The chapter opens with a conversation between the narrator and his brother. The narrator tells his brother that he wants to go to the Qu'an province to try his hand at the qi-soothing technique. He tells him that his parents want him to go with them so that he can reach the top of the pyramid. He asks his brother if he can go with him too, but his brother tells him not to worry, as his parents will take care of him. He also tells the narrator that his sister can learn the technique now, and that she will be able to help him as well. After the brothers leave, the narrator asks the narrator to come and help him cook a meal for his birthday