After the scandal involving him and Emma Watson broke out, Emma’s aunt, Ms. Irene, held a press conference to clarify the situation. She stated that the two were good friends and getting to know each other, but they were not currently in a relationship. Whether they would date in the future depended on their feelings, and the agency wouldn’t interfere. If they did confirm their relationship, they would inform the media and fans in due time.
At the press conference, Irene thanked the media for their attention and concern for Emma and proactively discussed Emma's new movie, *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, providing ample material for the reporters. Emma handled the situation gracefully, satisfying the journalists' curiosity.
On Link’s side, he did not appear in person but had Robinson hold a small press conference downstairs at the boxing gym. Robinson stated that Link had been summoned by the sports committee and was busy preparing for the Olympic qualifiers in early next month, leaving him no time to entertain reporters. Regarding the rumors, Robinson claimed to be unaware and offered no comment.
With both parties not publicly acknowledging the relationship, the media had no new material to exploit and thus had to drop the topic. The scandal gradually subsided as the media shifted their focus to the news of Anne Hathaway's boyfriend being arrested for fraud.
The scandal had two major impacts on Link:
1. Taylor called more frequently, averaging one call a day, either in the morning or evening, to inquire about his training and competition, and to chat about her recording studio work and her new songs and albums. It felt as though they were dating.
2. His dates with Emma became more discreet, mostly occurring at night, in private hotels, in the countryside, or on deserted islands. While not as comfortable as dating in a cozy room, these outings were filled with fresh excitement and stimulation.
Despite juggling two women, Link’s training never faltered. Every day, he woke up and engaged in running, jump rope, sea swimming, sit-ups, weightlifting, and boxing. Training was his sole focus, and he was tireless in his efforts.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
In the brightly lit boxing gym, a dozen boxing apprentices practiced their punching techniques on punch bags, shouting with each strike, showing their growing skill. In the center stood Link, wearing a blue and white lettered T-shirt and cotton shorts, his hands wrapped in protective bands. He stood before a pale yellow rubber punching dummy.
With alternating punches, he swiftly struck the dummy’s head and chest with left jabs, right jabs, left straights, right straights, left hooks, right hooks, left uppercuts, right uppercuts, overhand punches, and backhand punches, continuously changing techniques. In a minute, he threw over 50 punches with all his strength. His footwork never stopped, constantly shifting attack angles.
After over two hours of continuous training, a circle of sweat formed on the floor around him. His T-shirt clung to his back, highlighting his firm, full muscles, clearly defined and looking like they were cast from steel, exuding a metallic texture. Each punch displayed his muscle movements under the skin, resembling terrifyingly fierce metallic pythons.
Two months of training had significantly transformed him. His skin had turned from milky white to bronze, and his previously delicate and soft face had become masculine and handsome. His physique was more upright and robust, with stronger, more solid muscles. The biggest change was in his demeanor; he had evolved from a pale-faced youth into a mature, resolute, and tough man, exuding a strong and intense masculine charm. This led Daniel and Michael to jokingly suggest that if he dared to go to the wealthy district of Palm Beach, the rich ladies there wouldn’t let him leave standing.
James also advised him to keep a gun in his car to fend off men trying to rob him and women trying to seduce him.
Link, of course, didn’t take their words seriously. Over the past month and a half, his strength, speed, and boxing skills had improved significantly, surpassing his condition before the Golden Gloves tournament. Even if faced with armed robbers, he believed he could handle four or five of them unarmed.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“How does Link get his muscles so well-proportioned? Like a movie robot. I wish I could train to be like him,†Reggie said enviously, flexing his muscles in the rest area.
“Well-proportioned?†Mario scoffed. “We’re boxers. Boxers need big, strong muscles. What good is being well-proportioned besides looking nice?â€
“Link’s strength is also incredible. Ordinary people can’t take even one of his punches. If you don’t believe me, challenge him,†Reggie admired Link’s punches.
“I don’t believe it! I’ve been training six hours a day this month, and even West praised my progress. I’m not the same as I was a month ago. Link can’t beat me that easily, not with just one punch!†Mario said, flexing his muscles.
Despite his stocky build, Mario had become more solid and resistant through intense training. His boxing skills had also improved significantly. He believed that a rematch with Link wouldn’t end like the last one, where he was knocked out with one punch.
“Link, how about we go twelve rounds in the ring?†Mario put on his gloves, clashing his fists against his chest, making his shoulder muscles twitch.
Link glanced at him, put down his fists, grabbed a bottle of cold water to pour over his heated muscles, and called for apprentice Jim to bring his boxing gloves. He followed Mario into the ring.
Seeing the upcoming match, Reggie and the other boxers and apprentices gathered around the ring to watch. Even Coach West came down from the third floor, seeing them on the ring and immediately shouted, “What are you doing?â€
“Coach, Mario wants to spar with Link,†Jim called out.
“Mario, why aren’t you wearing protective gear? Don’t you know how heavy Link’s punches are? Put on your gear before sparring,†West ordered.
Mario hesitated, his face flushing with anger. He clenched his fists and glared at West.
“West, I’ve been training hard, and my resilience has greatly improved. I can take Link’s punches without gear. Please don’t insult me,†Mario growled.
“Stop arguing and put on your gear,†West insisted, calling for the apprentices to bring the protective gear to the ring. They helped Mario don headgear, chest armor, high-elastic sponge guards, and sponge gloves, reducing the impact of punches by 70%, significantly lowering the risk of injury.
Mario bit his lip, glaring at Link with fury. He saw this as an opportunity to redeem himself, to show West and everyone that he was not just another fighter. He was Mario João, the future heavyweight champion, not a nobody.
(End of Chapter)