Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

Han Zhuli with long hair.jpg

“Yes, yes, yes.” Yuan Chen nodded in agreement, showing no intention of arguing.

"We're done practicing, we're leaving now~"

As Yuan Chen came out of the house, he waved to Uehara Nana and the others beside him.

"Oh, oh, be careful on the road~"

Seeing Yuan Chen and Han Zhuli preparing to leave, Uehara Ayaka tilted her head curiously.

"Hmm... I feel like the atmosphere between Zhuli and Yuanchen has changed a bit? They seem to be getting closer?"

"They're practicing in a private room, which means they even know some of each other's most secret moves, so it's only natural that they're close."

To this, the worldly-wise Uehara Nana waved her hand dismissively: "And even if something really happened between them, so what? What? You, a monster, want to object to a handsome couple like them?!"

"A monster? To me, she looks like an athletic beauty, right?" Hearing Fei Wu's words, Uehara Ayaka immediately retorted, but then, as if remembering something, she pointed to Hibiki, who was working out with two 5kg dumbbells, and said:

"If we're really talking about monsters, isn't Hibiki the greatest monster?"

"Bullshit!" Uehara Nana, holding a newspaper-rolled spirit-injecting stick, smacked her brat on the head and injected Uehara's spirit, saying, "Hibiki is a champion I personally trained!"

As she said this, it seemed to remind her of the moment when Hibiki, with his talent shown in just a few years, would become the world boxing champion and be crowned with the gold belt. Uehara Nana couldn't help but let out a soft hum.

"I coached a world boxing champion!"

On the other side, after leaving the boxing gym, Han Zhuli, who had changed her hairstyle from "Evil Croissant" to "Dark Strawberry" and dyed her hair long and straight, also went straight to the pharmacy to buy a safety pill.

She flicked it into her mouth and swallowed it directly, while Han Zhuli glared fiercely at Yuan Chen.

Although Yuan Chen felt it wasn't really necessary, since the nutrients he ingested had already been converted into pure life energy for absorption, sometimes psychological safety was more important than actual safety.

It's like how experiments have proven that washing machines clean underwear better, but some people still insist that hand washing is the right way.

As for the development of martial arts, the biomedical industry is also more advanced than in Yuan Chen's previous life. In his previous life, some athletes would take safety pills to regulate their menstrual cycles, thus entering the competition rhythm in better condition.

In this world, safe pills not only have no side effects, but can also better stabilize hormone levels.

But before leaving, Yuan Chen still took two more boxes of Lan Jingling to pay the bill.

Feeling the store clerk's gaze, Han Zhuli felt inexplicably irritated, but to prevent a similar situation from happening again, she still stuffed one of the boxes into her gym bag.

After dealing with these miscellaneous matters, Yuan Chen called Chun Li to confirm that she was free in the afternoon, and then they decided to go to the mall together to buy some daily necessities.

However, before setting off, Yuan Chen and Zhu Li had a casual meal at a restaurant.

A moment later, Chunli arrived in her car and honked her horn to attract the attention of Yuan Chen and Han Zhuli.

After getting into the car, Chun-Li's eyes lit up and she said, "Zhu-Li changed her hairstyle? I must say, her style has become much gentler! It looks great!"

"well enough."

Han Zhuli also looked resentful as she twirled her hair with her fingers. Although Zhuli's reaction was somewhat indifferent, Chunli noticed that she seemed to have something on her mind, so Chunli didn't take it to heart, and the group continued straight to the mall.

Shopping seemed rather boring to Yuan Chen, but Han Zhuli was quite interested, though she only looked at things that interested her.

In comparison, it's no wonder that when Zhuli goes on a rebellious streak, she calls Chunli "Auntie." Chunli is indeed quite fussy when it comes to shopping, constantly comparing everything from materials to prices.

However, Yuan Chen didn't take it to heart, since having someone willing to help with this aspect could indeed be very convenient in life.

Chun-Li herself enjoys it, just like men like to browse second-hand stores on Xianyu (a second-hand marketplace app) to find electronic products; it's just a difference in interests.

"Speaking of which, I should probably buy some loungewear or pajamas."

Following Chun-Li's suggestion, the group went to the clothing section.

At first, Chun-Li was just looking for clothes that interested her and comparing them, but after a while she noticed that Han Zhu-Li's gaze seemed to be attracted to something.

Looking closer, it was a pink and white gradient plush romper. It had a full-coverage hood with two zippers on the hood, making it seem like you could let your hair out, and there was a cute spider icon on the back.

Almost instantly upon seeing it, Yuan Chen realized that this was Han Zhuli's pajama skin in Street Fighter 6.

Upon noticing the outfit, Chun-Li subconsciously remarked, "Hmm... I don't think the style really suits Juri."

There wasn't much malice involved, because Han Zhuli gave off a sharp, ruthless, and wicked vibe.

And this outfit... it's not that it's bad-looking, it's just that it clearly leans more towards comfort, leisure, and cuteness, and Chun-Li subconsciously felt that Han Zhu-li might not like it.

Upon hearing Chun-Li's words, Han Zhu-Li's eyes flickered for a moment before she silently withdrew her gaze.

But the next moment, Yuan Chen picked up a set and said, "It's very suitable, and it will be very cute."

Upon hearing this, Chunli didn't seem to mind, but she looked at Han Zhuli questioningly. Zhuli, on the other hand, subconsciously looked up at Yuan Chen, only to see Yuan Chen giving her a thumbs-up and reiterating as if it were the most natural thing in the world:

"It would suit you perfectly and be very cute."

Feeling Yuan Chen's gaze and hearing his matter-of-fact words, Han Zhuli scratched her head in annoyance and said, "Whatever, I don't care."

"This one is fine!" Yuan Chen called over the sales assistant and said, "Get one that's 1.65 meters tall."

Meanwhile, Chunli smiled with relief as she watched the silent exchange between Yuan Chen and Zhu Li.

It seems that Ah Chen is quite good at taking care of girls.

Thinking this, Chunli said to the sales assistant, "I'll also get a women's set for 1.7 meters tall and a women's set for 1.9 meters tall... uh, a women's set for 1.7 meters tall and a men's set for 2 meters tall."

Chunli originally wanted to say 1.9 meters, but considering that Yuanchen has been growing taller recently, she felt it would be safer to go straight for 2 meters.

As for weight... with loose-fitting pajamas like these, unless Ryoko comes, there's absolutely no need to worry about weight or measurements.

After buying their daily necessities, the group began their journey home. On the way, as if remembering something, Chun-Li said:

"By the way, Chen, it seems you've received an invitation to your next Kengan match. Ibuki asked me to ask you if you're interested."

Volume 1: Chapter 102 - The Intimidation of Reason

"Contest?"

Upon hearing that Yuan Chen had a competition, Han Zhuli raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Seeing this, Yuan Chen briefly explained the matter of Quan Yuan to Han Zhuli.

Although Han Zhuli comes from a prestigious school, South Korea is not a fighting world, and because she has just come of age, she is not familiar with some of the underground fighting in the underworld.

Hearing Yuan Chen's words, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes, but he couldn't help but retort:

"By tying these important commercial contracts to the boxers and having them fight each other, and then using the results of the fights to determine who gets the contract..."

This sounds absolutely outrageous! Even though I'm not familiar with this kind of thing, I can see that it doesn't make any business sense at all!

“That’s how the Battle Realm works,” Yuan Chen shrugged.

Hearing this, although she still found it somewhat difficult to understand, Han Zhuli nodded with a hint of doubt, and then asked curiously:

"How was the match? What about the quality of the opponents?"

"Quite good." Upon hearing the question, Yuan Chen nodded and said:

"Those companies are indeed willing to spend money, and the fighters they hire are all quite good. Even the mediocre ones are still a cut above the average level of those outside."

While they weren't all experts, fighting them definitely yielded some lessons.

This is not an exaggeration, but the quality of Kengan itself is indeed quite good. Even if Ivan Kalayev, the Russian Grim Reaper who was not in Yuan Chen's sights, were not considered, he would still be a formidable fighter.

Although their martial arts skills and physical abilities were quite limited, their willpower was remarkably well-honed.

Upon hearing that Yuan Chen could gain something from their battle, a hint of interest appeared in Han Zhuli's eyes.

Han Zhuli knew Yuan Chen's level; if Yuan Chen could gain something from it, then she herself...

Noticing Han Zhuli's thoughts, Yuan Chen also said, "Kengan's selection of fighters mainly depends on the company's attitude. If you want, Sakura-sou Yakiniku is indeed good... it's a chain store opened by the Hibiki family."

“It’s loud…” Upon hearing this, Han Zhuli nodded, and the image of the seemingly weak blonde girl who, under Yuan Chen’s guidance, punched the sandbag like a cannonball and blasted it to pieces came to mind again.

After hesitating for a moment, Han Zhuli couldn't help but grin: "Is it really necessary to hire other fighters? I feel like not many people could withstand that girl's punch!"

"It's different. It's common for fighters in Kengan to die." Yuan Chen shook his head and said after hearing Han Zhuli's words.

"And you've felt it too, haven't you? Hibiki's true intention isn't to become a martial artist."

“...That’s true.” After thinking for a moment, Han Zhuli nodded in understanding.

Although intention is not specific, it is a crucial factor that distinguishes martial artists from non-martial artists. This factor is even more important than the strength or skill of a martial artist.

As for Hibiki Sakura... her physical talent is indeed undeniable. It seems like she's simply unleashing her full strength, but the simpler the ability appears, the more extraordinary its actual potential is.

Meanwhile, Yuan Chen thought for a moment and then offered his suggestion:

"If you also want to join a similar fighting group, you can start with a women's fighting group."

"It's not that I doubt your strength, but the fighters at Kengan are mostly male, and the company itself tends to bet on men in its contracts. My cooperation with the Sakura family is rather special, so it can't be judged by common sense."

"As for women's combat groups..." After thinking for a moment, Yuan Chen said, "If you're not in a hurry, you can wait. There should be some new women's groups established during this period."

Although I'm not entirely clear on the situation with Yisheng Qianjin, Iori Ichika has been the head of the juvenile department's inspection team for quite some time now, so the time for Yotsuya Miko to lose her job is probably coming soon. Although Yuan Chen himself isn't very interested in women's fighting, it is indeed very suitable for Han Zhuli.

"I see..." Hearing Yuan Chen say this, Han Zhuli didn't suspect anything and said, "Then let's wait and see, anyway I don't have anything to do."

After discussing Han Zhuli, Yuan Chen turned his gaze to Chunli.

Who is our opponent in this competition?

"Rito, a modern style karate practitioner from Yoshibu Real Estate, nicknamed 'Superman,' whose real name is Nakata Ichiro. He uses the alias Rito because Superman doesn't use his real name. Overall, he's a somewhat flamboyant young man."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Chunli replied with a knowing look:

"However, according to the information, he seems to have been born with powerful 'finger strength'. In battle, his fingers often tear apart his opponent's flesh the moment they touch him, as if he had a built-in weapon. He is known as 'Razor's Edge'."

"Razor's Edge?" Upon hearing this, before Yuan Chen could speak, Zhu Li couldn't help but raise her eyelids and say, "That's easy to do, isn't it? My Qi Blade Kick can also easily cut through wooden stakes and human bodies."

"It's a talent."

Chun-Li waved her hand and said, "According to rumors, he could easily tear apart coins when he was in elementary school. It's pure physical talent."

"That's quite strong." Upon hearing that it was purely physical talent rather than an enhancement of 'qi', Zhu Li nodded in surprise.

Martial artists with similar 'talents' are extremely rare and sought after, no matter where they are.

Meanwhile, Yuan Chen said with great interest, "Yiwu Real Estate? So this is their revenge battle? It seems the contract they're fighting for this time has a high commercial value?"

Yuan Chen remembered that in the last one-on-two battle for the lease of the Ginza Central Avenue, the person who hired Ivan Kalayev was Yiwu Real Estate.

But Ivan Kalayev was merely a backup plan hired by Yiwu Real Estate…

In fact, Yoshibu Real Estate didn't take Ivan Kalayev seriously at all, otherwise they wouldn't have sent him to fight Nioh Komada.

Now, another swift attack has arrived, and they've directly dispatched their most valuable assets. Clearly, this competition may be about the group's future development for a long time to come.

"Pretty much." Chunli nodded: "It's about the commercial planning and partial construction of an entire shopping street. Conservatively estimated, the assets involved should be around 35 billion yen."

“I see. No wonder Yiwu Real Estate sent a manager.” Yuan Chen nodded, then said, “Tell Ibuki that I’m interested in this and have him sign up directly.”

“Okay.” Chun-Li nodded, briefly communicated with Sakura Ibuki, and then said, “The competition starts in three days, is that alright?”

"no problem."

After finalizing the date for the fist-wish ceremony three days later, Yuan Chen and the others returned to the restaurant.

The restaurant was still in the same dilapidated state, ruined from the battle with Han Zhuli and Iori Ichika. However, after some simple cleaning, at least the food preparation was still possible.

However, Yuan Chen did not plan to operate during the day—or, in Yuan Chen's view, the restaurant itself was just an add-on, and the more important thing was to have a place to drink and chat with friends after a fight.

With that in mind, Yuan Chen finalized the subsequent business plan.

It is not open in the morning, but it sells some convenient food such as rice bowls at noon and in the afternoon.

The main reason for this is that it's convenient to cook; one pot is stewed at a time, and it can be sold as a bento box to customers. As for the proper dishes... let's save that for tonight.

Life energy is good, but one should not overindulge.

After intense combat or training, replenishing your life energy naturally allows you to feel your body's various functions recover rapidly.

However, for some ordinary office workers and laborers, excessive activation of life energy may actually affect the brain's judgment of the body.

Therefore, Yuan Chen has only performed low-level activation of life energy in these bento foods, which will make people feel comfortable and in a good mood after eating them, but will not have too much impact on their physiological state. The main selling points are that they are cheap, delicious, nutritious and healthy.

After all, most people living in the old city don't have much spare money.

Those who dare to venture out in the old city at night either have enough money or enough power.

Yuan Chen would be happy to accompany either of them.

Or... it's better to be broke.