(Edited for spelling errors. Sorry folks!)
I mentioned in a previous post that I was learning kungfu. I was also fortunate to go see my friend's kungfu/taichi
practice. My friend, who also happened to be the assistant teacher for my kungfu class, and his classmate had been training the preceding months for an upcoming
competition. In the States, I worked for a Taekwondo dojang and I've been to my share of Taekwondo competitions. I was,
naturally, curious to see whether a kungfu/taichi competition was similar. When I mentioned my interest to Chuanchao, he
expressed pleasure, ducking his head in embarrassment.
"My friend would like to go too. I will introduce you and you both can
arrive together." He said. "You cannot come with me, because I have
to be there very early."
***
As the day drew nearer, I got lost in my studies, and Chuanchao in his.
Chinese was running me over like a dump truck, and I was not doing as well as
I'd hoped. It was the day before the competition, and I was walking home from a
particularly horrific class--it was one of those classes during which I was
apparently asking really dumb questions. My chin was tucked into the scarf
around my neck, and I watched the ground as I strode. I was so lost in
self-pity that I didn't notice that Chuanchao walking towards me. He had to
step right in front of me, blocking my path, before I realized that he was
there.
As usual, he was wearing loose pants and a sweatshirt. In his hands, he
carried several of the swords used in Chinese fencing. Obviously, he'd just
come from practice.
After exchanging greetings, he gave me his friend's number, saying that we
should figure out when and where to meet.
"The competition will be at the medical school." Chuanchao added.
I nodded, thinking of the medical school near our own campus. "Okay,
that's not too far." I murmured.
"It will be good, I think." he said. "I must go now, but I
will see you tomorrow."
I smiled as I waved goodbye. Then, I turned and padded back home.
