In this challenge match, Jason Luo gained a total of nine Attribute Points from his opponent: Footwork +2, Punch Speed +2, Stamina +1, Boxing Technique +1, Reaction +1, and Coordination +2.
But more importantly, Jason found a renewed sense of optimism. Sometimes, if you just changed your perspective, everything could look completely different...
...
In a second-floor VIP box, Tutkason stood by the window, watching the victorious Jason Luo with a faint smile. "Interesting. This kid's improving fast."
Charmu quickly stepped forward. "Rest assured, Sir. I've already made the arrangements. I'll make sure you get your revenge."
Tutkason waved him off. "No, not today. Think, Charmu—this kid just won his match. People are watching him right now, and we can't afford reckless moves. Keep him under surveillance. Track his schedule and wait for the right opportunity. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir. You're absolutely right. I'll adjust the plan immediately."
...
Although he'd won, Jason Luo wasn't satisfied. The whole fight had felt like a farce—there was no real display of skill or strategy. It was frustrating, especially since Las Vegas wasn't a stage one could just walk onto casually.
When Rod heard his thoughts, he smiled. "Don't worry, Jason. Sometimes a loss in form can still be a win in meaning. What matters is you came out victorious—that's enough. Keep your focus on training. We'll handle the rest. The company's thrilled with your progress. They've decided to increase your appearance fee. You're already earning quite well per fight."
That last part instantly lifted Jason's spirits. "Oh, thank you so much! So... how much is it now?"
Money was something everyone liked. Jason remembered that his previous fights had earned him about $7,000 each. He couldn't help wondering what the new rate would be.
Mr. Rod smiled and raised two fingers. Jason blinked in disbelief. "Twenty thousand?"
Rod nodded lightly. Jason leapt to his feet. "Let's go! Coach, dinner's on me tonight!"
The locker room erupted in laughter.
In truth, $20,000 was nothing remarkable in the world of professional boxing. But for Jason, it felt like a major milestone.
He was still rising fast, fighting nearly two matches a month. With victory bonuses and sponsorships added in, his monthly income was now reaching sixty to seventy thousand dollars.
The feeling of earning in a single month what others made in a year was exhilarating...
...
After returning to Chicago from Las Vegas, Jason rested for one night. At dinner, he deliberately presented a Rolex watch to his father in front of Grace.
Henry Luo was delighted to receive his son's gift, but when he noticed Jason had brought only one present, he couldn't hide his surprise. He didn't say anything—just shot his son a meaningful look.
Jason glanced at Grace, pretending to be remorseful. "Oh no! Coach Brown rushed me back to training—I completely forgot to buy Grace a gift. I'm such an idiot!"
Grace twirled her noodles with her chopsticks. "It's fine, Jay. I don't need anything. You shouldn't waste money on me anyway."
Though she said that, both father and son noticed her lips curving upward just a little more than usual. Henry gave Jason a discreet kick under the table. "You forgot your sister's gift? Then I don't want this watch either. Keep it for yourself."
Jason could only give a wry smile. Damn, my status in this family!
He quickly pulled a beautifully wrapped jewelry box from his pocket. "Come on, Dad, you really think I'm that kind of person? Even running for my flight, I made sure to get something for my dear little sister. Let's see if she likes it."
Grace's eyes widened. "Wait... this is for me?"
Jason nodded with a grin. "Go ahead, open it. Took me a long time to pick it out."
Grace gently peeled away the wrapping. When she lifted the lid, a pink gemstone ring gleamed brilliantly inside. "Oh! It's so beautiful... but—it must've cost a fortune! No, it's too expensive, I can't accept it!"
Henry laughed when he saw what it was. "You rascal, you actually have good taste this time. Come on, put it on her! The color suits her perfectly."
Jason slipped the ring onto Grace's index finger. Her face flushed red—clearly she loved it—but she still mumbled, "Jay, maybe we should return it... it's really too expensive..."
Jason chuckled. "If you want to return it, you can go ahead—but Las Vegas is pretty far, and plane tickets aren't cheap, silly! I make twenty grand just for showing up in a match now. Just take it. Tomorrow we're going to Princeton for the day—have some fun!"
Grace glanced at the ring, then at her family, and finally nodded, unable to hide her smile. "Thank you, Jay. I love it. I'm so happy!"
Father and son both laughed heartily. In that moment, Jason felt every penny had been worth it.
...
That night, Jason sent a message to Catherine, telling her he'd be in Princeton the next day. He wanted to explain things face to face. In truth, that was the main reason he insisted on bringing Grace—there was no way he was meeting that group of crazy girls alone again.
Soon after, Catherine called back. She asked for his flight details and said she'd meet him personally at the airport. Jason thought for a moment and agreed. With Grace there, it should help clear up any misunderstandings.
The next morning, the siblings boarded an early flight to Princeton. During the trip, Jason told Grace the whole embarrassing story of what had happened there before, making her laugh so hard she nearly cried.
"Bro, you actually got ambushed by girls? That's priceless!"
Jason rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Stop laughing. I'm asking for advice here. I'll be seeing her the moment we land—what should I do?"
"Well... I don't really have experience in this stuff. If she likes you, it's up to how you handle it."
"Honestly," she added with a grin, "Catherine sounds like a great girl. Smart, athletic, studying at a top university—you could do worse. What's the problem?"
Jason hesitated. "But we live so far apart... and she's not the same background as us. Dad would—"
"Oh, that's true," Grace interrupted. "Well, you'll have to figure that out yourself. I can't help you there."
Jason sighed. "Fine. I'll just see how it goes. Worst case, we'll just stay friends. My life's been too dull anyway—it's time to have at least one memorable chapter in my youth."
After landing, they collected their luggage and walked out of the airport, looking around for quite some time—but Catherine was nowhere in sight. Jason finally pulled out his phone to call her.
What he didn't know was that, just around the corner, Catherine was hiding with over a dozen of her female rugby teammates, watching him.
Jennifer hissed, "Unbelievable! He brought another girl to meet you, Catherine! Let's go—he's getting a serious lesson today!"
Catherine frowned. "No, wait. He swore he didn't have a girlfriend. Let's stick to the plan. Stay put until I give the signal."
"Fine—but hurry up!"
At that moment, Catherine's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, then quickly started running toward Jason Luo.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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