Chapter 16: Auntie Doesn't Want You to Work Hard Anymore

"My child is as thin as a monkey; he's always being bullied at school..."

As it turned out, a middle-aged man was inquiring about the courses.

He wanted to sign his child up for a winter break class to build some physical strength, but he was afraid that learning to fight would turn the boy into a troublemaker.

"Of course you can, sir."

"Students nowadays face heavy academic pressure; their physical health is declining, and their personalities are becoming increasingly introverted."

"Enrolling a child in a combat class isn't about teaching them how to fight, but about giving them the courage to say 'no' to bullying. As the saying goes, 'land one punch to prevent a hundred from coming...'"

Two female colleagues were working hard to promote the classes, praising their combat course to high heaven.

They were just a hair's breadth away from describing it as a prestigious sect in a wuxia novel, where mastering the ultimate technique would allow one to walk unrivaled under heaven and act as a chivalrous hero.

Fang Cheng set aside his intention to slack off.

He then stood by the table and shouted a few lines, acting as a human billboard to attract customers.

Perhaps it was the effect of the posters, or perhaps it was the boost provided by Fang Cheng's own image and temperament.

More and more people came to inquire and sign up.

Over half were young female white-collar workers or wealthy, leisure-seeking housewives, though there were also a few elderly men and young guys joining the fray out of curiosity.

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

"Ladies, if you want to lose weight, shape your body, or learn self-defense against attackers, you can come to the club to visit and learn before making a decision."

"We are running a promotion right now—all courses are 20% off, and there are extra discounts if you refer someone else!"

One person paid a deposit with great trust, saying that seeing such a handsome employee at the club guaranteed the fitness results wouldn't be bad.

Others asked about the price difference between "group classes" and "personal training."

"Group classes are for building a foundation. If you want to advance, we provide one-on-one guidance, so the price is a bit higher."

"Then I'll buy twenty sessions! I want this young man as my personal trainer!"

The speaker was very confident, clearly a wealthy woman of taste.

"Ahem, he's not a coach..."

"What a pity..."

Facing some flirtatious remarks and the occasional burning gaze, Fang Cheng remained very calm this time. He distributed flyers with composure, responding to every customer's inquiry in detail.

This was because he had decisively activated his "Focus" skill.

All the noise around his ears seemed to transform into emotionless electronic announcements, unable to cause even the slightest ripple in his state of mind.

The utility of "Focus" extended far beyond studying and exercising; it was equally applicable to work.

At this moment, with a determined gaze and a professional attitude, he performed like the ultimate, most hardworking "chosen worker."

However, this also seemed to confirm the saying: a man is most charming when he is serious.

Looking at Fang Cheng's cool expression, the eyes of the female customers couldn't help but shine even brighter.

Unknowingly, the clamor gradually subsided, returning to tranquility.

Finally, the time to pack up arrived.

Fang Cheng let out a long breath.

He then opened his palm and looked at the note that had been slipped into his hand by someone just now.

On the paper was a line of ambiguous writing

"Young man, Auntie doesn't want you to work so hard anymore. Contact number: XXXXXX."

Fang Cheng bared his teeth in a grimace, glancing at the two chatterboxes beside him.

He quickly crumpled the note into a ball and quietly tossed it into a nearby trash can.

The two female colleagues were still in high spirits, discussing which buffet they should go to after work.

Fang Cheng's face was full of fatigue as his gaze fell upon his skill panel.

【Focus Lv1 (87/250)】

Gaining 6 experience points from an afternoon of work seemed decent, but it had also consumed a massive amount of mental energy.

Come to think of it, it was more taxing than his usual physical training.

Fang Cheng rubbed his temples, his brow furrowed.

Even with the help of a skill, he tried his best to be patient and practice his eloquence and social skills.

But he always felt a sense of being forced into a situation he wasn't ready for.

Thinking about his future as a lawyer, where he would have to face even noisier and more complex environments, Fang Cheng couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.

The structured life of the workplace seemed to be becoming increasingly unsuitable for him.

Besides, his ambitions lay elsewhere...

His grandfather's illness and the expectations of being a champion flashed through his mind.

Fang Cheng's gaze instantly darkened

"I need to find a way to escape this current predicament..."

After packing up his things, the tables and chairs remained in place.

He would have to continue the recruitment work tomorrow morning.

Fang Cheng picked up the folded display stand and walked back to the club with his female colleagues.

Passing the corner of the elevator, he noticed that an advertising spot had also been set up here.

The portrait on the poster was not of a sports star or a young, beautiful model.

Instead, it was an elderly man in a white training uniform, with a kind and loving face.

"Head of the Ma Family Tai Chi! Famous Qigong Master and wellness expert! He is dedicated to teaching his ultimate secrets! Don't pass by without taking a look!"

A burly man stood near the elevator, shouting loudly in a voice like a cracked gong.

However, passersby who saw his bear-like build and the tattoos on his hands all took wide detours to avoid him.

"Ma Donghe?"

Fang Cheng's eyes flickered with surprise.

What a coincidence to run into him again.

Looking at that dark, heavy face and the thick stack of undistributed flyers in his hands, a sudden sense of shared hardship rose from the depths of Fang Cheng's heart.

Just then, a bleached-blonde youth walked past them with a swaggering, arrogant gait.

Ma Donghe suddenly barked, "Stop!"

He then flew out a kick, striking the youth's backside, and forcibly shoved an advertising flyer into his hand.

The youth seemed stunned, standing obediently without daring to move.

This fierce display even startled several people walking behind him, causing them all to freeze in place.

Under this intimidation, the group had no choice but to honestly accept the flyers Ma Donghe handed out one by one.

Then, as if being punished by standing still, they huddled together to patiently listen to his introduction of what "Tai Chi Qigong" was and why Master Ma was so exceptional.

Having completed his task, the blonde youth then slipped away secretly.

Seeing this scene, Fang Cheng shook his head in silence and continued walking.

To be honest, Ma Donghe had practiced combat before, and he was quite strong.

If it weren't for his status and Fang Cheng's desire to avoid any association with the underworld, Fang Cheng would have been quite willing to be his sparring partner, exchanging moves occasionally to improve his combat experience.

By the time he returned to the club, it was nearly 5:30 PM.

There was no night shift today, and the cleaning of the venue had just finished.

A group of colleagues from the logistics department were chatting, waiting for the time to clock out.

Entering the locker room, Fang Cheng could clearly feel that the gazes of the others were somewhat different.

He estimated that the news of his transfer to the marketing department had already spread.

Fang Cheng didn't pay much attention to it; he packed his clothes and quickly walked out the door.

At this moment, he already had a preliminary idea in mind.

As he walked into Training Hall No. 1, he saw Xu Maocai, the head coach of the Sanda department, who had just finished instructing several elite students and was also preparing to leave.

Fang Cheng's eyes flashed, and he walked straight up to him.

"Coach, I want to learn Sanda!"

Of course.

The above was only his true inner thought.

Fang Cheng weighed his words and said in a tactful tone

"Coach Xu, I am quite interested in the operational work of the Sanda department. Would it be possible to apply for an internship there for a while?"

Coach Xu was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then his smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum.

He hurriedly grabbed Fang Cheng's hands and shook them vigorously

"Welcome, welcome! Mr. Fang, you truly are... a man of great talent..."

For someone like him, whose recent performance had been poor, this request was nothing short of a windfall.