First Step

The obnoxious baby's cries persisted throughout the night, only ceasing when it was the break of dawn.

When Song Zhuyu returned to the guest house the next day, he was greeted by a bleary-eyed Chen Ru who looked like a zombie as he staggered about while clutching his head. "Good morning, Father Song…" his last word had not even fully formed before a huge yawn overtook it. He dragged his feet to the kitchen, asking sluggishly, "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"Sure," Song Zhuyu replied, leaning casually against the kitchen doorway with his arms crossed. "Can't sleep?"