Walk to China

"Remember not to go anywhere without Mr. Kim's supervision. You must keep in mind that memorizing the name of the hotel is essential, and if you don't remember something, don't hesitate to ask first."

"I've got it all learned, Mom..." Dash replied with a serious look, as if to give more credibility to his words.

"On this credit card, you can buy things that you couldn't with cash. I'll be waiting for good news from your tournament."

"Thanks for your advice; I'll be number one..."

"I know, son, no need to ask." Frederick bid farewell to his son, whom Mr. Kim personally picked up to meet Devon's family at the airport.

"Isn't it too much for him to go alone?" Elena looked at her son, who had disappeared from home, and asked her husband.

"He'll be much calmer if we don't go; you don't have to worry."

Dash in the car was very excited to finally be able to go to China and meet Dre in person. For a long time, he had wondered if this trip would indeed be possible, and now he was on his way to the airport to catch that flight. No matter what happened before to get here, what matters now is that he's on his way to that tournament.

His parents were very efficient with the trip. Not only did they pay for first-class seats, but they also booked a good hotel for him and Devon's family to stay in.

"Dash, over here!" Devon, who was in the distance, called Dash, who was walking alongside Mr. Kim. After checking their belongings, everyone approached the line to board the plane.

"Do you have all your things?" Devon handed Dash a piece of chewing gum due to nerves.

"Everything is ready; have you flown before?"

"Only once, but I was too small to remember..."

After Dash arrived at the airport, some time later, they boarded the plane that Yeni arranged for China, Beijing, and he couldn't help but feel a little scared knowing that this thing would fly in a few minutes.

"Mr. Kim, do you really not fear planes?" Behind Dash and Devon, Mr. Kim, who was sitting next to the Lees, looked to the side and shook his head.

"There's nothing to fear, although I prefer to travel on foot, it's understandable that these things are used to travel more quickly..." Mr. Kim said, sweating a little cold due to his bad experiences on planes.

"Oh! Should I bring you something to drink during the flight?" A flight attendant looked at the pale Mr. Kim and offered to help in any way she could. He wasn't the first passenger afraid of flying on this flight, so she knew what to do.

"I'll be fine if I close my eyes..."

Devon held a small book in her hands and asked, "Do you have any idea about the rules in Karate tournaments?"

Upon hearing that question, Dash shook his head and said, "All I know is that I have to hit my opponents twice to get a point and win the competition."

"In addition to being well-groomed so that your hair doesn't affect your vision, you must be well-uniformed, present yourself cleanly, and go correctly according to the tournament requirements."

Dash fell silent and, after remembering that he had sent the uniform to Dre for him to check everything with Mr. Han, he relaxed a bit. At least now, he wouldn't have to worry about those trivialities.

"Do you think I'll win?"

Devon remained silent for a few seconds and said, "It will be a bit challenging, but you will win. I have complete confidence that you will."

Those words, that look, were all Dash needed to be completely sure that he would win that tournament. There is no better medicine than the confidence someone else puts in you, and Devon, who is his closest friend, is a huge support.

"I'll close my eyes for a moment; wake me up if I don't fall asleep."

Devon didn't bother with this joke from Dash; she had become immune to all the jokes he had made throughout their close relationship. She also wanted to be silent, to start the journey in silence due to the initial nerves of flying on a plane.

During this trip, Dash felt happy. All the things he had ever wanted to do were coming true as if by magic, and he hoped this feeling would never end. Now that he was about to meet Mr. Han, he hoped to have some reason for him to evaluate his Kung Fu and for both teachers to talk. Mr. Kim was good; he handled his fighting style in various ways, so both could understand each other well.