Determination

“Bah, what nonsense!” Du Ruo casually searched for a few highlights of Sanda matches, barely glanced at his phone before shutting it off in disgust and cursing as he turned into the house to sleep.

The reason was obvious to him the moment he saw the competitors in Sanda matches wearing electronic protective gear. If those so-called masters had already ruined traditional martial arts, then electronic protectors had all but destroyed Sanda.

What are electronic protectors? They’re gear worn over the abdomen and head, each fitted with a sensor. Whenever a blow lands, the electronic scoreboard behind records the points. Victory is determined solely by the final score.

This means there’s no need to train for power, nor even for physical fitness. In competitions, one could simply charge recklessly at the opponent and rain down a flurry of quick punches on their chest. If you’re fast enough, your points soar, and you win. Of course, this is an exaggeration, but it reflects a truth: with electronic protectors, Sanda has become a child’s game. Not only city-level matches, but even higher-level competitions have become a laughingstock.

That’s why Du Ruo cursed; though, of course, not everyone who practices Sanda is like that man—he just happens to be a beneficiary of the electronic era.

...

“He’s gone. Boss Du seemed pretty ruthless just now. I used to think his boxing looked good, but I didn’t expect him to be this strong.”

On the second floor of the tavern, Xiang Yuanyuan and Li Qiyao leaned by the window, watching Du Ruo’s handling of the situation. They hadn’t expected him to be so formidable—just one move, and the man was sent flying. Xiang Yuanyuan was flushed with excitement, even more so than if she’d gone down and beaten the man herself.

Li Qiyao let out a long breath, her brows finally relaxing. She said nothing, just stared into the darkness at the man’s retreating figure, lost in thought.

“Qiqi, you’re not still thinking about that guy, are you?” Xiang Yuanyuan asked, sensing her friend’s mood.

“How could I? What’s there to think about with a scumbag like that? I used to feel a little sad, but after these past two years, I’m utterly disappointed. I wish he’d just drop dead.”

“Then what are you hesitating for? I checked with the lawyer just now—what Boss Du suggested is entirely doable, and you have to go through with it. The more you back down, the more shameless he’ll become.”

“I… I’m just a little worried…”

“What are you afraid of? Didn’t you say you even had the courage to end your life? If you can do that, why not fight back? What more could he possibly do? What’s holding you back? Do you really want a scumbag like him to keep getting away with it? What about your parents? How do you think they feel?”

Xiang Yuanyuan was exasperated. She hadn’t known Li Qiyao for long, but they had quickly become close after she helped her with a small matter. From their conversations, she’d learned all about Li Qiyao’s troubles. As Du Ruo had said, some things had to be handled personally; no one else could help.

Now that Du Ruo had told her what to do, she was surprised that Li Qiyao still hesitated.

“…Alright, I’ll go back tomorrow.”

Mentioning her parents made Li Qiyao’s heart ache. Just a few days ago, she’d returned home to find her mother in tears and her elderly father sharpening a knife. It was her fear that he might do something rash that had sent her out here to clear her head.

Thinking of her parents, she realized she couldn’t go on like this. She finally made up her mind.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Xiang Yuanyuan asked, worried.

“No need. It’s better if I go alone. Don’t worry, Yuanyuan, I can handle it. I promise.”

Don’t mistake her softness for stupidity—she was simply gentle and used to enduring things on her own. But once she set her mind, there was nothing she wouldn’t dare to do.

...

The next morning, Du Ruo practiced with the tiger-mouth staff and did some adhesive training for an hour, then continued with hidden weapons. Last night’s events didn’t weigh on him at all.

After his morning routine, he unexpectedly received a message from Li Qiyao: she’d gone home overnight, taken the blueprints with her, and would send Du Ruo the updated electronic version once she’d made the necessary changes. She also promised that as soon as she arrived, she’d have her father go to the blacksmith and help Du Ruo forge the Coiling Dragon Thread.

Du Ruo didn’t pry further. He simply replied, “Wishing you all the best.”

The rest was not his concern, nor was it his place to decide. Still, the fact that she left straight away instead of hiding in the village spoke volumes about her resolve.

Later that morning, Du Ruo returned to the house he was renting. This time, Yang Chenguang was there as well.

“Here’s the contract. One thousand a month. After you sign, there’s an account number on it—just transfer twelve thousand in one go,” Yang Chenguang said, after everything was arranged, handing Du Ruo the contract as they sat in the courtyard.

He didn’t mention anything about the previous night, acting as if nothing had happened and not bothering to ask about the outcome. Since nothing happened to Du Ruo and no one had called him in for questioning, all was well.

“Alright, I’ll transfer it now.”

Du Ruo skimmed through the contract, signed his name, and immediately transferred the twelve thousand to the account. As for a deposit, that was unnecessary.

“That’s done, then. I’m off—need to make a round of the village and then stream in the afternoon. No time to chat. Once the other party signs, I’ll mail you back your copy in a couple of days.”

With that, Yang Chenguang took the contract and left without further ado.

“Come over for a drink tonight,” Du Ruo called after him.

“Sure thing.”

Watching Yang Chenguang walk away, Du Ruo gazed around the freshly tidied courtyard, satisfaction plain on his face.

“Boss Du, we’re real neighbors from now on. Mind if I come over tonight too? You can put it on my tab,” a voice called from the tavern’s second-floor balcony—it was Xiang Yuanyuan, leaning with both hands on the railing, for once without a drink in hand.

“Not at all, you’re welcome any time,” Du Ruo replied with a smile. He got up, preparing to move his things from the guesthouse next door into the house. If he moved now, had the cleaning lady tidy up, and listed it online, he could start making money right away.

…

But as soon as Du Ruo stood, a wave of dizziness swept over him. His vision darkened and a familiar sensation surged through him. He quickly braced himself on the table, staying still, and instinctively summoned his panel.

“Boss Du, are you alright?” Xiang Yuanyuan called down from the balcony, having seen the whole thing.

“I’m fine,” Du Ruo waved her off. The discomfort vanished as suddenly as it came, and his status panel showed nothing unusual.

Only Du Ruo knew what had just happened. Frowning thoughtfully, he headed toward the guesthouse, turning the matter over in his mind.