Two days later, the sound of steel colliding still resonated nonstop in the inner room of the gym.

The sharp noises echoed from morning to night, unable to be drowned out even by the gym's intense music. But now, they finally came to an end, falling into a prolonged silence.

Amidst the faint sound of footsteps, a small gap opened in the door, and a dirty hand reached out, grabbed the meal tray at the doorway, and pulled it inside. Soon after, the sound of voracious chewing was heard behind the door.

It was as if a ravenous beast was masticating, crushing bones and tearing flesh. Although it was cold takeout, the sounds suggested it was a sweet and delectable feast.

Shortly thereafter, the door opened again, and the meal tray was placed outside. Not a drop was left.

Luo Lao glanced at it, and naturally, a gym staffer walked over, picked up the tray, and cleared away the contents.

After a brief respite, the sound of clashing steel erupted once more.

"Two days already, huh."

Luo Xian glanced over and continued knitting the oversized sweater for her father, casually saying, "Father, teaching him this stuff is pretty tough, isn't it? I wouldn't have dared to say I could learn it at fourteen."

"It's supposed to be difficult to be interesting," Luo Lao replied nonchalantly, savoring his protein powder mixed with carrot juice. "If he can learn it, all's well and good, and if he can't, it's not my fault, right? It's good for him to suffer a bit more these days. Otherwise, teaching him so much for a mere hundred thousand is way too much of a loss."

"Scheming," the daughter glanced up at her father and shook her head. "Are you so certain he won't give up?"

"Some young people these days seem all smiley on the outside, but are cursing their mothers in their hearts. That kid, however, is different. He's even harder to deal with."

Luo Lao smacked his lips, savoring the taste of the carrot juice. "He appears carefree, like nothing matters, but deep down, he's not like that at all. Sometimes he's as docile and gentle as a domestic dog, but when he holds a sword, he becomes as ferocious as a wild dog, utterly incomprehensible.

Even if his aspirations lie elsewhere, if you put something good in front of him, he won't give up. Even if he knows it's bait, he'll swallow it hook, line, and sinker, and then snap the line."

After listening, Luo Xian paused her knitting. "Sounds really nice."

"Yes," Luo Lao set down the teapot. "Sometimes, I even feel relieved he doesn't have your talent; otherwise, I might have ended up killing him here, mightn't I?"

"Isn't that kind of person good?"

"Maybe very good, but not for this world." The old man stated calmly, "People like him, even if they don't learn these things to kill, will end up killing far more than we do—thousands, millions more.

If he were the naturally cold and malicious type, able to disregard the lives of others and his own, murder would be like shedding feathers: light and without consequence.

But he understands what death means, perhaps even more than most. He knows the value of life. That's why when he wields a sword, he's colder and more brutal than the average person.

Even if he might regret it, come to loathe it, or feel remorse, he would never stop. Not even ten thousand Tarzans could hold him back. Even if he looks like White-named face now, he'll surely be a disaster in the future."

After hearing this, Luo Xian thought for a moment and couldn't help but giggle. "It sounds like Father is keen on eliminating a future problem."

"But even if he becomes a disaster in the future, what does that have to do with me, just running a gym?" Luo Lao leisurely crossed his legs, continuing to savor his protein powder. "He pays, I teach... And if more people die, it's none of my darn business."

Listening to the somber yet persistent sound of swords ringing out from the inner room, basking in the afternoon sun, relishing the joy that comes from tormenting others, and taking a few more sips of the protein powder specially made with love by his daughter.

Another beautiful day. Who cares about a future deluge?

.

.

In the same tender afternoon sunlight, inside the lobby of the first floor of the Astronomical Society Jinling Branch, Ai Qing saw the man sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper.

After many years, his former rough demeanor was nowhere to be seen. He now wore a proper suit and had a gentle smile on his lips.

As he noticed Ai Qing's arrival, he took off his glasses, folded the newspaper, and waved to her.

"You seem to have something on your mind?" Chai Fei observed. She had recognized the newcomer. "Do you need me to ask for an afternoon off for you?"

"No need, you go ahead. I'll be up shortly," Ai Qing replied indifferently, wheeling her chair to the front of the sofa, studying that joyfully unabashed smile for a long time before sighing softly.

"Long time no see, Yin Ya."

"I almost believed Little Yan when he said you'd angrily chase me away. He nearly fooled me." The man known as Yin Ya leaned forward slightly, examining her cheeks for a long while before brazenly ruffling her hair, only to burst into laughter when he saw Ai Qing's irritated expression.

"You really have lost weight."

With composure, Ai Qing smoothed her hair back into place and asked, "Aside from commenting on others' weight, can't you think of any other conversation starter, Yin Ya?"

Yin Ya laughed awkwardly and shrugged. "I wanted to ask if you've found someone you like, but then I thought you might curse me out even worse, so I didn't dare."

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