Chapter Twelve: Uncle, Please Hear My Explanation

Warm Liang’s father taught boxing, something He Tianran had once heard from his deskmate Ye Jiaqi gossiping about.

Back in school, any boy who fancied Warm Liang would feign interest in learning boxing just to sign up at her father’s gym, hoping to get closer to her.

After all, boys found both martial arts and beauty irresistibly attractive—let alone when they could have both at once.

However, several male classmates had said that apprenticeships at Warm Liang’s father’s gym were notoriously grueling. Most lost their initial enthusiasm and quit, their faces caked with dirt.

He Tianran was thoroughly reluctant; he would rather conquer the game "Sekiro" ten times over than do a single push-up.

“Are you being disobedient? If you’re disobedient, pay up!”

Warm Liang looked down at He Tianran lying on the floor motionless, helplessly pulling out her trump card.

Faced with mounting debts, He Tianran stood up with a fearless resolve.

Indeed, physical torment was nothing compared to money troubles.

Warm Liang chuckled inwardly. He Tianran was so easy to read: fond of money, cherishing his life, yet surprisingly responsible. Even if it was just a joking agreement, once he promised, he never refused again. In a way, it was somewhat… adorably foolish.

They set off again. Warm Liang’s home was in a mixed-use building, with the gym on the third floor and her residence on the twenty-second.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, He Tianran was startled by the sign hanging outside the gym.

“Advanced Unit of Mass Sports in Harbor City, True Extreme Boxing Gym.”

This was the only gym on the third floor, occupying a large area with well-organized sections. Apprentices of all ages trained here, divided mainly by discipline, since the gym taught more than just boxing.

Popular classes like karate and taekwondo were mostly for children; Muay Thai and sanda attracted teenagers and young adults.

The boxing area was further inside but fully equipped with a ring, standing bags, and 360-degree reaction targets. Though fewer in number than other sections, about a dozen trainees were sparring in pairs.

“Smack!”

A young boxer threw several jabs, then pulled back his right hand for a hook punch, aiming at his partner’s mitt—but unexpectedly, the trainer loosened his grip, causing the mitt to drop, and the punch missed entirely.

“Hey, what are you doing? That’s dangerous!”

The boxer cursed, but when he looked up, he suddenly brightened:

“Warm Liang!!”

His shout halted everyone’s training, all eyes turning to Warm Liang.

“Oh, the junior sister is here! Long time no see!”

“Still as beautiful as ever, superstar.”

“Junior sister, not to criticize, but it’s autumn already—how can you still dress so lightly? Here, take my jacket and cover your legs; don’t give these boys any ideas!”

“Get lost! Wait... that guy... is he your boyfriend?”

Seeing the approaching apprentices, Warm Liang greeted them calmly, but in He Tianran’s eyes, a murderous aura was rising behind them—especially from the young boxer just now!

And he recognized him!

It was Xue Yong, the same boy teased in class who counted down the days for Warm Liang’s return to school!

What was he doing here?

If He Tianran was here to learn boxing, wouldn’t Xue Yong have an excuse to beat him up openly?

He Tianran tried to slip away, but Warm Liang discreetly tugged on his sleeve, giving him no chance to escape.

“He! Tian! Ran! Why are you with Warm Liang?!”

Xue Yong stared fiercely at the helpless loser who dared not meet his gaze, each word spat out with force.

Warm Liang glanced at Xue Yong, then at He Tianran hiding behind her, blinking and smiling:

“He said he wants to meet my parents today.”

“!!!”

He Tianran’s eyes widened. Though it was his own words, the timing invited all sorts of misunderstandings.

Not just him—everyone present was stunned by Warm Liang’s announcement. The gym erupted in groans, drawing curious looks from trainees in other areas.

“He’s useless now! So the junior sister likes this type? What use is my big, powerful fist then?”

“I need to vent! Boy, step into the ring and fight me! I’ll let you wear full gear!”

“Is there no hope left? Junior sister…”

“Meeting parents already? Isn’t it a bit late to turn things around?”

“Wait! Are they even of legal age to marry? I still have a chance!”

Faced with the angry crowd, He Tianran looked at Warm Liang pleadingly, but she shyly lowered her head and said softly:

“Tianran, just think of it as a game. Fight my senior brothers a round.”

Well, that sentence was like pushing He Tianran into the frying pan and slamming the lid shut.

At this moment, poor Tianran looked ghostly pale.

Seeing their usually cheerful and generous junior sister show such rare bashfulness toward a fragile boy, these boxing trainees were beyond furious—it was something else entirely.

“Ah! What kind of golden dog food is this? I don’t want to eat it! My eyes!”

“Fight! Boy! If you’re a man, fight me! Trying to sneak in and see the master? Believe me, your head won’t last seven days!”

“The eldest brother is like a father. As the master’s top disciple, I won’t approve of your relationship! You’re still too young! And this boy looks like a weakling!”

“The eldest brother’s almost thirty, and the junior sister just turned seventeen last year; take a break…”

“…I am forever young…”

Among them, some were just making noise, but Xue Yong genuinely wanted to beat He Tianran up—and he was about to do so.

He stepped forward, raising his hand…

“What are you all making a fuss about?! The whole gym is watching you!”

Suddenly, a booming voice stopped Xue Yong’s action. Everyone looked toward the source—a burly man in his forties or fifties strode over.

Nearly six feet tall, with a square face, stubbly chin, and sideburns blending into his beard, even if shaved carefully, his iron-gray facial hair was evident. He walked with imposing authority, his fierce brows overshadowing tiger-like eyes that commanded respect without anger.

Yet seeing Warm Liang, his expression softened remarkably. He said:

“Hm? Baby, when did you get here?”

“…”

Baby?

He Tianran suppressed a smile. Hearing “baby” from such a towering man was unexpectedly amusing.

“Dad… there are so many people, please don’t call me that!”

Warm Liang’s cheeks flushed faintly as she whispered. The man just reached out to stroke her head, then looked at He Tianran beside her.

That single glance drained all expression from the man’s face. He Tianran felt as if a Siberian tiger was staring him down, chills running through him.

The man spoke in a deep voice: “Who are you?”

He Tianran nervously bit his lip, stammering out a single word: “Dad…”

“Hm?”

“Pah!”

“What?”

The man furrowed his brows into a tight crease. He Tianran quickly waved his hands:

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. Sir, please let me explain—I, I, I am Warm Liang’s classmate… just a normal classmate, just an ordinary friend!”