Published at 7th of February 2020 07:25:07 PM
With Lou Cheng's insane hearing ability, it didn't take him any extra effort to hear He Zi and Yan Xiaoling's conversation clearly . He almost let out a laugh .
Some people are walking jokers, and some are walking jokes…
He nodded, his face not giving anything away . "I'll review the email and think of a proper reply . "
"Thanks, Senior," smiled He Zi .
When he got back to his room, Lou Cheng put the email matter aside and sent a text to Yan Zheke .
"What did you make of your brother's words?"
Her reply came quickly, with a "chin resting on hands" emoji .
"Um… He's probably found a new goal . Back then, he used to train in martial arts like crazy . He was intent on realizing Uncle's unfulfilled dream of leading Songcheng Uni Martial Arts Club to the championship . For that, he was willing to go to any length . "
"After achieving that goal, he might have lacked motivation . At least, that's what I think… After all, no one throws themselves into practicing martial arts for the sole purpose of getting stronger . Even if such people existed, they would need some sort of…stimulus . "
She sent a block of text, so it was only wise for Lou Cheng to agree .
"You're right . The Dragon King's objective is pure, but he too needed a stimulus . That was for the Warrior Sage to reach his current level . "
"My cousin has probably found a new life purpose in the war-torn zones . Or at least that's what I think . [nods slowly]" said Yan Zheke .
"That's good news," said Lou Cheng, heaving a sigh of relief as his mind went to the past . "If your cousin uses this opportunity to make the great leap, then he won't be in too much danger, even in the war-torn zones . "
"…As someone known as the God of Disaster and Calamity, you aren't really qualified to say that . [blank stare]" said Yan Zheke .
To this, Lou Cheng could only sigh .
. . .
At 11am the next day, the rides arranged by the committee punctually arrived at the hotel entrance . Lou Cheng had the privilege of having an entire car to himself, which may or may not have been intentional .
The party was to be held at the historic Twilight Hotel and included a buffet . The moment he stepped into the hall, Lou Cheng saw the president of University Martial Arts Union, the elderly Mr . Fang Jinyu . He also saw the principal of Songcheng University, his master's friend Mr . Dong, a man whose full name remained unknown to him . Apart from them were the mayor and a few other important figures .
"Haha! Here comes the model student of your university," said the mayor to Principal Dong, pointing at Lou Cheng .
Lou Cheng and his lot went forward and greeted them in unison . "Good morning Principal Dong . "
After that, they greeted Mr . Fang and the others . No matter what, politeness was essential .
After exchanging platitudes, Principal Dong looked at Lou Cheng and laughed .
"Your master often told me he was going to educate you by giving you setbacks and putting you through hell . Seems to me like his plans never succeeded . "
What the…to think my master had such sinister intents, thought Lou Cheng, surprised and amused .
However, he didn't let these emotions override his smile .
"That's not entirely true, Principal Dong . My crucial turning point did stem from a setback," said Lou Cheng, defending his Master's image .
Principal Dong nodded, smiling .
"Jianguo has gotten himself a good disciple . "
Somewhere in Moshang City, Geezer Shi was enjoying his wine as he listened to a play .
Suddenly, he heard a line that went:
"The worst in life…to keep bad company, to have an unfilial disciple…"
Tsk, Geezer Shi clicked his tongue .
Couldn't have put it better myself, he thought .
Lou Cheng chatted idly with Principal Dong and the other seniors on the subject of his master . Without realizing, they had formed a circle, occasionally taking drinks and snacks proffered by passing waiters .
"I'm going to go get something to eat," said Lou Cheng, hearing the soft growl of his tummy . Smiling, he retreated from the circle .
He then realized that his friends were all occupied . Some stuffed their faces, some chatted with their acquaintances who were association managers, coaches, and teachers from other universities, and some chit-chatted with other guests and contestants . Everyone had their own circle .
Everyone but Lin Que . Plate in hand, he stood at the edge of the balcony, the door shut behind him . In this boisterous place, he had segregated a spot of quiet serenity .
"As expected from a man who stays true to himself, regardless of his environment," laughed Lou Cheng . He carelessly added food to his plate, planning to join his cousin-in-law for a chat about the war-torn zones on the balcony after he filled his plate .
Just as he was going to add more, he saw a familiar silhouette . It was Shu Rui, the reporter, dressed in a nightgown that offered a view of her milky shoulders .
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"What a coincidence," said Lou Cheng casually .
"I wouldn't call it a coincidence, since I rushed here all the way from Huahai . In fact, I had Xiaoling forward an email to you beforehand . "
"You aren't based in Songcheng anymore?" said Lou Cheng, surprised .
From what she said, that seemed to be the case .
Shu Rui wrinkled her nose .
"Yeah . I ended up going there on a whim . Huahai TV is nationally acclaimed, after all!"
Their acquaintanceship wasn't at the level of a heart-to-heart talk, so Lou Cheng didn't probe further .
"I read your proposal for the new show . It's pretty interesting . But are you sure I'm the right person for this?" he said .
The show Shu Rui had proposed was "A Day with a Physical Invulnerability Expert," which wasn't going to be limited to fights and interviews, but would also explore the daily lives of Mighty Ones .
To most people, this was an interesting and curiosity-piquing subject . Just like how farmers in olden times wondered about the life of an Emperor, snack-munching audiences would be able to embellish their Physical Invulnerability daydreams with the details from this show .
"Why would you say that? I think you're great! You had the air of a general even during our first interview!" said Shu Rui uncomprehendingly, furrowing her brows slightly .
"Um . What I mean is, my daily life is rather boring," said Lou Cheng . It was an honest, if self-deprecating, answer .
"Nah, trust me . Nowadays, people's lives are so hollow they would watch others eat and sleep . Imagine how they'll respond to the life of a Physical Invulnerability Expert! No matter how boring, people will still watch it," said Shu Rui confidently, shaking her hand .
Then, with a sincere expression, she said,
"For the first season, I'm planning on inviting ten Physical Invulnerability Experts . Even though our TV station has some resources, I'm afraid that the other Mighty Ones might not find me trustworthy and will turn down the offer . If you could start the ball rolling, then they'll think, 'Oh, so Lou Cheng's in on this too' . Then they won't be so against the idea anymore . "
Lou Cheng pondered for a moment .
"Fine . But don't say I didn't warn you . You can contact the Longhu External Affairs Team and ask for my assistant . "
"Okay!" nodded Shu Rui excitedly . She then gave a mesmerizing smile . "Mhm…'Ask for my assistant', huh? Aren't you the big fish now?"
Lou Cheng let out a chuckle . Pointing to the balcony, he said,
"I have something to attend to, do excuse me . "
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Looking in the direction he pointed in, Shu Rui smiled faintly .
"Sure . "
When Lou Cheng had turned around, she peered at the balcony on her tip-toes .
"So, the Conversation Killer's here too?" she mused to herself .
. . .
7pm . Opening Ceremony, Inter-University Martial Arts Nationals .
When President Fang and Principal Dong had given their speeches, the host drew a breath and raised her voice .
"And now, let us put our hands together for a group of heavyweight VIPs . "
"I present to you…"
Her words were drowned out by the thunderous volume of the audience .
"Lou Cheng!"
Following which, people chanted,
"Lin Que!"
The audience shouted their names one after the other, exactly how the host had introduced the roster .
"Songcheng Uni! Songcheng Uni!" they shouted at last . "Champions! Champions!"
Backstage, Lou Cheng and the others were overcome with emotion, as though they had returned to the days when their blood boiled with passion . Even their bodies were shaking slightly .
"Looks like they haven't forgotten about us…" said Xiao Ming, pretending to be unaffected .
"Happy? Touched?" asked Lou Cheng, amused .
Cai Zongming was silent for a few seconds . Forfeiting his calm facade, he took a deep breath .
"Very . "
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When he said that, the others' eyes reddened . Softly, they chanted along .
"Songcheng Uni! Songcheng Uni!"
"Champions! Champions!"
. . .
Keeping his emotions contained, Lou Cheng glanced at his cousin-in-law, who had already turned his face away .
They marched out in a file, welcomed by even louder cheers when they were on the stage .
When the audience calmed down, the host smiled brightly .
"They are the legends of the Inter-University Martial Arts Nationals, the team which took only two years to go from rock-bottom to renowned champions!"
"And now, the legacy continues among them, with one of them now a Physical Invulnerability Expert, and perhaps more to come in the future!"
"They were the champions three years ago . They are the pride of Songcheng University, and the pride of Songcheng! I hereby present to you, the full roster of Songcheng University Martial Arts Club!"
In the residual chants of "Champions! Champions!" the host walked to Lou Cheng and smiled .
"I'm going to interview everyone, one at a time . "
"Lou Cheng, you are one of the most successful ones to grace the Inter-University Martial Arts scene, the idol and role model of many . Is there anything you would like to say to your lovely juniors?"
Taking the microphone, Lou Cheng reminisced for a moment .
"On the path of martial arts, luck is as important as hard work . "
"First off, I'm not trying to pour cold water on all of you . What I'm about to tell you are just facts of the martial arts industry . "
"On the path of martial arts, without good guidance, consistent hard work, and a decent set of techniques, only one or two out of ten have a chance at getting to professional ninth-pin . Even then, many don't make it in the end . With an amateur pin certificate, they might have better chances of getting jobs and having stable lives, but there isn't much more to it . "
"Professional ninth-pin is the point where you will truly feel like a martial artist, the stage where you can show off your charm before your crushes . Your income will reach middle-class level . However, there is limited room for growth, unless you make it to Dan Stage . "
"From professional ninth-pin to Dan Stage, even if you inherit good techniques, only one or two out of ten will make it . Beyond that, Inhuman is another bottleneck, and the number of people who eventually make the great leap is merely a handful . "
"And that's about it . If you really want to walk down this path, then it's best for you to know that you will likely end up as a low amateur pin . If your education fails to reach a certain standard, your future will be limited to a small city . It's a lot less rosy than what you might expect . "
"Alright, I've said enough, so here's one last thing . If you make a decision solely based on passion, I call it imprudence, not courage . A true warrior, a true martial artist, is a person who follows their dreams unwaveringly after thinking through the risks and difficulties . "
"That's what I wanted to tell you . "