Chapter 33 – Restless as Ever

The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in soft golden light as disciples moved about, preparing for the day's lessons. The air was filled with the distant hum of conversation, the occasional clang of wooden practice swords, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Zian, as usual, arrived at the classroom early, his scrolls neatly arranged in front of him. He had hoped for a peaceful start to the day, but deep down, he knew that was nearly impossible with Yu around.

And right on cue—

"Zian!" Yu's loud voice cut through the room, drawing more attention than necessary.

Zian exhaled slowly, already regretting his decision to come early. He didn't even turn his head before Yu dramatically collapsed into the seat next to him, his head resting on the desk.

"I'm exhausted," Yu groaned. "Do you know how hard it is to wake up early every day? This is torture. I think I'm dying."

Zian shot him a blank look. "You say this every morning."

Yu peeked up at him through his arms, grinning. "And every morning, I mean it."

"Then maybe you should sleep on time."

"But what if something exciting happens at night? I can't risk missing it."

Zian sighed and returned his focus to his scroll, knowing it was pointless to argue. But Yu, restless as always, didn't stay still for long. He leaned over, trying to peek at Zian's notes.

"What are you reading?" Yu asked, propping his chin on his hand.

Zian moved the scroll away. "Something you wouldn't understand."

Yu gasped dramatically. "How cruel! You underestimate my intelligence, Zian. What if I'm secretly a genius?"

"Then the heavens have a strange sense of humor."

Yu burst out laughing, earning a few glances from their fellow disciples. Even their instructor, who had just walked in, sighed at the sight.

"Yu, if you have this much energy, perhaps you should use it for something productive," the instructor said dryly.

Yu straightened up. "Of course, Instructor! I was just preparing my mind for today's lessons. A sharp mind needs laughter."

Zian resisted the urge to rub his temples. Yu's ability to talk his way out of trouble was both impressive and exhausting.

Just as the instructor was about to start the lesson, the door slid open again. The room fell silent as a woman stepped inside—elegant, graceful, and carrying an air of quiet authority.

Yu's mother.

Yu immediately tensed but quickly plastered on his usual carefree smile. "Mother! What a lovely surprise. Did you come to check on your favorite son?"

She raised a delicate eyebrow. "I only have one son, Yu."

"Exactly! That makes me the favorite by default."

Zian hid a smirk as Yu's mother shook her head in amusement. Unlike Yu's father, who was known for his strict nature, his mother was much softer in her approach—though still sharp in her own way.

She turned to the instructor. "I was passing by and thought I'd see how things are going. I hope Yu hasn't been too much of a troublemaker."

The instructor gave a long-suffering sigh. "He keeps things… lively."

Yu grinned. "See? I bring joy wherever I go!"

His mother let out a quiet chuckle, her eyes holding a warmth that she rarely showed in public. "Try to bring a little discipline as well, will you?"

Yu pouted dramatically. "You wound me, Mother. But since you asked so nicely, I'll *consider* it."

Zian shook his head, watching the exchange with mild amusement. It was rare to see Yu's mother in such a relaxed mood, and rarer still to see Yu behaving somewhat well in her presence.

As she turned to leave, she gave Zian a knowing glance. "Make sure he doesn't cause too much trouble, Zian."

Zian inclined his head. "I'll try."

Yu groaned. "Now you've given him permission to nag me even more!"

His mother merely smiled before stepping out, leaving behind a classroom full of curious whispers and a sulking Yu.

Zian nudged him with his elbow. "You should be grateful. She didn't scold you."

Yu crossed his arms. "That's what worries me the most."

Zian raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Yu leaned closer and whispered, "Because it means she's saving it for later."

Zian couldn't help but chuckle. No matter how much Yu talked, there was no escaping his mother's quiet authority.

As the lesson finally began, Yu slumped forward once more, whispering, "Wake me up if I fall asleep."

Zian sighed, already bracing himself for another exhausting day with Yu.