In Star Year 2013, the Body Refinement Hall was voted by the Empire's citizens as one of the Top Ten Most Effective Places to Pick Up Women—and not without reason.
Modern fitness centers had evolved into havens where all forms of body training converged. This one in particular attracted crowds of women: slim, elegant, and meticulously groomed, from white-collar professionals to blue-blooded girls who pursued a lifestyle of quality and sophistication.
Their presence turned the Body Refinement Hall into a veritable powder keg of testosterone. Even the most composed and businesslike men—suits, ties, and all—couldn't help but grow competitive, shedding pretense under the influence of this charged atmosphere.
The moment Waymo escorted Lin Hai into the hall, he drew more than a few sharp gazes. The facility was separated into zones by transparent glass—meaning even the girls in the yoga studio could clearly see what was happening on the other side. Lin Wei walking Lin Hai in had already attracted attention the moment they arrived.
Burly men lifting weights paused their reps. People in the middle of sit-ups sat up straighter. Girls jogging on treadmills slowed to a leisurely pace, stealing curious glances at Lin Hai. A few even showed some flirtatious interest in his youthful, well-shaped features.
A man who had just completed ten pull-ups dropped down from the bar and strode straight up to Lin Hai, tone already tinged with aggression.
"You're new here. So, what do you say, buddy? Up for a little friendly competition?"
Cheers erupted around them. Clearly, this man was well-known and respected in the club.
Nearby, a stunning woman with a flawless flat stomach and a cropped athletic top raised her eyebrows and teased:
"Wang Xiao, don't be a bully. Pickin' on the new guy? Little bro, these guys are all wolves—don't take them too seriously. If they cause you trouble, just come to your big sis."
Her voice carried a sweet, syrupy charm. Laughter broke out around her, with some girls teasing, "So, you've got a thing for him, huh?" Even she, cheerful as she was, blushed slightly.
Everyone here was familiar with each other. Jokes and banter like this were commonplace—and didn't necessarily mean they were siding with Lin Hai.
Waymo shook his head and said calmly,
"Mr. Wang, this is Mr. Lin. He's scheduled for Category-Three training. Are you sure you want to challenge him?"
"Category Three?" Wang Xiao's eyes widened. His face twisted into a perfect display of disbelief.
Lin Hai instantly realized: Lin Wei had absolutely set him up.
Wang Xiao scoffed, brows arched.
"Category Three? Manager Waymo, are you kidding me? Look at this kid's build. He can't even handle single-gravity resistance!"
Wang Xiao's words sent a spark into the already electric room.
"Category Three!? Only freaks like Triple Gravity Wolf can do that!"
"This guy must be crazy for attention. First day here and he wants to make a name for himself?"
"Category Three training? Seriously? We've got lifers in here who wouldn't touch it. Today's gonna be fun!"
Lin Hai sighed inwardly. Beautiful women really were dangerous. Especially dangerous were the type like Lin Wei.
A burly man who had been sitting quietly in the corner with a towel over his head suddenly stood up. His massive frame rippled with muscle, like a living statue of strength. He approached Lin Hai, towering over him, and extended a hand.
"I'm Lanxi. Looks like you're feeling pretty confident, going straight to Category Three on your first visit. Over there—see that resistance machine? Max setting. I can pull ten reps. Beat five and I'll call it your win. How about it?"
These contests weren't rare here. If anything, they were part of the culture. Winning meant glory, applause, respect, and admiration from the girls. Losing meant being laughed out of the room.
But this wasn't just any random challenge. Lanxi was known as "Mad Bull Lanxi."
The man who could do ten reps at max resistance.
Don't be fooled by his brutish looks—he had a refined side. A tiger that could sniff roses. And he had long held a subtle interest in Lin Wei. He'd waited, studied the many failures who had chased her and fallen, and planned to strike when he discovered her weakness.
But today—she had walked in, arms linked with this delicate-looking boy.
Never before had Lin Wei shown such familiarity with a man. And now this runt? Lanxi couldn't accept it.
This wasn't just a challenge—it was revenge. He would crush this pretty boy into dust and let Lin Wei see what real masculinity looked like.
So you're the guy she let get close? You? I'll break you, right here, right now.
Lin Hai sighed again. A beautiful rose always attracts too many bees.
But Lin Hai wasn't that kind of bee.
Under everyone's eager stares, he simply shook his head.
A brief pause—then a wave of boos.
"Tsk, boring. Kid doesn't even dare to try."
"He's all talk. Category Three? That's advanced—triple gravity, max resistance, punch machines with thousand-pound thresholds. No joke."
Even the girl who had teased earlier laughed and said,
"Come on, Lanxi's never lost, but just five reps to win? You should at least try!"
Her tone was light, but her eyes now examined Lin Hai more seriously. Clearly, she was interested—but it wasn't enough just to look good. She wanted to see strength.
Unfortunately, Lin Hai disappointed.
He shrugged and said simply:
"Yeah... I really don't dare."
That single line froze everyone's expressions.
Even Waymo was stunned. He hadn't expected Lin Hai to be so calm under ridicule—no anger, no excuses.
Most surprising of all, he admitted it so casually?
Was this guy... impotent?
Waymo cleared his throat and said,
"Miss Lin specifically asked me to look after you. She's watching right now through the crystal display. Surely you'll give it a try? Otherwise, she may be disappointed..."
Lin Hai glanced around—and sure enough, each section of the club had wall-mounted crystal screens. Lin Wei was looking his way with a half-smile through the glass, enjoying the show.
So that's it. She's watching to see how I squirm?
You want me to embarrass myself? Dream on.
Lin Hai inhaled deeply and shook his head again.
"Whether she's disappointed or not—what's that got to do with me? It's not like I'm trying to sleep with her."
And with that, he turned around and walked away.
So matter-of-fact. So unbothered. So utterly devoid of "manly pride."
It left the entire room dumbfounded.
In this gym filled with posturing alphas, Lin Hai was like a weasel wandering into a den of wolves—and now, having sensed danger, simply turned tail and fled.
Everyone here had seen boastful challengers, seen losers sulk in defeat—but no one had seen a man just give up before even starting.
Some had thought him dashing at first glance, but now his retreating back seemed downright cowardly.
A few women even pursed their lips in disdain.
Especially Lin Wei—watching from the screen—her face turned pale with anger. She clenched her fists tightly.
"I'm not trying to sleep with her?" What kind of crude remark was that!?
Ugh. Typical slum trash.
"Coward," Lanxi spat.
He hadn't expected the kid to just run. In fact, it had robbed him of his own stage—but still, a win was a win.
Lanxi shrugged toward the others and sneered,
"So he's a cowardly sack of crap. Figures."
But at that moment, Lin Hai's figure—about to exit—froze like a tree battered by the wind.
And somehow, in that very stillness, there emerged a strange sort of presence:
A defiance that said:
"Let the storm rage. I will stand tall and unshaken."