Starting with Push-ups: Liver Experience Directory 16

Chapter 16: Auntie Doesn’t Want You to Work Hard

“My child is as thin as a monkey, always bullied at school…”

A middle-aged man was inquiring about the courses. He wanted to sign his child up for a winter break class to improve their fitness, but he was also worried that learning fighting might lead them astray.

“Of course, sir.”

“Students nowadays have immense academic pressure, their physiques are deteriorating, and they become increasingly introverted.”

“Signing your child up for a martial arts class isn’t about teaching them to fight, but about giving them the courage to say no to bullying. A well-placed punch can save you from a hundred punches…”

Two female colleagues enthusiastically promoted their martial arts classes, praising them to the skies. They practically painted a picture of a renowned righteous sect from a martial arts novel, where mastering the ultimate skills would allow one to dominate the world and champion justice.

Fang Cheng stopped daydreaming. He joined his colleagues at the table and loudly promoted the classes, acting as a human billboard.

Perhaps it was the posters, or perhaps it was Fang Cheng’s good looks and charisma, but more and more people came to inquire and register. Over half were young female white-collar workers or well-off housewives, with a few curious older gentlemen and young men sprinkled in.

Seeing this, the two female colleagues seized the opportunity to promote even more aggressively.

“Ladies, wanting to lose weight, shape up, or learn self-defense? You can visit and learn more at the club before deciding.”

“We’re having a promotion now – all courses are 20% off, and you get an extra discount for referring a friend!”

One woman confidently paid a deposit, saying that seeing such a handsome employee at the club guaranteed good results. Others inquired about the price difference between group classes and private lessons.

“Group classes are for building a foundation. If you want to advance, we offer one-on-one instruction, which is more expensive.”

“Then I’ll buy twenty private lessons with this young man!”

The speaker was confident, clearly a discerning wealthy woman.

“Cough, he’s not an instructor…”

“What a pity…”

Faced with flirtatious remarks and ardent gazes, Fang Cheng remained calm and composed, distributing flyers and patiently answering each customer’s questions. He had activated his “Focus” skill.

All the surrounding noise seemed to transform into emotionless electronic announcements, unable to ruffle his composure. The “Focus” skill’s effectiveness extended far beyond studying and training; it worked equally well for work.

At that moment, his eyes were resolute, his attitude upright, his performance exemplary – a model of tireless dedication. It seemed to confirm the saying, “A serious man is the most charming.” The female customers found themselves increasingly captivated by Fang Cheng’s cool demeanor.

Unbeknownst to them, the commotion gradually subsided, returning to calm.

Finally, the closing time arrived. Fang Cheng let out a long sigh. He opened his palm, looking at a note someone had slipped him. It contained a suggestive message:

“Young man, Auntie doesn’t want you to work hard anymore. Contact number: XXXXXXXX.”

Fang Cheng grinned, glancing at the two chatty women beside him. He quickly crumpled the note and discreetly tossed it into a nearby trash can.

The two female colleagues were still in high spirits, discussing which restaurant to go to for a buffet dinner after work. Fang Cheng’s face was weary, his gaze fixed on his skill panel:

【Focus lv1 (87/250)】

Gaining 6 experience points from an afternoon’s work seemed pretty good, but it also consumed a lot of mental energy. It was more exhausting than his usual training.

Fang Cheng rubbed his temples, his brows furrowed. Even with the skill’s assistance, he had tried his best to cultivate his communication and social skills. Yet, he felt like a duck out of water.

Thinking about his future as a lawyer, facing even more chaotic and complex situations, Fang Cheng felt apprehensive. A regular office job seemed increasingly unsuitable. Moreover, his ambitions lay elsewhere…

His grandfather’s illness and the expectations placed on him as a champion flashed through his mind. Fang Cheng’s eyes instantly dimmed:

“I need to find a way out of this predicament…”

He packed up his things, leaving the table and chairs behind. He had to continue recruitment work tomorrow morning. He picked up the folded display stand and walked back to the club with his colleagues.

Passing the elevator corner, he noticed another advertising space. The poster didn’t feature a sports star or a young, beautiful model. It was an elderly man in a white training suit, his face kind and amiable.

“Master Ma, Grandmaster of Ma Style Tai Chi, renowned Qigong master and health expert, personally imparts his skills. Don’t miss out!”

A burly man stood near the elevator, shouting in a raspy voice. However, those passing by, seeing his hulking figure and hand tattoos, steered clear.

“Ma Donghé?”

Fang Cheng’s eyes flickered in surprise. What a coincidence, encountering him again. Looking at his dark face and the thick stack of flyers he hadn’t distributed, Fang Cheng felt a sense of shared hardship.

Just then, a young man with dyed blonde hair swaggered by. Ma Donghé suddenly roared, “Stop!” He kicked the young man’s behind and forcefully shoved a flyer into his hand. The young man seemed petrified, standing still, unable to move. The intimidating display startled those behind him, who also stopped.

Under duress, the group reluctantly accepted flyers from Ma Donghé, standing like they were being punished while listening to him extol the virtues of Tai Chi Qigong and Master Ma. The blonde young man, having escaped, then sneaked away.

Fang Cheng shook his head, continuing on his way. Honestly, Ma Donghé had trained in martial arts and was very strong. If it weren’t for the man’s connections to the underworld, and Fang Cheng’s desire to avoid entanglement with them, he would have liked to spar with him, improving his combat experience.

It was almost 5:30 when they returned to the club. There was no night shift, and the cleaning was finished. A group of maintenance staff were chatting, waiting to clock out.

In the locker room, Fang Cheng sensed a change in the atmosphere. Word of his transfer to the marketing department had likely spread. He ignored it, packed his things, and quickly left. He already had a plan in mind.

Reaching the main training hall, he saw Xu Maocai, the head coach of the free fighting department, finishing his instruction with a few elite students and preparing to leave. Fang Cheng’s eyes lit up, and he approached him.

“Coach, I want to learn free fighting!”

Of course, that was his true inner thought. Fang Cheng chose his words carefully, speaking politely:

“Coach Xu, I’m interested in the operations of the free fighting department. Could I request a temporary internship there?”

Coach Xu was taken aback, then his face broke into a wide smile. He grasped Fang Cheng’s hands, shaking them vigorously:

“Welcome, welcome! Mr. Fang, you’re truly… a remarkable talent…”

For Coach Xu, whose recent performance had been lackluster, this request was a pleasant surprise.
(End of Chapter)

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