Mr. Brown then explained to Jason Luo the three fundamental principles of basic Boxing Technique in detail.
The straight punch must be fast. At medium to long range, when using a straight punch, the opponent can often predict and evade, even countering in time. That's why the punch must be launched quickly, and the retraction must be even faster. Returning the fist in time to defend is essential—otherwise, you leave too many openings.
The hook must be fierce. When throwing a hook, fighters are usually at medium to close range. The strike must be delivered with overwhelming force, creating pressure that forces the opponent to defend or retreat. Though its accuracy isn't high, the threat it poses is immense and can easily disrupt an opponent's balance.
The body hook must penetrate. At close range, when trading hooks to the body, the target is usually the abdomen and ribs. To cause real damage to the opponent's organs, you must deliver penetrating force.
The uppercut, aimed at the jaw, is considered the ultimate finishing blow, but it carries too many openings. Unless you're absolutely sure, it should be used cautiously...
Jason Luo nodded repeatedly, carefully committing these practical tips to memory. Still, he couldn't stop thinking about power generation. "Mr. Brown, then how do you generate power properly and scientifically?"
Brown smiled, his eyes narrowing. "You've only been here two days, kid, and you're already trying to squeeze me dry? Power generation isn't that easy to master. You're not ready yet. For one, your muscle groups aren't fully adjusted—forcing it now could cause strains. For another, your stamina reserves are too low. Once you learn power generation, every punch will demand your entire body, channeling all your muscles into full-force strikes. The stamina drain will be huge. How many punches do you think you could throw like that right now?"
Jason Luo understood. "So if I upgrade my weapon now, my logistics can't keep up?"
Brown looked pleased. "Exactly. Well put. That's a vivid way to put it. And if some of your muscles aren't adjusted, it's like having damaged bridges in your transport network—you can't rush this."
Jason Luo lowered his head helplessly. "Understood, sir. I'll leave the muscle adjustments to you. As for stamina, I'll find a way to improve it quickly. I have to master power generation before the tournament."
"Good. Goals bring motivation. Now, let's start correcting your sacrospinalis. This muscle runs along the spine—it's vital for force transmission..."
...
Before training in boxing, Jason Luo never imagined the sport could be this deep. The depth of knowledge involved was staggering, and every piece of guidance from the veterans reshaped his understanding.
Muscle training was tough and monotonous, while muscle correction often brought sharp pain. Yet Jason Luo gritted his teeth and endured. Luckily, the pain didn't last long. Time flew by in the intensity of training, and when Brown finally called it to an end, Jason Luo suddenly remembered he'd promised someone he would work that night.
Leaving Brown's place, Jason Luo rushed straight to the cargo yard.
After asking around, he finally found the man Tony had mentioned.
"Oh, so you're the kid Tony sent? Next time, come earlier. The job's simple—just unload goods from the containers and load them into the trucks. Pay is based on how much you move. Only one rule: handle with care. If you damage anything, you pay for it."
Jason Luo followed his gesture. A group of people were hauling goods from containers into waiting trucks. A line of mini box trucks was parked, each leaving once filled.
"Got it. I'll definitely come earlier tomorrow. I'll start now."
"Go ahead. Work fast. The yard closes at 10:30. We'll settle up then."
"Alright! Thanks!"
Jason Luo hurried to a container and began loading an empty truck. The cargo was a mix of large and small items. Unlike the others, he went straight for the big ones. Instead of carrying them on his shoulder, he lifted them overhead, pressing them up and down as he walked. His unusual method drew curious stares.
He didn't care. He was here mainly to build his Stamina. Just carrying things normally wouldn't have the same effect.
After two trips, Jason Luo spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. That person looked so much like Grace!
Not daring to rush over, he waited a moment. When she came back carrying a small load, he finally got a clear look—it really was her!
"Grace! What are you doing here?" Jason Luo ran over immediately.
But Grace recoiled, cautious and defensive. "You... who are you? I don't know you. How do you know my name?"
"It's me, Jason Luo. Don't you remember? Back in the Chinatown restaurant, when you spilled soup on us? The next time we went back, you were already gone..."
"Oh—it's you! But you look different. I didn't recognize you at first." Grace finally let down her guard.
"I look different?" Jason Luo touched his face, puzzled.
Grace's cheeks reddened as she gave a small laugh. "Your face is the same, but your body's different. You're taller, and... stronger."
True enough. With his Robust Build and Agile Physique, his body had changed noticeably. Still, Jason Luo couldn't help but ask, "But why are you doing this kind of work?"
Grace lowered her head. "Jason... don't ask. We have to finish quickly. The yard closes at 10:30. Let's talk afterward." With that, she picked up a load and walked off.
"You..." Jason Luo wanted to follow, but the looks from the others around him made him stop. He decided to wait until the work was over.
Once he had seen Grace, he found it hard to focus. He kept an eye on her as she worked. She could only manage small items, and her truck was filling slowly. The driver was getting impatient, honking from time to time.
Seeing this, Jason Luo used the moment while Grace was away to load the bigger pieces into her truck. Climbing up to the window, he told the driver, "Don't worry, sir. I'll get you loaded right away."
But when Grace returned and saw the bulky cargo, she immediately realized what had happened. She stopped Jason Luo as he lifted another load. "You don't need to help me. I can do it myself."
Her flushed face carried a look of stubborn determination. Jason Luo smiled. "Not every driver's this impatient. Let's just get him on his way first." He started loading again.
This time, Grace grew urgent. She glanced around nervously. "If you keep this up, I'll get angry. I know you're trying to help, but... I want to rely on myself."
Her eyes were so firm that Jason Luo softened. "Alright... fine. I won't help."
Once he stepped back, Grace began jogging to speed up. Soon she was sweating heavily, her damp hair sticking to her cheeks. She brushed it aside, but the sweat mixed with dust, smudging her pretty face until she looked like a mischievous kitten.
With effort, she finally finished loading her truck. The driver sped off, only for a new empty truck to pull in.
Grace, having finished one load, seemed to regain her pride. Noticing Jason Luo glancing her way, she lifted her chin slightly, as if declaring victory.
Jason Luo exaggerated his expression, giving her a dramatic look of admiration and a big thumbs-up...
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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