After casually interacting with the two young women who seemed to have caught his interest, Wang Yi walked over to the refreshment area. As a senior student, his treatment was different from that of intermediate and junior students. The layout of the area resembled a quaint bar, and the martial arts gym provided free energy drinks to help students replenish their strength.
Wang Yi filled his cup with water. Suddenly, sensing someone approaching from behind, he instinctively shifted to the side.
"Huh?" Sun Ge exclaimed, slapping his palm with a look of surprise.
"Wang Yi, your reaction speed is impressive," Sun Ge complimented him.
"Hehe, Brother Sun, you're too kind. Is there something you need?" Wang Yi asked with a smile.
"It's nothing major. It's just been a while since we all got together. We're planning to head over to Liji BBQ on the street later. Are you in?" Sun Ge inquired.
Senior students at the martial arts gym generally came from similar backgrounds, so most of them had a decent rapport. While gatherings like this weren't a daily occurrence, they happened fairly often.
Wang Yi politely declined, "Brother Sun, I was thinking of staying to practice more..."
"Hey, Wang Yi, you work hard every day. You need to balance work and rest. After all, your body is the foundation of your progress. If you want to become a warrior, you need to follow scientific training methods," Sun Ge advised earnestly.
Wang Yi chuckled softly, appreciating Sun Ge's good intentions. In the end, he didn't refuse the invitation.
Before long, the group of senior students, ready for their BBQ outing, began packing up and making their way downstairs. Though it was night, it was still relatively early, and the courtyard of the martial arts gym was bustling with students coming and going. The senior students walked together in a large group, turning heads and receiving polite greetings.
"Hello, Brother Sun."
"Brother Sun."
"Senior Brother Sun, heading out for another fun night?"
Sun Ge, leading the group with confidence, basked in the attention and admiration. As the strongest and most popular senior student in this cohort, he thoroughly enjoyed being the center of attention.
Wang Yi, dressed in ordinary casual clothes, blended in with the crowd, hardly standing out.
Suddenly, a low rumbling sound caught everyone's attention.
At that moment, the main entrance of the Xtreme Martial Arts Gym closed, and a sleek, stunning white sports car slowly drove in.
"Huh?"
"Is that an Aston Martin? The latest thr-191 model with flight capabilities?"
"That's the instructor's car!"
Upon realizing who the car belonged to, all the senior students froze in awe, stepping aside respectfully.
Wang Yi, like the others, watched the luxurious white sports car with envy. This car cost at least 36 million yuan. To put it in perspective, even with his current tutor salary, Wang Yi wouldn't be able to afford such a car in his lifetime.
The sports car came to a stop at the entrance of the senior student building. The doors opened, and two men dressed in loose martial arts uniforms stepped out. One of them was a bearded man with a tall frame and a square-shaped face—none other than Shen Ying, the instructor of Wang Yi's Xtreme Martial Arts Gym.
The man beside him was someone Wang Yi had never seen before. Slender, with a sharp face and a scar, he exuded an aura akin to that of a blade.
"This man must also be a warrior," Wang Yi thought. Though unfamiliar with him, Wang Yi could sense the distinct presence of a seasoned warrior.
Every warrior had undergone rigorous trials, experiences that shaped their demeanor. Warriors possessed a unique air, much like veterans of war—sometimes, a mere glance from them could instill fear.
Wang Yi observed as Shen Ying and the mysterious man walked into the senior student building, leaving the magnificent sports car outside, drawing everyone's attention.
"The instructor's Aston Martin 191 is so enviable. I wonder when I'll be able to afford something like that," a senior student in the crowd mused.
"As long as you become a warrior, you might get the chance."
"Yes, we all have a shot!"
"Let's work hard. Our time will come!"
The students were clearly motivated, and Wang Yi, too, felt his ambition flare up.
...
Before he knew it, it was May 18th.
That evening, Wang Yi made his way to Lin Youyu's neighborhood as per their agreement. Upon arriving, he couldn't help but be impressed by the beautiful, secluded community, filled with luxurious villas. Though he was somewhat prepared for this after receiving her address, it was still surprising to discover that his quiet classmate came from such a wealthy background.
This villa complex was likely the most upscale in the entire Guqing District.
It was the base city era, and with Jiangnan Base City housing a population of over 200 million, space was at a premium. Even the wealthy found it difficult to live in single-family villas.
It was clear that Lin Youyu's family held significant status.
Nevertheless, Wang Yi, with his current strength, wasn't overly concerned about their wealth.
At the gate, uniformed security guards in black greeted him. Wang Yi immediately noticed that these guards were physically impressive, with abilities comparable to that of senior students.
"Hello, I've been invited to a classmate's house for her birthday," Wang Yi said politely.
The security guard responded with professional courtesy, "May I have the name of your classmate and their address?"
Wang Yi quickly provided the necessary information.
"Please wait a moment."
It didn't take long for the security guard to verify the details. After checking Wang Yi's ID and registering his visit, the guard smiled and said, "Sir, you may enter."
As Wang Yi strolled along the tree-lined path of the community, he muttered to himself, "It really takes some effort just to get in here."
He glanced around.
"But the environment here is incredible. My parents would love living in a place like this."
Wang Yi wasn't envious, though. He knew that soon, once he passed the martial arts assessment, he would be able to attain all of this and more.
On both sides of the path, rows of lush bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves glistening in the light. The serene surroundings filled the air with tranquility.
"Living in a place like this must be peaceful," Wang Yi thought.
Following the directions, Wang Yi finally arrived at his destination. As he raised his head, he saw a three-story villa with white walls and red tiles. The combination of white plaster walls and light red roofing looked even more stunning in the well-lit compound at night.
Having grown up in low-rent housing for more than a decade, Wang Yi couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.