Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Attitude

Lu Xiao’s words were like opening the door to a new world for Lu Yu. Her default mindset was to instinctively find someone to solve problems for her. She had never imagined that she, too, could one day become a problem-solver like Lu Xiao.

Lu Yu had seen with her own eyes the abilities Lu Xiao just displayed. She didn’t scream and complain about how unfair everything was when faced with trouble like Lu Ge Wei did. Instead, she had calmly and simply subdued her opponent, resolving an issue that even the teacher had considered difficult to handle.

Even though Lu Yu didn’t say it, this swift and decisive version of Lu Xiao had planted a seed in her heart.

Now, Lu Xiao was saying that if there were no teachers in this field, she should become one herself and bring hope to others who shared her passion.

For some reason, in that moment, Lu Yu felt that she could also become strong, just like Lu Xiao. She felt that she could become a person like Lu Xiao, as long as she was willing to work hard.

“Thank you.” Lu Yu’s expression was a bit unnatural as she said this; being young, she was still quite self-conscious about many things.

Lu Xiao glanced at her. “No need for thanks. You got into a fight defending me. I appreciate the sentiment.”

“It’s not for that. It’s for what you just said. I thought it made a lot of sense, so I wanted to thank you.”

Surprised, Lu Xiao smiled. “Actually, if you want to learn how to fight, you don’t have to find a female for a teacher. Military males like your brother-in-law, Ares, should be quite good at it. You could ask to learn from him, if you’re willing.”

Lu Yu’s eyes lit up. ’How could I not have thought of that!’

It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought of it, but rather that she’d never even considered it. And why was that?

The reason was simple, of course. Because of the social standing of females versus males, Lu Yu’s ingrained prejudice had kicked in, making her instinctively look down on males and exclude them from any consideration.

But in reality, Lu Xiao was right. When it came to expertise in fighting, military males who had been on the battlefield and put their skills to practical use were certainly more proficient.

Recalling how she hadn’t been very respectful toward Ares in the past, Lu Yu felt a bit apprehensive. “If I ask him to teach me, will he agree?”

“Give it a try. How will you know if you don’t?” Lu Xiao clearly had no intention of putting in a good word for her with Ares.

Lu Yu nodded. “I understand.”

Looking at Lu Yu’s earnest expression, Lu Xiao suddenly didn’t dislike her as much as she used to. Sometimes children grow up in an instant; a bratty kid won’t necessarily be a brat forever.

Back home, Ares was busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Lu Xiao saw him and walked over to knock on the door frame. “Ares, let me take over in a bit. I promised Lu Yu I’d let her have a taste of my cooking today.”

Upon hearing this, Ares agreed, “Alright.”

He didn’t ask why Lu Xiao had gone to see Lu Yu, but Lu Xiao went ahead and told him everything that had happened. After listening to her story, Ares was also quite surprised that Lu Yu would actually defend Lu Xiao in public.

When Ares came out of the kitchen, Lu Yu stared at him with expectant eyes. Sensing the strangeness in her gaze, Ares asked, “Does Your Excellency Lu Yu have something you wish to say?”

Lu Yu bit her lip, then spoke as if she’d made up her mind. “Brother-in-law, I’d like to ask a favor of you.”

Although Lu Yu’s voice was somewhat stiff, hearing her call him “brother-in-law” still left Ares quite pleased.

“What is it? Please speak, Your Excellency Lu Yu.”

“You can just call me Lu Yu. There’s no need to be so formal at home, haha.” Clearly, Lu Yu wasn’t a complete fool. Since she was the one asking Ares for a favor, she naturally couldn’t put on airs—how would that look? Besides, she had long noticed how differently Lu Xiao treated Ares. For that reason alone, she couldn’t underestimate him or bully him for being a male. “Um, your Fighting Technique must be incredible, right? I’m very interested in that sort of thing, and I was hoping I could ask you about it. Would that be okay?”

Ares truly hadn’t expected Lu Yu to ask for something related to fighting.

Most females weren’t fond of that kind of thing.

He was rather surprised. “A Fighting Technique?”

He asked again just to be sure, worried he might have misheard.

Lu Yu nodded solemnly. “Yes, that’s right. The Fighting Technique.”

Her eyes were full of anticipation as she spoke.

Ares glanced at Lu Xiao, busy in the kitchen. He knew instantly that this must have been Lu Xiao’s suggestion on the way home. He nodded. “Alright. You can ask me whatever you’d like to learn.”

Having gotten Ares’s firm agreement, Lu Yu instantly brightened up. Her nervousness vanished, and words began to tumble out of her mouth. “Let’s go to the yard! I’ll do some moves, and you can tell me if my form is standard. And can you teach me more? There are so few videos about it online, and I want to learn more techniques.”

Seeing Lu Yu practically light up as she spoke, Ares knew she truly had a passion for this. It was still somewhat surprising, but he calmly said, “Let’s go.”

There was enough time to watch Lu Yu’s movements before dinner.

Ares’s cheerful agreement made Lu Yu’s opinion of him skyrocket. She now felt that Lu Xiao really did have good taste; Ares was truly an excellent male.

’He’s worthy of being my brother-in-law!’

And so, from that day forward, Lu Yu calling Ares “Brother-in-law” sounded as natural as could be.

While the two were sparring in the yard, Lu Xiao finished preparing the dishes and brought them out one by one. Then she came outside to watch Lu Yu and Ares practice their Fighting Technique. “You can wash your hands and come eat now!”

Ares turned and called out his acknowledgement, then said to Lu Yu, who had just learned a new move and was still itching for more, “Let’s stop here for today. You remember the key points of the technique, so let’s eat first.”

With that, he led the way back into the house.

Lu Yu followed close behind. After washing her hands, she sat at the dining table and looked at the spread of dishes: braised pork belly, sweet and sour ribs, candied sweet potatoes, and more. Her mouth instantly started to water. Just from the aroma and the vibrant colors, she knew it was going to be delicious.

’Lu Xiao really wasn’t lying,’ she thought. ’Her cooking is amazing.’

And when she finally tasted it, she discovered it was absolutely delicious.

“Sister, you’re incredible! You not only know how to cook, but you make such delicious food. No wonder even Lu Huan treats you differently now.” Having relaxed considerably, Lu Yu’s use of “Sister” now sounded much more natural.

“If it’s good, then have some more. Today’s meal is to thank you, after all.” Lu Xiao placed a piece of a sweet and sour rib in her bowl.

After thanking her, Lu Yu glanced at Ares and asked tentatively, “Sister, could I come over often when I have time? I want to learn fighting from Brother-in-law. He just taught me a move that I haven’t gotten the hang of yet, so… could I come here often for lessons?”

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