Martial arts

After dinner was over, each family member became busy with their own activities. Luo Tian had already returned to his room, probably reading a book or preparing to sleep early. In the living room, Wang Jian and Luo Mei sat relaxed on the sofa, enjoying the news on television.

Usually, Luo Fan would go straight to his room after dinner. But this time, he stayed. Standing at the entrance of the living room, he observed his parents for a moment before finally walking closer.

Luo Mei, who was sipping her tea, turned and raised an eyebrow. "Hm? It's unusual for you to still be here, Fan'er."

Wang Jian also glanced at his son with curiosity. "Do you have something to say?"

Without answering, Luo Fan climbed onto the sofa and, without hesitation, rested his head on his mother's shoulder.

Acting spoiled.

Luo Mei almost choked on her tea. "Ugh… cough… cough…!"

Wang Jian stared at his son with wide eyes. "Since when did you become so clingy?"

Luo Mei placed her teacup down and stroked Luo Fan's head, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "You must be asking for something, right?"

Luo Fan put on an innocent expression. "No, I just want to sit here."

Wang Jian chuckled. "Hm… strange. You rarely act affectionate without a reason."

Luo Mei clicked her tongue softly. "Usually, you eat and then disappear into your room. Now, you're suddenly leaning on me? Something's off here."

Luo Fan thought for a moment before finally telling his parents his purpose.

He cleared his throat before finally saying, "I want to learn martial arts."

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

Luo Mei and Wang Jian exchanged glances before Wang Jian repeated in a doubtful tone, "Martial arts?"

Luo Fan nodded.

"Why all of a sudden?" Wang Jian narrowed his eyes, clearly surprised.

Luo Fan avoided their gaze. "I just think it's important to become stronger… and I want a new hobby."

Luo Mei looked at her son with concern. "Does this have something to do with school?"

Luo Fan quickly shook his head. "No! I just… yeah, I just want to learn."

Luo Mei still looked at him suspiciously but eventually let out a soft sigh and gave a faint smile. "Alright. What kind of martial art do you want to learn?"

Luo Fan fell silent for a moment, his mind drifting back to the race with Su Xiaoyu. He had been too slow back then…

After a few seconds of thinking, he finally answered, "Taekwondo."

Luo Mei nodded slowly. "A good choice. Taekwondo focuses on speed and agility. But the training is tough—are you sure?"

Luo Fan looked at his mother with determination. "I'm sure!"

Wang Jian smirked. "Don't tell me it's because you lost to someone."

Luo Fan flinched. "It's not!"

Wang Jian chuckled. "So it is?"

Luo Fan quickly shook his head. "I just… yeah, I just want to learn!"

Wang Jian laughed. "Are you sure it's not because you lost?"

Luo Fan huffed in annoyance. "Dad! I really want to learn!"

Luo Mei patted his head with a smile. "Alright, alright. No need to panic."

Wang Jian laughed before finally saying, "Alright. Tomorrow, I'll arrange a class for you."

Luo Fan smiled in satisfaction. "Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom!"

Luo Mei smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't give up halfway, okay? Taekwondo requires discipline and hard work."

Luo Fan straightened his back confidently. "Of course!"

Wang Jian crossed his arms. "Good. If you're serious, once you're skilled enough, how about we spar?"

Luo Fan turned to him hesitantly. "Spar… with you?"

Wang Jian gave a faint smile. "Why? Afraid to lose?"

Luo Fan clicked his tongue. "I'm not afraid to lose… but… do you know martial arts, Dad?"

Hearing his son doubting him, Wang Jian said proudly, "Even though I look like this, your father is a black belt in karate."

Luo Mei giggled. "Don't tell me you're backing out before even starting?"

Luo Fan quickly shook his head. "Of course not! Just wait, Dad! One day, I'll definitely fight you!"

Wang Jian laughed. "Good! We'll see about that!"

Luo Mei smiled gently while stroking his head. "Do your best, Fan'er."

Luo Fan nodded with confidence. "Yes, Mom!"

Feeling satisfied, Luo Fan finally returned to his room. However, behind him, Wang Jian and Luo Mei were still exchanging glances.

"Does he really want to learn martial arts?" Wang Jian asked while leaning back on the sofa.

Luo Mei gave a small smile. "Maybe he's realized something."

Wang Jian snorted softly. "Good if that's the case. At least he's starting to think about self-improvement."

Luo Mei nodded. "Let's see how long he lasts."

They resumed watching television, but the same question lingered in their minds—how long would Luo Fan endure?

Meanwhile, Luo Fan ran to his room with high spirits. As soon as he arrived, he went straight to the bathroom, took off his clothes, and let the warm water flow over his body. After an eventful day at kindergarten, a bath felt incredibly refreshing.

Once finished, he put on soft and comfortable pajamas, then walked to the dressing table and sat in front of the mirror.

The face reflected in front of him made him pause for a moment.

Since this was a world where women were more dominant, it was natural for men to have softer and more delicate features. At five years old, Luo Fan already had a face that could be considered too handsome for a child, but also incredibly cute.

His skin was as white and smooth as porcelain, flawless in every way. His large, clear eyes, framed by long curled lashes, gave off an innocent yet slightly mysterious vibe. His nose was small and well-shaped, while his naturally pink lips formed a slight pout, as if he had just finished sulking. His jet-black hair fell softly, slightly messy after his bath, but it only added to his adorable appearance.

If other children saw him, they would probably think he was a living doll.

Luo Fan blinked and leaned closer to the mirror.

"Hmm… If I grow up, I'll definitely be even more handsome," he muttered proudly. "But… am I too pretty?"

He pondered for a moment. In this world, men with facial features like his were more likely to be protected by women rather than becoming fighters. But no, he wanted to be strong.

With renewed determination, he smiled at his reflection in the mirror.

"Alright! I'll become a strong man even if I look like this!"

After that, Luo Fan jumped onto his bed and pulled his blanket over himself comfortably.