BODYGARD

Chapter 18: Much Stronger Than You!

Sophia's clear, bright eyes looked at Jack with surprise as she asked, "What are you doing here?"

After saying this, she looked at Jack somewhat warily.

Had Jack come looking for her on purpose?

Jack, drawn by the sight of her feet in flip-flops, didn't wait for Sophia to become angry before speaking, "You're a relative of Principal Smith?"

Even without the sharpest insight, he could deduce that Sophia and Smith were family.

They shared the same surname.

And considering Sophia's casual attire and flip-flops, which most girls would only wear at home since such casual dress was typically forbidden at school, it was a safe bet.

"Yes, he's my grandfather!" Sophia responded with breezy simplicity and then turned her head to call inside, "Grandpa, someone’s here for you!"

"Who is it?"

Smith's voice, aged yet steadfast, came from inside the house.

"What’s your name?" Sophia asked.

In the rush of their daylight parting, neither had the chance to ask the other’s name.

"Jack!"

"Grandpa, Jack is here for you!" With a toss of her hair, Sophia turned and walked away, leaving the door open for Jack.

"What did you say, it's Jack!"

Smith's voice echoed from inside the house, and soon after, he appeared before Jack.

"Ah, haha, it’s you! Come in, come in quickly!" Smith said with delight in his heart, smiling as he spoke.

Jack changed into slippers and followed Smith inside.

"What would you like to drink?" Sophia asked, standing in front of the refrigerator. She was somewhat puzzled, as her grandfather usually wasn’t so warmly enthusiastic about his guests.

"No, thank you!" Jack replied.

"Then juice it is!"

Sophia did not heed Jack’s decline and took out a bottle of juice from the refrigerator. With a swift motion, she tossed it to Jack, who caught it without further ado.

Jack accepted the juice and didn’t insist on refusing.

"Have a seat!" Smith gestured with his hand.

Sophia skillfully brewed a cup of tea for her grandfather.

Clearly, this was a routine task for her.

"Would you like some alcohol?" Smith asked with a slight smile.

"No, I don’t drink."

Jack shook his head.

"You don’t drink?" Smith probed further: "What about smoking, do you smoke?"

Jack was momentarily taken aback.

"Don't be so formal, how many young people these days do not smoke or drink? Even I, as the principal, can't control that. After all, everyone is of age, so might as well be a bit more relaxed," Smith said slowly as he settled into the sofa.

"Grandpa!" There was a flash of anger in Sophia's eyes. "You are not allowed to drink anymore!"

When the woman became angry, her eyes widened, and she actually looked quite adorable.

"I was just saying!" Smith laughed.

"Even saying it is not okay!" Sophia's melodious voice protested, very pleasing to the ear.

It really seemed like Sophia had Smith wrapped around her finger. Despite Smith's bluster outside, a few words from Sophia and he didn’t dare to retort, chuckling like a mischievous old child.

"I don't smoke," Jack said, touching his nose.

Smith, who had started to reach into his pocket, withdrew his hand upon hearing Jack's words. He had thought to use Jack's visit as an excuse to indulge in a smoke, but to his surprise, the lad didn't partake in either vice.

Thinking it over, he found greater amusement: "Young man, not drinking or smoking is quite a miracle, especially for a man."

"Grandpa, you wanted to use this junior as a target to excuse your smoking, only to find out he doesn’t engage in it either, which makes him much better off than you!" Sophia playfully scolded.

"Ha ha ha, that being said, you better not pick up these habits either, because if you do, quitting later can be really tough.”

Jack couldn’t understand the allure of smoking and drinking, how they managed to attract so many people.

At least—

His tolerance for alcohol was very poor. Smoking? He didn't plan to learn that either.

Smith said, "Don't be like me. Back in my day, I drank, smoked, and occasionally gambled, and it got me—"

"Let's not talk about that!" Smith glanced over and saw Sophia glaring at him, prompting him to cut himself off.

As he spoke, Smith's expression grew more serious.

"I've come to see you today, actually, to discuss some matters concerning Chinese academic studies!" Smith offered, pouring a cup of tea.

Jack quickly said it wasn't necessary.

"I have a limited understanding of Chinese academics, and with my experience, how could I dare to show off in front of the principal!" Jack said.

He did know some things.

In all of Houston, those who dared to claim they knew more about Chinese studies than the principal of Houston could be counted on one hand.

Smith shook his head, "You can't fool these eyes of mine. From our exchange earlier today, I can tell that you're skilled enough to be a teacher of Chinese martial arts. I know that whether it's Chinese academics or martial arts from other countries, it's all the same; all martial arts under heaven are but one family! What’s most important is practical experience! I'm not like those stubborn old men who cling to their own skills as if they were the best in the world."

Sophia looked at Jack in surprise.

Was this guy really that impressive?

She remembered him for easily scaling the wall, so she had some impression of the man.

Yet, it was rare to see her grandfather so excited to talk about Chinese martial arts with someone.

It would usually be those old timers that would make her grandfather so happy.

"Do you know why I've asked for you?" Smith touched his beard and sipped his tea, a peaceful demeanor about him.

"I don't know!" Jack shook his head.

Smith took a deep breath and shook his head, "Young people like you are rare these days!"

Jack didn't understand what Smith meant.

And Smith didn't intend to explain.

"Would you be interested in teaching?"

The next moment, Smith looked intently at Jack and asked.

Jack was taken aback by Smith's question.

Teaching.

"As a teacher in Chinese Studies?" Jack was startled.

"Not in Chinese Studies, but a friend of mine—also a fanatic of Chinese martial arts—has gathered some funds to open a martial arts school; another plans to start a Chinese Studies program at their school. They're now hiring teachers, and you seem fit for the job. I'm promoting Chinese culture, not just by teaching Tai Chi or Xingyi Quan; with your skills, you wouldn't need to learn these. Your talent is enough to teach. If you're willing, even renowned Chinese studies academies would offer a high salary to have you teach!” Smith spoke earnestly.

Sophia appeared even more surprised, her large eyes full of wonder as she looked at Jack.

Was this man really so outstanding?

He seemed even younger than her.

"Would you consider it?"

After a moment of thought, not wanting to outright refuse Smith, Jack said, "You flatter me, Smith. I don't have such talent!"

Teaching is exhausting.

He had never considered it.

"But you do!" Smith said with certainty. "If I say you have it, then you definitely do!"

"This..."

Jack gave a wry smile, "I'm afraid I won't have time for a while, but if I do find the time, I'll consider it!"

"Great, at the moment my friend who opened the martial arts school is encountering some difficulties. Once those are resolved, I'll contact you again. I feel your mastery in using every part of your body, like shoulders and elbows, is exceptional; not sharing this talent by teaching would be a waste!" Smith said with a smile.

"But I'm a bit too young for that!" Jack said, laughing.

Smith's eyes widened in response, "Young?"

"Youth is an asset! Who says young people can't be teachers!"

Jack couldn't help but inwardly smile wryly.

His encounter and exchange with Smith had unexpectedly led to this conversation.

"Alright, let's set aside this topic for now and discuss practical combat matters!" Smith's eyes gleamed with excitement, evidently eager to dive into this subject.

And as they shifted to discussing combat, Smith's eyes were alight with enthusiasm, his words flowing endlessly like a playful old child.