Beyond his regular dayti training, Jason Luo continued to practice stance training and Penetrating Force Boxing Technique every night after returning ho. His father couldn’t help feeling a little heartache seeing how hard he was pushing himself.
“Jay, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take it slow—you’re only nineteen. There’ll be plenty of chances ahead. Success takes ti.”
His father’s words ward Jason’s heart. “Dad, I know. But right now, everything is critical. Every fight from here on out ans everything to . Tomio, David Morell, Carl—these three could decide my entire future! Once I make it through this year, I promise to spend so peaceful days with you and Grace.”
“I believe you can do it! But I also hope my son finds happiness. You’ve already been through enough hardship…”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m happy now. Just look—within a year, we’ve gone from poverty to stability, and we even have the ans to help others. Isn’t that great? I feel lucky and content.”
Henry Luo smiled softly. “You always have your own reasoning! All right then—go after your dreams while you’re young. At ho, Grace and I will always have your back. She’s been studying so hard, yet still makes ti to do your laundry. You’ve been a bit of a neglectful big brother lately.”
Jason chuckled. “Yeah, I haven’t paid her enough attention lately. I’ll go talk to her in a bit.”
“Forget it. Let her focus on studying. Oh, and Tony dropped by earlier today. Didn’t look too happy—wonder if he and Grace had an argunt.”
“Really? Haven’t seen that kid around lately. No idea what he’s been up to. I’ll give him a call tomorrow.”
Henry waved his hand. “It’s nothing serious. You just focus on your match. I’ll find ti to talk to him. If he really likes Grace, he shouldn’t be distracting her at a ti like this…”
After his father left, Jason shook his head slightly. He’d known for a while that Tony was pursuing Grace. But she was still young and focused on her college entrance exams. This wasn’t the ti for romantic drama. Once his upcoming fight was over, he’d have to talk to Tony about it properly…
...
Ti flew quickly. Four days had passed since the weigh-in with Tomio. Everything had been running smoothly—until a new issue arose.
A Japanese man nad Ishikawa Hidehisa called Mr. Rod, demanding that Jason clarify his position and threatening that if he didn’t respond with a clear answer and tiline, he would personally travel to Chicago to “seek guidance” from Jason Luo!
Jason’s temper flared the instant he heard it. What the hell was that supposed to an?
A request? More like a threat! He was in the middle of an important phase—who had ti for this nonsense?
“Honestly,” Jason told Mr. Rod, “I was even thinking about sparring with him when I had the ti. But this guy—acting all polite while being a complete scumbag underneath! Just refuse him outright. Tell him if he dares co to the States, he’ll face the legal consequences himself!”
Rod imdiately nodded. “Exactly! That’s the right way to deal with people like him. Forget that so-called bushido nonsense. If he causes you any trouble, call the police or contact imdiately. The company will make sure he pays for it.”
“Still…” Rod added, “it’s unlikely, but let give you a word of caution. So people can act unpredictably when their pride’s on the line. Just stay alert and keep your guard up.”
“Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be careful.”
...
Over the past few weeks, Jason had gradually adapted to his sparring partners’ techniques. In truth, all fighting styles shared the sa fundantals; they only worked if your opponent wasn’t ready for them.
That low-guard, double-fist style could still be read by watching shoulder movent closely. Jason didn’t plan on waiting defensively anyway—the opponent’s heavy punches weren’t too threatening. What mattered most was handling the lead jab and finding a way inside for a decisive counter.
Coach Brown had helped him develop multiple plans. Execution would depend on how things unfolded in the ring, but the core strategy was clear: abandon the conventional positional fight. Disrupt Tomio’s jab control with unconventional movent, close the distance, and unleash an overwhelming assault—never drag it into a stamina war.
...
They were set to leave for Los Angeles the next day. Mr. Rod believed the city’s strong fan base made it the perfect place to expand their influence, which would greatly benefit Jason’s long-term career.
Jason didn’t concern himself with those business matters. His career was tied to BX Promotions, and there were professionals to handle planning. He had no reason to split his focus.
Oddly enough, right at this crucial mont, Tony Huo suddenly invited him over for dinner. Jason didn’t think much of it—he’d been over plenty of tis before. Besides, he’d been wanting to talk to Tony anyway. The guy had been acting pretty mysterious lately. What was he up to?
That evening, Jason arrived at Tony’s ho, not far from his old rented apartnt. When he entered, he saw a full table of dishes—but Tony was alone.
“Huh? Where are your parents? Why are you here by yourself?”
“Ah, don’t ask. My uncle went back to Taiwan and left my little cousin here for my mom to take care of. The kid’s been bugging her every day to go to the amusent park, so they all went out with him.”
Jason laughed and sat down. “Won’t be long before your parents start pushing you to give them grandkids… And with all this food, how are we supposed to eat it all?”
Tony sighed. “You’re a big-ti boxing champ now. I can barely get you to show up for a al anymore.”
“Cut it out. When have I ever skipped a al at my place? It’s you I haven’t seen lately. What’s up—did you and Grace argue?”
“No, she’s been studying nonstop. I wouldn’t dare upset her. It’s just that with you away and her so busy, there’s not much point in visiting… Here, try my mom’s cooking.”
Jason took a big bite. “Don’t stress. Grace has a lot on her mind. You know she just t her biological dad. She’s even been avoiding lately. Give her ti to sort through it all—once exams are over, everything will settle down.”
Tony gave a bitter smile. “Let’s not talk about it. It’s frustrating. Feels like just yesterday we t at that little bar, and now you’re an Intercontinental Champion. Grace’s preparing for exams, and …”
“You’re doing fine too! I heard you’ve made so money lately. What kind of project is it? Co on, don’t tell you’re afraid I’ll steal your business?”
A flicker of pain crossed Tony’s face. “Nothing big. Soone introduced to a new project—thermal insulation materials. I put in a bit of money. Looks promising, but who knows with these things.”
Jason’s eyes widened. “That’s great! Keep at it, Tony. If you run into any trouble, just say the word. As long as you believe in it, I’ll back you all the way.”
Tony looked up. “Jason… you’d really help ?”
“What kind of question is that? Tony, I’ll never forget the days we worked together at the cargo yard. If it weren’t for you back then… Forget it. True friends are brothers for life!”
Tony was deeply moved. He opened his mouth to speak—but no words ca out.
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