216 You Still Understand Me: The Schedule Is Being Negotiated

In the world of combat sports, few names resonate like Ye Chen's. This particular night, Ye Chen, a rising star in boxing, faced an unprecedented dilemma—an overflow of contenders eager to engage him in the ring. His calendar was filling up faster than anyone could anticipate, turning his life upside down in the most exhilarating way possible.

Never before had a boxer garnered attention from so many mixed martial artists. The allure of a crossover fight was palpable. Boxers, with their inherently lucrative bouts, often sought to capitalize on the fame of well-known fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The crossover potential was a tantalizing prospect, allowing fighters from different disciplines to secure monumental paydays while capturing the public's imagination. To put it simply, it was an opportunity not to be overlooked, and Ye Chen was the focal point of it all.

Within days following his last match, Ye Chen's phone buzzed relentlessly with notifications—a barrage of messages from fighters across boxing, UFC, and other combat sports. Prominent figures had called him out, each hoping to secure a lucrative match-up that could elevate their own careers. Even the world of kickboxing wanted a piece of Ye Chen, leading to an unexpected cascade of interest.

Among the calls, there were some that stood out, not just for their enthusiasm but for their sheer absurdity. A so-called "master" of an obscure martial art claimed he could teach Ye Chen groundbreaking fighting techniques through various online videos, quickly amassing millions of views. His viral antics were met with skepticism and laughter. Although the humor drew the attention it sought, Ye Chen knew that underneath the surface, many were genuinely intrigued by the prospect of competing against him.

He attempted to tune out the noise. Over the past couple of weeks, Ye Chen underwent a series of physical examinations at a renowned sports medicine clinic. For the first time, he faced the reality of his own limitations—injuries he had sustained in the ring began to reveal themselves in stark detail. The medical team meticulously assessed him, inch by inch, diagnosing two broken ribs along with a myriad of minor wounds.

While the physical damage was significant, there was a silver lining. Ye Chen was fortunate enough to escape this bout with minimal head trauma. Although he had experienced heavier blows in his career—some fighters rack up thousands of head strikes throughout their careers—he'd managed to maintain his mental clarity. This was a blessing, particularly as he planned his future directions in the sport.

However, Ye Chen's thoughts during his recovery were not solely centered on his own well-being. With the impending arrival of his first child with Catwoman—his partner who had been a constant source of support—his concerns were increasingly focused on their family. As they approached the exciting final weeks of the pregnancy, the emotions and worries intensified. This new chapter was overwhelming, and he found peace in simply being there for Catwoman.

As the days passed, Ye Chen engaged in the process of becoming a father, learning about motherhood, and how to support his partner. He wrestled with the anxiety of wanting everything to be perfect for both Catwoman and their child. The day finally arrived when he would be able to join her at the hospital, eager to share in this pivotal moment together. He had been anxiously counting down the days, trying to fathom the monumental life change ahead of them.

While they awaited news in the waiting room, it was difficult for Ye Chen to remain still. Time felt interminable. Catwoman's family tried to quell his nerves, assuring him that everything would turn out alright. "This hospital is the best in the city," Lisa reminded him, nattering in an attempt to ground them all.

"Trust me, Annie is in good health, and the doctors assured us this morning that everything is normal," another family member chimed in, offering reassurance.

Despite their words, Ye Chen found it nearly impossible to settle. His father-in-law, empathetic to his plight, offered a supportive nod and told the others, "You have no idea what he's feeling right now. Let him be. This is a huge step, and he deserves to experience it."

Ye Chen sincerely appreciated that his future father-in-law understood the weight of the moment. The waiting persisted as he paced the floor nervously, waiting for updates from the operating room.

At last, the tension broke when the operating room doors swung open. The moment felt surreal as Ye Chen rushed forward, adrenaline coursing through him like electric current. His heart raced, and for a moment, time stood still as he caught sight of the first glimpse of their children.

He learned they had a boy and a girl—twins! While he had been prepared for the news, the reality of it hit him like a freight train. The joy coursing through him was palpable. Yet, he understood they couldn't immediately hold their children; they would have to wait for further observations in the nursery.

As they wheeled Catwoman out, looking pale yet glowing, he felt an overwhelming wave of emotion and admiration. He might not understand all the complexities of childbirth, but he had witnessed the burdens she bore throughout the pregnancy. He wanted nothing more than for her and their little ones to be safe and healthy.

In the back of his mind, the looming questions about the future still hung there. Just weeks ago, his promoters were still finalizing the details for his next fight against Pereira, a name everyone had eagerly anticipated. Matches in combat sports are typically negotiated using star power, and Ye Chen had it in spades now with the added mystery of his twins and the emotional aspect of his new family dynamic.

The convergence of these two worlds—fatherhood and the exhilarating chaos of professional fighting—made everything feel more significant. Ye Chen was ready to embrace the challenge ahead, fully aware that everything was about to change, not just in the ring but in life as well.

Ye Chen couldn't help but grin, feeling an odd sense of belonging despite the uncertainty of it all. It was a grand adventure unfolding right before him, and he was determined to navigate it all—both as a fighter and as a father. The duel against Pereira would happen, but now, there was another battle on the horizon—one of nurturing and love, and as he cooked up plans for the future, he knew he would dive headfirst into every challenge tossed his way. Whether inside the ring or out of it, this fight, above all, mattered the most.