Chapter 19: My Brother Is Truly Remarkable
Ten minutes later.
At the main entrance of Galaxy New World.
The driver pointed at the clock on the dashboard and said, “Buddy, see? I wasn’t lying! I said ten minutes, and it’s exactly ten minutes, not a minute more or less.”
Shen He chuckled twice. “If you’d actually taken the ring road, it would’ve been way more than ten minutes.”
He scanned the code to pay, then pushed open the car door and stepped out.
Inside the taxi, the driver let out a drawn-out sigh, lamenting the fickleness of people and the coldness of the world. What’s the big deal about the ring road anyway? The earth is round, the ring road is round, you go around and still end up at your destination. Why fuss over the details?
…
Following his phone’s map, Shen He went straight up to the second floor.
As soon as he reached the second floor, he saw several men in taekwondo uniforms sprawled haphazardly in front of a shop.
A police officer was taking a statement from a man dressed in a maternity shop uniform.
The man, animated and agitated, said, “They were the ones looking for trouble—and they started it. I saw their uniforms and thought they’d be tough, but one punch and they all went down…”
The officer nodded slightly. “Mm, I’m listening. Go on.”
Shen He glanced at the logo on the taekwondo uniforms.
Wasn’t this the very taekwondo studio he’d planned to check out? Why were they all knocked out like this—so feeble!
Blending into the crowd, Shen He turned to a man nearby who was filming the scene and asked, “Hey, what happened here? Even the police showed up?”
Without turning his head, the man replied, “Just a brawl.”
“That new maternity store opened and sent their staff up here to hand out flyers. They got into a scuffle with the taekwondo studio’s people, so a whole group came over.”
“They were looking to start something, but as soon as the fighting began, even the maternity shop staff beat them.”
“If someone hadn’t called the police, they’d probably still be at it.”
“With all these people gathered and the videos spreading online, I doubt the taekwondo place will last much longer.”
A burly man beside him grinned and said, “I told you it was all just for show! My son argued with me, saying how cool it was, but I know better.”
“Last time I drove a load of their special boards for examinations, and most of them split just going over a speed bump. When I was unloading, someone even tried to stop me from leaving.”
Shen He played along, “Seriously?”
The man cursed, “Of course! I barely made a thousand on that trip, and ended up losing all of it.”
Shen He glanced at the men lying on the ground, clicking his tongue in disbelief.
Honestly, these guys probably weren’t even as tough as a street brawler.
Looks like he’d need to choose between Sanda and kickboxing—just learn the basics and finish the task.
He made his way through the crowd, catching a glimpse of the maternity store staff looking utterly innocent as he left.
Clearly, they hadn’t expected these guys to go down so easily.
Just a couple of punches, and they were all on the floor.
As Shen He wandered the second floor, he saw a variety of training centers, offering classes for both kids and adults.
He paused outside a yoga studio, taking a critical look for a moment.
Yoga outfits paired with graceful, supple movements—an undeniably attractive combination.
Soon, he arrived at the Sanda training center. At the entrance stood a poster featuring a muscular man, with a list of titles beneath.
But the most impressive credential seemed to be “city champion.”
Yes, city champion—not world champion.
As soon as he stepped inside, a woman in athletic wear approached with a sweet smile. “Welcome to Li Ding’s Sanda Training Center. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“How much of a pleasure?” he joked.
She paused. “Sir, you’re quite the joker—young as you are, playing with such old lines.”
Shen He shifted the conversation, “Your boss is pretty straightforward, using his own name as the center’s sign.”
Li Jiao Jiao smiled. “That’s always been my brother’s way. Don’t mind our modest name—the coaching here is top-notch. My brother isn’t just the city Sanda champion; if it hadn’t been for an accident, he’d have been the provincial champion too.”
Shen He glanced at her. “Li Ding is your brother?”
She offered her hand. “I’m Li Jiao Jiao, women’s Sanda champion of Xiangxiang City. Nice to meet you.”
He shook her hand. “I’m Shen He, officially recognized by the southern precinct as a good Samaritan.”
Li Jiao Jiao laughed. “That’s quite the introduction. So, are you here to learn about Sanda?”
“I’m telling you, when it comes to Sanda in our city, my brother is the best.”
“Our Sanda is rooted in Bajiquan—punches, kicks, throws, weapons—the real deal.”
“If you want a better coach, you’ll have to go to the provincial capital.”
“Well… actually, maybe only the national team would have someone better.”
Just then, a clear voice called from behind, “Jiao Jiao, enough talking. Come help—there’s a new female student for boxing practice.”
Li Jiao Jiao answered and hurried off.
Li Ding approached, saying, “Want to learn Sanda? My classes aren’t cheap—it’s mostly one-on-one. The standard class is a hundred per session, an hour each. My own classes are five hundred per hour.”
“If you’re just curious, you can take a trial class for free.”
Shen He nodded. “Alright, let me have a look first.”
Li Ding led him inside as they walked. “Judging by your build, you’ve worked out before. Shouldn’t be hard for you to pick up.”
Shen He followed him into one of the two group classes.
Watching the session, Shen He scratched his head. “Coach Li, does Sanda have anything like martial arts forms?”
Li Ding replied, “Of course. Sanda evolved from martial arts, streamlined from the essence of various styles. The simplest forms are footwork, straight punches, retreat-and-turn, spinning whip punches—combinations like that.”
Hearing this, Shen He’s eyes lit up.
This was exactly what the task required.
“Coach, I want to learn that.”
Li Ding was momentarily surprised. “Even the simplest combinations take time to master—and the fastest way is one-on-one coaching. Are you sure you don’t want to try a free class first?”
Shen He waved dismissively. “No need for the trial. I’ll sign up for your class—let’s start right away.”
“If possible, I’d like to book the whole morning.”
Li Ding scratched his head. He’d never met a student like this—just wanted to get a feel for things, but immediately bought the most expensive sessions.
And wanted to book him right off the bat?
Li Ding steadied himself. “I recommend starting with a single session. Usually, one class is enough to grasp the basics.”
Shen He waved him off. “No need, I’ll book the whole morning. If it goes well, I’ll buy more classes.”
Li Ding fell silent for a moment.
If he kept refusing the money, it would be rude.
You can’t be so principled you turn down cash.
Besides, this guy didn’t look short on funds.
Li Ding finally smiled. “Alright, I’ll take you to register. I happen to have no other classes this morning. After registering, you can change clothes, warm up, and we’ll start right away.”
Shen He nodded, followed Li Ding to the front desk, and bought four sessions on the spot.