In the past few days, after getting to know Reches, Jason Luo had picked up a lot of useful information and gradually ca to terms with his own situation.
To most people, he was just a big, tough, thick-skinned guy with nothing else to offer. After checking his system panel, Jason Luo had to admit they weren’t wrong.
Looking at his attributes, his physical foundation wasn’t bad, but his Reaction was weak. His technical stats, however, were pitifully low. Starting from the bottom wasn’t the problem—the real issue was that Jason had no guidance. He didn’t have the training thods or the equipnt needed to develop his technical skills.
For now, all he could do was hamr away at the heavy bag to practice his Boxing Technique. Would it really take one or two years of training before he even qualified to spar with real opponents?
It wasn’t that Jason lacked perseverance, but he feared that if his father discovered he was working as a regular sparring partner, he would forbid him from continuing. After all, being soone’s human punching bag wasn’t exactly a respectable job…
His days passed in the sa simple routine. Once his stamina improved, the heavy labor at night beca slightly easier, which allowed him to just barely keep up with sparring the next day.
Though the loading job was grueling, it brought unexpected rewards. On the fifth day, his Strength increased slightly. On the ninth night, his stamina rose again, filling Jason with joy.
That second boost to stamina also helped him notice a pattern: attribute growth was tied to training intensity, and the further he progressed, the harder it beca.
From that perspective, putting his three free attribute points into his strongest stat made the most sense. But Jason wasn’t willing to do that. No matter how much punishnt he could take, it wouldn’t change his current predicant. He decided to save them until he figured out his path forward.
Just as Jason was getting used to this rhythm of life, Boeing suddenly announced the suspension of their dical supply transfers. Jason was left frustrated. Just three or four more days, and he would have had enough for his father’s dical bills. But now, at the worst possible mont, the work was cut off.
Seeing Jason’s frown, Tony Huo grinned and pulled out his pay, handing it over.
“Bro, this is all I’ve got. Take it for now. If it’s not enough, there’s nothing more I can do.”
A wave of warmth rushed through Jason.
“No, Tony, I can’t take this. This is your very first paycheck—your hard-earned money. How could I…”
Tony cut him off.
“Give it to Mr. Luo first. And it’s not like I’m giving it to you for free. You’ll pay back soday. When you beco a world champion, you’ll owe at least ten grand!”
He shoved the money into Jason’s pocket before he could resist.
That kind of brotherhood left Jason with no choice but to accept. Still, Tony’s words made him laugh bitterly.
“Champion? I can’t even get a sparring job right now. If I ever beco champion, I’ll buy you a villa instead!”
“Haha, now you’re talking! And it’s gotta co with a few hot foreign girls—perfect bodies, hanging out by the pool. That’s real enjoynt!”
Jason chuckled.
“With your build, wouldn’t they drain you dry?”
“Even then, I’d still go for it! Hahaha!”
...
Thanks to Tony’s help, Jason was nearly able to cover the dical expenses. Just a couple more days of sparring and he would have enough. Hope flared within him, giving him renewed energy.
Two days later, as soon as he collected his pay from Raul, Jason called Dr. Miao, his voice brimming with excitent.
“Hello, Dr. Miao, it’s Jason Luo. I’ve gathered the money for my father’s treatnt. Please give your address—I’ll bring it over right away!”
After getting the address, Jason rushed ho, grabbed the money and docunts, stuffed them into a bag, and ran out the door.
Dr. Miao lived in the northern part of the city, near Northwestern University and right by Lake Michigan—an area of real wealth. Jason rarely ca to places like this. Thankfully, Dr. Miao’s house was easy to find. Standing at the door, Jason hesitated, nerves gnawing at him, before finally pressing the doorbell.
A stylish young woman answered. Seeing Jason, she asked,
“Who are you looking for?”
Jason’s eyes lit up. He quickly pulled out Dr. Miao’s card.
“Oh, I’m here to see Dr. Miao. I just spoke with him on the phone.”
She glanced at the card, then at Jason, her tone tinged with impatience.
“Dad, soone’s here for you!”
Soon, David Miao walked out.
“Ah, Jason, you’re here! Co in. This is my daughter, Susan Miao. Susan, go pour our guest so tea.”
Jason was drenched in sweat from running. He quickly waved his hands.
“No, no, Dr. Miao, I won’t co in. The money and docunts are all here. Can I just hand them to you?”
“Hmm, I’ll handle the procedures for you. Once the admission date is set, I’ll let you know. Still, why not co in, sit for a bit, and have so tea?”
“No, thank you, Mr. Miao. You’ve already done so much for —I won’t trouble you further. I’ll wait for your call. Goodbye!”
...
Jason understood the gap between them. He and Dr. Miao lived in completely different worlds. The doctor was already helping out of kindness, and Jason didn’t dare expect anything more.
With his father’s treatnt finally arranged, Jason felt a weight lift off his shoulders. But the thought of being separated for three months left him uneasy. Over the years, though father and son rarely opened up to each other, they had always relied on one another. With his father gone, the loneliness would only deepen…
The next afternoon, Dr. Miao called again. The paperwork was finished, and the hospital could send a car anyti. Jason hung up and rushed ho. After dragging his drunken father out of the neighborhood, he phoned Dr. Miao.
The hospital car arrived quickly, with Dr. Miao himself coming along. After helping Jason load his father inside, he said,
“Jason, don’t worry. The University of Chicago dical Center is a governnt-designated facility. The welfare is excellent, and the dical standards are top-notch. Your father’s alcoholism will be cured. But during treatnt, no family or friends are allowed to visit. If you need anything, call . I’ll keep you updated on his condition.”
Jason nodded.
“I understand, Mr. Miao. Thank you so much for all your help.”
His face flushed as he pulled out the only two hundred dollars he had left.
“I… I only have this much. One day, I’ll…”
Dr. Miao paused, then gently pushed the money back.
“Jason, you’re a good kid. Of course, I could help more, but I’m a doctor. I’ve seen far too many cases like yours… I hope you can understand.”
Jason sprang up as if stung.
“Dr. Miao, I never thought that way! Without you, I’d be completely lost. You’re our family’s great benefactor—how could I think like that? Mr. Miao, I… I ought to kneel down and thank you!”
He dropped to his knees, but David Miao hurriedly pulled him up. The tall young man struggled so much that the old doctor broke out in a sweat trying to stop him.
“Take your money back. When your father’s discharged, make sure he gets proper nutrition. Years of drinking have drained his body, and you’ll need money for that. I’ll notify you in advance before he’s released.”
He returned the docunts, and Jason lingered at the car window for one last look at his father before Dr. Miao got in and drove away.
As he stood on the street watching the car disappear, Jason felt torn between relief, sadness, hope, and doubt. Would his father regain the will to live after giving up alcohol? And… would he agree to let his son continue as a boxing sparring partner?
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