"Teacher, do you see any issues with my form?" In the Judo club room, Shi Qing looked expectantly at the man before her.
"Not bad, your technique is quite standard, but you're lacking in strength," Xiang Ri said, dashing her hopes without hesitation.
"Oh." Disappointment was written all over Shi Qing's face. "How can I increase my strength?"
"Building strength isn't something that happens overnight. It takes consistent training from a young age. It's just like how the body develops over time. For example, when you were younger, your... chest muscles were definitely not as developed as they are now, right? That's the result of your ongoing efforts in training and proper nutrition. In fact, you don't need to do much about it; as you grow older, it naturally increases, though not as much as with proper exercise. This brings us back to the topic of increasing strength—if you don't train, you'll remain average, but with dedication, your strength will gradually grow... Do you understand?" Xiang Ri rambled nonsensically.
"Um... not really." Shi Qing's face had already flushed when the man used her as an example, and she barely listened to anything that followed. His words lacked substance and were essentially useless.
"It's fine if you don't get it. You can always come to me for guidance. As your teacher, I'll be sure to instruct you thoroughly," Xiang Ri said with a sanctimonious tone.
"Thank you, thank you, Teacher!" Shi Qing bowed deeply in gratitude.
"You're welcome! By the way, are there any hotels or inns near your house?" Xiang Ri asked casually.
"Yes, there are, Teacher," Shi Qing answered honestly.
"Perfect. If you ever have questions, you can book a room there and let me know. I'll be there to help in no time," Xiang Ri decided to extend his wicked hand toward his naive student. After being consumed by desire these past few days and with the beautiful Chu not cooperating, he had no choice but to target this slightly gullible disciple. Surely, she would be easier to deceive than Chu, right?
"Why go outside? Can't we just train here at school?" Shi Qing frowned, feeling a growing unease.
"Of course not! Some advanced techniques must not be seen by others. I can only teach you when it's just the two of us," Xiang Ri explained, sounding perfectly righteous.
"Alright, I understand now." Hearing that the teacher would teach her profound skills, Shi Qing set aside her unease.
"Oh, and one more thing. If you need me, it's best to reach out after 9 PM."
"Why... why after 9?" Although deeply passionate about martial arts, Shi Qing wasn't a fool. Having dealt with many lecherous men before, she began to sense that her teacher might have improper intentions.
Xiang Ri realized the danger. His intentions had become too obvious, and now his disciple was suspicious. This was a dangerous sign; he needed to quell her doubts immediately. "Because after 9 PM, I'm in my peak mental state. I can teach you more attentively at that time."
"Is that so?" The suspicion in Shi Qing's eyes deepened.
"Hand me that," Xiang Ri pointed at a 3-centimeter-thick hardwood board on the floor.
Shi Qing, saying nothing, picked up the board and handed it to him.
"Can you break this with a kick?" Xiang Ri asked, holding the board.
Shi Qing nodded silently.
"What about with your hand? Can you chop it in two?" Xiang Ri mimed a downward chop.
Shi Qing hesitated, her expression uncertain, but eventually nodded again without a word.
Xiang Ri understood what she meant. She could break it, but it would be difficult. This girl was quite practical—once she suspected his intentions, her demeanor immediately cooled. She even refused to speak to him. Well then, time to give her a little shock.
"How about this?" Xiang Ri extended his index finger and, with a heavy thrust, pierced the board with ease.
"Huh?" Shi Qing covered her mouth in astonishment. Though she knew he was strong, she hadn't expected him to be this powerful. To break a 3-centimeter-thick hardwood board with a kick was already impressive, but to pierce it with just a finger? Was he even human?
"So, can you do it?" Xiang Ri knew he had stunned her, and his plan was halfway complete.
"No... I can't." Shi Qing shook her head awkwardly, then her eyes lit up with fervor. "Teacher, can you teach me?"
"Of course, but this is my ultimate technique, so we'll need to find a quiet place."
"Um..." Shi Qing hesitated, her face showing her dilemma. While eager to learn, she also feared her teacher might have other intentions.
"Oh, I nearly forgot to mention. I don't have much time to teach you each day. I have to be home by 11 because Chu Chu will be waiting for me to sleep," Xiang Ri added, with two underlying meanings: first, to indicate that time was limited, leaving no room for anything inappropriate; second, to subtly remind her that he was already committed to someone.
"It's alright, Teacher. I'm already grateful that you're teaching me," Shi Qing exhaled in relief, feeling ashamed for doubting him. After all, he was her teacher—how could he have such dishonorable intentions? Remembering how cold she had been toward him earlier, she felt a twinge of guilt. "Teacher, I'm sorry!"
"What's wrong?" Xiang Ri asked with a puzzled expression, though inwardly he was beaming. Her guilt was perfect, making it all the more likely that he'd succeed in his plan.
"N-nothing!" Shi Qing blushed, unable to meet his eyes. "Teacher, may I invite you to dinner later?"
"I'm afraid I can't. I have to head to Chu Chu's house soon. How about tomorrow night?"
"Oh, alright."
"Hey! What are you two up to?" Chu Chu's voice rang out from the doorway. Since there were only two people in the room, her voice was crystal clear.
"Already done with class?" Xiang Ri grumbled inwardly, annoyed at her intrusion. He had been savoring the delightful silence with his disciple, only for it to be rudely interrupted.
"Unlike you, skipping class all the time and acting all improper." Chu Chu approached, shooting him a glare before turning to Shi Qing. "Sister Qing, has he been bothering you? Let me know, and I'll teach him a lesson."
"No, Teacher has been very kind to me," Shi Qing said softly.
"Enough nonsense, girl. Weren't we going to your place? Let's go!" Xiang Ri casually draped an arm over Chu Chu's shoulder.
"Let go of me!" Chu Chu struggled to break free.
"Hey, we're a couple now, remember? Don't go giving us away," Xiang Ri whispered into her ear.
"You better watch yourself! Don't let this happen again!" Chu Chu grudgingly gave in, then turned to Shi Qing. "Sister Qing, we're off now!"
"Alright, take care!" Shi Qing waved.
"See you tomorrow, Shi Qing!" Xiang Ri flirtatiously called out as he left.
"Hey, Xiang Ri! Are you serious? We're only second-year students, and Sister Qing is a third-year! Not only did you fail to address her as 'Senior,' you even called her 'Shi Qing' with such familiarity! Don't you have any manners?" The moment they stepped outside, Chu Chu immediately put some distance between them.
"So what? She calls me 'Teacher,'" Xiang Ri retorted dismissively.
"Hmph, shameless! I'm warning you—don't you dare try anything with Sister Qing!" Chu Chu threatened fiercely.
"You think I'll listen to you just because you say so? That would be embarrassing. Besides, you're not my wife, so why should I follow your orders?"
"I don't care! Just don't do it!" Chu Chu stubbornly insisted.
"Fine then, can I at least pursue you?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Believe me, or I might just sneak into your bed tonight."
"Try it if you dare!"
"Once I slip into your bed, you'll find out just how much I dare, hehe..."