Chapter 30: Night of Boiling

Chapter 30: Night of Boiling

"Fish is here."

A steaming hot fish pot is brought to the table.

Snow-white fish and red and green chili peppers roll in the golden broth, emitting a delightful aroma.

It's blackfish.

Though not wild, it tastes smooth and tender, exceptionally delicious.

"This is also a signature dish."

Lu Yuan compliments after taking a bite of the fish.

"Yes."

Lin Zhiqin nods with a smile, saying, "I've been eating here for over a decade, brought many students to try it. Even those who are no longer in the martial arts academy still come back for a meal occasionally."

Upon hearing "brought students," Lu Yuan's cheeks blush involuntarily.

He had mocked Lin Zhiqin about this before.

However, Lin Zhiqin seems unaffected, remarking, "You're more mature than the average high school student."

"Just tend to overthink things a bit in normal times."

Lu Yuan takes a piece of fish with rice into his mouth.

His body hosts the soul of an adult, who was just an ordinary person in his past life.

Not particularly intelligent, lacking rich social experience, but a bit more mature than the average high school student.

However, it's just a bit.

Accidentally made a joke, feeling embarrassed.

Yet, Lin Zhiqin's words might not be entirely truthful.

"My nephew is the same age as you, but he's far behind in these aspects."

Lin Zhiqin stops his chopsticks, thinking, "Misunderstanding is normal; it's not something openly discussed. Besides, I do have some personal motives."

"Aren't you talking about regular combat competitions?"

"It's regular, but the martial arts academy prohibits disciples from participating in profit-oriented combat competitions."

"So, if I agree, I can't undergo the official disciple assessment now?"

"Yes."

Lin Zhiqin nods, saying, "That's why I approached you, and also because of Yang Jiandong. Students are not subject to the constraints of the regulations."

"So."

Lu Yuan puts down his chopsticks, wipes his mouth, and asks seriously, "What are the benefits if I agree? Just money?"

Lin Zhiqin glances at him, saying, "There's also my personal guidance. For Yang Jiandong, it's only these two."

Lu Yuan's expression changes slightly, "Anything else for me?"

"Yes."

Lin Zhiqin nods, saying, "Your talent in martial arts far surpasses Yang Jiandong. I'll teach you some other things. Also, what I mentioned earlier—the opportunity to become a direct disciple."

"What exactly is the core inheritance of the Source Martial Arts Academy?"

Suddenly, an image flashes in Lu Yuan's mind—the picture he saw on the second floor of the martial arts academy, the one with the person in the "crane" martial arts attire.

Unfortunately, Lin Zhiqin refuses to reveal it.

"I'll tell you once you agree."

Lu Yuan can only stop pressing.

"Before we finish this meal, you can ask any questions you want. Provide me with an answer after we finish."

Lin Zhiqin instructs Lu Yuan.

"Okay."

Lu Yuan answers straightforwardly and starts focusing on his meal.

Although Lin Zhiqin said he could ask anything, Lu Yuan hasn't spoken again.

He probably knows what he wanted to find out and has already formed answers in his mind.

The meal is quickly consumed.

Almost half of the five dishes on the table have entered Lu Yuan's stomach.

He feels quite full, letting out a few belches.

Lin Zhiqin hasn't eaten much, stopped early, and lit a cigarette, seemingly lost in thought.

When Lu Yuan finishes, Lin Zhiqin signals him to leave.

This restaurant is indeed cost-effective.

Five dishes, including chicken and fish, cost less than two hundred yuan in total.

Naturally, Lin Zhiqin foots the bill.

Lu Yuan stands in the shade at the entrance, squinting at a stray cat near the garbage bin across the street.

After paying, Lin Zhiqin walks out of the small shop, stands beside Lu Yuan, and asks, "So, have you considered it?"

Lu Yuan nods, calmly saying, "I can agree, but I want to see what the coach meant by the competition."

Lin Zhiqin's eyes flicker, "Sure, I'll take you. When are you available?"

"Tomorrow is fine."

Lu Yuan has a break these days; he returns to school the day after tomorrow.

"Then I'll pick you up around six tomorrow evening. Leave me your phone number and address."

Lu Yuan quickly gives his phone number to Lin Zhiqin, providing a nearby street corner as the address.

It's not about hiding his address but avoiding his mother seeing Lin Zhiqin picking him up, which might be hard to explain later.

It's almost noon now.

After chatting with Lin Zhiqin, Lu Yuan doesn't bother going back to the martial arts academy. Whether he submits the application form now doesn't matter.

Bidding farewell to Lin Zhiqin, Lu Yuan runs to the nearest bus stop.

Watching Lu Yuan quickly disappear, Lin Zhiqin's eyes flicker, and he seems to mutter softly, speaking words only he can hear.

"A six-stage punch strength in a month is indeed a rare talent. Perhaps I can persuade the teacher."

"Mosa Cup Jiaoyan Boiling Night Supreme Combat Tournament, can be checked. —Lin Zhiqin."

Lu Yuan is stunned for a moment.

It turns out to be a message from Lin Zhiqin.

Is this the full name of the regular combat competition he mentioned?

Lu Yuan saves Lin Zhiqin's number and then opens his computer on the desk, directly typing this long event name in the search bar.

Soon, relevant information appears on the webpage.

(End of this chapter)