Chapter Twelve: Setting the First Goal

Afterward, He Zhixing accompanied Zeng Sumei and the others as they escorted those arrested during the anti-crime operation back to the police station. After giving a brief statement, he turned to Zeng Li and Zeng Sumei, saying, “Uncle Zeng, Sister Mei, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take Hou Juan home first. We don’t want her parents to worry.”

Zeng Li looked at him with appreciation and nodded. “Young man, not bad at all. Where did you learn your skills? I didn’t expect someone as young as you to be so capable. With you joining our first anti-crime operation, you’ve been a great help. Oh, right, wait outside for a moment. I have a few words for Sumei. Later, she’ll go with you to escort her home.”

“Alright,” He Zhixing replied.

He and Hou Juan left the chief’s office and gently closed the door behind them. Inside, Zeng Sumei hurried to her father’s side. “Dad, for the upcoming anti-crime operations, I’d like…”

No one knows a daughter better than her father. Zeng Li already understood her intentions. “You want our young friend to join the anti-crime operations, don’t you?” Father and daughter exchanged a glance, finding it an excellent idea. “However, you must make sure he returns safely. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to explain it to his grandfather.”

“I understand, Dad. So you agree?” Sumei’s face lit up with excitement, and she bounced on her toes. “Yay—” Zeng Li watched his daughter show this rare, girlish joy and smiled with satisfaction. Only in moments like these did she seem like a young woman; usually, with her tough, straightforward demeanor, such expressions were seldom seen. If her colleagues at the station witnessed this, they’d be utterly astonished.

Sumei joined He Zhixing and Hou Juan as the three of them walked down the street—one young man, two young women, a striking trio that drew the eyes of passersby. Hou Juan’s small hand was held in his, her cheeks tinged with pink. She glanced at the boy beside her. “Brother He, thank you!” Her gratitude was sincere.

He Zhixing smiled gently. “No need to thank me. It was only right.”

Sumei came up and took his arm, walking alongside him. “Little brother, you’re truly amazing! I was so impressed by your valor. Tell me, who taught you your martial arts? You know, after all my years in the army, I’m still no match for you. How did you train? You must have had some extraordinary encounter, right?”

Slightly embarrassed, he replied, “You’re exaggerating, sister. I’m not so remarkable. When I was a child, I met an old man in the mountains who taught me a few moves. There are many people out there far stronger than I am.”

“I don’t care what you say. To me, you’re the most formidable person I’ve ever known. From now on, if I’m ever in trouble, I’ll come straight to you for help,” she declared.

“Of course, anytime. As long as sister doesn’t think I’m too slow-witted,” he replied.

After walking a while, Hou Juan grew less shy. “Brother He, when you leave, please remember to visit me often.”

Sumei added, “By the way, does your family have a phone? How can we reach you in the future?”

He Zhixing shook his head. “We don’t have a phone yet, but why don’t you give me your number? Once we get one, I’ll let you know.”

After escorting Hou Juan to her door and spending a little time at her home, he and Sumei set off again. Sumei pulled him aside on the street. “Little brother, there’s a favor I’d like to ask of you. Will you help me?”

“What is it?”

Sumei relayed what her father had discussed—she wanted him to help with the anti-crime operations. He Zhixing pondered for a moment, then agreed. “Alright, I’ll help.”

Over the next two days, He Zhixing joined Sumei and her team in their operations. With his martial prowess, they swiftly eradicated the remnants of criminal influence in Le City. The operation was a great success, significantly improving the safety and security of the citizens. Mayor Pan Donghai personally met with him to offer praise, calling him an outstanding young man. He also became good friends with Sumei.

Before he left, Sumei asked what his plans were and urged him not to give up on his studies. She suggested he find time to study independently, retake the entrance exams, and return to junior high, since He Zhixing had dropped out before graduating from elementary school. He thought it over and realized that, with his current memory, catching up and passing the exams would be no problem. He also realized he wanted to become a teacher, specifically an art teacher—a small dream he had cherished since developing a love for art. In this small town, there were so few opportunities to engage with the arts. He wanted to go out into the world, to the provincial capital, or even to the center.

With that thought, He Zhixing made up his mind. “Sister, I’ll listen to you. I want to become an art teacher. When I get back, I’ll study hard, get into junior high, and then apply to a normal school.”

And so, He Zhixing’s first goal formed quietly in his heart. Since he had come to this world, he believed he must strive for something meaningful. Youth is a time for ambition and perseverance, for pursuing one’s dreams so that, in old age, one would not look back upon life with regret. One must cultivate one’s strengths. Through a simple conversation between these two young people, a modest yet significant dream was set. Would He Zhixing be able to achieve his ambition?

No one could say—the future was yet to unfold. The next day, He Zhixing returned home with his grandfather.