Ep 2
The morning sun bathes the village in a soft golden light. The air smells of fresh bread, herbal tea, and morning dew. The streets are alive with merchants calling out their goods, children playing, and villagers going about their day.
Among them, a young man moves gracefully, his long black hair swaying slightly as he walks. His eyes, gentle yet observant, scan the bustling market.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Another peaceful morning. The children must be waiting."
A few children spot him from afar and dash toward him excitedly.
Children
Teacher Chen Ci!
Children
You’re here! Are we learning new words today?
Chen Ci stops walking and turns to them with a small, warm smile. He raises his hands and starts signing.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Yes. Let's go."
The children beam and follow him eagerly as he continues toward a modest wooden building, a small school at the edge of the village.
Inside the classroom, the children sit eagerly on the wooden benches, their eyes fixed on Chen Ci. He stands at the front, his fingers moving with elegant precision.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Today, we will learn to count."
The children mimic his signs, their little hands moving clumsily as they try to copy him.
Children
Like this? *He holds up his fingers in an attempt to form the right sign*
Chen Ci watches, then steps closer, gently adjusting the child’s fingers.
Chen Ci (MC)
*nodding, signing* "Yes. Good job."
The child grins, clearly pleased. The others giggle and continue practicing.
Children
Teacher, if we can learn words with our hands, can we also tell stories?
Chen Ci pauses, slightly surprised. Then, he smiles and nods.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Of course. Stories do not need a voice."
Chen Ci (MC)
"They need only a heart willing to tell them."
The children’s eyes sparkle with excitement. But before they can continue-
The heavy sound of hooves and armored footsteps echoes from outside.
The children flinch at the sudden noise. Chen Ci immediately turns toward the open classroom door, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Children
*whispering* Who is that?
A moment later, several heavily armored guards march into the village, their expressions cold and authoritative.
The imperial emblem gleams on their armor, making it clear who they serve
Guard
Search the area! No one is to leave until we find him.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Who are they looking for? Why come here?"
One of the guards steps forward, his sharp gaze sweeping across the village. His eyes land on the school and, more specifically, on Chen Ci.
Guard
You there! Come forward.
The children tense, clutching the edges of their seats as they look at their teacher in worry. Chen Ci exhales quietly before stepping forward, his expression calm but unreadable.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Is something wrong, officer?"
The guard frowns, clearly not understanding. Another villager steps in to translate, but the moment they speak, the guard’s expression darkens.
Guard
Enough. Just answer our questions.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "I will, if I can."
The guard stares at him, his patience wearing thin. The air around them grows tense as the silent teacher and the imperial guard face each other.
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