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Chapter 13: Dad Makes His Move, Steady as an Old Hound

Lu Li rode his bicycle toward the setting sun.

The dusk light fell on his cheeks and dyed his energetic face bright red.

Spring really was a fine season; even the setting sun felt warm.

He parked his bike in front of a martial arts club, stared at the job notice on the wall, and fell into thought.

“Hiring martial arts instructor: 3 hours per day, monthly salary ¥5,000, flexible schedule (6:00–9:00 p.m. preferred), years of experience required; serious applicants only…”

Lu Li clicked his tongue; since he had quit his temporary job he had free evenings, and this instructor post fit perfectly.

What, you ask why he didn’t spend that time studying instead?

Study, my ass!

Inside the martial arts club, the bright-looking receptionist was playing with a hand gripper to build strength.

Ever since that scumbag hurt her, she had practiced with the thing; if she met him again, she would use her grip strength to show him what it meant to miss his chance with a chick.

Unfortunately her grip never exceeded 30 kg, or she could make that scumbag lose his good chick forever with a single squeeze.

Lu Li walked into the club, and the receptionist immediately put down the gripper and came over.

“Handsome, are you here to join the martial arts club?” When she saw Lu Li’s face, her bright eyes lit up.

What a good-looking guy, though he did look a bit delicate…

Lu Li nodded. “Yes.”

The receptionist brought over the club’s program sheet and showed it to him enthusiastically. “We have many disciplines here… traditional wushu, taekwondo, karate, and so on.”

“Traditional wushu is more comprehensive, so it’s a bit pricey, ¥12,800 per quarter. Taekwondo and karate are cheaper, ¥9,800 per quarter. Which one would you like?”

“I’m not here to be a student.” Lu Li pushed the sheet aside.

She paused, then said gently, “It’s fine to just look around. Maybe after a tour you’ll change your mind.”

“I’m applying for the instructor position,” Lu Li stated.

“Instructor?” The receptionist looked him over from head to toe; no matter the angle, he was just a delicate high-schooler with a pretty face.

Be a martial arts instructor? Heh, kiddo, how many years have you trained? You’re not even as sturdy as a Shandong scallion.

She snorted with laughter. “Little brother, our instructor job takes experience and mileage; not just anyone qualifies.”

Lu Li said, “Tell me, who do I have to beat?”

“Huh?” The receptionist stared at him in surprise.

“Whoever I can beat counts as me passing the interview,” Lu Li said earnestly.

“What an arrogant youngster…” She slapped the gripper onto the desk.

“If you can squeeze 30 kg, I’ll fetch the head coach to talk with you.” She gave Lu Li a sidelong glance; she disliked cocky boys.

Her scumbag ex had been unbearably cocky… small yet always made people put up with him.

“Fine.” Without another word, Lu Li picked up the gripper and gave it a casual squeeze.

The dial spun rapidly, the numbers racing like a horse; in seconds it passed the 30 kg mark, soon hit 50 kg, and kept climbing.

The receptionist’s mouth formed an “O”; 50 kg was no small feat… many burly adult men only managed that much.

Lu Li could feel the flexors and extensors in his forearm unleashing tremendous power; if he kept squeezing, the number would go even higher.

But his slightly low Constitution meant poor endurance and recovery; even if his muscles could explode with high force, they would not last and would recover slowly.

“All right, all right, stop, that’s plenty! It’s maxed out… more than enough!” Seeing the dial break 60, she hurriedly stopped him, her cheeks flushed. “Little brother, you’re amazing.”

He was far more formidable than that useless ex-boyfriend of hers.

Lu Li released his grip, letting the dial settle at 60 kg, and looked at her impassively.

She surrendered at once. “I’ll go get the head coach right away; he handles all instructor hires.”

…

In the club’s lounge, head coach Shao Kang was having dinner with his daughter Shao Linlin.

Shao Kang frowned at the two empty bowls in front of Linlin. “Bad mood?”

“Mm.” Shao Linlin looked up pitifully. “Dad is the best; you noticed I’m unhappy at a glance.”

How could he not notice? She usually needed three bowls, and today she had only eaten two… Shao Kang cleared his throat and straightened his clothes.

“Trouble with your studies?” he probed.

“No, my grades are always stable.” Guiltily, Shao Linlin lowered her head.

Shao Kang relaxed and nodded; thank goodness his daughter was always second-to-last. If she ever ranked last, he would be worried sick.

“Since it’s not school, then… you want new clothes?”

“Dad, how did you know I’m thinking about how to chase a boy?” Shao Linlin said in surprise.

“Huh-huh-huh??? Was that what I asked?” Shao Kang was dumbfounded, then his face tightened. “Hold on! You said you want to chase a boy?”

Shao Linlin nodded vigorously. “Yes! I like a boy but don’t know how to pursue him. Dad, you’re awesome… help me!”

“Help my as… ” Facing her puppy-like pleading eyes, Shao Kang swallowed the rest of the sentence.

His precious pearl had reached the age of liking boys…

He sighed softly. Though it felt like someone dug out a piece of his heart, he wanted his daughter to be happy.

“Is it that kid Tang Yang?” he asked tentatively.

“Of course not.”

“Good, good.” Shao Kang breathed easier… at least her taste wasn’t that bad. “Is he in your class?”

“Dad, you’re amazing; you even guessed that! He’s now number 1 in our class!” Linlin said excitedly.

After Lu Li surpassed Shen Tan, he naturally became the top student.

“Number 1?”

Shao Kang raised his brows. Not long ago a kid named Shen Tan had joined the club; that boy was Linlin’s class’s number 1.

Yes, it had to be him.

That kid often stole glances at Linlin, clearly interested but yet to confess.

Haha, with dull Linlin, she probably hadn’t realized this was a two-way crush.

Great, in that case, matching them would be easy.

Shao Kang patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, Linlin, I’ll help you. When Dad steps in, he’s steady as an old hound!”

“Thanks, Dad! You’re the best!” Shao Linlin cheered and jumped toward him.

Shao Kang opened his arms for a hug, but Linlin walked past him, picked up her bowl, and served herself a third helping…

He pinched the bridge of his nose as a throbbing pain shot through his brain.

Just then came a knock on the door, and the receptionist entered. “Head coach, a martial arts instructor candidate is here.”

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