Thump, thump, thump...
At the second branch of the 2003 Noodle Shop, Secretary Jin was making her rounds, holding a notebook and pondering, occasionally jotting down notes with a pen.
As she passed the office door, she heard a noise coming from inside and turned to glance at the clock hanging on the hall wall; it was already six in the evening.
At noon, Chen Xu had hung a punching bag in the office. He had been punching it for over an hour now, and the thumping sound hadn't stopped.
She thought for a moment, closed her notebook, and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Chen Xu's somewhat muffled voice, the barrage of punches continuing unabated.
She pushed the door open, stepped inside, and saw Chen Xu wearing a black tank top, landing a heavy punch on the bag and exhaling a long breath before finally stopping.
He was soaked in sweat, his tank top completely drenched. He grabbed a towel, wiped his face and hair, and asked, "What's up?"