Chapter 101: The Training Plan
I burst into the dining hall, slightly out of breath from running. The familiar scent of steamed buns and rice filled the air as I scanned the crowded room for my friends. Even at this late hour, the hall was bustling with disciples finishing their evening meals or simply gathering to talk.
"Over here!" Wei Lin's voice called out from our usual spot near the windows. He and Lin Mei were already halfway through their meals, several empty plates stacked between them.
"Sorry I'm late," I said, sliding onto the bench across from them. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since morning.
Wei Lin pushed a plate of dumplings toward me. "We ordered extra, figured you'd show up eventually."
"Thanks." I grabbed my chopsticks and started eating, trying to ignore their expectant stares. After a few moments of silence, I looked up to find them both watching me with varying degrees of amusement and curiosity.
Lin Mei spoke first. "So... are you going to tell us where you've been?"
I glanced around, noticing Liu Chen's absence. "Where's the kid?"
"Nice try changing the subject," Wei Lin smirked. "But Liu Chen's fine. He's getting settled into his new quarters. We'll see him after dinner."
"New quarters?" I raised an eyebrow, momentarily distracted from their interrogation.