"Here, go learn." Xiang Su placed the spirit stone in Xiang Fan's hand, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination. "Mechas are indeed the direction of the future. Learning a little is better than learning nothing."
Xiang Fan looked at the spirit stone in his hand, then at the old spirit sword beside his father. The blade was covered with fine cracks, and the edge was dull and lifeless, clearly in need of repair.
"But, your spirit sword..." Xiang Fan said softly, his eyes full of hesitation.
Xiang Su laughed heartily, reaching out to touch the magic sword, patting it gently as if coaxing a child: "Old friend, it can still hold up. It's no problem to use it for a while. There's still time to repair it next month, don't worry."
Xiang Fan's throat tightened, and the spirit stone in his hand felt heavy, as if it were carrying an unbearable weight. His eyes flushed slightly, but he lowered his head, hiding his emotions in the night.
"There's really no need..." His voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible. "The mecha...it's nothing."
Xiang Su reached out and patted his shoulder, his tone gentle but revealing unquestionable determination: "Silly child, if you miss the opportunity to learn something, it will be gone. Don't think too much, the family can still hold on."
His father's palm was rough yet strong, and the warmth from his shoulder made Xiang Fan stand there for a long moment. He watched Xiang Su turn around and continue his busy work, the unhealed wounds twitching slightly with his movements, but without a pause. He suddenly felt that his hesitation and retreat were so ridiculous.
"Thank you, Father." His voice was so low that it was almost inaudible.
Xiang Su seemed to have heard it, but he didn't turn around. He just waved his hand and continued with the work at hand: "Go and sign up tomorrow, don't delay."
Xiang Fan walked into the hut, carefully placed the spirit stone on the table, and wrapped it in a clean cloth, his movements as meticulous as ever. He gazed at the spirit stone, as if it carried endless expectations and responsibilities. After a moment, a determined light ignited in his eyes.
"I must not let my father down." He clenched his fists and swore secretly in his heart.
The wind outside continued to blow, rustling the bamboo forest. Xiang Su's busy figure appeared remarkably calm under the dim light of the spirit stone. He occasionally hummed a tuneless tune, as if he didn't care at all. Meanwhile, inside, Xiang Fan's heart, thanks to that spirit stone, quietly surged with a strength he had never felt before.
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