Night of the Broken Gliph

After Chor Shing Chit exited the class, the students started to pack their bags and got ready to leave. 

Chan Ngou Tin’s eyes kept watching Chui Yim. Ever since Lam Ming left two years ago, Chui Yim was always alone. He ignored anyone who tried to befriend him and spent all his time by himself. 

Soon, all his classmates knew that he wasn’t easy to befriend and stopped trying to get close to him. They were all in the same class, just that Chui Yim didn’t interact with the other classmates. 

Chan Ngou Tin exchanged a glance with one of his followers who had been with him since grade one. He immediately understood and signalled to Chan Ngou Tin with his hand that Mr Chor had already left.

After taking a book about medicine out from his desk, Chui Yim stood up and got ready to leave. A figure blocked his way, but Chui Yim glanced at him before leaving. 

But it was different this time. A hand wrapped with black cloth pushed his chest. Chui Yim was surprised by the strong force, but Chan Ngou Tin was even more surprised. 

After reaching the one-chambered state, Chan Ngou Tin knew clearly how strong he currently was. He was sure that his push was stronger than even a hardyhorse.

Why did Chui Yim only take a few steps back?

“Get out of my way.” Chui Yim stared at him coldly. 

“Uh oh, look who’s speaking so loudly?” Chan Ngou Tin said exaggeratedly. He was encircled by other classmates who were his followers. Despite being only twelve, the traits of the Chan Clan were already evident in them. When they grew up, they might become shopkeepers for the Chan Clan’s various shops, spies, housekeepers… or even servants. 

The Chan Clan was a powerful force they could rely on for a peaceful life. 

Chui Yim scanned his classmates. He could feel their malicious intent, but he wasn’t even slightly afraid. Why would I be afraid of these kiddos? 

“We are still in school. Are you going to attack me here?”

“Of course not. I’m not an idiot.” Chan Ngou Tin snickered. “Chui Yim, I want to challenge you!” 

“I’m not interested, and I refuse it. Can you shoo now?” Chui Yim replied immediately, leaving Chan Ngou Tin dazed as he walked away. 

But Chan Ngou Tin reacted quickly and pulled Chui Yim back with his left hand. “Stand right there!”

Chui Yim never expected Chan Ngou Tin to really attack him. He stumbled as the book in his hand fell onto the ground. “What stupid book is this?” Finally getting the upper hand, Chan Ngou Tin didn’t want to let Chui Yim off and snatched his book. “ Detailed Book On Apertures. What the hell is this?” 

“Give it back,” Chui Yim said angrily, staring at Chan Ngou Tin with an unfriendly look.

“Come and get it if you can.” Chan Ngou Tin laughed, looking at him arrogantly. “This stupid book…” 

Szz…!

He tore the book in half, the pages dancing in the air. 

Chui Yim was stupefied. Books had always been the only connection he shared with Chui Tin. It reminded him of the year he spent studying various books. Even after Chui Tin left, he left a bag of all his minerals in his workshop and tons of books. To Chui Yim, reading was a way to remind him of Chui Tin. Chui Yim looked at the scattered pages of the book and smiled, shaking his head. 

I’m so impulsive, huh? To be angered by a nonsensical kid. 

“You want to fight, right?” Chui Yim said emotionlessly. “Let’s do it.”