At the end of gym class, Chen’an returned to the classroom looking exhausted. Lu Gang, who had been waiting in the classroom, saw Chen’an’s weary appearance and exclaimed that he was awesome.
What he didn’t know was that Chen’an was grieving over the life he was about to experience.
Chen’an had completed his task to become Han Ya’s disciple. He had also earned a generous 20 achievement points. And a very useless title.
(As Han Ya’s disciple, as long as you appear in the vicinity under her control, you can increase your Spirit by 1 point.)
[Note: Being spotted by Han Ya’s enemies might attract unexpected danger. Please exercise caution.]
That meant that his title from his ‘strange encounter’ with Han Ya was likely to stick-along with ten times the usual rate of achievement points.
If such unusual tasks were presented to him in the future, Chen’an would have a hard time turning them down. So far, everything had been going wonderfully well. Even if his subsequent responsibilities included serving Han Ya tea on his knees, that would be nothing.
The real ordeal lay in how Han Ya had proposed to help Chen’an develop his body’s potential after taking him in as her disciple.
In her mind, Chen’an was very talented, having beaten Pan Yuguan-a specialized sprinter-without long-term training. His raw ability was undeniable. All they needed were specific techniques to hone Chen’an’s physical fitness without affecting his culture classes. If possible, she would even impart some of her kickboxing skills to him. This was what Han Ya had promised Chen’an after he had kowtowed to her and offered her tea.
What she didn’t know was that once Chen’an had discovered she wasn’t a cultivator, he saw being her disciple as more of an obligation than anything.
He had wanted to slip away after the ritual, but Han Ya took her new role far more seriously than he ever imagined.
In order not to affect Chen’an’s morning classes, Han Ya instructed him to wake up before 4:30am every morning and meet her at the field for a one-hour special training session. From now on, he would train under her, no longer needing to attend gym classes with his classmates.
It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Chen’an rejected her absurd proposal on the spot.
Until Han Ya took out an old leather whip and placed it on her desk.
Only then did Chen’an agree, tears pricking at his eyes. When he left her office, he couldn’t help but ask himself: What was the point of becoming her disciple?
He hadn’t gained a new master, but a new slave-driver.
4.30am!
True, they used to wake up around that time to play video games on the weekend during their first and second years of high school, but at least video games were fun! Unlike fitness training. Chen’an had gone from being a player to being played-it simply wasn’t the same.
At the time, he had had no choice but to agree to Han Ya’s request. However, he secretly decided to wake up at 6am tomorrow according to his usual schedule. It was impossible for him to wake up at 4.30am!
Shoving away his boorish deskmate, Chen’an said weakly, “Just this afternoon, leave me alone.” Then he placed his head down on the table and fell into deep contemplation about his life choices.
Beside him, Lu Gang saw Chen’an’s brooding demeanor and was filled with disdain. With the disproportionate gap between their experience, would it hurt for Chen’an to share with him a few tips?
It was a pity Chen’an was in no mood to entertain him.
***
After the evening self-study, Chen’an and Lu Gang returned to their dormitory room.
Chen’an had finally shaken off some off his listlessness after reflecting for an entire afternoon. Although he had still gotten the-extremely-short end of the stick striking that deal with Han Ya, gaining 20 achievement points was still no small feat. He could open two dungeons worth as many points as the one in gym class, if he so desired.
However, the system hadn’t notified him of any available dungeon simulations since gym class, so his achievement points were temporarily useless.
Just as Chen’an was about to wash up and go to bed, Lu Gang walked over with two cans of Coke in hand. “Here.” He generously offered Chen’an one can.
Without thinking, Chen’an reached out to accept the can-then stopped.
It was a cold drink, too.
“Okay, spit it out. What do you want?”
Chen’an cracked the can open and took a sip, savoring the cool beverage despite the cold weather. It was clear Lu Gang had specially bought the drinks from the snack kiosk.
Lu Gang chuckled. He brandished a packet of spicy chicken wings from his pocket and placed it on Chen’an’s table.
“We’ve been friends for three years, Chen’an. In all that time, have I ever asked you to do me a favor?”
“Yes, and many times.”
Lu Gang was speechless for a moment, but he recovered quickly. “In that case, one more time won’t hurt.” He pushed his token of spicy chicken wings towards Chen’an.
“Teach me your skills, Chen’an,” he said with entreating sincerity. “I’m tired of entertaining myself with no real action.”
Chen’an almost spat his drink out onto Lu Gang.
Forget everything else-ultimately, he was still a virgin. Why was Lu Gang asking for his advice as though Chen’an had any relevant experience to speak of? “Sure. As long as you’ve got the guts to learn.” “I do!” Lu Gang declared solemnly. He looked genuinely determined.
Chen’an busied himself with his thoughts. As Lu Gang’s elder-technically-it was Chen’an’s responsibility to show him some of the ropes of the world.
He could begin by enlightening Lu Gang on the magic of money when it came to winning over women.
Chen’an coughed. “Lu Gang, do you know what you lack most in your life right now?” he asked seriously.
Lu Gang gave himself an appraising once-over and said uncertainly, “Looks?”
“No, no, and no!” Chen’an waved his hand, as though slicing the ridiculous notion in two.
“Then what is it?” Lu Gang looked confused.
“Did you know sumo wrestlers existed in the Eastern Roman Empire? Many of them had beautiful wives. Do you think they won the ladies over with their looks?”
When Lu Gang heard this, he sprung up in shock. “I’ve got it! Chen’an, I’ve got it!” He leapt up and down in excitement before grabbing Chen’an’s hand. “Thank you. I’ll do my best and work hard.”
Chen’an had had more pearls of wisdom to impart, but Lu Gang seemed to have deciphered the lesson for himself. He opened his cabinet happily. A treasure trove of snacks greeted him, and he laughed out loud.