it was no big deal for her.

She took the bus straight to the city, bought two CDs of sword dances, a toy sword, and then went home.

The next day, Wan Chu’er stayed at home, not going anywhere, and practiced the sword dance moves she played on her computer. Since she had agreed to participate in the evening party, she hoped to perform her best.

On Sunday morning, Wan Chu’er went to Mai Qiqi’s house again.

Watching Wan Chu’er practice a complete sequence, Mai Qiqi was profoundly impressed. Two days ago, she was still clumsy, but today she looked well-rehearsed, almost the real thing. With a bit more practice, she’d surely captivate lots of boys and girls.