Chapter 111: Ah... Xi...

The two of them entered the arena. Cheng Yao, knowing the proper etiquette, gave his opponent a respectful nod, then assumed his stance, his gaze sharpening with focus.

Chen Xingyan watched from the sidelines, already imagining the scene of the other party being thoroughly beaten. She had absolute faith in Cheng Yao’s strength. This guy was like an ox, his power unusually formidable. Her brother was right—had he lived in ancient times, he would surely have been a born Hercules.

As for technique…

To put it bluntly, any skill is as fragile as paper before absolute strength.

Across the ring, Jin Zhizhong smiled and nodded at Chen Xingyan, arms crossed over his chest, anticipating the sight of his disciple dominating the match.

…

…

The match began.

The opponent studied taekwondo, while Cheng Yao practiced mixed martial arts—a synthesis of ten disciplines. Naturally, he wouldn’t use taekwondo moves to counter.

As soon as the match started, Cheng Yao’s size forty-four foot swept forward.

Fast.

Fierce.

Precise.

Bang!

Jin Puxian felt something slam into his chest, knocking him to the ground. His face twisted in pain—he couldn’t breathe!

“Excellent!” Chen Xingyan clenched her fist, smiling and nodding.

Jin Zhizhong’s expression turned dark as he licked his lips. “Hey, Jin Puxian, what are you doing!?”

“Master, cough, cough…” Jin Puxian struggled to his feet. His gaze toward Cheng Yao was now tinged with fear.

Moments ago, he’d dismissed his opponent, judging him too young to be dangerous. He hadn’t expected such a ruthless strike!

Regaining his composure, Jin Puxian rushed forward again, seizing an opportunity to attempt a body slam.

Instead, he found himself airborne.

“You want to compete in strength with me?” Cheng Yao nearly laughed aloud. Not to mention the top heavyweights like Tyson—he could easily crush opponents of this caliber in a contest of strength.

He held Jin Puxian and slammed him directly onto the mat, the impact echoing heavily.

Jin Puxian groaned, wishing he could die. His back burned with pain, his spine felt as though it would snap…

Ah—

Howling in agony, Jin Puxian writhed.

Cheng Yao stood, the fight lasting barely a minute. There was no technical finesse—just a clash of brute force.

Jin Zhizhong’s face darkened. “Miss Chen, a good teacher produces a fine student. You win.”

“You flatter us. Farewell. Cheng Yao, let’s go.”

“Wait!” Jin Zhizhong called after Chen Xingyan, smiling. “Now that my disciple’s match is over, I’d like to experience your skills firsthand.”

“I’m afraid it’s not convenient today. Next time, I promise.” Chen Xingyan seized the moment to slip away.

“…Very well, next time then.” Jin Zhizhong seemed not to catch her implication, smiling as he saw Chen Xingyan off, vowing to make her pay next time.

Jin Puxian took a long time to sit up, head bowed, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

…

…

Leaving the taekwondo studio, Chen Xingyan threw her arm around Cheng Yao’s shoulder. “See? Mixed martial arts is incredible!”

“It’s me who’s incredible!” Cheng Yao protested, half-amused.

“Fine, you’re amazing. Feels good, doesn’t it? Let’s go find a karate dojo next, maybe try Muay Thai…”

…

Cheng Yao pondered for a moment before replying, “Chen Xingyan, are you usually this bored?”

“How can you talk to me like that?” Chen Xingyan replied, serious as ever. “Lin Sujiao, Qin Haoran, and their bunch are so dull, spending all day loafing around, clubbing, drinking. Being with them is boring to death. Only we have this kind of excitement!”

“But isn’t it easy to get beaten up like this?”

“Come on, who beats whom is still up for debate. Today proved it—you pretend to be a beginner, I take you around showing off, dominating every martial art. Isn’t that thrilling?”

“Well, you have a point.” Cheng Yao had to admit, this legal brawling was a good way to vent frustration, to unleash the demon lurking inside. It was a great stress relief, more effective than drinking.

Funny—he used to scoff at those so-called champions who pretended to be newbies on the street, crushing unsuspecting challengers. He hadn’t expected to join their ranks so soon.

It’s true—one eventually becomes what one most despises.

“Wait, I really am a newcomer…”

“Seems like it.” Chen Xingyan smiled radiantly. “Come on, back to training. You have strength, but you still need to master technique. I’ll personally be your partner.”

“Alright.”

An hour later, the lesson concluded.

Chen Xingyan was drenched in fragrant sweat, her athletic outfit accentuating her graceful figure. Cheng Yao suffered plenty during the session, but he also took advantage of several moments.

It wasn’t intentional—just the unavoidable result of close contact in sparring.

Chen Xingyan didn’t mind at all; she found enjoyment in it.

“Cheng Yao, want to grab something to eat?”

“No, I have class early tomorrow. I’ve got things to do at home.”

He’d made plans with Lu Mengyao and needed to watch her practice yoga. Afterward, they’d have to film.

“I heard from Qin Haoran you started a company. How’s it going?”

“Not bad.” Cheng Yao nodded, catching the towel Chen Xingyan tossed him to wipe his sweat. “I hired some headhunters, things are on track now. Just testing the waters—if it makes money, I’ll invest more. If not, I’ll shift to another field.”

“Playing the absentee boss?”

“Exactly. If someone else can do the work, why not let them?”

After showering and parting ways with Chen Xingyan, Cheng Yao drove back to Cloud Residence on the hillside.

He didn’t even glance at Building Eleven; his sister was nowhere near as appealing as Lu Mengyao.

He went straight to Building Twelve, unlocked the door, and entered. There, in the living room, was a plush rug, and Lu Mengyao, dressed in pajamas, was practicing a split.

“Nice.”

“You’re back.” Lu Mengyao struggled to stand, lips pressed together, her gaze soft as water. “Give me a hand.”

The flirtation was thick in the air.

Cheng Yao, helpless, walked over and pulled her up. She slipped into his arms, hugging his waist and inhaling deeply. “You smell of sweat…”

“I just came from martial arts practice. Let me shower first.”

“Okay, hurry up. I’m tired.”

“Alright, wait for me.”

When she said she was tired, Cheng Yao knew she meant she wanted him.

He applied some shower gel, quickly washed up, shampooed his hair—all in under ten minutes.

Lu Mengyao lay on the sofa, eating fruit and scrolling on her phone. “Wu Yifan’s girlfriend exposed him again. Why does this old man always go for eighteen-year-olds? He has no shame at all.”

“Apparently he only dates girls born after 2000? He’s rich—it’s not unusual.”

“Haha, true. He’s consistent—always picking eighteen-year-old college students.”

Cheng Yao quipped, “That guy used to be known as Canada’s playboy, you know?”

“I’ve heard—he’s Canadian.”

“I never liked or disliked him, but the whole thing with Xiao Jina disgusted me. As a man, there’s nothing shameful about admitting certain things. Just own up. Instead, he brought in some effeminate guy and claimed, ‘Actually, it was me,’ forcing the guy to take the blame.”

Lu Mengyao’s eyes sparked. “I know about that. I honestly think Wu Yifan and that guy might be involved, haha!”

“You’re bold to say so! Wait for the lawyer’s letter.”

“To me, you’re the best—no one compares. Right, King of Jinling? Haha!”

Cheng Yao’s brow furrowed. “Lu Mengyao, I think you’re getting too rebellious lately. You need to be properly disciplined…”

“Ah~~”

Cheng Yao pounced like a wolf, pinning Lu Mengyao beneath him.

Her innocent face pleaded for mercy, capturing his heart completely.

Cheng Yao laughed. “Aren’t you practicing yoga? Or are you studying the art of tea seduction?”

“My back aches from all the training—for you…” Lu Mengyao faltered, unable to finish.

So shameful!

Cheng Yao gave a thumbs up, drew the curtains, and the sofa became their battlefield.

…

…

Lu Mengyao realized her mistake, begging for mercy, her beautiful eyes shimmering.

Afterward, a notification sounded.

[Congratulations! Your intimacy with ‘Lu Mengyao’ has reached ninety. You’ve obtained ‘Talent Radar.’]

Cheng Yao’s eyes lit up. This was a valuable item, useful for his future.

Item: Talent Radar

Effect: Upon use, the radar covers a range of one hundred kilometers, seeking out potential talents. Yields one candidate per use.

He hadn’t understood it well when playing the game, but knew it was meant for recruiting talent. The game didn’t provide much detail.

Lu Mengyao went to soak in the bath. Cheng Yao took her place on the sofa, inheriting her fruit and snacks.

Three ragdoll cats lounged on the cat tower. When he glanced their way, one twitched its tail, then leaped down, carrying a cat teaser to sit obediently beside him.

“Meow~”

A ragdoll cat worth tens of thousands, complete with honors and medals—no wonder its intelligence was high.

Cheng Yao used his toes to manipulate the teaser, stretching it out.

[You have used ‘Talent Radar.’ The results are as follows:

Name: Tang Shaobin

Address: Jinling City…

Situation: Abin’s high school grades are less than ideal. His father suffers from cancer, and the family is impoverished. Yet, relying on an indomitable spirit, he is taking the college entrance exam for the eighth time, dreaming of entering the National University of Science and Technology to change his fate—but family hardship has delayed him…]

The radar finished scanning, and Cheng Yao pondered.

The beauty of the radar was its ability to identify talents facing difficulties, letting him play the role of a benevolent benefactor. In helping them, he could harvest loyalty and goodwill.

He wasn’t sure how the item worked in reality versus in the game. In the game, it guaranteed the person’s allegiance as an employee, but real life would surely be more complicated.

Investment always carried risks.

Like when he recruited helpers—if things went south, he’d have to face Zhang Ya’s wrath first.

But money wasn’t an issue for him, so he didn’t worry.

Cheng Yao noted the candidate’s address and contact number, planning to visit sometime.

Just then, the twin girls from Guangzhou sent him a voice message.

They’d arranged in the group chat to play games together that night, so Cheng Yao put on his headset and logged in.

When girls invite you, how could you refuse?

If real life was already like this, then online there was no limit—only more freedom. As long as you didn’t say anything treasonous, no one cared.

In fact, people might even find you entertaining.

…

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