Chapter 7: First Date (2) - The Gym

An Xiaoning, getting off the car, looked at the words "MAC Boxing Gym" and fell silent. For a moment, he didn't know how to react. Initially, he had thought Yi Xiangshui would choose a place like a playground for a date, but it turned out to be a boxing gym.

"Is it to cheer him on and give him encouragement?" An Xiaoning muttered to himself.

"Don't stand there, let's go. The coach is waiting for us," Yi Xiangui pulled An Xiaoning's hand and led he into the boxing gym.

As Yi Xiang came into view, a sexy and gentle front desk lady approached.

"Ms. Yi, you've arrived." The receptionist's gaze was entirely focused on Yi Xiangsu, occasionally glancing at her as she spoke, completely ignoring An Xiaoning beside her. "Coach Qin is already waiting in the training room for you. You can proceed once you've changed your clothes."

Yi gently retreated without leaving any trace, avoiding the receptionist's approach, "Alright, I understand. Please prepare another suitable outfit for Xiao Ning and deliver it to the resting room."

"Very well... Mr. Yi, it's settled." The receptionist immediately replied, "I'll prepare it for you right away. Please wait a moment in the lounge."

After saying that, without caring about the curious gaze of the little lady at the front desk, they led An Xiaoning towards the lounge.

Xiao Ning noticed the intense, piercing gaze of the pretty receptionist that seemed to see right through her, causing her to feel somewhat at a loss. She turned around with a slight smile, trying to convey that she had no ill intentions.

The result... was that the front desk little lady, thinking it was a display of boasting, glared at An Xiaoning with a fierce look.

A small Ning's body stiffened, "Well, if you must misinterpret my meaning, there's nothing I can do about it."

In the lounge, Yi Xiangsu gestured for An Xiaoning to sit wherever she liked, while he took off his suit jacket, unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his abdominal muscles, clearly defined back, and that part that cannot be described.

As An Xiaoning's ears turned red, her eyes darted around, unsure of where to look.

"Can't tell, Yi Xiangsu's figure is quite good. It doesn't seem like someone who spends a lot of time in an office." An Xiaoning was chatting in her mind with Bola.

"That's right, my first requirement for my strategy target is good physique and good skills." Bouncy proudly licked his paws.

Looking at An Xiaoning's shy appearance, Yi Xiangsu let out a gentle laugh, "What do you think, satisfied with what you've seen? Alright, I won't tease you anymore, help me fetch the boxing gloves hanging behind the door."

An Xiaoning helped Yi Xiangshui to put on the gloves, and then there was a knock on the door. "Mr. Yi, the young master's clothes are ready."

Ann Xiaoning changed into sports attire, and Yi Xiangsu equipped his with boxing gloves.

"Ah? I'm also supposed to box?" An Xiaoning scratched his head, slightly embarrassed, "But I can't."

"Relax, there will be a coach guiding you through the practice," Yi Xiangshui said. "And you won't really be sparring with anyone. What are you thinking?"

"This is Coach Qin, who will teach you boxing." Yi Xiangsu introduced An Xiaoning to the coach, "This is my little Ning. He hasn't learned boxing, and hasn't done any exercise, even sports, recently. Just guide him through some basic exercises. I'll be practicing alongside the sparring partner on the field next to you, so if you need anything, just call me over."

"Coach well." An Xiaoning, by Xiao Su's side, looked obedient and delicate.

Coach Qin was also experiencing this for the first time with a student who looked so delicate, so he could only speak as gently as possible to An Xiaoning, saying, "Hello, hello. Then let's start practicing right away."

Aning Xiaoning stood in front of the sandbags, his breathing labored. Each punch he threw seemed clumsy, and his arms felt heavy, as if each strike carried an invisible burden.

His gaze, without conscious effort, was drawn to the sparring between Yi Xiangsu and the training partner, their movements smooth and full of power, each strike leaving a trail of force in the air.

The coach's voice interrupted An Xiaoning's trance, and with encouragement in his words, he said, "If you're willing to practice, you can also reach that level."

A force stirred within An Xiaoning's heart. He took a deep breath, adjusted his gloves, and then began to practice punching with earnestness.

As time passed, An Xiaoning's movements grew increasingly powerful. Each punch he threw landed heavily on the sandbag, the pain in his hands seeming to mirror the anguish in his heart. With each strike, he exerted more force than before. The sandbag swayed with the impact of his fists, the sound of his punches echoing in the room and catching Yi Xiangshui's attention.

Yi Xiangui stopped his combat, turned his head, and looked at An Xiaoning. He saw the determination and release in An Xiaoning's eyes, and observed the full commitment in every punch he threw. A slight smile appeared on Yi Xiangui's lips; he knew that An Xiaoning had begun to understand his intentions, and he was expressing his negative emotions through this method.

The coach, seeing An Xiaoning's condition, worried about the possibility of an injury and was about to step forward to prevent it. But Yi Xiangsu indicated with a glance not to interfere. He knew that An Xiaoning needed this opportunity, needed this space to fully release himself. Yi Xiangsu stood quietly on the side, providing An Xiaoning with ample support and respect.

An Xiaoning's breathing became increasingly rapid, his physical strength rapidly depleting, yet he did not stop. His heart was filled with sorrow and anger, and now, he found a way to confront them. His fists, like his emotions, were fierce and direct, each strike a challenge to his inner self.

Finally, An Xiaoning's physical strength reached its limit. He stopped his actions, gasping for breath. Although his body was exhausted, he felt an unprecedented sense of relief in his heart. He turned his head, looking at Yi Xiangsu, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Yi Xiangshui," An Xiaoning's voice, though hoarse, was filled with sincerity, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to vent in this way."

Yi Xiangsu walked forward and gently patted An Xiaoning's shoulder. "You've done well," his voice was gentle and firm, "Remember, no matter when, you don't have to face everything alone. Your feelings can be expressed in many ways, boxing is just one of them."

Aning nodded, his heart filled with gratitude. He realized that from this moment on, Yi Xiangsu was not only his benefactor, but also his friend and mentor. Their relationship had changed, thanks to this experience.