NOVEL NEXT 241 Unexpected Encounters
Three hours had danced away since Long Tian and Liang Zhi stepped into the vibrant heart of Suisei Pavilion. The air remained electric, pulsating with the rhythm of the music that refused to wane even as the clock struck midnight.
In this moment, Long Tian's fists clenched with determination, his gaze casually fixed on a boxing machine standing before him. With fluid ease, he unleashed a resounding punch, the impact echoing through the lively space. The numbers on the display spun in response to the force.
As the digits settled at 5342 pounds, a collective gasp filled the air. Liang Zhi, Su Zhe, and the others stared in astonishment. Even onlookers couldn't help but share the surprise at the impressive display of strength.
A hushed pause lingered, and then Long Tian nonchalantly broke the silence, "Oh, that's much lower than my usual punches. Seems like I've been influenced by the liquor," his words flowed casually, accompanied by a faint smile.
Shaking their heads in disbelief, Liang Zhi and the others contemplated the absurdity of Long Tian considering 5342 pounds a modest result.
"Sheesh, looks like you'll pass the survival competition this year, Long Tian," Su Zhe remarked with a mix of admiration and amazement.
"Yeah, only three students passed in my school," Long Tian responded, his nonchalance contrasting with the impressive feat.
Meanwhile, Chou Yun and Jiao Tan radiated enthusiasm on the other side. (f)ree
"I'm confident I can surpass 3000 pounds!" Chou Yun declared with unwavering determination.
"Hey, it's my turn!" Jiao Tan urged eagerly.
Long Tian observed the two with a simple smile, gracefully stepping aside to give them the room to showcase their strength.
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As time flowed in Suisei Pavilion's vibrant ambiance, Long Tian and Liang Zhi found themselves seated at the bar, savoring drinks after a night filled with excitement.
In a swift gulp, Liang Zhi emptied a glass of beer, showing no signs of intoxication; he maintained perfect composure.
His gaze shifted towards Long Tian. "By the way, do you have any plans for after graduation?" he asked casually, leaning back with both hands gracefully resting on the table behind him.
Long Tian, taking a sip from his beer bottle, replied, "Well, I'm heading to Xuantian Academy. How about you?" he inquired.
"It seems I'll be going to the Roman Empire, to Mountain Peak Academy, to be precise. For some time, I'll be unemployed since, unfortunately, I didn't qualify for the survival competition this year," Liang Zhi shared, a bitter smile adorning his face.
Long Tian simply nodded, "The test is indeed strict and challenging. I can understand, especially coming from a martial arts high school like yours. What's its name?" he asked.
"Longgu High School," Liang Zhi responded.
"Ah, yes, I forgot," Long Tian nodded and smiled, then took another sip from his beer bottle.
Liang Zhi also smiled. Their conversation continued, accompanied by the ambient sounds and the occasional clinking of glasses in the lively pavilion.
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"Hey, see those women? They're genuine lonely milfs. I'm sure some of them came here to find young men," Liang Zhi exclaimed, grinning as he pointed to another area where five older women engaged in lively conversation on a sofa.
Long Tian shifted his gaze to the women and then back to Liang Zhi, asking playfully, "What's your game plan?"
Liang Zhi grinned broadly, rising from his seat. "Let me show you how a master works," he declared, his tone oozing with confidence.
Without awaiting Long Tian's response, he strolled toward the group of women.
Long Tian simply smiled and shook his head. While he had plenty of friends, only a handful possessed Liang Zhi's audacity when it came to approaching women.
He took another swig of his beer, realizing the bottle was now empty. Glancing at the bartender, currently crafting various drinks, he casually requested, "Give me a shot."
"Right away, sir," the bartender responded courteously, swiftly preparing Long Tian's order.
As he waited, Long Tian turned his barstool to observe Liang Zhi engaging with the women.
However, Long Tian's attention sharpened when he noticed one woman, her appearance strikingly familiar even from a distance, especially with her blonde hair.
Standing up, Long Tian, almost instinctively, walked toward them, inspecting more closely. The woman faced forward, revealing only her back. Yet, even from this angle, she exuded a sense of familiarity.
With little hesitation, Long Tian continued to approach until he stood remarkably close.
Liang Zhi, engrossed in conversation, caught sight of Long Tian's arrival and promptly waved him over. "Hey, Long Tian, want to join?" he offered with an enthusiastic grin.
The attention of the five women shifted toward the newcomer.
A woman in her forties, exuding both beauty and charm, smiled warmly. "Oh, is that your friend? You bragged about your looks earlier, but truthfully, he's more handsome than you," she teased, glancing teasingly at Liang Zhi.
Liang Zhi, feeling a bit embarrassed, scratched his head. He willingly admitted his inferiority to Long Tian in the looks department.
Long Tian, momentarily taken aback, observed the blonde-haired woman before him. The face was undeniably familiar yet uniquely unfamiliar—Alexia Qian, Liu Qian's mother.
A sense of bewilderment crossed his features. Alexia bore a striking resemblance to Liu Qian, emanating elegance and beauty. It was akin to encountering a mature version of her daughter.
In response, Alexia squinted her eyes as she locked gazes with Long Tian.
"What brings you here, Long Tian? Trying to work your charm like your friend?" she inquired, a hint of suspicion lacing her tone.
"Me? Of course not. I'm here to take him home. Let's go, Liang Zhi," Long Tian responded, directing his gaze toward Liang Zhi.
"What? Come on, brother, we can stay here until morning," Liang Zhi swiftly countered.
"It's already too late; let's go home," Long Tian insisted.
Liang Zhi appeared hesitant, and just as he was about to respond, Alexia unexpectedly interjected.
"You can leave your friend here. How about we go home together? I happen to want to leave now too," she offered, a gracious smile playing on her lips.
"Huh? Are you sure?" Long Tian inquired.
"Of course, besides, I also want to have a chat with you, Long Tian," Alexia responded, her smile persisting.
Long Tian fell silent for a moment, clearly taken aback by Alexia's unexpected invitation.
In this moment, Liang Zhi rose from his seat. "You can go now if you want, brother. I'll be here, and take your time," he said with an expansive grin.
Long Tian hesitated briefly, then nodded in agreement, "Alright."
Alexia smiled, gracefully standing up and ensuring she had her purse in hand.
One of her friends couldn't resist a teasing remark, "Cough, it seems someone will have a fun night," said in a playful tone.
Alexia simply smiled, responding, "There's nothing wrong with having a chat with my daughter's boyfriend."
Upon hearing this, surprise painted the faces of everyone present, including Liang Zhi. Without waiting for further reactions, Alexia promptly left the venue with Long Tian.