Chapter 26: Morning Exercise
In her previous life, Zhu Yanyi had also practiced Tai Chi, though she had learned it from videos on a computer rather than through formal instruction. Naturally, this version of Tai Chi was merely intended for physical conditioning, so it wasn’t particularly difficult. It consisted of basic movements, such as single-hand silk-reeling and double-hand silk-reeling, primarily designed for elderly enthusiasts of health preservation. Although the movements were simple, it had taken Zhu Yanyi a considerable amount of time to master them in her past life. By then, her body had already begun to age. While Tai Chi was beneficial for health and the movements were uncomplicated, the memory of the elderly tends to decline. Therefore, memorizing even these simple routines had required significant effort from Zhu Yanyi.
"Oh, the sun has risen from the west. Little Annie actually wants to exercise today." There was no need to guess; the speaker was clearly her maternal uncle, Xie Chengyu.
"Uncle, you’re underestimating me," Zhu Yanyi pouted, raising a small fist in a gesture of resistance. "My health used to be poor, but the radio said that exercising more strengthens the body. Can’t I exercise? If you dare to bully me, I’ll tell Grandpa."
"No, no, no." Xie Chengyu hurriedly begged for mercy. Everyone in the family knew how deeply Xie Zhong loved his daughters, Zhu Yanli and Zhu Yanyi. Whenever there was a conflict between him and the sisters, Xie Zhong always disciplined him. Thus, it was better to concede early. "Good Annie, Uncle was wrong. Please forgive Uncle, okay?"
"Since you’re apologizing so sincerely, fine, I’ll let you off." Zhu Yanyi generously patted Xie Chengyu’s thigh. She had wanted to pat her shoulder, but being so small, climbing onto a chair to reach it would diminish her imposing presence. So, Zhu Yanyi decided to substitute the shoulder pat with a thigh pat.
This mature, adult-like gesture caused Qi Qiaoer and Xie Shengyu, who had just come out, to burst into laughter. After composing herself, Qi Qiaoer said, "Annie, your Grandpa is also at the drying yard. Come back with him for breakfast in a while."
"Okay." Zhu Yanyi nodded in agreement and bounced out.
Sure enough, Xie Zhong was practicing Tai Chi in the drying yard. Zhu Yanyi did not disturb him; instead, she ran a lap around the yard and then tilted her head to watch Xie Zhong. Perhaps due to the excellent effects of the Spiritual Spring’s transformation, Zhu Yanyi memorized Xie Zhong’s movements after seeing them just once. Since everyone in the village knew him, many people followed along with Xie Zhong’s practice, so Zhu Yanyi joined in, learning and moving along with them.
Xie Zhong had noticed Zhu Yanyi when she started running. Although her small figure didn’t move quickly, her footwork and pace were remarkably even. This alone surprised Xie Zhong; such experience was typically found only in those trained in running, implying a certain level of discipline. Yet Zhu Yanyi was only five years old. There could be only one explanation: she was exceptionally gifted.
Zhu Yanyi’s photographic memory had already led Xie Zhong to believe that there was no need to worry about her academic future. Now, seeing her run with such poise, Xie Zhong wondered if her family was about to produce a talented woman proficient in both literary and martial arts. Of course, this was merely a fleeting thought in her mind and not something she took too seriously. However, Zhu Yanyi’s actions still touched her. After observing for a while, she watched her attempt to learn Tai Chi alongside her. Although her movements were clumsy, she had not made any mistakes.