⟦ NEXT DAY ⟧
Julian Cross entered Titan's Forge gym, greeted by the rhythmic sound of weights clanking, exercise machines whirring, and the echoes of brief conversations between sets. The air was charged with energy, and though it was early in the morning, the gym already had a considerable number of people working out.
Titan's Forge wasn't just any gym; after doing some online research, Julian discovered it was quite famous. It was home to some of the most sculpted bodies in the city. Among its premium clients were many famous or high-status individuals. Julian noticed that almost everyone training there looked like high-performance athletes or bodybuilders. The perfectly defined muscle lines in each movement were worthy of being part of a Greek sculpture.
As he walked through the spacious facilities, his golden eyes curiously wandered over the scene, momentarily stopping on some of the women training. Their bodies, clad in tight sportswear, moved gracefully as they performed their routines. The curves of their figures were accentuated with each stretch, and although he tried to avoid it, Julian couldn't help but let his gaze linger longer than necessary.
*Focus, Julian* he reminded himself, trying to push the distraction away. *You didn't come here to stare at women.*
He headed to the reception, where he found César working with his usual stone-faced expression.
"Good morning, Cesar. Do you know where my trainer is?"
"Yes. She's been waiting for you" Cesar responded while typing something into the computer. Almost immediately, a response popped up on the screen. "Meet her in the dumbbell area, in front of the glass window."
"Alright, thank you" Julian nodded politely as he walked to the designated spot.
"No matter how much I look at him, I can't see what makes him special. Why is the master so interested in him?" Cesar muttered to himself as he watched Julian's back receding into the distance.
Unaware of Cesar's thoughts, the young man with golden eyes arrived at the dumbbell area, filled with muscular men lifting heavy weights with their arms. It was an impressive and testosterone-packed sight. There were barely any women in this area since most were more interested in working other body parts like legs or glutes.
After wandering a bit, he finally spotted Kim Yura's back. It was impossible not to recognize that tall, slender figure, perfectly sculpted with fine muscles and a heavenly rear. Her orange hair, tied in a long ponytail, fell wild and bright down her back. Of all the women in the gym, she shone like the moon among the stars. She was the perfect prototype of a fitness goddess.
Julian swallowed hard. Though this woman was dangerous, he couldn't deny her impressive beauty. It was no wonder she had 35 Charm points, far exceeding the usual stats for an average person (5). She was simply in another league.
At that moment, Kim Yura was talking to a very attractive and elegant blond man. His appearance was impeccable, like someone straight out of a magazine cover. Together, they made the perfect couple. The man had icy blue eyes and a stern expression, but with clear traces of warmth as he looked at Yura. It was obvious that he was madly in love with her.
The young man with golden eyes clenched his teeth. He felt an irrational pang of jealousy seeing the two together, even though he knew Yura was only his trainer, and they had no deep relationship. They were like partners united by mutual benefit: she earned many rewards by training him, and he reaped the enormous benefits of that training. Still, he couldn't dismiss the possibility that they might become enemies in the future.
Among these thoughts, Yura turned around, looking directly at Julian as if she had always known he was there.
"Julian, don't be shy. I want to introduce you to someone."
"Who is it?" Julian asked with genuine curiosity as he approached.
"His name is Yuan Cao. You may have heard of him. He's the star CEO of Yuan Group Pharmaceutical."
Julian raised an eyebrow, surprised. Yuan Cao wasn't an unfamiliar name to him. He was famous both in business and in society magazines, a fairly prominent figure in the corporate world. But what shocked Julian the most wasn't his position, but the fact that this man was listed as Kim Yura's "main lover."
*I wonder if Yuan Cao knows that his beloved has many more men behind his back…* Julian thought with a touch of irony. *Well, I guess it doesn't matter. Main lovers are designed to accept these infidelities because they love the protagonist too much. I'm no better than Yura; in fact, I'd say I'll be worse…*
"Nice to meet you, Yuan Cao. My name is Julian Cross. Excuse my scruffy appearance, I didn't expect to meet a big shot today. I'm truly honored" Julian smiled politely, extending a hand for a handshake.
His attitude wasn't so much to please Yuan Cao but rather to satisfy Kim Yura. Main characters tend to go crazy when someone offends their lovers…
Yuan Cao remained silent, studying Julian with a disdainful look. Being the clean freak he was, he didn't want to touch Julian's hand, but he also didn't want to look bad in front of Yura, so he ended up shaking his hand with gritted teeth, clearly uncomfortable.
"Yes… a pleasure, Julian" He responded in a frivolous and superficial tone.
╔════⟦ ◊ YUAN CAO ◊ ⟧════╗
➣ Level: 20
➣ Destiny Favor: Blessed (★★★★☆☆☆)
➣ Occupation: CEO of Yuan Group Pharmaceutical
➣ Partner: Kim Yura (fated love)
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➣ Body Type: Tall and athletic
⤷ Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.95 m)
⤷ Weight: 185 lb (84 kg)
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➣ Relationship Meter: acquaintances (♡♡♡♡♡♡)
⤷ Affection: 0 / 100
⤷ Friendship: 0 / 100
⤷ Respect: -50 / 100
⤷ Trust: 0 / 100
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➣ Stats:
⤷ Charm: 27
⤷ Intelligence: 24
⤷ Willpower: 28
⤷ Physical Condition: 20
⤷ Wealth: 70
⤷ Status: 65
╚════════⟦ END ⟧════════╝
Julian observed the data, recognizing Yuan Cao as a successful man in every sense. Despite the tension in the air, Julian couldn't help but smile inwardly, feeling a sense of disdain toward this character. *Yet, despite everything, he's still incapable of making Yura completely his own.*