It was no wonder Jason Luo complained—these two old men were merciless...
On the smooth wooden floor, Jason Luo lay face-up, hands and feet braced, waist arched. Sitting on his midsection was Brown, the ruddy-faced old man.
"Focus on the strength in your neck. Move forward slowly, then ease back. Yes, just like that... Fifty reps per set..."
After barely twenty reps, Jason Luo was already at his limit—his neck ached, his waist strained, and his legs shook!
Yet Brown, still sitting on him, said lazily, "I'm old now. Don't you dare drop me. If you do, you'll add another full set for every fall!"
Jason Luo quickly forced his sagging waist back up. Sweat streamed down his body, dripping into his nostrils and stinging his eyes...
Training was pure suffering, but Jason Luo never gave in. Maybe when his father was discharged from the hospital, he would leave the boxing ring forever. He might never again have the chance to train like this. He knew he might not always be able to keep walking this path, but he refused to leave regrets in his life.
He hoped that when his life finally ended, he could smile gently at fate: every chance you gave me, I never wasted a single one...
Two days flashed by!
Just before the end of his afternoon training, there was finally progress.
"Ding! Congratulations! After intense training, your Boxing Technique has improved. Boxing Technique attribute +1. Stamina has been effectively developed. Stamina attribute +1. Please check your stats."
It was so hard-earned!
Damn Boxing Technique—finally leveled up. Jason Luo happily claimed the two attribute points, his condition returning to peak form.
Pedro called him over and carefully checked his wound. "Much better than two days ago. If this match doesn't affect you, you should be fully healed before the next one."
"Tomorrow morning's match will be in Podiat. Rest well tonight and be in top shape. The first fight is critical. In these points-ranking matches, since the scoring system is used, your opponent will try to showcase all his skills. I want you to dominate him from the start, force the match into your rhythm. That's the only way to win while earning the judges' favor and a high score."
Jason Luo had long wanted to ask, "Coach, does winning faster mean a higher score?"
"That's an important factor, but not the whole picture. Combat awareness, ring control, technical level—all of these affect the score. But don't overthink it. Victory matters most. Win, and you're guaranteed at least three points. That's the key."
"Oh, I see. Got it."
Podiat.
The holy ground of Chicago boxing. This was Jason Luo's second time here. Last time, it was thanks to the wealthy Rebella that he had stepped into the ring as part of an exhibition match.
Who would have thought that just over a month later, he'd be fighting in the main event of the Golden Gloves Tournament? Returning here now, Jason Luo couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
But the points elimination stage was very different from what he'd imagined!
The central hall had been turned into eight rings—meaning eight matches happening at once.
The stands weren't crowded. Since this was only the ranking stage, with skill levels all over the place, the fights weren't especially entertaining, and few spectators came. With eight matches going on at once, the atmosphere was fragmented—fans cheered for their own fighters, and the hall was filled with scattered, chaotic noise...
Jason Luo waited in the pre-match area. Now that he was in the main tournament, things were more regulated. Tony and Brown had to sit in the stands, since only two team members were allowed with each fighter. Pedro naturally shoved Brown out of the spot.
In the waiting area, fighters from many countries prepared, each unsure who their opponent would be. Some posed for photos, others warmed up and stretched...
Dr. Miao and his friends had bought group tickets and were seated farther away. Jason Luo waved to them, and when they saw him, they immediately clapped, cheered, and gestured encouragement...
It felt incredible. Jason Luo found himself more and more unwilling to leave boxing behind, but...
He shook his head, forcing the thought away. If heaven insisted on taking his dream, then he would say goodbye with all his strength!
Jason Luo turned to Tony Huo. "Film the whole thing if you can. Make sure the quality's high. I want a copy as a keepsake..."
"Don't worry. The lighting here is great—way better than on the beach..." Tony Huo had no idea what Jason Luo was feeling inside.
Raul seemed to notice something. "Jason, don't be nervous. It's nothing big. Last time you handled a technical fighter really well. This time I believe you'll do even better. Come on!"
Jason Luo answered slowly but firmly, "Thank you, sir. Meeting you has been the greatest blessing of my life. I can't repay you equally, but I swear—every day I'm with you, I'll give everything I've got. I promise you, I'll win the next two matches!"
Raul frowned. That answer puzzled him. What's going on with this kid?
Just then, a staff member jogged over, glanced at his clipboard, and shouted into the waiting area, "Jason Luo, Joseph! Ring 6 is ready. Are you prepared? Bring your coaches and follow me!"
Jason Luo and Joseph stepped out. After confirming their identities, the staff led them toward Ring 6.
Jason Luo glanced at Joseph beside him, paying close attention to his lead-hand punch. Sure enough, the man's left forearm muscles were more developed, just like the scouting report said.
Joseph noticed Jason Luo's look. Seeing how young he was, Joseph smiled slightly and spoke first. "I'm an old hand in the ring. The reports say you're in excellent condition. I want to see just how strong you are."
Joseph's friendly attitude surprised Jason Luo. "Senior, your lead-hand punch was emphasized in the reports too. I've never faced someone like you before. I really want to see it for myself."
Joseph raised his left fist. "I'll give it my all. You do the same. A fight where both sides go all out—I think that's real enjoyment."
Jason Luo couldn't agree more, and the words eased his nerves. "Senior, you said it perfectly. I feel the same. Let's go all out—together—for the dreams in our hearts!"