Chapter 12: Pursuit of Lifelong Happiness

Chapter 12: Pursuit of Lifelong Happiness

Tan Xing learned that in this world, there were specialized places for physical exercise called gyms.

After retaking his temperature and confirming he was completely fine, Tan Xing finally regained his freedom once more.

He wandered out to familiarize himself with the surroundings, casually searching for a nearby gym as well.

Just outside the apartment complex, there was an entire street dedicated to commerce, indicating that the facilities around this apartment were quite comprehensive.

As he slowly walked down the street, an advertisement on a shop's floor-to-ceiling window caught Tan Xing's attention.

It featured two bare-chested men standing opposite each other, clad only in shorts and wearing something akin to protective gear on their hands, with the slogan "Come, display your strength!"

This seemed to have that certain feel; the two figures on the paper looked like soldiers undergoing training in a military camp, hinting at an impending confrontation.

The receptionist at the boxing gym noticed someone showing interest in the outdoor advertisement. Seeing that this person was dressed rather finely, she sensed the potential for business.

"Sir, are you interested in boxing?"

Tan Xing was startled by the sudden appearance of someone beside him. So, this activity was called boxing.

"A little, but I don't know much about boxing."

Upon hearing this, the receptionist's smile became even more genuine. The residents here were either wealthy or influential, and general interest often led to promising prospects.

"That's not a problem, sir. I'll arrange for a coach to give you a detailed explanation right away. Feel free to ask any questions or express any concerns you might have."

Tan Xing considered it. Since he had nothing planned for the afternoon, it would be good to have a detailed discussion. He needed to expedite his fitness regimen.

"Alright, go ahead and make the arrangements."

"Great, great. Sir, please come in and take a seat. Would you like something to drink? We have coffee, juice, and milk available."

"Erm, just a glass of water, please."

"Certainly, coming right up."

Tan Xing was somewhat at a loss due to the enthusiastic hospitality. He was still adjusting to such expressive displays of emotion.

Soon, a tall and muscular man emerged, still radiating heat from recent exercise.

Tan Xing sized him up. Judging by those muscles and that handsome physique, this was exactly what he was aiming for.

"Hello, my surname is Jiang, you can call me Little Jiang."

Tan Xing shook hands with him, his pale and tender hand seeming inferior compared to the other's.

"I'd like to ask if learning this can help me build a stronger body and achieve a more robust physique?"

His sentence structure should be correct this time.

After Little Eight returned last time, he scolded Tan Xing for the sentences he sent to Liang Xigui at night, telling him that such peculiar syntax would eventually reveal his true nature.

So, he needed to refine his language skills further and strive to blend into this world.

Fortunately, with the assistance of common knowledge memory, he had almost effortlessly mastered about eighty percent of the language.

"Absolutely no problem. And the muscles developed through our boxing program are genuine, absolutely solid."

Tan Xing nodded in understanding, though he didn't fully grasp the concept of "fake" muscles mentioned by the coach.

The coach continued, "Aside from physical conditioning, boxing is also a defensive sport. In dangerous situations, you can respond appropriately, at least ensuring you won't be beaten up."

Tan Xing understood this part. It was similar to soldier training, and it sounded pretty good.

After the introduction, the coach suggested that Tan Xing try a trial class. If he felt it was suitable, then he could decide whether to book more sessions.

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

The coach led him to the locker room and provided a set of clean workout clothes, which would offer a more authentic experience.

Tan Xing neatly folded his clothes and placed them in a locker. The outfit, despite being the smallest size, was still a bit large on him, feeling almost like a vacuum as it flapped in the breeze.

"Let's start with something simple."

Tan Xing followed the coach to learn basic stances and punches. However, soon he felt his energy draining, and his raised arms began to tremble.

After Tan Xing rested for a bit, the coach took him to various pieces of equipment, explaining their usage and the effects of exercising with them one by one.

Then, he conducted a preliminary assessment of Tan Xing's body. His first suggestion was weight gain; increased weight could improve resilience, and lacking muscle made one prone to injury.

Tan Xing was also worried. Despite eating a lot every day, he wasn't gaining weight.

The coach reassured him that it was fine, suggesting that he could pair his workouts with a specialized diet plan, which would definitely work.

After a sweat-drenched afternoon filled with passionate exercise, Tan Xing had a rough idea of what to expect.

Boxing was a good sport, the coach was excellent, and the gym was conveniently close to the apartment, making it easy for him to visit. Thus, the decision to practice boxing was settled.

Tan Xing chose a beginner's body sculpting course. After signing the contract, he paid the course fees.

He would take it slow; haste makes waste.

Additionally, he specifically requested the coach from the afternoon session, feeling that the coach was very dedicated, responsible, and professional.

Tan Xing, who had thoroughly exercised his muscles, felt refreshed and invigorated, taking another step closer to embodying masculinity.

He slowly made his way back to the apartment, where Aunt Song had already prepared dinner, albeit with a slightly bland taste.

He first returned to the bedroom for a quick shower, then changed into clean, casual clothes at home.

The substantial exercise in the afternoon had drained Tan Xing of much energy. Sitting on a chair, he found every dish on the table delicious, not caring whether they were too salty or bland.

"Aunt Song, why don't you ask Mr. Liang if he's coming over tonight?"

Aunt Song suggested from the side, thinking that since both were going to travel together and Mr. Liang was very attentive to the young master, she could help quietly matchmake, perhaps accelerating their relationship.

"You can ask, Aunt Song." He was still eating, not wanting to do anything else.

On the other side, Liang Xigui sat upright at the dining table, seriously lowering his head to eat the food before him.

"What does that man look like? Do you have a photo? What's his name? What does he do? Is he local? What do his parents do?"

Kong Luo threw out this series of questions all at once. Liang Xigui answered none of them, continuing to eat his meal.

"Old Liang, look at your son—"

"Old Liang, no talking while eating, no speaking while sleeping; this is what you taught me."

Liang Heng, hearing the two start to mention him, felt as if his head had split into two.

On one side was his dear wife, and on the other was his biological son using the principles he had taught him to counter-press him. How was he supposed to choose?

"Well, let's discuss whatever matters after we finish eating. Little Luo, talking while eating isn't good for your health; we'll have a proper chat later."

Kong Luo was unhappy and wanted to further interrogate Liang Xigui when the phone rang just in time.

Liang Xigui couldn't be happier for a call to come and whisk him away. He quickly pressed to answer the call, got up, and walked to the side, not bothering to check who it was before putting it to his ear.

"Hello, what's up?"

"Mr. Liang, are you coming over tonight?"

Liang Xigui felt a sigh of relief in his heart; finally, he had an excuse to escape. "I'm coming over, have him wait for me."

He hung up the call and quickly grabbed the coat on the sofa. "Old Liang, and Mom, I must take my leave first. This matter is quite important, concerning your son's lifelong happiness."

Kong Luo couldn't say much more. After all, her son wouldn't reveal anything if he didn't want to.

"Go, go pursue happiness, President Liang."