The little mute looked at Chunyangzi in disbelief, his eyes brimming with surprise and gratitude. He nodded vigorously, seemingly desperate to express the turbulence within his heart. A radiant smile broke across his grime-streaked face, revealing only his bright eyes, which shone as brilliantly as the stars in the night sky. In that gaze was a deep sense of respect and trust for Chunyangzi, as if he were saying, "Thank you, I believe in you!" At that moment, sparks of hope ignited in the little mute's heart; he knew he had found a reliable mentor who could help him realize his dreams.
"Are you willing to become my inner-gate disciple?" Chunyangzi said with a smile. He reached out and, without a hint of hesitation, took the little mute’s dirty, small hand—a hand covered in thick calluses from years of working in the kitchen.
The tiny boy nodded frantically. He would do anything just to survive, let alone seize an opportunity as rare as this. With docility, he knelt and kowtowed to Chunyangzi to acknowledge him as his master.
Chapter 79