Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten-Chapter 7: Moving Up to Second Grade

As for why Lin Zhengran was so skilled in Taekwondo, it could only be attributed to the incredible Level 10 talent granted by the System. Whenever He Qing improved her skills, Lin Zhengran's abilities would double, and even theoretical knowledge about Taekwondo would naturally surface in his mind.

This allowed Lin Zhengran to guide He Qing to higher levels whenever she hit a plateau, using both theory and practice. For example, today, on a Saturday, Lin Zhengran and He Qing were practicing grappling techniques on the bed.

He Qing struck a fighting pose, let out a fierce "Ha!" and tried to throw Lin Zhengran. But with a swift counter, Lin Zhengran flipped her onto the bed.

Flat on her back with her legs arched, He Qing froze, staring at Lin Zhengran standing triumphantly over her. Her clear eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, "Lin Zhengran, you're amazing! How did you do that?"

Sitting down, Lin Zhengran began explaining the key points of the move, and He Qing listened intently.

But halfway through, Lin Zhengran noticed He Qing sitting like a duck, her little hands clutching the blanket as she suddenly giggled.

With a stern face, Lin Zhengran asked, "What are you laughing at? Did I say something wrong?"

He Qing quickly shook her head, her ponytail swaying. "No, no! Everything's right! But… Lin Zhengran, how are you good at everything? You didn’t even sign up, yet you're better than me..."

Crossing his arms and puffing up his chest, Lin Zhengran declared with an adult-like pride, "Why wouldn’t I be better than you? Isn’t that normal?"

He Qing nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice. "Normal!"

The two kids locked eyes, and Lin Zhengran noticed something odd in He Qing's gaze—a focused intensity that he couldn’t quite describe.

"What’s with that look?" he asked.

He Qing hesitated, lowering her head shyly and gripping the blanket tighter. "Nothing, I just… I’m really grateful to you. You’ve always helped me train. Lin Zhengran, why don’t you sign up for Taekwondo too? Then we could train together every day."

Closing his eyes, Lin Zhengran firmly refused, "I’m not signing up for that. I’m not interested in Taekwondo. I’m just helping you so you can get stronger and not get bullied."

He Qing blushed, unable to hold back. "You're so good to me…"

Lin Zhengran's eyes snapped open. "What did you say?!"

She clammed up immediately, shaking her head. "Nothing."

"Nothing? Then focus on practicing what I taught you this week. Don’t you want to place in the top three at this year’s dojo competition?"

"Mm!"

It was hard to say what exactly He Qing thought of Lin Zhengran at this moment. Or perhaps He Qing herself didn’t know. Her little mind only wanted to spend every day with him, even if it meant being "bullied" by him.

Even though her thoughts were simple, she wasn’t oblivious. She knew that many other girls liked to be around Lin Zhengran too.

She had noticed it long ago. Lin Zhengran was good-looking, skilled at everything, and difficult not to like.

But during the two years in kindergarten, Lin Zhengran’s aloofness and the small class size kept others at bay.

Once they entered elementary school, though, things changed slightly as there were more classmates.

This year, Lin Zhengran and He Qing turned seven and officially left kindergarten behind.

In first grade, they were miraculously assigned to sit together. But when the second grade started, the teacher reorganized the classes, and He Qing was no longer in Lin Zhengran’s class.

Of course, this didn’t stop them from playing together on weekends. After all, being neighbors meant they could see each other anytime.

It was Friday.

The small town had picked up a "Beer Festival" tradition, though it was more of an excuse for a street market. There were more stalls selling liquor than beer.

Perhaps because the mayor cared a lot about the festival, there were even police officers patrolling the area.

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Lin Zhengran was wandering around the festival with his parents.

After an hour, Lin Zhengran was still light on his feet, showing no signs of fatigue.

It had been two years since the System activated.

Thanks to weekly Taekwondo lessons with He Qing and her own dedication, He Qing had become the strongest girl at their Taekwondo Center under Lin Zhengran's guidance.

Charisma: 4

[The sunny weather and the lively market relaxed you. Perhaps today you could find an ancient map fragment—after all, that’s a trope in all fantasy novels. But as you browsed the market, you suddenly heard the roar of a magical beast!]

[This alarmed you. A magical beast in the human world? If left unchecked, the festival could become a sea of blood! Will you investigate or flee immediately?]

A magical beast?

Looking at the bustling market, with its excellent security, Lin Zhengran couldn’t imagine what the so-called magical beast could be. Could it be a tiger escaped from the zoo?

And where was it, anyway? The System hadn’t specified.

"Ranran’s dad, look at this hat! Isn’t it cute? Should we get matching ones for Ranran and me?"

Lin Xiaoli held up an adorable cartoon hat, laughing.

"If you like it, buy it! Today’s a shopping day anyway," Lin Yingjun replied with a smile.

"I’ll see if there are other styles," Lin Xiaoli said, bending over to browse while asking Lin Zhengran, "Ranran, do you like this one? How about this cat hat?"

Lin Zhengran found it too girly and unattractive.

"Mom, I want to go back to the car and rest. I’m a little tired."

"Already? We haven’t been out long."

"Mom, I’m just a kid! I can’t walk as much as adults," Lin Zhengran feigned innocence.

Lin Xiaoli gave him a disdainful look, identical to his own when he looked down on others. "Nonsense. You practice Taekwondo with Qingqing all the time. Do you think your dad and I don’t know? You’re not tired."

Lin Yingjun, noting his son’s embarrassed face, understood the real reason: his wife’s slow shopping pace. She lingered at every stall, making little progress after an hour.

"Let him rest in the car if he’s tired. The festival seems well-organized, with plenty of patrol officers near the parking area. He’ll be safe."

Lin Xiaoli shrugged. "Fine. Ranran’s dad, take him back to the car. We’ll find him there after shopping."

Relieved, Lin Zhengran followed his dad back to the car.

After his father left, Lin Zhengran pondered where this "magical beast" might be.

On the street, a little girl with pigtails in a yellow dress was holding a small dog and waving a thin stick at a golden retriever in the distance.

"Don’t come any closer! If you do, I’ll call the police!"