My Core is the Boss

Chapter 292.2: Made of Gold?

At that moment, a well-built middle-aged man walked over, saying cheerfully, "Hey, isn't it a bit rude to talk about people behind their backs? And although I'm not made of gold, I'm worth more than gold!"

Despite his age, he had a youthful face. Those in the hall knew that explosive muscles were hidden beneath his shirt. He was Xu Tiehua, the number one student of the gym. His presence even surpassed that of the senior brother.

At the sight of Xu Tiehua, Xing Yu’s cheeks reddened. The other students also turned their attention toward him. Some people naturally became the center of attention the moment they appeared. frёewebnoѵēl.com

Xing Yu said coquettishly, completely losing her earlier arrogance, "Ahem... Eavesdropping on girls' private conversations. Aren't you afraid your ears will rot?"

Others greeted Xu Tiehua as well, unable to keep from feeling meek. After all, Xu Tiehua was a true elite, someone qualified to attend the Black Crystal Earl's funeral.

After exchanging greetings, Xu Tiehua walked over to Qi Yuan with a gentle smile. “Are you Qi Yuan? I heard from Second Senior Brother that you’ll be participating in this martial arts tournament.”

Qi Yuan nodded. "Mhm."

Xi Tiehua extended a sincere invitation. "I didn't expect our hall to have one more participant this year. With you, we now have four participants. Now, we can compete not only in the individual matches, but also in the team event. If you're free, the four of us can train together every day for a while. It'll help us prepare for the tournament."

The team competition didn't rely solely on strength, it also emphasized tactics. The order in which the four members took the field, as well as the roles each of them played, were all crucial. That was why Xu Tiehua had come specifically to meet Qi Yuan. He wanted to let Qi Yuan get familiar with the other teammates in advance.

Qi Yuan shook his head. "There are still three months before the competition, it's too early. We can coordinate in the last few days. I'm busy improving my strength right now."

He was still several levels away from becoming a martial artist. If he wanted to take the championship, he had to increase his strength as much as possible.

Xu Tiehua was slightly stunned, then smiled. "You're right. Improving your own strength is the most important. How about this? When you feel ready, come find me."

He was easygoing and quite considerate. If it were someone else, they would have gotten angry after being rejected.

Qi Yuan nodded. "Alright."

Xu Tiehua said nothing more. After bidding Qi Yuan farewell, he left the martial arts hall.

Seeing this, Wang Shiqiao winked at Qi Yuan. "Why did you reject Young Master Xu? You just joined the martial arts hall, and you are not even a martial artist yet. You’ll likely be eliminated in the first round of the individual competition. Why not prepare properly with them for the team event? Xu Tiehua is strong. With them, you might last a few more rounds and gain some experience."

Wang Shiqiao's words reflected what most people were thinking. Qi Yuan had just entered the hall and wasn't even a certified martial artist. He was basically just making up the numbers by participating.

Qi Yuan said honestly, "My goal is to win the Martial Arts Tournament. As for the team event, we'll see."

"You..." Wang Shiqiao rolled her eyes. "With your level, you want to win? If you win the championship, I'll eat your shit!"

Qi Yuan gave her a sidelong glance. "You've got quite the scheme there."

Wang Shiqiao was confused. "Huh?" ƒгeewebnovёl.com

"Where else would there be such a good deal? Are you coming here to freeload food?"

"Get lost!" Wang Shiqiao cursed, finally understanding what he meant.

As night fell, people gradually left the martial arts hall. Wang Shiqiao said goodbye to Qi Yuan and left together with Xing Yu.

Qi Yuan walked out of the hall, looking rather relaxed.

Just then, a car window rolled down by the roadside. "Mr. Qi, what a coincidence meeting you here!"

A pair of pale, lotus-root-like arms waved at him. Inside the car, a youthful and pretty face appeared, her eyes filled with delight.

Qi Yuan recognized the person in the car, his expression calm. "Oh, you are Wu Qi?"

Wu Qi offered, "Are you heading home, Mr. Qi? I happen to be going the same way, how about I give you a ride?"

Even though she tried to appear composed, it was clear her emotions were unsettled. Qi Yuan had left such a deep impression on her on the cruise ship. As a rational person, she knew what she wanted. Having seen someone of that level, she naturally wasn't willing to let the opportunity slip away.

Coincidentally, a friend had told her about an extremely handsome trainee at Mingwu Martial Arts Hall, and even sent her a photo. Wu Qi recognized Qi Yuan at a glance. At that moment, she felt it was fate. Luck was on her side!

Without hesitation, she drove here to stage this chance encounter.

Qi Yuan smiled. "You don't even know where I live, how could it be on the way?"

Wu Qi's face flushed red, and she felt a bit flustered.

"You are an NPC. I guess you can be my driver for today," said Qi Yuan.

It would save him some taxi fare, which pleased him. As he spoke, he got into Wu Qi's car.

Wu Qi's face lit up with joy, her heartbeat accelerating.

Qi Yuan chuckled. “If I told you I’m not interested in you and don’t want anything intimate, would you think I’m being overly self-confident?”

After all, what he said did sound like something a self-important man would say.

Wu Qi froze for a moment, and a deep sense of disappointment rose within her. Still, she forced a smile. "You must be joking, Mr. Qi."

"Do you know why I got into your car?"

Confusion appeared in Wu Qi's eyes, she hadn't expected such a question. She was at a loss. Why?

Qi Yuan's gaze seemed to pierce through her, landing directly on her blood. "It's because you're somewhat special."

Wu Qi felt extremely uncomfortable, as if all her defenses had been stripped away, leaving her completely exposed before him.