“Ah, it’s Sister Nie. Are you looking for me?” Su Jie stopped and asked.
“Your martial arts…” Nie Shuang was still in shock. “How is this possible…”
“What’s wrong?” Su Jie asked.
“It’s nothing.” Nie Shuang quickly said, “Speaking of which, I need to thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have won that jar of internal-strength wine from Zhou Chun. By the way, Zhou Chun is a narrow-minded person, and he has some influence outside. He didn’t send anyone to trouble you, did he? Last time, I told Gu Yang to warn you to be careful. Have you been on guard?”
“I actually have something to tell you.” Su Jie sent the video to Nie Shuang and briefly explained what had happened that morning.
“D*mn it! Zhou Chun is actually this despicable!” After watching the video and listening to the recording, Nie Shuang’s face turned red with anger. It took her a while to calm down before she stared at Su Jie. “How do you want the academy to handle him? You now have evidence, and if you report this to the police, he could be charged with extortion.”
“I don’t really care.” Su Jie shook his head. “Even if he were convicted of extortion, the sentence wouldn’t be long, especially since he didn’t succeed. Besides, he never directly got involved—he just played the role of a mediator. Even if I reported him, at most, he’d receive a warning or some disciplinary action. Of course, there’s another way—I could post this video and an article exposing the situation online, making it a trending topic. That would ensure he gets the punishment he deserves. But if I do that, Minglun Martial Arts Academy’s reputation would take a huge hit. Imagine the headlines: ‘Coach at the Nation’s Top Martial Arts academy Tries to Frame a Student.’ Wouldn’t that tarnish the academy’s name? But if Zhou Chun keeps pushing his luck, I won’t have a choice. One more thing—I don’t want to gain fame this way.”
‘This kid has a sharp mind,’ Nie Shuang frowned. ‘He presents logical arguments, analyzes the situation thoroughly, and even implies something deeper…’
Su Jie’s words suggested that the academy was responsible. If he exposed the incident, it would damage the academy’s reputation. Though he seemed to be considering the academy’s best interests, his underlying message was clear.
“In the end, Zhou Chun is still a coach at this academy. For him to do something like this, the academy cannot escape responsibility,” Nie Shuang said decisively. “So, on behalf of the academy, I’ll make three promises: First, Zhou Chun will be dealt with strictly. Second, we will compensate you. Third, we will ensure that Zhou Chun never troubles you again. Now, tell me, what kind of compensation do you want?”
“Compensation? I don’t need any for now.” Su Jie thought for a moment. “In about ten days, I’ll be leaving the martial arts academy to return to high school. Without Uncle Mang’s acupuncture therapy and electrostimulation, my progress will definitely slow down. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I still say the same thing,” Nie Shuang sighed with regret. “You should just enroll in our martial arts academy officially. You can still take the college entrance exams, and it won’t interfere with your training. Not only will you get free tuition, but you’ll also receive a scholarship. Plus, we’ll provide you with resources to help you become a professional fighter. Even geniuses need consistent, intensive training—otherwise, they’re just wasted potential. If you go back to a regular high academy, you won’t have as much time to practice. You also won’t have the same environment, training partners, or real combat opportunities. No one succeeds alone. In ancient times, Shaolin Temple gathered countless martial artists who trained and exchanged techniques daily, which led to the creation of many martial arts styles. The same goes for Minglun Martial Arts Academy. Martial arts, like scientific research, can never be developed by just one person.”
“I’ll think about it. Anything else?” Su Jie remained unmoved.
“Alright.” Nie Shuang shook her head. “How about this? I’ll give you a jar of our specially made medicinal balm. Combined with Uncle Mang’s massage, it’ll help your body stabilize its conditioning. Also, I want to introduce you to someone. It took a lot of effort for me to recommend you to him. If he takes a liking to you, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future.”
“Who?” Su Jie asked.
“Liu Zihao.” Nie Shuang tried to see some sign of idol worship in Su Jie’s eyes, but there was none.
Liu Zihao was an international action superstar with countless devoted fans wherever he went. In fact, ninety-nine percent of the students at Minglun Martial Arts Academy had enrolled after watching his movies.
Yet, Su Jie didn’t seem the least bit interested.
‘From his movements, I can tell he has deep martial arts skills,’ Su Jie thought to himself. ‘I don’t worship idols or chase after celebrities, but observing a master isn’t a bad thing.’
Josh, on the other hand, was fanatical about Liu Zihao. He always said that he admired only two Chinese people: Bruce Lee and Liu Zihao.
Getting to meet Liu Zihao and asking for an autograph would probably make Josh go crazy with excitement.
“Thank you, Sister Shuang,” Su Jie said politely, showing his appreciation.
“Follow me.” Nie Shuang led the way, but she was still thinking, ‘This Su Jie… He doesn’t seem like a high academy student at all. He’s way too mature. Most high schoolers at this age are obsessed with celebrities or gaming. Even top students would be trembling with excitement at the thought of meeting a superstar. But he acts like it’s just another ordinary event. Usually, only kids from poor families mature early because they have to take on responsibilities sooner. But Su Jie’s family seems well-off…’
Before long, Nie Shuang brought Su Jie to a secluded building deep inside the academy. Security guards were stationed outside, preventing outsiders from entering as if they were guarding an important official.
However, seeing Nie Shuang, the guards did not stop her and allowed her to bring Su Jie inside.
The building was quiet and entirely made of wood, giving it a peaceful and refined atmosphere. It was likely designed by a professional architect to promote relaxation and focus. The academy generally kept this area off-limits, and the outer gates were always closed.
At the highest level of the building, there was a large square study, about two hundred square meters in size. The room was spacious, filled with bookshelves and a large desk.
A young man, dressed in loose-fitting clothes, was practicing calligraphy with a brush.
Beside him stood a female secretary in professional attire, carefully grinding ink for him.
“Is that Liu Zihao?” Su Jie observed the young man. He looked somewhat different from his on-screen persona—handsomer, with a more well-proportioned physique, and an even stronger presence.
In movies, Liu Zihao usually played tough and cold-blooded roles, but in reality, he exuded an air of refinement and scholarly elegance. At first glance, he didn’t seem like a mere martial artist but rather a cultured intellectual.
“I’ve brought the student. Take a look,” Nie Shuang said to Liu Zihao, who was writing.
Liu Zihao didn’t look up. He spent ten full minutes finishing his calligraphy piece before finally glancing at Su Jie. Then he nodded. “Not bad. Take him out to sign the contract.”
“Sign a contract? What contract?” Su Jie was stunned and looked at Nie Shuang. “I never agreed to sign any contract when I came here.”
“Congratulations.” At that moment, the female secretary assisting Liu Zihao with his ink came over. “Our company is currently recruiting actors from the academy, and many people have applied. But so far, no one has caught our eye. You’re the first one the boss has taken a liking to. You should do your best. Of course, it’s also thanks to Sister Nie Shuang’s recommendation. Work hard! Come with me.”
As she spoke, the female secretary led Su Jie downstairs and handed him a contract.
“This is… a s1ave contract?”
Su Jie had only come here as a favor to Nie Shuang. He wasn’t a fan of celebrities, nor was he particularly interested in meeting Liu Zihao. Of course, if he could get an autographed photo for Josh, his idol, that would be fine.
But now, they were expecting him to sign a contract as if it were some great favor.
Looking through the contract, Su Jie saw that it required him to work for Liu Zihao’s company for twenty years. Moreover, for the first three years, he wouldn’t receive any salary and would even have to pay a training fee. If he couldn’t afford it, the amount would be deducted from his earnings in the future if he became famous—through acting roles, commercial performances, or martial arts competitions.
In other words, signing this contract would make him a bound artist under Liu Zihao’s company, completely under their control.
Su Jie wasn’t interested in being an actor, a martial arts competitor, or a celebrity. But even if he were, he would never sign such a contract.
Of course, other young men and women might have signed it without hesitation. But Su Jie had his own life plans and was far more mature than most adults.
“What? You have objections?” The female secretary frowned when she saw Su Jie hesitating. “Do you know how many people dream of signing this contract? If it weren’t for Sister Nie Shuang’s recommendation, you wouldn’t even get the chance to see it.”
“Sorry,” Su Jie replied politely. “I can’t sign this contract right now. I need to discuss it with my parents first.” His response was already quite tactful.
“Young man, you should cherish this opportunity. Our company won’t wait for you,” the female secretary said impatiently. “I’ll give you one last chance—three minutes. If you don’t sign, you won’t get another opportunity.”
“Sorry,” Su Jie said again, still maintaining his courtesy.
Swish!
The female secretary snatched the contract away and turned to leave.
At the door, she stopped and said, “By the way, please leave immediately.”
Su Jie shook his head and walked out of the building.
Upstairs, the female secretary returned with the contract, her face full of disdain. “That kid is still too young. He has no idea what kind of opportunity he just lost.”
“What happened?” Liu Zihao had been chatting with Nie Shuang and respected her quite a bit. Seeing the secretary come up, Nie Shuang asked the question.
“That kid refused to sign the contract and left,” the female secretary said.
“Sigh…” Nie Shuang sighed. “What a waste of talent.”
“Forget it. There’s no shortage of talent out there.” Liu Zihao didn’t care at all. “He’s just a student with decent physical fitness. Why are you so fixated on him?”
“I suspect that he has undergone training from the godmaker Odell, which is why his physical abilities have improved so quickly. On top of that, he’s the only student in the academy who can endure Uncle Mang’s massage techniques. Right now, Uncle Mang is giving him acupuncture and electrical stimulation. You know, that electrical stimulation is used by the U.S. military to train super agents, yet he can withstand it. I’m really curious about his extraordinary willpower. Either Odell trained him using some special methods, or he has an unusual level of resilience,” Nie Shuang shared her suspicions.
“Oh?” Liu Zihao was intrigued. “Uncle Mang is a medical doctor and a computer science expert. He’s also highly skilled in martial arts. If not for that unfortunate incident, he wouldn’t have ended up at our academy. My father personally funds his research every year. I didn’t pay much attention to Su Jie before, but he actually has such strong willpower?”
“I wouldn’t recommend someone recklessly,” Nie Shuang said, waving her hand. “Don’t be fooled by the fact that he’s a student. He’s actually more capable than most adults. This contract of yours probably isn’t suitable for him.”
“No matter how talented a young person is, if they have the wrong personality, they’re difficult to manage. I want obedient actors, not troublemakers. The more talented someone like him is, the more likely they’ll turn against you in the future,” Liu Zihao said dismissively. “Ever since I returned from the Typhon training camp, I’ve realized that technology is the most important thing. With the right technology, even ordinary people can be trained into super soldiers.”
“I’ll try to convince this student first,” Nie Shuang said as she stood up and left.
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