The next day, feeling refreshed, Lu Zheng changed into his inner clothes and returned to the ancient world, sipping a bowl of Aunt Liu’s millet porridge to clear the effects of last night’s drinking.
Feeling more alert, he returned to the modern world and began studying the Frost Condensation Spell.
But soon, his phone rang. It was Lin Wan.
“Hello, Lin Wan.”
“Lu Zheng, sober now?”
“Sober. Wuliangye, good stuff, doesn’t linger overnight.”
“Hee, how much is Wuliangye paying you? Luzhou Laojiao will double it!”
“Why not Maotai?”
“Because Maotai doesn’t need advertising,” Lin Wan giggled. “Had breakfast?”
“Nope,” Lu Zheng sensed an opportunity.
“Come out for breakfast, then I’ll take you to the fight club.”
“Alright.”
Lu Zheng sighed. Lin Wan was a police officer, sharp and observant. He wanted to keep his distance, but she was proactive, and his mouth and legs betrayed him.
…
At the metro station, Lu Zheng spotted Lin Wan waiting.
A fitted short-sleeve top, cropped jeans, tall and leggy, her light wheat-coloured skin glowing healthily, turning heads.
“Lu Zheng!”
Her icy demeanour melted upon seeing him, breaking the hearts of nearby boys.
“When’d you get here?”
Taking off her sunglasses, Lin Wan replied, “Just arrived. Let’s grab some porridge to settle last night’s drinks. Captain Li really poured it on you. You sure you’re okay?”
“Really fine,” Lu Zheng smiled.
“Good.”
They found a porridge shop, ordered two bowls and a basket of buns, then took a taxi, arriving just after nine at their destination.
Aotian Fight and Fitness Club.
“What kind of name is that?” Lu Zheng couldn’t help but quip.
“Memorable, right?”
Lu Zheng nodded, “Fair point!”
“Everyone here knows each other but doesn’t talk work. They don’t know my job.”
“Got it!”
They climbed the stairs and entered.
Despite the club’s cheesy name, it occupied an entire third floor of a commercial building, with sleek decor and all facilities.
“Lin-jie!”
“Wanwan-jie!”
Greetings followed them.
“Celebrity, huh?” Lu Zheng remarked.
“Been here two years, so I know the crowd,” Lin Wan waved casually, leading him to the front desk.
“Xiaolu, get a sub-card, linked to mine.”
“Huh?” Xiaolu paused, glancing at Lu Zheng.
Lin Wan was a regular, but this was her first time bringing someone and linking a sub-card, meaning all Lu Zheng’s expenses would go on her account.
“Wanwan-jie, your brother?”
“No, friend.”
Xiaolu’s eyes flickered curiously but she said calmly, “Sis, there’s a discount for new cards during the club event.”
“No need.”
“Why not take the deal… uh, how do we do the card?”
Lin Wan turned, eyes sharp, “You charging me tuition?”
Lu Zheng froze, stepping back.
“Just the sub-card,” Lin Wan said. “Also, get him a set of training gear, toiletries, fingerless gloves, and protective gear.”
“Training gear brand?”
“Lining.”
Payment, ID, phone number, card issued, gear collected.
As Lin Wan guided Lu Zheng to the changing room, word spread that the club goddess had brought a pretty boy and got him a sub-card.
…
In a small group chat:
“What the hell?”
“Who’s this pretty boy freeloading off Goddess Lin?”
“Saw him, total fresh meat!”
“Playing to her interests, pretending to love fighting?”
“Hah, won’t he cry from exhaustion training?”
“Think he’ll dare step in the ring?”
“Lend him some guts! Unless he’s only sparring with Lin Wan?”
“What the hell?”
“Vivid image, can’t unsee. I’m saving Wanwan from that unreliable pretty boy!”
“Heard the gym leader’s on his way!”
“Damn!”
“Overkill for a small fry?”
“Heh, don’t you know the leader’s intentions?”
“Hah, I respect the leader’s strength, but also Lin Wan’s taste.”
“Screenshot taken.”
“You bloody dare!”
…
Another group chat:
“Wanwan-jie brought a super cute guy and got him a sub-card.”
“How cute? Pics!”
“Whoa, who could charm Lin Wan? Thought she was destined to stay single.”
“@Lin Wan, spill, what’s the deal?”
“Met through a murder mystery game, he’s skilled, so I brought him.”
“Hah, not convincing. Why the sub-card?”
“His skills are solid, the card’s his tuition for teaching me.”
“Bull! Even the leader offered to teach you for free, and you didn’t bite!”
“Ahem, let’s not mention the leader, okay?”
“Pfft, everyone’s young, but half the fitness crowd’s here for the leader.”
“I’m single, don’t need to chase the leader.”
“Off-topic, back to Lin Wan!”
“Right, Wanwan-jie, what’s the guy’s name? How ‘skilled’ is he?”
“No quotes on skilled!”
“Wanwan-jie, just friends? Then I’m making a move!”
Lin Wan ignored the first bit, considered the girl’s looks and figure against her own, then typed two words: “Go ahead.”
…
The training gear was two sleeveless tops and shorts, interchangeable.
Lu Zheng stepped out, feeling sneaky glances all around.
What’s going on?
“Here!”
In the gear, Lu Zheng’s streamlined build and arm muscles were undeniable.
Lin Wan’s eyes lit up as she approached.
She’d changed too: a tight tank top, stretchy pants, outlining her graceful curves, hair tied in a high ponytail, swaying behind her.
“So, how do we train?” Lu Zheng focused on her face, avoiding wandering eyes.
“Warm up first?”
“Up to you.”
“Hey!” A girl appeared, patting his shoulder. “You’re such a newbie, first time in a gym?”
“Yeah, first time,” Lu Zheng nodded. “What’s the deal with gyms?”
Wasn’t it just using machines to sweat and build muscle?
“Please, fitness is professional. Different machines target different muscles, there’s an order, timing, and it matches your body’s condition. You thought it’s just randomly lifting weights?”
Lu Zheng nodded seriously, “Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought!”
