Chapter 24: Reward?

Looking at the landlady standing outside the door, whose charm had not faded with time, he couldn’t help but recall Abin’s high school grades. They didn’t seem to be very impressive...

The landlady waved her hand and said, “Xiao He, are you even listening to me? It’s time to pay the rent.”

Shen He scratched his head. “Isn’t rent always due at the beginning of the month?”

The landlady frowned. “I have something to deal with this month, so the rent needs to be paid a few days in advance. Hurry up and renew it.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed the large “rice” character taped to one of the windows.

Pushing Shen He aside, she marched over to the window. Pointing at the tape, she demanded, “Xiao He, what on earth are you doing? Why have you put so much tape on the windows?”

As she spoke, she began to walk around the room, inspecting every corner. Nearly every window was marked with a large taped “rice” character.

Her anger erupted instantly.

“You know how hard it is to clean off tape? How am I supposed to rent this place out again? When people see this, they’ll try to lower the price. You need to give me an explanation for this.”

Shen He picked up the half-used roll of tape from the table and handed it to her.

“Here, the tape.”

The landlady’s chest heaved in frustration, reminding one of white waves cresting in the water. She snatched the tape away and stuffed it into her bag with a huff. “I’m telling you—today, you must clean up all this tape. Otherwise, I won’t be returning your deposit.”

Shen He pulled out his phone and transferred a month’s rent to her. “Alright, I’ll make sure it’s all cleaned up today.”

“And besides, didn’t the weather forecast mention a typhoon? I’m just being cautious, that’s all.”

The landlady couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. “We’re inland, you know? Do you even understand what that means? Typhoons don’t have that kind of power here. How did you even get into a top university with such poor geography?”

She glanced at her phone to confirm the rent had arrived, then headed out, muttering as she went, “Didn’t he say he was unemployed? Why is he so quick to pay up...”

Shen He pretended not to hear a word. He stepped outside, closed the door behind him, and went downstairs to hail a cab, heading straight for Galaxy New World.

He arrived at Li Ding’s Sanda training school.

There seemed to be more people than usual today, but since it was a workday, it wasn’t overly crowded. At least, Li Ding was free.

As soon as Li Ding saw Shen He, he greeted him, “You’re here, but not exactly early—it’s nearly ten.”

Shen He replied, “It’s fine. If I train until noon, it’ll be just in time for lunch.”

Li Ding nodded and led Shen He inside, taking him directly to the training room.

This was Li Ding’s private training room. Normally, even for one-on-one lessons, he wouldn’t use this space. So it was particularly quiet and free from interruption.

Li Ding asked, “What do you want to work on today? More forms and stance training, or do you want to spar?”

“Sparring,” Shen He replied.

His Sanda forms and stance work had been corrected by Li Ding, so mistakes were rare now. He could practice those on his own. Today, he’d come specifically to spar, to get a feel for real combat.

Li Ding nodded and began putting on his gear.

Shen He followed suit, preparing alongside him. When they were ready, they moved to the center, where thick mats cushioned the floor to minimize injury.

Li Ding said, “Alright, you take the offensive and I’ll defend. Let’s see how much you’ve picked up.”

“Oh, and go easy on the strength.”

“You’re a natural powerhouse—I can’t take too much.”

Shen He agreed and charged forward.

At first, Shen He simply attacked according to the Sanda forms Li Ding had taught him, using only thirty percent of his strength. He adjusted his moves in response to Li Ding’s counters, gradually shifting tactics.

Thirty minutes later, Li Ding jumped back, waving his hands. “Alright, that’s enough for today!”

He massaged his aching arms and thighs. Even at only thirty percent strength, Shen He packed a punch. Coupled with his speed, even Li Ding had to remain fully alert to keep up.

Catching his breath, Li Ding said, “It’s a loss for the country that you don’t compete.”

Shen He stretched and asked, “So, how’s my level now?”

Li Ding thought for a moment. “You’re better than most amateurs, but it’s not just because you’ve trained well—it’s your strength and speed. You still need to work on your technique, especially your transitions and combinations.”

Shen He nodded. Sparring had made him aware of some of the issues Li Ding mentioned. His body control still wasn’t quite there. He couldn’t let up on his stance work.

Li Ding said, “Next, keep practicing the forms. I’ll watch and correct you. Master the forms thoroughly, and with your potential, you’ll be on the verge of professional level.”

Shen He agreed, resting for just a few minutes before resuming Sanda form practice.

Li Ding stood by, occasionally offering guidance. Though Shen He’s movements were now precise, his skill and fluidity still needed work. There was still plenty to improve.

Near noon, Shen He finally stopped.

Li Ding, unable to help himself, rubbed his own head. “The speed at which you improve is honestly a little scary. Give it a few more months—your skills and proficiency might surpass mine, and with your strength and speed, you’d be the best Sanda fighter in Xiangxiang City.”

Shen He grinned. “You flatter me, coach. I have a long way to go.”

Li Ding laughed. “I’m not like my sister who exaggerates everything. I only speak the truth. Are you coming back this afternoon?”

As Shen He was about to reply, his phone rang.

He gestured for a moment, then stepped aside to answer.

A familiar voice came through the line. When he heard who it was, Shen He’s eyes widened.

“Captain Chen from the South City precinct?”

“The commendation for bravery has actually been approved?”

“Two-thirty this afternoon. Okay, I’ll be there. There’s a reward too?”

“Alright, I’ll come by this afternoon.”

“See you then.”

Not far behind him, Li Ding overheard parts of the conversation—“bravery,” “reward”—and couldn’t help but look puzzled.

Shen He hung up and walked back. “I probably won’t have time to train this afternoon. I have to go to the South City precinct.”

Li Ding didn’t mind. “No problem, I’ll just have the other students come in for class this afternoon. Going to the precinct, is something up…?”

“Nothing major. Did something good a couple of days ago, and the precinct is giving me a commendation for bravery.”

Li Ding immediately gave him a thumbs up. “Impressive.”