Almighty Coach

by Stayrr

How could a poor graduate student without any background or connections become successful? With a coaching system? An upgrade? This is not a computer game, but real life we’re talking about! This will be a fantasy based on reality. Dai Li will fight back against all those who would mock and humiliate him with his astonishing and awe-inspiring training skills. From a nobody he’ll t

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Read Almighty Coach - Chapter 413 - The Meaning of Iron online free - Light Novel Full

Chapter 413: The Meaning of Iron

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Hopkins stood right there, shaking slightly and involuntarily. It was unbelievable that he hadn't passed out the moment he took the punch. A professional doctor would definitely have suggested that he stay in a hospital for a few day under medical observation. But Hopkins continued to stand in the boxing ring.

Taylor's situation was better, but not by much. Hopkins's blow hadn't knocked him down, but he was hurt. The tinnitus stimulated his nerves and made it hard for him to concentrate.

The referee took a look at the two and then decided to keep the match going. As an experienced referee, he had often seen two boxers return to the ring after hitting each other.

Taylor gave a tentative jab, and Hopkins ducked quickly. Hopkins was still nimble. It didn't seem like he had just been knocked down.

But many boxing professionals shook their heads around the boxing ring. They knew that Hopkins was not the same as he had been before the fall.

"His dodge just now avoided Taylor's jab quickly, but he moved far beyond Taylor's range of attack, which was not necessary. That fall had a big influence on Hopkins."

"Of course. Hopkins was hit in the jaw. Anyone else that Taylor hit like that would have passed out. But Hopkins stood up again."

"It's possible for Hopkins to lose this match now!"

"I think so!"

"This is heavyweight boxing. You will never win after you fall down and get back up. If you keep trying to win, your disadvantages will only increase."

"Hopkins knows that clearly. I don't know why he still insists on fighting. If he gets knocked down again, it will lead to a more serious injury. He'd better give up early."Taylor kept tempting and attacking aggressively in the boxing ring, controlling the match. It seemed that Hopkins was trying hard to keep up, and his second fall was coming soon.

I don't want to lose! I want to be the greatest heavyweight boxing champion! This idea kept Hopkins standing in the boxing ring.

But his coach, standing beside the boxing ring, could not bear to watch.

In a heavyweight boxing match, falling down once meant falling down a second time later. A boxer could get up, but the match was already lost. Therefore, heavyweight boxing matches often saw one of the boxers falling down and continuing to lie on the ground, waiting for the referee to count to ten. The boxer knew that even if he could stand up, he wouldn't have any chance to win. Standing up again would just cause more injuries.

"The Iron Professor!" the coach said to himself. That was Hopkins's nickname.

Everyone knew that nickname, but few knew the true meaning of it. Hopkins was so smart that he was called "professor." As for the word "iron," many thought it was to describe his body. Hopkins had the best-proportioned body of all heavyweight boxers, like he was born to be fight in the ring. Long-time exercise had made his body strong like steel.

But the coach knew that "iron" did not describe Hopkins's body, but his willpower, his perseverance.

You can fall, but your will never falls!"He is still persevering in such a situation. A tough guy!" Ayres sighed suddenly.

Dai Li agreed. "Yes. The media said that he was the future ruler of heavyweight boxing. That was not an overstatement. His technique is already at the top of all heavyweight boxers. And he is also so persistent and dauntless! Hopkins is really a perfect athlete. But he met you and Taylor."

"Taylor is a boxer whose advantages and shortcomings are equally obvious. But his advantages are so great. Taylor might be the only boxer of his kind in the history of boxing. Therefore, Taylor does not have remind you of anyone. He is the only one," Ayres said. Then he pointed at Hopkins.

"But Hopkins is different. What he stands for is the future direction of boxing. A comprehensive balance of power, speed, attack, defense, and awareness. I think such a boxer, who once took part in the Olympic Games, will be a star of boxing. He is the future of boxing!"

"I can't believe you speak so highly of Hopkins!" Dai Li was surprised.

"If I were twenty years younger, I would be eager to teach an athlete like Hopkins. He is really perfect… Um…" Suddenly Ayres stopped and then went on happily, "Even if he's knocked down by his opponent, it doesn't lessen his perfection!"

As Ayres spoke, Taylor knocked Hopkins down again. And this time, Hopkins could not get up again.On the screen, the referee grabbed Taylor's hand and raised it up to announce that Taylor was the winner.

In front of the TV, Highfield pressed the remote control to turn off the TV with a serious face.

"Taylor won!" said the man who was both Highfield's elder brother and his agent. "Taylor's physical strength is beyond my expectation. I thought he could only fight five or six rounds, but he finished it in the eighth round.

Highfield shook his head. "The match ended in the sixth round, the moment Taylor hit Hopkins in the jaw. Such a heavy blow from Taylor erased any possibility of continuing the match. Hopkins kept fighting in the next two rounds with nothing but his will."

"Hopkins deserves his appearance fee. Two more rounds mean more commercial ads. That will make the organizers happy." His brother picked up a piece of fruit from the table and bit into it, then said, "I think you will be the next in Taylor's list of opponents. You are the holder of a WBA heavyweight golden belt. And Taylor was the heavyweight champion of the WBA for three years consecutively. And he is still holding a grudge about your last match. You must be careful."

His brother's mention of "your last match" made Highfield touch the ear that Taylor had bitten. And then Highfield said, "Taylor is in good condition recently, which can be inferred from his winning streak. And he just defeated Hopkins and took Hopkins's WBO and IBF golden belts. He is having his day now. It would not be wise for me to fight him now. My match with him must happen in a suitable moment, either when he is not in good condition or when I am fully prepared."

"So, what do you want?" asked his brother.

"There are 15 WBA golden belt challengers. Why do I have to accept Taylor's challenge?" Highfield smiled cunningly. "Let's have a fight with a weaker one first to fulfill this year's obligation."

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"The War of the Century: Kevin Taylor Back to His Peak!"

The latest boxing magazine's cover was a picture of Taylor holding up his golden belt after he won the match.

"Good picture with a perfect angle from the bottom up. Like Taylor is a king on his throne." Ayres put down the magazine and turned to Dai Li to ask, "Did you think about what I told you last time?"

"What you said last time?" Li Dai was confused for a moment.

"Finding a full-time manager," said Ayres.

"You mean that! I've thought it over. You're right. I really need a full-time manager here. In the future, I will expand the training center or open a few branches. I cannot manage it with only myself. " Dai Li sighed and added, "But there are few suitable candidates for this position. The manager must know both management and sports. So, it might take some time to find a suitable one. I'm not worrying about it."

"If you want such a manager, I have a candidate for you," Ayres said.

Dai Li was interested. Ayres was a legendary boxing instructor who knew a lot of people. His recommendation would be better than Steve's.

Seeing that Dai Li was interested, Ayres then said, "I have a student, whose name is Randy Blake. I do not know if you know him."

"Your student? A boxer?" Dai Li asked.

"He was a boxer twenty years ago." Ayres added in nostalgia, "In fact, he was my worst student. Most of my students won golden belts. But Randy-Blake won nothing in his entire career. When I think about it now, I feel pretty embarrassed."

"Blake likes sports very much. His short legs stopped him from playing American football, and his short arms stopped him from playing basketball. And his near-sightedness limited his development as a baseball player. Finally, he chose to be a boxer. Unfortunately, he didn't have a great talent in boxing. Even I couldn't teach him to win golden belts."

"Blake was my assistant coach for a while after his retirement. He wanted to be a boxing coach, which was a common choice for retired boxers. But he is not talented in coaching, so he returned to university to study for a degree in management."

"Later, he became a sales agent for a brand of protein and healthcare products and did a good job. But he still could not give up sports. Right now he is working as an obscure sports commentator. His advantage is that he knows about many sports programs. Track and field, boxing, basketball, American football, baseball, tennis, and so on. He has many opportunities for sports commentary."

"Personally, I think Blake is the right man for your training center. He knows about sales and sports. And he knows a lot of people in the field of sports. He is not an excellent athlete or coach, but I think he will become a successful manager."

"Blake might not ask for a high salary. You know that professional boxers can make a lot of money. The fact that he did not earn any golden belt did not stop him from making big money through professional boxing, so salary is not important to him. What he wants the most is a stage to do something he is interested in, to use his advantages."

Dai Li nodded. "Sounds like a very good guy. If he has your recommendation, then I'm more than happy to let him try! But let's be clear; I will weed him out if he is unqualified."Steve was reading dozens of sports magazines, one by one. Almost every sports magazine had an article about Taylor, especially the boxing magazines.

"Kevin Taylor, 33 years old now. It's hard to imagine a 33-year-old boxer returning to his peak!" Steve sighed slightly and then opened another magazine.

The magazine had a full page report on Taylor with a different angle than other sports magazines. This article focused on the money Taylor earned from that "War of the Century."

Taylor was paid $20 million for the match. And that was not surprising. His appearance fee a decade ago had reached that level. The bonus of the game was $100 million. Traditionally, the winner receives 60% of it, and that's $60 million! And there are other sources of income. It's a lot of money… D*mn it! I almost became Taylor's agent not long ago. If I were Taylor's agent, I would be getting tens of millions of dollars! Not being Taylor's manager was one of the worst decisions I've ever made.

Steve suddenly felt that he had lost the biggest income in his life. He had been Phillip's agent for a long time, and had only earned several million dollars. That was less than what Taylor's agent earned from one of Taylor's matches.

Steve regretted his decision very much. He hadn't become Taylor's agent when he found out about Taylor's debts of more than twenty million dollars. Steve thought that an old boxing king at the end of his career life could never pay such debts with his limited remaining commercial value. But he hadn't foreseen that Taylor would come back to the top of the field of boxing to be the super boxing king who could make a billion dollars in a single fight again.

Maybe I still can do something. So far, I haven't heard that Taylor has found a new agent. I should try again!Dai Li showed Randy Blake around the training center and then they came back to the office.

"What do you think of my business here, Blake?" Dai Li asked as he gave Blake a cup of coffee.

"Thank you." Blake took the coffee cup and said, "Honestly, I don't think you've done enough marketing. Your training center brought Kevin Taylor back to the top. Taylor is your sharpest weapon, but you have not made good use of the weapon."

"I had a poster of Taylor on the door, and I had him on the leaflet," Dai Li explained in a low voice.

"It's not nearly enough. It's like being given a sniper rifle and using it as a stick. The rifle will work as a stick if you want it to, but using it as a stick cannot let out its true power," said Blake.

"Oh, I see. Like an old saying in my country, take a musket to kill a butterfly. That's what I'm doing here," said Dai Li.

And Blake added, "Kevin Taylor is known to the world. You need to use his fame as free advertising to let more people know about your training center. That's not simply advertising with banners and posters. What you need is a series of promotional programs, including media interviews, internet marketing and so on."

"For example. In terms of media programs, you may have an interview to talk about Taylor's training after he came back, and how he got back to the top. Such an interview about Taylor will be invaluable marketing for you and your training center. What's more, you can post some training videos of Taylor online, especially videos of some catchy training programs. And in those videos, you may put some displays with your training center's name in inconspicuous places in the background. That is a sort of advertising. People watching the videos will also see your training center."

"And you may…"

Blake went on and on about his ideas. And Dai Li listened carefully and took notes like a student. At that time Dai Li thought Randy-Blake was perfect to be the CEO."Mr. Taylor, I know you haven't found a new agent yet. You may choose me if you want," Steve said and handed a towel to Taylor.

"Steve, thank you for your kindness. To tell you the truth, I don't want an agent now," said Taylor.

"Why? You must have an agent. You have now returned to the top. You are now a heavyweight boxing king with the greatest commercial value. I can help you find a lot of top-level endorsements, which could bring you hundreds of millions," Steve said.

"I'm not going to take any more endorsements. You know, my reputation is not so good. I think advertisers will certainly think twice before asking me to endorse them. My past is not flawless, and sponsors will make requirements that I don't want to be bound by."

Taylor wiped the sweat from his head and added, "I just want to make money by boxing. The income of boxers is very high. I can earn tens of millions of dollars for one match. My savings will be enough for the rest of my life if things keep going the way they are."

Taylor was right. In the opinion of sponsors, he was a man with flaws. Endorsement agreements would surely come with additional requirements. For example, he would be required not to do anything that might harm the brand image of the sponsor. If he violated the terms, he wouldn't be paid, and he might even be sued by the sponsor for compensation.

Additional requirements of that sort were nothing for well-behaved athletes. But Taylor was unpredictable. It was possible for him to do something stupid someday.

However, Taylor was a sum of walking dollars in Steve's eyes. Steve would not give up easily. So, he continued, "Taylor, no one hates more money. Your bonus and appearance fees are great, and more than enough for an average person. But who would not want a better life? A better life needs more money. Now you are able to make more money. Why don't you want it? When you are about to retire in a few years, you will be too old to make money then."

Taylor shook his head. "I'm very satisfied with my situation now. I am already planning to make some low-risk investments. I know several reputable financial advisers on Wall Street. Giving my money to them can bring me significant income. I was once robbed of almost all my money by James King. So, with all due respect, I don't trust any agent now."

"I am not an asshole like James King. I'm a virtuous agent. I'll only ask for what I deserve. You can ask Phillip if you don't believe me. I have never stolen his income," Steve added.

"Forget it. I don't want to give another part of my income to my agent." Taylor shook his head firmly.

"Another part? What do you mean?" Steve caught the point.

Taylor smiled. Then he shrugged his shoulders and said, "Coach Li gets twenty percent of the money I make as a training fee. You see, I have lost twenty percent of my income. So, I don't want to give any more to another agent."

What? Coach Li gets twenty percent of your income? Steve was surprised. He knew it was tens of millions of dollars without counting.

He asked immediately, "Why does Coach Li get twenty percent of your income?"

"I signed the contract with him during my suspension period," Taylor said with a simple smile. "I thought he was doing charity and was willing to help a bankrupted former boxer. But now it seems his choice was right. But he deserves it. Without Coach Li, I wouldn't have reached where I am now. If he wanted it, I would give him more money."

Taylor showed no complaint, and his words were more like a "thanks."

Taylor was a smart man. He did not know what Dai Li had done to him, but he knew that he could not have been in his current physical condition without Dai Li. And he knew without Dai Li, "White Devil" Ayres would be coaching Hopkins. Then he would not have had any chance to defeat Hopkins and to get two world-class golden belts.Steve was feeling more and more regretful as he left the training center in his car.

Twenty percent of his income! How much do I get as an agent? Five percent of the game bonus of the athletes, and ten percent of their income from commercial endorsements? My God, Dai Li makes way more money than me! How could such a coach exist? A coach asking for no fixed training fees, but a share of the athlete's income.

Oh, and Phillip! Besides Taylor, five percent of Phillip's income goes to Dai Li, too! He's just a coach. Doesn't he realize he wants too much?

Steve, at that moment, felt extremely unhappy. Thinking of tens of millions of dollars of income sharing and more money in the future, it seemed that a cake that should have belonged to Steve had been stolen by Dai Li.

I don't care about Taylor, but the five percent of Phillip's income is mine. I must get that back. I must renegotiate with Dai Li about the contract that includes the five percent of income sharing! Otherwise… Steve was getting angrier. He stopped the car and got out his mobile phone to make a call.

"Hello? Is this the AP Physical Training Center? My name is Steve, the agent of Barron Phillip, 'the Blade Warrior.' Yes! The disabled athlete who lost his legs… His physical training contract is about to expire and he is interested in the AP Physical Training Center… Yes, I think we can meet to discuss that…"

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Chapter 415: Change to Another Training Center

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

There was a question on Quora, a website that was basically the American version of Zhihu. Namely, how should Indians curb the rise of a neighboring country?

This was a ridiculous question and also a ridiculous idea. The person asking was trying to figure out how to destroy the development of other countries, instead of developing their own nation.

For example, if you were not a very good student, then what should you do? Work hard to improve yourself, or poison all the classmates who were better than you? Or if you noticed your neighbor becoming rich from his efforts, then what should you do? Learn from your neighbor, or set fire to his house?

A bad student might poison the good students, but it wouldn't change his terrible study habits. A poor man might burn a rich man's house, but it couldn't change his poverty.

But the fact is, there are many people like this. For example, when Steven found out that Dai Li was receiving twenty percent of Taylor's revenue, he was jealous of Dai Li.

Sports brokers in the United States are very special, and they are supposed to serve athletes. However, the fact is that many brokers can directly determine the fate of athletes. For example, it often appears in the news that a basketball player in the NBA asked for a high salary according to his broker's instructions and ended up with no chance to play basketball. Another typical example is Kevin Taylor, who ended up bankrupt after his broker stole most of his money.

As an agent, Steven felt that he had the right to decide where Phillip would train.

Dai Li's Office.

Steven raised his cup of coffee, took a sip, and then leaned his upper body against the sofa with his legs crossed, assuming a commanding position.

"Coach Li, I think we should seriously talk about the Phillip's training contract for next year." Steven put down his coffee cup.

"Just the same as this year will be okay. I have no objection," said Dai Li.

"But I don't agree!" Steven said, leaning forward.

"Well, what's your new idea?" said Dai Li.

"I would like to talk a little bit more about the cost of Phillip's training for next year," said Steven.

"Training cost? I have never charged Phillip for his training! Will you give me the money?" Dai Li said with an innocent expression.

"But you take away five percent of his income." Steven snorted.

"That's as you say. Well, if you think this is training cost, that's fine!" Dai Li had already guessed Steven's intention, but instead of disclosing his knowledge, Dai Li picked up his cup of tea and took a sip.

But Steven said, "I hope that five percent can become a fixed number."

"No problem," Dai Li said without any hesitation. He took out his phone and calculated for a while. "I got nearly $600,000 dollars from Phillip this year. Well, I'll give you a discount; I'll charge you $500,000!"

"No, it's too expensive." Steven shook his head.

"So, what's your idea?" Dai Li put down his phone and looked at Steven with a smile, but there was dissatisfaction in his heart.

"$50,000!" Steven held out his five fingers.

Dai Li said nothing but looked at Steven contemptuously.

"Well, I know you are not satisfied with the price. How about $70,000 dollars?" Steven compromised.

"$500,000," Dai Li said firmly.

"$80,000. I can't back down any more. You must know this is the highest price. Other members, even the members who enjoy the best personal services would not pay you $80,000 a year for training," said Steven.

"Half a million. I can't go any lower," Dai Li said without hesitation.

"If you insist on this price, then we won't be doing business." Steven's words were filled with menace.

Dai Li, however, was unmoved. He said, "I have my reasons for charging this price, and it is not unreasonable. You pay the training fee of $500,000, and Phillip will be able to compete with athletes who are not handicapped, and even beat most of them. That is the effect of my training. I guarantee that nowhere else in America can you find anyone who can do this. It is worth it to pay the $500,000."

"Is that so? None of the fitness training centers in the United States are better than you? Even the famous AP training center?" Steven said with a disdainful look.

"They are not as good at training disabled athletes," Dai Li said confidently.

"Well, if you think so, then I have to terminate our cooperation for the next year," Steven said with his hands spread out. He stood up.

Dai Li made a gesture of goodbye, and then said, "I hope you take this into careful consideration, and the same to Phillip. Since the career peak of an athlete only exists for several years, Phillip can't waste his youth. When Phillip wants to restart his career, it might be too late."

"Is that so?" Steven winced and added, "I believe Phillip will be better with the AP training center!"

Looking at Steven's back, Dai Li felt somewhat uncomfortable.

When Dai Li first met Steven, he knew that he was a businessman who only paid attention to his interests. And Dai Li wasn't disappointed that they were no longer friends.

Phillip was an athlete that Dai Li had cultivated and trained. Originally, Phillip was a disabled and retired American soldier, but Dai Li transformed him into the world-famous "Blade Warrior."

And at that time, Dai Li had just arrived in the United States and opened his fitness training center. What's more, he had no family or friends in the United States at that time, and he was not familiar with the environment. In a sense, Phillip was the first American he had gotten to know when he arrived. And it was impossible to say that they were just business partners without friendship.

So Dai Li had a sense of regret for Phillip's departure.

It has been two years since Phillip was here. He used two athlete patches, and he could have used the last one. What a pity. Dai Li shook his head hopelessly.

For Dai Li, half a million dollars was not the training cost, but the price of the athlete patches. Athlete patches were disposable consumables, and they were limited in quantity, so he would not provide athletes with these patches for free.

Phillip was a talented sprinter. He was a disabled person, but thanks to the athlete patches provided by Dai Li, he could compete with sound athletes. Without the help of athlete patches, Dai Li doubted whether Phillip could keep up with the pace of sound athletes. And apart from the athlete patches, Phillip also had the advantage of explosive power.

In terms of training effects, Dai Li thought he was the No.1 in the United States. He was not bragging; he was a very famous coach in the United States. His training had remarkable effects, and in addition, he had his own auxiliary means of training athletes; for example, relaxing massage to relieve muscle stress, warm-up square dancing to help athletes back into training quickly, etc. None of these abilities were equipped with other coaches, so it would obvious that Dai Li's training had high efficiency.

During the two years that Phillip had been famous, he had saved a lot of money. He had a villa, a sports car, and a beautiful model girlfriend. His money could now support all his life, as long as he didn't use it too lavishly. So Dai Li was not worried about Phillip's future.

All good things must come to an end, Barron. Good luck! sighed Dai Li.

Dai Li didn't know that Steven and Phillip hadn't agreed on the training fee, and Phillip did not know anything about it.

But when Steven left the training center, he went to visit Phillip immediately to persuade Phillip to leave Dai Li's training center.

"Steven, I'm not going to change places. I've been here for almost two years. I don't want to go to the AP Training Center. Besides, Coach Li is good at training," Phillip said, shaking his head.

"I admit that Coach Li's training is very good, but can he compare to that of the AP Training Center? The AP Training Center is the most famous fitness training center in the whole United States, and has the most professional training team in the United States. Even if Dai Li is very good, he's just one person. How can a person compare to a whole team?" Steven said.

"But it is because of Coach Li that I have the achievements that I do. It is his training that allows me to compete with healthy athletes," Phillip said.

"Then how can you make sure that the AP Training Center won't do this?" Steven asked. "Barron, the main reason why you have today's achievements is your talent and the efforts you have made. The coach is just a negligible factor of it. Change your coach, and perhaps you will be better than now."

"But Coach Li helped me when I was in trouble. At that time, I still relied on relief money and working as a part-time worker. I couldn't afford the training fee at all. I couldn't get professional training either. Only Coach Li was willing to help me with this kind of disability free of charge," Phillip continued.

"But now he's got what he deserves. 5% of your income in his pocket, millions of dollars in total. Isn't it enough to pay for his previous efforts?" Steven paused and said earnestly, "Barron, you can now earn ten million dollars a year. 5% of that income is $500,000. Ordinary people can only make that much money in a decade or so. As a training fee, don't you think $500,000 a year is a bit too high?"

"What do you mean?" Phillip frowned.

"I've consulted with the AP Training Center, and their privately tailored high-end physical training costs only $50,000 a year for a cheaper one, and $100,000 a year for the higher grade. Even with more additional training, annual fees can be kept under $150,000. You have to give Dai Li at least $500,000 a year, which means you could save at least $350,000 a year if you choose the AP Training Center. What's more, Dai Li takes more than $500,000 a year from you," Steven said, with both hands spread. "Barron, we can enjoy higher-end service at a lower price. Why do we have to hang on this tree?"

"This…" Phillip showed a hint of hesitation, and he was somewhat moved.

"Barron, at least $350,000 a year, that's a lot of money. You lost your legs in the Iraqi battlefield and only got $200,000 in compensation. And the athlete's career is only a few short years. Don't you want to save more money when you're young? What will you do when you get old? Look at the old people with disabilities who live on the streets. They can only rely on the minimum living allowance and food stamps. You don't want to be like that, do you?" Steven asked.

"Well… Okay!" Phillip thought for a long time, and finally decided to make up his mind for the sake of money. He went on to say, "But you have to go talk with Coach Li."

"I understand that you don't want to face Dai Li. Then, I'll play the bad guy and talk to him!" Steven said seriously, but his heart had filled with a sense of achievement.

Dai Li, wait and see. You'll soon know that you're not that important. Without you, Phillip is still the 'Blade Warrior'!

AP Physical Training Center.

A middle-aged man was leading Phillip and Steven to visit the entire training center.

If Dai Li were there, he would have recognized the middle-aged man. He was David Mills, director of the Los Angeles division of the AP Training Center. When Dai Li came to the AP Training Center to study, he had met him, and he had also looked for him for the Aaron Hampton matter, .

Phillip was now known all over the world, so his arrival was received by David Mills himself.

Phillip looked around with doubt. The AP Training Center was indeed much larger than Dai Li's training center, and the equipment was more advanced, so Phillip's doubts were gradually disappearing.

"As you can see, Barron, the scale here is much larger than Dai Li's, and the equipment is more advanced. I think their coaches will be more professional," Steven pointed around and said with smile on his face.

David Mills, director of the AP Training Center, also said, "You don't have to worry about coaching. We have a professional coaching team that can customize the best training program for you. By the way, where did Mr. Phillip train before?"

"Coach Li's Fitness Training Center," Steven answered. "A personal training center run by Chinese people."

"Personal training center, and the owner is Chinese? Ha ha…" David Mills laughed. He added, "What we rely on here is teamwork. An experienced team is definitely much better than an individual, not to mention that the other party is Chinese. Mr. Phillip, I'm really looking forward to your future. If you can achieve what you have so far with a Chinese trainer, then after you've been in our AP Training Center for a while, I think you might get the Olympic gold medal!"

"Mr. Phillip, Mr. Steven, this way, please," David Mills said, making a gesture of invitation. "I'll take you to the coaching team at our center."

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Chapter 416: An Easy Game

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

A group of less well-known journalists gathered in front of Randy Blake.

"Is it true that Barron Phillip has left here and go to the AP Fitness Training Center?"

"Why is Baron Phillip changing his training center, is he not satisfied with the training results here?"

"You have worked with Barron Phillip for two years. When he chose to leave, did you try to persuade him to stay?"

"Barron Phillip has always been your signature athlete here. How much damage do you think Phillip's departure will cause to the training center?"

"It is said that you have invested more training resources in Kevin Taylor, which led to Phillip's dissatisfaction. Is that true?"

The journalists' questions were like falling bombs. An ordinary person would have been blown up.

Randy Blake was not an ordinary person. He had been a sports commentator for a few years, so he was used to dealing with the media. Now, in the face of some small reporters, Blake was naturally at ease.

"In fact, things are not as complicated as you might think. Phillip and our organization just weren't able to agree on training costs. A business transaction needs to be agreed upon by both sides, after all. Please don't speculate too much," Blake said with a smile.

"But Phillip went to AP Fitness Training Center. If he went because of price, does that mean that your center charges more than the AP Fitness Training Center?" asked a journalist at once.

Blake didn't panic and said, "There is a saying that you get what you pay for, which is very true with our service. If you spend more money, you will naturally enjoy more and better service. Our center's charges are divided into multiple levels, and different types of service have different associated fees. For example, pretend you're a hair-stylist. The fees for different barbershops are different. Even in the same barbershop, the price of a perm and a haircut is not the same. Even if all the customers want perms, the prices are still not the same because there are different types of perming. All the service industries are like this, and so is our business. If you compare two fitness training centers with fees, there is no comparison."

"But the AP Training Center is the most famous and largest fitness training center in Los Angeles. In this respect, your center is not as good as the AP Training Center. So, do you think it would be appropriate for you to charge more than the AP Training Center?" a journalist retorted.

"I admit that the AP Fitness Training Center is larger and more popular than us, but that does not mean that the training services they provide are better than ours. The United States is the strongest and most famous country in the world, but our per capita income is not as high as Luxembourg or Switzerland's. Wal-Mart is also the largest supermarket chain in the United States, but the goods it sells are much cheaper than those of boutique stores. Therefore, small scale and low visibility do not mean that we cannot provide better service," Blake said smoothly.

"Then what you mean is that your center's training is better than the AP Fitness Training Center?" the journalist asked, a question full of traps.

Apparently, Blake found the traps in the question. He smiled and said, "This involves another question—how do you test the training level of a fitness training center? Compare the size, the equipment, or the coach? Of course not!"

Blake shook his fingers and went on to say, "A fitness center can be judged mainly by looking at the performance of the athletes. What an athlete can achieve in one training center compared to what he can achieve in another training center. Such a comparison should objectively reflect the different levels of the two training centers. What do you think? Is there a better way to test the level of training?" Blake said and looked at the crowd.

They were small journalists. Some of them were quasi-professionals of sports. In this respect, how could they trap the experienced Blake? They had long been entangled by Blake. So, in the face of Blake's response, no one answered.

"Well, since no one has come up with a better method of inspection, I shall assume you all agree with me," Blake said with a gentlemanly smile.

Having bantered with this group of journalists long enough, Blake returned to Dai Li's office.

"I didn't think the first thing I came to here to do was help you put up with these journalists." Blake loosened his collar and then said, "Li, to those journalists, my suggestion of comparing the performance of an athlete in different training centers is tantamount to declaring war on the AP Training Center!"

"I've figured that sooner or later the AP Training Center and I are going to be competitors, not only in Los Angeles, but on the entire West Coast. With so many athletes, the high-end training market is so big. To become a new leader in this industry, stepping on the carcass of an old leader is the best way," said Dai Li.

"I can't believe you have such a strong sense of competition." Blake sighed.

"It was the Taylor-Hopkins match that made me realize that," Dai Li said.

"Then you are sure that the AP Training Center's training is not as effective as yours? If Phillip goes to the AP Training Center, and his performance goes up, it will have a great impact on our reputation. People will think we're not as good as the AP Training Center," Blake said.

Dai Li did not answer, but a charming smile appeared on his face, exuding the brilliance of self-confidence.

Blake was in a bit of a daze. Dai Li's behavior felt familiar to Blake. He had once seen this unique quality in someone.

This feeling, this pretend ability, how can he be so much like that old devil Elvis! Blake sighed in his heart."What an athlete can achieve in one training center compared to what he can achieve in another training center. Such a comparison should objectively reflect the different levels of the two training centers." David Mills, the director of the AP Training Center, looked at the computer screen and repeated the words from the web page.

Is this a declaration of war on our AP Training Center? An unknown Chinese coach, do you think your training skill is comparable to that of our AP Training Center? Who gave you such courage to declare war on us! Mills suddenly became grim.

Mills picked up the phone and dialed a telephone number.

"What competition does Barron Phillip have in the near future? Oh? Next month? There's a small race in New Mexico? Well, I know." Mills put down the phone with a smug smile on his face.

What a pity. Phillip will have a match next month. That Chinese Coach Li, you would never have thought that you would be smacked in the face so soon. You dare to challenge our AP Training Center, and I'll make you eat your words!Phillip stood in front of the starting block, moving his joints to prepare for the following race.

It was Phillip's first official game since he changed training centers.

It was not a game for the disabled, but it was normal for Phillip to compete against able-bodied athletes. So, when he stood on the track, no opponent looked down on the guy who had lost his feet. Instead, his opponents saw him as an even bigger obstacle on the road to winning.

For Phillip, that race was just a small one. There were no top American athletes among them. His main competitors were two athletes who could be called the front-line athletes. As for other second-line athletes, they were long gone from Phillip's eyes. In this race, Phillip was determined to win the championship.

Phillip once participated in the World Championship as a part of the US team, which had shrouded him with the halo of a track and field star. Moreover, his nickname "Blade Warrior" was known all over the world, and he was regarded as an inspiration by countless people.

In the front row of the audience, his agent Steven had a large cup of cola in his hand and with a smug expression on his face. He had met a sponsor yesterday who was interested in Phillip. An inspirational background coupled with good performance was very attractive for sponsors. In contrast, it was no wonder that no one loved Taylor, the guy who had once been jailed for rape, and who also bit people's ears in the ring.

Phillip has already participated in the World Championship, and if he can maintain this momentum, maybe he really has a chance to get on the stage of the Olympics. By that time, the money will be rolling in! The more Steven thought about it, the more excited he felt.

At the same time, the starter gave out instructions. The athletes stood on the starting block in order and rushed out with the gunshot.

Phillip had a slow start and fell behind other athletes at the beginning, but it was not a new thing. The runner, the coach, and the audience all knew that Phillip's start was slower than the others.

Since Phillip became famous, many professionals had analyzed Phillip's technical characteristics and knew that he was at a completely disadvantaged starting point because he lacked the Achilles tendon. Therefore, people didn't think too much of the fact that Phillip had started behind.

Phillip was used to this, knowing that he would do best in the second half of the race. In the final 100 meter sprint, he would be faster than the others.

Turning from the corner to the straight, Phillip had found his rhythm. According to past experience, it was time for him to perform.

He was accelerating!

However, when Phillip began to accelerate, his acceleration felt a bit slower than usual. He was completely unable to exert his usual explosive power.

My speed isn't that great. Was my warm-up exercise not enough? Phillip thought, trying to adjust to make his physical condition better.

A few seconds later, Phillip finished the first 200 meters. As usual, the other athletes were beginning to enter the fatigue period, and Phillip's advantage was coming into effect.

Speed up! Phillip, as usual, made great strides.

But he felt clearly that his acceleration was not as smooth as he had imagined it would be. At the same time, a slight pain came from the fixation of his cheetah-type blade prostheses.

"Damn it, it's starting to hurt!" Phillip started to feel frustrated. Although he suffered from this pain regularly in training, the same pain in competition would affect his performance.

At the same time, Phillip felt that his legs were a little unnatural. He could clearly feel that he had a pair of prostheses on his legs, and whenever he took a step, he could even imagine the bending of the prostheses as they touched the ground.

In order to reduce the shock and wear on the prostheses, but also to allow Phillip to run better, this pair of sport prostheses were specially equipped with soles. But Phillip now felt that the shock was extremely strong when the prostheses touched the ground, as if the soles had fallen off.

"What's going on? Why do I feel uncomfortable all over?" Phillip did not know what had happened.

The audience could clearly see that Phillip was not running as fast as usual. Unlike previous races, Phillip was not accelerating past all of his opponents as they neared the halfway mark. Although he strode very hard, he had no advantage in speed.

Finally, all the athletes rushed into the final straight. For the 400-meter event, it was time to clearly distinguish the forward and rear positions of the athletes.

"Phillip is at the end!" A child in the audience shouted, pointing at the track.

Entering the final sprint, Phillip was in last place. The last time this happened was in the final of the World Championship, when Phillip faced the world's seven strongest opponents!

Today, there were no top runners of the United States competing with Phillip, and there were not even a few first-class runners. Facing a group of second-rate athletes, Phillip unexpectedly ranked at the bottom.

The sound of cheering suddenly turned into surprised exclamations. As a disabled athlete, Phillip's victory over the able-bodied was a common occurrence. However, what was happening now was very different.

"Will Phillip be the last one?"

"I don't think so. Phillip is the fastest in the last 100 meters. He has an advantage in the last sprint!"

The audience whispered, and their eyes fell on Phillip.

On the track, Phillip bit the bullet to speed up. His advantage in the final sprint was really reflected. His physical disability allowed him to produce less lactic acid and have faster sprinting speed.

"Phillip is speeding up! You see, he's catching up!"

"He's got the seventh place!"

"He caught up with sixth place, now Phillip is the sixth!"

The audience members who supported Phillip began to cheer, but their cheers had just begun as the first athletes crossed the finish line.

The game was over.

Sixth place, this was Phillip's performance in this race.

For Phillip, it should have been an easy race, and his score was only sixth!

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Chapter 417: A Fallen Star

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"Phillip was the favorite to win the 400-meter event, but he only finished sixth!"

"Only sixth place! That's really bad!"

There were many spectators came to see the race of the famous Blade Warrior, but they were disappointed by Phillip's performance.

Standing at the terminal, Phillip looked at the scores on the screen. He was more than a second behind the first place today.

How did I run so slowly today? Looking at the celebrating winner, Phillip shook his head with disappointment and walked quietly down the aisle.

A sense of heaviness came from his legs. In fact, the two cheetah blades weighed less than a pair of normal legs, but he found it was difficult to walk with them now.

Phillip couldn't help but look down at his artificial legs. At this moment, he could clearly feel them now.

Even though I can walk and run like a normal person, these are not real legs after all! A feeling of sadness burst into Phillip's mind.

Walking down the stands, Steven came into the locker room and found Phillip.

Leaning back in his chair, Phillip's face was filled with impatience.

"I came here to win the championship of such a small-size competition, but I ended with the sixth place! Damn it! How could I perform so badly!" Phillip clenched his fists in anger. He still hadn't realized the root cause of his defeat.

"Barron, it's just a small game. Never mind." Handing Phillip a drink, Steven continued, "Maybe the opponents were so weak that you couldn't get excited at all. Besides, it's impossible for an athlete to perform at his best in every competition. It's normal to not be in a good state for one or two races."

Steven was as upset as Phillip, though he didn't say so.

Phillip's achievement was directly related to the number of sponsors.

Sponsors chose Phillip not only because he was inspirational, but also because he was successful. The United States didn't lack disabled people who could be role models, but Phillip was the only one who could defeat able-bodied people in sports.

If he couldn't defeat an able-bodied athlete, he would be no different from any other disabled athlete. At best, he would be a disabled athlete with good performance. He would lose the attention of the media and the public, and his sponsors also would leave him.

I hope this match does not affect the sponsor we just negotiated with! Steven prayed in his mind.Randy Blake rushed into Dai Li's office with a tablet computer.

"Dai Li, I just found this on the USA Track and Field; Barron Phillip just finished sixth in a match in New Mexico. It was just a small game without any top players, but Phillip still lost this match," Blake said, pointing at his tablet.

"Ah." Dai Li nodded without any sign of excitement.

"Hey, buddy! Say something!" Blake shouted.

"Say what? It was expected." Dai Li didn't lift his head and continued focusing on the training plan he was developing.

"Wonderful answer!" Blake pursed his mouth and turned out of Dai Li's office.

As soon as Blake was out of his office, Dai Li couldn't help opening the USA Track and Field website and finding the results of the match.

Phillip was more than a second slower than the first place runner. And the first place's result was not excellent at all. Without the athlete patch, Phillip's performance has gone down even more than I expected… Dai Li shook his head. As far as he knew, although Phillip's performance still could rank first in the disabled races, it was a bad result against able-bodied runners.

Phillip must be depressed now, but it may be a good chance for me. It's a rare opportunity to become famous by stepping on the most prestigious AP Training Center in the US.The AP Training Center had many branches in the US, and the one in Los Angeles was just one of them. David Mills was the head of the center, and he had to follow the instructions from headquarters.

David Mills was on the telephone with headquarters now.

"Mills, that race in New Mexico was small, but Phillip just finished sixth. You should know what that means, right?" the voice on the phone was harsh.

"Phillip is new here, and he cannot adapt to the new training environment. We made a new training plan for him, and it should take time to work out. Right now our coaching group and Barron Phillip are still in the adaptation period. I believe that after this period, they will get familiar with each other and Phillip's performance will improve drastically," Mills explained.

"I hope so!" The voice was still serious. "Mills, you should know, as one of the most famous fitness training centers in this nation, we are viewed as a benchmark by our peers and competitors. We have no friends. I believe every fitness training center in North America wants to move higher by stepping on our shoulders. In fact, many of them have tried to do so, but they all failed! No one can step on the shoulders of a giant! So, I don't want anyone to succeed in the future. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir." Despite the phone conversation, David Mills still spoke with a composed face.

"Good! You should remember that we are the leader in this industry, so we can't lose, even once. Any failure will cause people to doubt us and our peers to look at us more closely! The reputation we have built up over the years could also be destroyed," the voice on the phone said.

"Sir, I assure you, we'll never fail," Mills said confidently.

"Good! I wish you success, but I also hope you will remember your promise. If anything goes wrong, someone will be held responsible."

After hanging up this phone, Mills's face was somber. Surely, "someone" meant David Mills.

The attitude of the headquarters made Mills realize the urgency of the matter. He felt more pressed and diffident, especially when he thought of Phillip's performance.

Mills picked up the phone and dialed.

"I hope we can allocate more training resources to Barron Phillip. Charging standard? Don't talk about charge. We'll give him the best training even if we can't make any money on this business! Tell the coaching team that they don't need to think about the cost, just improve Phillip's performance. I don't want to see a sixth place again! I want a champion! Phillip the champion!"The match in New Mexico was just a small race, and the West Bank Track and Field Classic held in Los Angeles was a big race.

It was not about the race's size, but it's prize. The West Bank was a rich area, and it often sponsored sports games. Tennis matches that they sponsored had prizes as large as the Grand Slam Tennis. The West Bank was also a big spender on track and field events, which made the prize of this event one of the biggest prizes in the United States.

A greater prize would obviously attract more competitors, which would make the game more exciting, and attract more spectators and even more media.

The 400-meter was the strength of the US, and there were many 400-meter athletes in this event. Therefore, the race was divided into two days, with the first day as the preliminary and the second day as the final.

When the commentator introduced Phillip, all the spectators gave him a warm welcome. Phillip waved his hand to the camera and managed to force a smile.

Several competitors around him were looking at him. They regarded Phillip as a strong contender for the final. However, Phillip didn't pay any attention to them at all.

It only took about two minutes before the referee gave an order to the athletes to take their own places.

Phillip tried to concentrate on the game. He knew that his opponents today would not be easy to handle.

Finally, the match began with a gunshot. The athletes started running to the shouts of the crowded spectators.The race entered into the final sprint stage once again. The front three athletes were still catching each other. Their relative positions were still not clear, as if the result would not be revealed until the finish line.

The preliminary was divided into three groups. The top two of each group and the best pair of third place runners would enter the final. No one wanted to be the third place if they could rank top two. The third place also had a two-thirds chance of entering the final, but it also had a one-third chance of being eliminated.

But all this had nothing to do with Phillip, because he was in last place.

Looking ahead, Phillip felt that the distance between the top three and him was so far that it would be impossible to catch up.

He realized that his pair of artificial legs were making him feel increasingly heavy. Pain also radiated from the joints between his knees and the artificial legs. Every step stirred Phillip's nerves and made him want to give up.

He was a bit confused. This pair of artificial legs had been with him for years, and he thought of them as his own legs. Sometimes, he didn't feel the existence of the artificial legs at all. But now, they felt unnatural.

The legs rubbed coldly against his knees, and this feeling constantly reminded Phillip that his legs were artificial and cold, not real ones!

They reminded Phillip that he was not able-bodied, but disabled.

In that moment, Phillip started doubting himself. His confidence was collapsing!

The top three runners had already crossed the finish line. The first two were naturally happy, while the third was nervous, not knowing whether he could enter the final or not.

Phillip, however, was not qualified to be nervous at all.

This time, he was last, even worse than sixth place.

Nevertheless, Phillip didn't look depressed, but numb.

My legs hurt and I feel tired! I wish I could go back early. Phillip couldn't even move. He didn't want to move at all.

The eyes of spectators lingered on the top three and on the next group. As for Phillip, he had been completely forgotten by the audience.

Many famous athletes came to this game; the fastest runner, the farthest and the highest jumpers, the best athlete for hurdles, the strongest javelin thrower and shot putter and weight throw players, and so on. In a word, there was no shortage of star athletes in the eyes of the audience. At this moment, people were more concerned about the winners, and no one would remember the losers.

What's more, there were women's competitions. The female athletes were wearing tight sportswear, which showed their fit bodies well. Some lechers in the stands were already having indecent fantasies.

As for female lechers, there were also male athletes wearing tight sportswear, with ripped biceps, strong pecs, and bulging a*ses which shocked the female audience. They not only made the male audience envy and hate each other, but also boasted their length.

Under such circumstances, who would care about a disabled athlete who was eliminated in the preliminary?Two weeks later, Phillip lost again in the Miami track and field game.

Phillip didn't pass the preliminary in a Seattle sprint.

Phillip failed to make any achievements in the New Orleans Track and Field Classic.

Finally, a sports magazine ran the headline: Barron Phillip, A Fallen Star!

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Chapter 418: Sponsors Left

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"Mr. James, I wonder if you have any time to talk about the sponsorship and endorsement. Yes, we talked about that last time."

"Suspend? Mr. James, as for the endorsement fee, we could discuss it again…"

"You've found a new cooperation partner? Mr. James, I hope you will reconsider Phillip. He has a very good image in the public, and he is an inspirational role model."

"Well, I hope we can cooperate next time."

Putting down the phone, Steven's face became serious. This was the third sponsor who'd refused him recently.

Venality of secular people! Steven cursed in his mind.

However, Steven knew that the sponsors were not to blame. It was Phillip who performed badly recently. No, his performance had not been bad, it had been terrible. Without good results, Phillip would naturally lose the sponsors' favor.

Phillip, when will you get back to where you were? If you go on like this, our sponsors will all be gone! Steven sighed, then he seemed to suddenly think of something. He picked up the phone again.

"Hello, is this the organizing committee of the New York Athletics Invitational? This is the agent of Barron Phillip. I would like to know if your invitation letter has been issued?" Steven asked.

"We sent out the invitation letter three days ago!" a lady's voice said.

"Three days ago? I checked my email and I didn't see it." As he said this, Steven felt a terrible foreboding.

"Just a moment please. I'll check for you. Barron Phillip? I'm sorry. Barron Phillip wasn't on our invitation list!" The woman's response confirmed Steven's foreboding.

Steven kept silent. He didn't even ask why. He didn't need to.

For an invitational tournament, the organizer's three standards were that the athlete must be strong enough, famous enough, or local enough to warrant special treatment.

In the eyes of the organizer, Phillip clearly didn't meet the three standards.

The woman on the other end of the phone seemed to feel Steven's bad mood, so she gave him a humane consolation prize.

She said, "We also have games for the disabled after the end of the regular competition. Although it's a performance, we're also sponsored by the New York Disability Foundation. Therefore, any disabled athlete who participates in the game will get one year of dental insurance as a prize."

"One year of dental insurance?" Steven's voice was full of contempt.

Seeing a dentist was really expensive. Besides, dental insurance and medical insurance were separated. Whether it was an ordinary person buying commercial insurance, or an employer-made offer of treatment, the dental insurance was listed separately. Employers who offered dental plans would be considered quite generous.

For ordinary Americans, a dental insurance plan was really a good prize, which could not only assure dental health, but also save a lot of money. The disabled, who didn't have high incomes, would pay more attention to this kind of security.

But Phillip was not an ordinary athlete. How could he care about a dental insurance plan when he had won more than ten million dollars in two years? Therefore, it sounded more like a humiliation than a prize.

But the woman on the other side didn't know it, so she continued, "But the foundation just sponsors the prize, not including the transportation and accommodation, and we the organizer will not provide this either. So, Mr. Phillip has to come to New York on his own expense."

"His own expense?" Phillip's voice became more contemptuous.

The tickets for the round trip were not cheap, not to mention the cost of accommodation in New York. The prize was just dental insurance, not even enough to cover the cost!What Brought the Blade Warrior down from the Pedestal?

"During the last two years, the hottest athlete in the US has undoubtedly been the Blade Warrior, Barron Phillip, who became an inspirational model after losing his legs in Iraq as a soldier. As a disabled athlete, he competes with world-class able-bodied athletes in world championships, and is even considered a very strong contender. There is no doubt that the Blade Warrior Phillip is a great athlete."

"However, during the last few months, the Blade Warrior has seemed to be in trouble. His performance was much worse than his previous record. He could compete with the best athletes before, but now he has lost races to second-rate runners. Although it is still a miracle for him to be able to compete with able-bodied athletes, he has really stepped back from his previous achievements."

"So, the question is, what has brought down Phillip?"

"There is no doubt about Phillip's talent. What mediocre athlete could have reached the world championship?"

"And he is right at the prime age for track and field athletes, so age is not the reason for the decline, or at least not such a sudden decline."

"The only reason the author can think of is attitude. Phillip must be in a bad state, so he can't perform as well as he used to in matches, which has led to a sudden drop in his performance."

"As an athlete, it is quite normal to have ups and downs. Many factors, whether on the field or personal, may lead to changes in the athlete's state of mind. Experienced professional athletes are also good at adjusting themselves, and Phillip is obviously experienced. He should be able to gradually adjust himself."

"But the truth is, his performance is becoming worse and worse, showing no sign of becoming better, which clearly shows that he is losing his state gradually."

"According to our investigation, Phillip changed his coach not long before. He left the coach he had cooperated with for two years and turned to the AP Training Center. However, the previous coach was the very coach that found Phillip and trained him as the Blade Warrior."

"Surely we can't blame Phillip's declining performance on his coach completely, but as for his recent performance, changing his coach was not a brilliant choice. But what's more surprising to me is that the famous AP Training Center suffered such a failure!"

This was an article written by the famous sports commentator, Fox, in the American Journal of Athletics.

This magazine was very influential and many professional track and field workers paid attention to it, not just in North America, but also in Europe and Asia. Especially before the Olympic Games or the World Championship, the predictions about the winners of each track and field event were considered as the weather vane of the competition.

Fox was a very famous sports commentator and his articles were often published in well-known sports magazines. Outsiders might not know him, but almost all insiders knew his name.

The combination of a famous sports commentator and an influential magazine always could make some waves.Although most people read the news on mobile phones these days, Dai Li's training center still subscribed to dozens of sports magazines for the coaches and members.

When Randy Blake handed the article, What Brought the Blade Warrior down from the Pedestal? in the latest American Journal of Athletics to Dai Li, Dai Li knew that Blake had made it happen.

"Was this written by someone you asked?" Dai Li asked without finishing it.

"I was a sports commentator before, and Fox is an old friend," Blake said, not trying to conceal it.

"The AP Training Center might blacklist us for this article," Dai Li said, but his face looked like he didn't care.

"You told me that the best way to become a new leader is to step over the body of the old one!" Blake leaned comfortably in the sofa and went on, "But the AP Training Center really depressed me. Phillip has been trained for months there, but his performance is becoming worse and worse. It seems that the most famous fitness training center in America doesn't know how to train disabled athletes."

"Several years ago, I met with the manager of the AP Training Center in Los Angeles. His name was David Mills. I don't know whether he is still in charge." Dai Li wore a wistful look.

"He is still in charge. I think he must be enraged!" Blake answered.David Mills had no time to be angry, and he was answering another call from headquarters.

"Mills, several months ago, I told you someone would be responsible for the training of the Blade Warrior if something went wrong. Do you remember that?" The voice on the phone was still harsh.

"Yes. But since then, I have arranged for Phillip to have the best—"

"I don't need an explanation!" The voice on the phone interrupted Mills and went on, "You'd better come to headquarters and explain to the board!"

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Chapter 419: The Truth That We Need

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Phillip returned to the locker room, tired from the whole day's training. Gritting his teeth due to the pain, he took off the artificial limb and found that his knee had swollen where it joined the artificial limb.

It hurts so much! Rubbing the swollen part, he suddenly began to miss Dai Li.

When Dai Li was there, Dai Li would give him several minutes of massage after the training ended, and his pain and swelling were quickly relieved. But now, the swelling and pain tortured him every minute, and they didn't leave even after a whole day's rest.

The training made his legs hurt, and he placed last every time he went to a race. Under such circumstances, Phillip couldn't find any motivation to go on. He was beginning to hate being an athlete.

Steven came into the locker room looking happy and excited.

"Good news, Barron! There is a sponsor in Oakland interested in you. I'll go to Oakland tomorrow to meet him," Steven said.

"Another sponsor, then." There was nothing happy on Phillip's face.

Steven had often told him that there was a new sponsor interested in him. But after that, Phillip never heard anything else about these sponsors.

Feeling Phillip's listlessness, Steven said, "Don't worry, Barron. I'll make a deal with the sponsor this time."

Looking disconsolate, Phillip heaved a sigh and then said, "Did I make a stupid choice when I left Coach Li?"

"How can that be? The AP training center is much bigger than Dai Li's training center. Here we have more kinds of equipment, the coaching team is more professional, and the training philosophy is the most advanced—" Steven immediately said.

"But my performance declined," Phillip interrupted, shaking his head. "I know the training in the AP Training Center is really professional. Their coaching team has made me a very good training plan. I didn't see any problem with their training, but I can feel clearly that I am slower than before!"

"Barron, you aren't in your best shape, that's all. Don't overstress yourself. Relax, you will get your best performance back," Steven said.

"No. It has nothing to do with my shape." Phillip shook his head very seriously. "When coached by Coach Li, I ran very smoothly. Sometimes I didn't even notice that I have artificial limbs, as if they were completely integrated with my body. But now, that feeling has escaped me. Especially when I am in a match, the artificial limbs are so heavy that they are a burden for me. It is so hard to run for even one step."

"Barron, is it that your artificial limbs are too old? Maybe we should go to Iceland and get the company to make another pair of limbs for you. Maybe they now have even more advanced technology to make firmer and lighter limbs," Steven said.

"The artificial limbs?" Phillip shook his head. "When I bought them, the company promised that these artificial limbs would last for two or three decades. The strength of carbon fiber bundles is much higher than steel. They won't deform under continuous pressure. What's more, even if it is due to the artificial limbs, I cannot change them in a short time."

"Why?" Steven asked.

"They are customized. Everyone's requirements for artificial limbs are different, as everyone is different in terms of figure and bone structure. This kind of artificial limb can never be mass produced. It takes several months to make them, as they need to craft carbon fiber nanotubes."

After a short pause, Phillip continued, "When the artificial limbs are made, they need installation and commissioning so that the user can get comfortable with them. It took me one year to get used to this set and walk like a normal person. Do you think I have that much time now to get a new set of artificial limbs and adapt to them?"

Then Phillip sighed. "I regret it now. I should have stayed with Coach Li for my training. Losing 5% of my income is really nothing. It would be much better than this, at least."With a stack of printed paper in his hand, David Mills said eloquently, "Dear directors, the Los Angeles Center has allocated many extra training resources to Barron Phillip, and has assigned him the best training team. We've also made him a perfect training plan, which I am holding in my hand now. Before I came here, I visited Laurence, Dell, and Gunelius. Those three consultants all endorsed this plan. Here are their signatures."

Mills held up the papers to show three illegible signatures.

Laurence, Dell, and Gunelius were all top coaches in America and had all worked for the AP Training Center. They became senior consultants of the AP Training Center after retirement. They were all of high level coaching performance, experience, and qualifications, which were sufficient to convince the directors.

As expected, a lot of them were mollified when Mills mentioned the three senior consultants. Even the directors of the board did not dare to disagree with the consultants. It was not likely to find Mills's fault in the plan.

"Mills, if the plan is okay, why has Phillip's performance gotten worse? Is there any problem with your execution of the plan?" a director asked.

"There is no problem at all with our execution. The coaches are all trained by headquarters, and passed the examination of headquarters," Mills said.

The director didn't pursue this question any further. Or it might seem that he was blaming headquarters.

"Mills, as the head of the Los Angeles center, what do you think is the reason for the deterioration of Phillip's performance?" another director asked.

Mills cleared his throat and said, "I think it's all his own fault that his performance declined. Maybe he has not done his best during training so that the training is not effective. Or, he might have visited the night clubs too often, so he was not in good shape."

"Mills, you mean you want to blame Phillip? You want our client to be held responsible for this?" The director who asked the question seemed a little annoyed.

"Is there any better explanation? Or do you really believe that our training is not so good as that of the Chinese?" David Mills said, not feeling any guilt.

Silence prevailed in the meeting room. The directors realized that blaming Phillip was not a bad option.

"Gentlemen, there has been someone in the media saying we are not as good as the training center of that Coach Li. Other training centers are waiting to see us in trouble! What we need to do now is to suppress the negative press. And the best way to do that, obviously, is to clear the responsibility off of ourselves."

Shrugging with his hands outstretched, Mills then said, "Phillip has only himself to blame for the decline of his performance. It is not that our training is not working, or the Chinese coach is better than us. We, the AP Training Center, is still the best physical training center in America. What do you think?"

"I agree with Mills," the director said. "We have to agree with Mills, for the reputation of the AP Training Center."

"Yet this may not be the truth!" someone said.

"Truth or not, is it really that important?" the director asked. "The key is, this is the truth that we need!"

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Chapter 420: I'm Going to Retire

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The AP Training Center

"Well, this set is finished, let's take a break." The coach picked up a towel, wiped the sweat off his head, and then walked away indifferently.

Phillip sat on the stool and panted. But his eyes were full of helplessness, because he had sensed the indifference of his coach, which was totally different than when he had just come here.

Phillip still remembered that when he first came to the AP Training Center, every coach was so enthusiastic about him. They even gave him a small reception party. But now when the coaches worked with him, they were impatient and perfunctory.

It was true that Phillip's performance was disappointing, at least for the coaches who trained him, because they felt that their hard work was not being rewarded.

It was just like a teacher who found a very talented student, then spent a lot of time teaching the student, giving the student special attention, and trying to cultivate the student to be an elite. However, the student's academic performance became increasingly worse, until it was the worst in the class. Then the teacher who had endeavored to cultivate the student would be very disappointed, so the teacher's patience for the student would disappear gradually, and his expectation for the student would eventually transform into disgust.

The same was true of the coaches. When Phillip first came to the AP Training Center, all the coaches had great expectations for him. They hoped that Phillip would make it to the Olympic Games and make brilliant achievements. So, when he first came here, they were very patient and gave him much attention.

But Phillip's performance declined until it was practically free-falling. So the coaches were dissatisfied, and they were also under great pressure from their management, which made them put in more effort.

However, who would continue to try when their efforts were not rewarded?

When the patience of his coaches was worn out, Phillip's performance was still as terrible as before. So they chose to give up. They were not enthusiastic about Phillip, and they no longer paid special attention to him. On the contrary, they were indifferent to Phillip, just like numb workers standing in an assembly line.

Phillip didn't like this feeling, and he was eager to get away from the training center as soon as possible. He wanted to go back home, where he could feel more secure.

At that moment, Phillip's phone rang, and he took it out only to find it was a call from Steven.

Shouldn't he be negotiating with the sponsors in Oakland now? Has he succeeded? Phillip was slightly pleased, and he answered the phone.

"Have you reached an agreement with the sponsor?" asked Phillip.

"No! What a d*mn sponsor, they want you to cut the ribbon for a pizza restaurant, then promised to give you two hundred bucks as appearance fee, among which one hundred dollars are vouchers for their restaurant. Damn it, who would want to eat pizza in their restaurant! It's insulting! Well, let's talk about another topic. Can you find today's Sport Today around you?" asked Steven.

"Probably? What's the matter?" asked Phillip.

"Looks like we were betrayed by the AP Training Center!" Steven said gloomily.

Dai Li picked up a copy of Sports Today, and there was a news report about Phillip, one which read, "We specially interviewed the AP Training Center in Los Angeles, and a coach, who didn't give his name, said Barron Phillip didn't pay much attention to his daily training, which was the main reason for his bad performance…"

When Dai Li saw this report, an unnatural expression twisted his face.

"How could they say that? Barron has been with me for two years, so I know him. He's definitely not the guy to be lazy in training! He has no feet, so he needs a pair of prosthetic legs for training. He's suffered more difficulties and pain than ordinary people, but he persisted! He spares no effort," said Dai Li.

"Don't you understand? This is just an excuse of the AP Training Center. They want to pass the buck." Blake made a helpless gesture and added, "The AP Training Center won't tell the press that they are not as good as we are in terms of training, yet Phillip's performance is getting worse and worse! They have to find an excuse to put the blame on someone else!"

"But they may destroy Phillip's future by saying so. This is a lie!" Dai Li said excitedly.

Even if it's a lie, the AP Training Center wants it to be true! Blake crossed his legs with a poker face, and then said, "You may think it's despicable behavior, but if you were in the position of the AP Training Center, you might find that the AP Training Center is just trying to minimize their losses. It's true that it is morally wrong to do so, but it is okay to do so when it comes to business operation. I think if I had faced that situation, I might have chosen to do the same."

"I know, business is business. It is stupid to talk about morality with a businessman," Dai Li said with indignation.

Blake changed the topic and said, "Well, do not feel wronged on Phillip's behalf. He is an adult, and he should take responsibility for his decision, whether it's good or terrible. As for you, you are supposed to focus your attention on Kevin Taylor. Has his next opponent been confirmed?"

"Not yet." Dai Li shook his head and added, "Taylor wants to challenge Highfield to get back the WBA's heavyweight gold belt. But the cunning Highfield has been looking for excuses to refuse Taylor's challenge."

Blake thought for a few seconds and then said, "If you want to make the challenge happen, you have to start with the WBA. Highfield certainly doesn't want to lose his gold belt, but the WBA should be happy to see Taylor challenge Highfield. The story between Taylor and Highfield would attract the world's attention even without much advertising. For the WBA, this challenge is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, so they might be motivated to make it happen."

"Highfield, the WBA just denied your fight with Meo," his agent said regretfully.

"Why? Meo agreed to challenge me two months ago. And we will split the bonus evenly. That will free me from worries about other matches for months to come," Highfield said as he frowned.

"The WBA arranged another opponent for Meo. So it's impossible for him to fight with you at the same time," his agent replied.

"Use another plan, then. Ask Bruno or Hayes to fight with me. It's okay to share the bonus evenly with them, too," added Highfield.

The agent shook his head and said, "The two are unavailable to fight with you, too. The newly issued schedule from the WBA shows that Bruno's next opponent is Hayes. For them, the timetable is too tight. They cannot challenge you."

"Damn it!" Highfield cursed.

"Highfield, it's the WBA that is behind all this. They want you to have a fight with Taylor. The story of you and him will draw the attention of the world without any hype. That means several hundred million dollars to the WBA. They will spare no effort in stopping other challengers from fighting you. So, this time, I'm afraid you can't avoid a fight with Taylor. You must fight him. And I think boxing fans all over the world are looking forward to such a match," said his agent.

"Maybe they want to see Taylor bite my other ear!" Highfield said, pouting his lips. He didn't want to accept Taylor's challenge at all. But if he was faced with the WBA, he had no choice.

"Okay, I will have a fight with Taylor. But I have a requirement. The WBA heavyweight gold belt will be his if I lose. Otherwise, both his WBO and IBF Heavyweight Golden Belts will be mine!" Highfield said.

"You are going to bring both the WBO and the IBF to the match, and make it a competition to decide the champion of all three leagues!"

Each of the top four boxing leagues in the world had innumerable resources. A match held by three of them together, with all of their resources, would definitely be a global focus. The agent could even foresee appearance fees of ten or twenty million dollars, a match bonus of more than one hundred million dollars, and a large amount of money gained from advertising.

We can make one hundred million dollars by this match if it is held by the three leagues together! The agent became very excited as he thought of the money. It seemed he would get an income of more than ten million dollars as an agent in the future.

In the empty villa, Phillip sat alone beside the pool, staring at the sky in a daze. On the small table next to him, there was a little red wine left in the bottom of a glass, and next to the glass was a stack of thick documents full of tables and numbers.

Phillip turned to look at the stack of documents and his heart settled a lot.

It was the annual report that Phillip's financial adviser had just sent to him. The figures showed that over the past year, his financial management had a decent return.

"I've made quite a lot of money in the past two years!" Phillip took up the glass and drank it away. He turned his eyes from the swimming pool to the main building of the villa.

The luxury home had cost him three million dollars, and although its facilities were luxurious, it was a little expensive. Houses in Las Angeles were already pricey. The same luxury homes, if not on the West Coast of the United States, would cost half as much.

"Three years ago, I wouldn't even have been able to pay the property tax on this house!" Phillip recalled his toughest time and suddenly felt a sense of happiness. Compared with the old days when he relied on relief money, he was now living in heaven.

"I lost my legs on the battlefield, and God compensated me with my athlete's gift. Now God probably feels that my compensation is enough, so he has to take it back. From nothing to what I am, I should be satisfied, thank God!" Phillip put down his glass and felt a bit tipsy. He took out his phone, opened his Twitter, and typed in the phrase, "I'm going to retire…"

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Chapter 421: Growth

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Stephen held the phone anxiously. "Barron, I will explain to the media that your statement about retiring was just something you wrote when you were drunk. Just a dumb dare with your friends."

"No, I really want to retire," said Phillip in a somber tone.

"Barron, I know that the results from your recent competitions have been a bit disappointing, but this is just temporary. I believe it will soon return to how things were," Stephen said encouragingly.

"How it used to be? Seriously? Even you don't believe that!" Phillip replied.

Stephen was silent for a few seconds. It was just as Phillip said; even he didn't believe that Phillip would be able to return to his previous peak condition.

"Barron, listen to me. Even if you aren't as good as you used to be, you don't have to choose to retire," Phillip advised.

"What can I do if I don't retire? Come last in every race?" Phillip laughed in a self-mocking manner. "I've had enough of feeling like a loser. Being the last to cross the finish line every time, looking at others celebrating, and scurrying off to the locker room with my tail between my legs."

"Barron, listen, if you care about winning so much, you can enter para-athletic competitions. You don't need to compete with able-bodied athletes. Going by your performance now, if you enter a para-athletic contest, you will definitely get first!" Phillip continued.

"Enter a para-athletic competition? How will people look at me? They might say, 'Hey superstar, why is a celebrity athlete like you not competing in the world championships? Why are you here trying to contest the prize money with us, disabled people?' If I did that, I would feel like a loser. I would rather retire, and at least keep a little of my dignity!" Phillip paused for a while and said, "You don't need to try to convince me, I've already decided. I am retiring!"

"Barron, you really need to reconsider this carefully…" Stephen kept trying to convince Phillip to change his mind, but he knew that it was unlikely. To a person suffering from a physical disability, dignity might well be more important than their lives.

Sure enough, Phillip interrupted Stephen as he spoke. "I'm tired, not physically, but mentally. Now, being an athlete no longer interests me. It is a heavy burden, and it makes me depressed. Sometimes I even have difficulty breathing. I am exhausted, and I don't want to keep this up anymore! I want to retire."

After the conversation with Phillip, Stephen could only stare into space.

Phillip was really retiring. It was a bolt out of the blue for Stephen. This meant that Stephen would lose his primary source of income.

Over the past two years, Stephen had made millions of dollars from Phillip. He bought a big house and a new car, and enjoyed the good life with that huge income. However, that good life was coming to an end. Once Phillip retired, he would no longer have any commercial value. And as his agent, Stephen no longer had any reason left for existing.

"I'm finished! I will need to sell the house!" Stephen's looked at the luxury furnishings in his villa in dismay.

He bought the villa for 1.6 million dollars. House prices in California were relatively high, and the median house price was about 400,000 dollars. His villa was four times the median house price. It was definitely a luxury house.

Buying a house was easy, but maintaining it was another story. And no American property owner could escape property tax. The more expensive the house, the higher the tax. If one refused to pay the tax, the government had the authority to take away the person's house, and either sell it in an auction or sell it to a bank.

If the average American were given a luxury house, they still would not be able to afford to live in it, because they would not be able to afford the property tax. For example, when Phillip had an income of a couple million dollars per year, the property tax for that house meant nothing to him. Once he lost his income, though, the property tax became a huge burden. If he worked hard for a year, he might be able to come up with the money to pay the property tax, so the only option for him was to sell his current house and move into a smaller one."The famous para-athlete 'Blade Warrior' Barron Phillip announces his retirement."

When Dai Li read this news headline, his heart felt sad and heavy. He couldn't help but sigh.

"Coach Li, don't worry so much, cheer up!" Ayres' voice boomed. Ayres walked over to him with a smile on his face. He glanced at the headline and said, "These kinds of things, you need to get used to them. When I was young, I felt the same as you when I saw the athletes that I trained retire. The heart feels heavy, as if you just lost someone close."

"What did you do?" Dai Li asked.

"Work. Worked like a maniac. I put all my energy and attention into my work. With time, you will naturally forget the things that worried you," Ayres said. He then had a hearty laugh and said, "Which is why I brought you some work."

"You really never come, do you? Go ahead, what is it?" Dai Li asked.

"It is about Taylor's next fight. His opponent is Highfield. I'm sure I don't need to tell you about the rivalry between these two, so this fight is crucial to Taylor. Three years ago, Highfield used a delaying strategy when he fought against Taylor. He kept dodging Taylor's attacks to deplete his strength. He knew Taylor's weakness, and he was able to successfully exploit it. Seeing as he was successful in that fight, I think that Highfield will definitely use this tactic again in the next match," said Ayres

He continued, "Physical fitness is Taylor's biggest weakness. The way he fights uses up too much of his stamina. The longer a fight goes on, the more disadvantaged he becomes. When it comes to fighting an experienced fighter like Highfield, I do not think that Taylor will be able to finish the match within a short timespan. It is very likely that the match will go on for all 12 rounds. So I devised a strategy that involves him fighting all 12 rounds."

"However, while Taylor debuted over a decade ago, he has never fought in a match that went on for all twelve rounds. I am worried that he might not be able to last that long. I need him to focus on his physical fitness training, to improve his stamina. I need him to last all twelve rounds. You are a fitness coach, so this is your job!"

Dai Li nodded his head. "No problem, just leave it to me. I will personally take care of this. I guarantee that Taylor will have enough stamina to last all 12 rounds."

"Don't be too confident. Time is an athlete's biggest enemy. Don't overlook Taylor's age. He is already a 33-year-old. A 33-year-old body, with 33-year-old stamina! He couldn't even fight for all twelve rounds when he was 22 years old, and now, we need him to be able to fight for 13 rounds. Just thinking about it gives me cold sweats," Ayres said.A group of reporters surrounded Highfield. While facing the reporters, Highfield looked relaxed, as if he was a tourist on holiday.

"Of course I have prepared. Kevin Taylor is an experienced fighter. However, I am confident when it comes to fighting him. After all, he's never defeated me."

"What type of strategy have I prepared? I guess it doesn't hurt to tell you; Taylor only knows a few moves. So, facing him doesn't require any special tactical preparation. I will simply reuse the strategy that I used to beat him three years ago."

"Taylor's become stronger? No, no, no. I don't think so. I believe that the reason why he has remained undefeated since his comeback is only that his opponents were not able to find the proper way to restrain him."

"Other things I should look out for in the match? Of course. I need to protect my ears this time. I don't want to get bitten again. I am considering whether or not to wear an earmuff, hahaha…"

Highfield was laughing arrogantly on the television screen.

Taylor was fuming in front of the television. His eyes filled with anger. Highfield was obviously making fun of Taylor for biting his ear when he mentioned wearing earmuffs in the fight.

"Kevin, he is simply trying to provoke you!" said a calm Ayres from beside him.

"I know!" Taylor took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

"Kevin, I hope that you learn to calm down. You have gone through a lot, not to mention that you have once again climbed up the ladder and reached the peak of the boxing world. I think it is time for you to grow up."

Taylor did not answer. He just sat there quietly, not knowing how to calm down. He was still fuming.

Ayres frowned slightly. He didn't know how to persuade Taylor to calm down.

Beside him, Dai Li suddenly said, "Kevin, do you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you. Why? What is it?" Taylor replied without any hesitation.

It seemed as if Dai Li was deliberately trying to change the topic. "Three years ago, the reason you bit Highfield wasn't only because you were angry, but because you were afraid you would lose, right?"

Taylor didn't reply. He lowered his head. He did not dare to look at Dai Li. It was like giving an affirmative answer.

"You were worried that you would lose. You knew that you couldn't last all twelve rounds. Your negative emotions made you do something that was stupid. If you felt like you were going to win, would you have bitten Highfield's ear?" Dai Li continued to ask.

"Li, I know what you are saying. I will be calm. I have faith in myself!" Taylor's head still hung low. He had no desire to be reminded of that incident.

"No. What I am saying is that you need to have faith in me!" Dai Li said confidently. "Have faith in my training."

Taylor lifted his head and moved his head slightly to look at Dai Li.

Dai Li had a smile on his face. Taylor felt a sense of calm when he saw his smile.

"If you have the stamina to last all 12 rounds, you will definitely win! This is because I am the one who personally trained you."

On the side, Ayres looked at Dai Li. He felt a sense of familiarity with the unique temperament Dai Li emanated when he spoke. That confidence. It was as if they had already won before the match even began. Suddenly, Ayres felt like he was looking at himself from ten years ago.

Interesting. This kid sure grows up fast. He is becoming more and more like a proper coach! Ayres thought, judging him using the standard of a legendary coach.

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Chapter 422: Physical Fitness Battle

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Taylor sat on the bench, his elbows on his knees. He was unusually calm.

"Highfield started as a light heavyweight boxer. He is one year older than me. He used to compete in the amateur league, and he won a bronze medal in the Olympics. He later entered the professional leagues, also in the light heavyweight class. He was able to win the championship belt from the World Boxing Council, the World Boxing Association, and the International Boxing Federation within four years."

Taylor was saying this to Ayres and Dai Li, but to them, it looked more like he was talking to himself.

Taylor went on to say, "After that, Highfield gained weight and entered the heavyweight division. But his experience in the heavyweight division wasn't the same as when he was fighting in the light heavyweight division. He fought in the division for five years, and even though he was always a title challenger, he never managed to win the championship belt. But that was until the match against me!"

Taylor suddenly looked agitated. "Everyone thought that I would win that match. I also thought that I would be able to defeat Highfield easily. I had no idea that it would be the toughest fight of my life. Highfield chose the right strategy. He played me through the entire match."

"During that match, Highfield kept moving around me. When he wasn't able to do that, he just clinched me. I kept trying to attack him, but not only did it not have any effect, it also drained most of my energy. After the fourth round, I started to feel like I was going to lose the match."

"I remember during the sixth round, I'd already depleted most of my energy. I was not able to maintain my aggressive fighting style. But Highfield was still running and jumping all around me, trying to keep exhausting me. He kept using small tricks to annoy me. Finally, I lost my cool, and when he was holding on to me, I bit his ear!"

"I felt instant regret after biting his ear. I was too rash. I felt like I had just ended my professional boxing career. The truth was that I turned that match into one of the biggest jokes in the boxing world. I almost ruined myself with my impulsive behavior."

"But in all fairness, Highfield had some of the best defensive techniques in the world. At least when it comes to the people that I have fought, he was the best. His defense was almost impenetrable. If Highfield kept avoiding a head-on fight, I really would have had no way of winning."In the athlete's lounge, Highfield stared at the clock. The ticking of the clock sounded like war drums, pumping him up for a fight.

However, Highfield kept reminding himself to stay calm. He couldn't act too rashly. He needed to keep a cool head because his opponent today was Kevin Taylor.

"Only an idiot would get into a head-on fight with Kevin Taylor!" Highfield pouted. He still vividly remembered the match from three years ago. When he fought against the fierce Kevin Taylor, everyone thought that Taylor would win. But Highfield was the one who walked away with the championship belt from the World Boxing Association.

Of course, he had to sacrifice his ear in the process, but he won sympathy from the audience, and it pushed him into the ranks of the top heavyweight champions.

"I only need to keep dodging Taylor when I face him, just like three years ago." Highfield couldn't help but touch the ear that Taylor had bitten. It had already healed, and the scars had already disappeared, but the scars in his heart were still there.

"I remember it was in the sixth round. Taylor was agitated, and bit my ear. I think he knew that he didn't have enough stamina to hold on any longer. Now that he is three years older, he should be in worse condition. He definitely won't be able to last long. Maybe he will bite my ear in the third round!"

Highfield looked at the clock. It was almost time. He stood up and walked towards the door.It was a world-famous boxing match, but the crowd was surprisingly quiet. Strictly speaking, it didn't sound that much different from a regular boxing match.

"Are they actually going to fight? It is already the third round, but neither of them has attacked."

"Highfield is staying at the back. Taylor is also staying at the back. They are both just avoiding each other and circling around the ring. We are here to watch a boxing match, not a staring competition!"

"Where was the epic fight that was promised? The best attacker versus the best defender. What are we watching right now? Can you guys please get on with it!"

Many members of the audience were getting angry. In the commentary box sat three well-known commentators, but none of them knew what to say. The match had just been the two fighters avoiding each other and trying to test each other out. No direct attacks were coming from either of them. It really wasn't an entertaining fight.

The bell rang. That meant the third round had ended. Both contestants went to their corners.

Highfield's chest was only moving slightly. He wasn't out of breath. He hadn't used much of his stamina, and he suspected it was the same for Taylor.

"Taylor got smarter. He wasn't impatient in trying to attack. I think that this time, he is prepared to fight all twelve rounds," the coach who stood beside Highfield said.

"I know. Taylor hired the 'White Devil' Ayres as his coach. Judging by Ayres' skill, he wouldn't let Taylor repeat the mistake he made three years ago," Highfield said.

"Then we have to change our strategy. You need to provoke him. You can even create a few fake openings for him to attack. But if you do this, you may lose some points," the coach reminded him.

"Relax, I understand. If I can exhaust Taylor, losing a few points doesn't matter. Taylor without stamina is a toothless tiger. He will be like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered. When that happens, not only will I be able to win back some points, but I will be able to knock him out," Highfield said while nodding.

"Be careful. Don't get hit. Taylor's punches are very powerful. Once you get hit, it will be hard for you to recover," the coach reminded him.

"Relax, I know what I'm doing!" Highfield said. He stood up and returned to the match."The sixth round has just started!" the commentator shouted, almost simultaneously with the sound of the bell.

"During the sixth round of the match three years ago, Taylor did something extraordinarily dumb that shook the world. He bit Highfield's ear and created the biggest scandal in the boxing world. But today is different from three years ago. Both fighters are evenly matched, and in terms of points, Taylor is leading slightly. Although it isn't enough for a clear win, a lead is still a lead. I think that under these circumstances, Taylor probably won't repeat the dumb mistake he made three years ago," the commentator said.

In the boxing ring, Taylor was taking an offensive stance, and Highfield was on the defensive. But on the whole, they were still evenly matched. Highfield created some openings to bait Taylor, and Taylor did not let go of the opportunity. He took the bait and attacked. Nothing much came from the attack. He only gained a few points from it.

Amongst all the heavyweight champions, Highfield was the best at defending. The openings he gave Taylor didn't really give Taylor much of an advantage. It was only a few points, and a few points were generally not decisive in a heavyweight fight. Knockouts occurred very frequently in heavyweight fights. Leading by points didn't matter, as a knock out would render the points useless.

The bell rang, signifying the end of the sixth round. Highfield lost another point in this round, but he wasn't too concerned by it. When he arrived at his corner, he couldn't help but continue to check up on Taylor's condition.

Taylor looks like he still has a lot of stamina. Looks like I need to keep depleting his energy for the next few rounds. Maybe he will start to get tired in the ninth, or tenth round. The last two rounds will give me the chance I need. But Taylor isn't someone who can be easily beaten. I may not be able to knock him out in those two rounds, Highfield thought to himself.The ninth round.

The spotlights shone on the boxing ring and reflected off the bodies of the two boxers.

Their sweat glistened, and both Taylor and Highfield looked as if they had just come out of a sauna. They were drenched in sweat. Just by looking at the amount of sweat, one could guess how much energy they had spent.

Boxing was a sport that required a massive amount of endurance. ESPN did a poll on professional athletes and asked them to rank the sports that required the most endurance. Long-distance cycling and marathon running came first at 9.36 points. Third place was long-distance swimming with 9.25 points. Boxing came fourth at 8.63 points. Soccer only got 7.75 points, and basketball scored 7.38 points.

Heavyweight boxing took an even greater amount of energy compared to other weight divisions. It was the ninth round, and Taylor and Highfield had both depleted much of their energy.

Taylor should be tired now, Highfield thought. His breath was short, and Taylor was not in a better situation either.

Maybe Taylor is just barely hanging on! I should try to find out, Highfield thought, and he decided to try attacking.

The next second, Highfield started to move his body left and right. He skipped around to try to confuse Taylor and looked for an opportunity to attack. Taylor did not let up, reacting to his opponent's every move.

In a flash, both of them attacked, trading several blows. They then retreated immediately. Their punches and reactions were too fast. The audience could only guess how many punches they had unleashed. Unless a slow-mo camera was used, there was no way to tell how many punches were meted out.

Highfield looked at Taylor. He wanted to use his hands to rub the area beneath his ribs. During their exchange, the right side of his ribcage took a punch from Taylor. That punch made him feel like his internal organs were coming out of his body. He felt like throwing up.

But what was on his mind wasn't the pain, but Taylor. During their exchange, Taylor's movements were fast, and his reactions quick. His punches were still very powerful. Evidently, Taylor had not depleted his stamina.

Damn. Taylor still has energy! Highfield thought, feeling anxious for the first time since the beginning of the match.Below the ring, Dai Li crossed his arms, but he had a very proud look on his face.

Stop underestimating Taylor's strength. I've even used my endurance aura!

Under the effects of the age-reduction card, Taylor had the body of a 27-year-old. This already increased his endurance. The recent endurance training also helped to increase his endurance.

However, in this match, Dai Li was still using the endurance aura.

In the previous matches, Dai Li used the explosive force halo. When used with Taylor's three-ax-style attacks, it increased Taylor's strength and speed, making Taylor unstoppable.

But today's match was a tug-of-war. It might go on for 12 rounds. Dai Li chose to use the endurance aura instead of the explosive force halo. Although he lost some attacking power, he was able to gain some endurance. Because of that, even though it was the ninth round, Taylor was maintaining his endurance.In the boxing ring, Taylor's chest was pumping. He was in the same condition as Highfield, breathing haggardly. Their most recent exchange had expended a lot of his energy. Although he felt a bit tired, his body was feeling excited.

It is around the ninth round. Judging by my current condition, I should be able to fight till the 12th round. This will be the first time in my boxing career that I've fought a full match. I'm still not used to it. I think I managed to hit one of Highfield's lower ribs just now, that should be a critical hit, right?

Taylor couldn't help but glance at the right side of Highfield's ribcage.

In the last few rounds, I managed several effective hits. In comparison, he also hit me a few times, but in terms of points, I am definitely ahead of him. This means that I am currently at an advantage. Before the match began, Coach Ayres told me that if I am leading in points and I have the advantage of the situation, I need to stay calm. Don't rush, let the opponent attack!

Taylor started to calm down. In his eyes, he not only saw Highfield who was opposite him, but also the victory that was dawning!

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Chapter 423: Advancing and Retreating

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

It was the eleventh round, and the match was nearing its end.

Highfield tried throwing a jab. Taylor dodged it and shuffled forward. Highfield immediately retreated in order to create a safe distance between him and Taylor.

How is Taylor still not tired! He is already 33 years old. How is his stamina better now than when he was younger? Highfield started to wonder nervously. This was completely different from what he had expected.

The endurance that Taylor demonstrated was far beyond what Highfield had imagined. He thought that Taylor wouldn't be able to last this long. He never imagined that Taylor would still be so energized after ten rounds.

Are we really going to fight all 12 rounds? Highfield suddenly realized.

At the same time, Taylor started to attack. He combined his signature rushing technique with a punch. This broke Highfield's train of thought. He had to clear his head and focus on the present fight.

Against the master of defense, Taylor's attacks were futile. Highfield dodged his attacks and then lunged forward to clinch at Taylor. The referee had no choice but to pause the match and separate the two.

After that, everything just repeated itself. Another test, another attack, and another dodge.

Finally, the bell rang, and the eleventh round was over. Highfield returned to his corner. He could finally calm down enough to think and analyze the situation.

A sense of fatigue suddenly overcame Highfield. He wanted to lie down and rest. It was only after he had a drink that he felt better. After eleven rounds, Highfield had also used up a lot of his strength. He was already 34 years old, a year older than Taylor. A high-intensity match like this one was also very challenging for him.

The coach went over and said, "Right now we are behind on points. You have four points to catch up."

Highfield's face suddenly looked heavy. Four points. If it were a few rounds earlier, he wouldn't even care, but now that they were in the last round, there was no way that he would be able to catch up against Kevin Taylor.

If the match ended without a knockout, then the winner would be decided by points. If it came to that, Highfield would lose, and he would lose his WBA championship belt.

This is the last round. My strength is almost depleted. Taylor probably isn't in any better condition, he must also be at his limit. Maybe if I attack one more time, I will be able to knock him down! After Highfield thought of this, he decided to give it a shot.Taylor kept up a fast breathing pattern. In this high-intensity match, he had depleted a lot of his energy. His muscles had built up a significant amount of lactic acid. He needed to keep breathing to get rid of the lactic acid.

It is already the last round, and I am leading by four points. More importantly, I still have enough stamina! Coach Li is right, I can last all 12 rounds. Taylor thought that with his remaining stamina, he could initiate two to three more attacks.

In actuality, I only need to keep defending to win. There is no way Highfield can catch up by four points in just one short round, Taylor thought. He turned around and asked Ayres, who was beside him, "Coach, it is already the last round. What should I do? Do I attack or defend?"

"What do you think? Do you want to attack or defend?" Ayres asked back.

"I don't know," Taylor replied.

Ayres smiled, and said, "Kevin, there is only one round left in this competition. As your coach, I have already done everything I can to help. For the rest of the match, you need to make your own decisions. Attack or defend. It's your choice. The only advice I can give you is to trust your instinct."

"My instinct?" Taylor's eyes showed confusion.

"Yes." Ayres nodded earnestly. "You are a boxer. When you are in the ring, you are not only trying to win, you are showing a true version of yourself, the real Kevin Taylor!"

Taylor understood what Ayres meant. He stood up and walked confidently towards the center of the ring.The bell rang, signifying the start of the last round.

Highfield adopted a different stance. His body leaned forward, he threw a jab to test the waters.

"Does Highfield want to attack? He must have noticed that he is behind on points, so he's taking the initiative to attack. Although Highfield is considered a master of defense in heavyweight boxing, his attacking skills are also world-class. His punches aren't the heaviest, but at a close distance, the technique and speed of his punches always make his opponents feel pain."

When the commentator's voice disappeared, Highfield approached Taylor.

As a bronze medalist in the Olympics, Highfield's technique was impeccable. His punches were characterized by speed and accuracy. One hit wouldn't be enough to knock someone down, but it could definitely cause a good amount of damage. If the damage kept on accumulating, it would eventually become fatal.

To put it simply, Highfield's punches were like running water. If a jagged rock were constantly washed by the stream, it would eventually turn into a smooth cobblestone.

Taylor's body, however, was like steel. His ability to take punishment was amongst the best in heavyweight boxing. His fighting style determined that if he intended to hit others, he first needed to be hit. So when Highfield attacked, Taylor didn't retreat, he sprang forward, hid his vital spots, and delivered a blow to Highfield.

Yet again, everything happened as quick as a blaze. The two quickly exchanged blows, and it ended with them clinching on each other.

The same thing had happened a few times in the early rounds. Highfield attacked, Taylor retaliated, and they each gave the other a few blows. Some did not even land. Basically, neither of them gained any advantage. It usually ended with both of them retreating, or clinching each other before getting separated by the referee.

It happened again. I hit him, and he hits me. Highfield stared at Taylor, who stood right across him. He recalled their last exchange, and he realized that Taylor did not move any slower than usual.

Taylor is still able to fight. How much energy does he have left?Taylor's chest was moving up and down as he panted heavily. Every attack he made used up a lot of his energy.

During the last exchange, Highfield hit me, and I hit him as well. They were both effective hits. Both of us lost one point. So my four-point advantage is still there. There isn't much time left in the round. If I keep fighting defensively, victory will be mine.

The word "defense" popped up in Taylor's mind, but it made him feel awkward.

Defense? Damn it, I am Kevin Taylor; the word defense isn't in my vocabulary. Am I getting old? Has my fighting style changed? I kept dodging like a coward and delaying, waiting for the match to end. That is not something Kevin Taylor would do! When I was first learning to box, Angie told me that boxing is about knocking out the opponent!

Taylor couldn't help but think of his adoptive father, Angie. The next moment, Taylor's eyes were filled with fire.

I am Kevin Taylor. I don't only desire victory. I want to attack, and knock out my opponent. That is my only goal! Only unrelenting attacks; that is the real me!

In the next second, Taylor moved forward decisively.Taylor is attacking again! Highfield dodged and evaded his attack.

He just keeps on coming. This is already the last round, and he is leading by four points. He only needs to defend, and he will win, but he just keeps attacking! Highfield looked at Taylor, feeling slightly confused. If he were in the same position, he would definitely choose to fight defensively, waste time, and wait for victory to come to him.

Does Taylor want to knock me out? But he will only exhaust himself with these kinds of attacks, and he might even expose an opening to me. That will give me a chance to make a comeback. I only need to wait for him to attack, and give him a fatal blow!

As Highfield thought of this, he suddenly felt excited, as if he had a glimmer of hope.

Hwee! Hwee! Hwee! The whistle blew.

Taylor attacked again. He delivered a flurry of punches, and Highfield heard the wind that they generated. In truth, Taylor's punches were faster than the wind. Highfield only heard the sound after he dodged Taylor's attack.

What a fierce attack! Highfield thought, surprised. The excitement he had earlier vanished in a flash.

Taylor is really aiming to knock me out! I get hit by one of these punches, I'm done!

If I get knocked out, I won't only be losing this match, I will look bad as well!

I am only behind by four points right now. This is only a slight lead. If I lose by a small lead, I won't look as bad!

There is only a little time left. Do I want to risk it? I have a chance to knock out Taylor.

But he also has a chance to knock me out! I have already lasted this long. Do I want to get knocked out in the last round?

In those few seconds, Highfield's head was in a fierce struggle. It was as if there were an angel and a devil standing on his shoulders, arguing about what he should do.

Do I risk it? Or just keep dodging?

Highfield did not know which decision he should make, but his body made the decision for him.

Taylor started a new attack.

Highfield instinctively retreated.

It wasn't a conscious decision, but just a natural reaction from his body.

Highfield's instinct was telling him that, when faced with such a situation, it was better to retreat!Below the ring, when Highfield chose to retreat, Ayres let out a long sigh.

"He advanced, but Highfield retreated! The match is over! We've won…"

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Chapter 424: The Celebrated Coach

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the boxing ring, Taylor lifted the championship belt high above his head. His face was wet. It wasn't clear whether it was sweat or tears, or a combination of both.

"Kevin is crying," Ayres said.

"He is too excited. When he beat Hopkins, he didn't act like this," Dai Li said, slightly absent-mindedly.

"The WBA championship belt is really meaningful for Taylor. Thirteen years ago, when he was twenty years old, the first heavyweight championship belt he won was the WBA belt. From then until he went to prison, he never lost his title as the WBA champion. During those years, the WBA championship belt represented the name Kevin Taylor." Ayres kept looking at the championship belt, and said, "After he got out of prison, the first championship belt Taylor won was also the WBA belt. I believe you are able to feel his determination to keep the WBA belt. To him, this WBA belt doesn't only represent his skill in boxing, but also his honor, and the memories of his youth. It is a witness to his entire career, the thing that kept him going."

Ayres turned around to look at Dai Li. He noticed that Dai Li seemed slightly absent-minded, so Ayres asked in a slightly annoyed tone, "Li, are you listening to me?"

"Yes. Of course, I am listening." Dai Li laughed. The reason he was absent-minded was because he just received a notification from the system. The system had upgraded him from a famous coach to a celebrated coach.

The top boxing league, the top boxer, and the top boxing championship match. I've gained a large amount of experience. And then there's also the team pyramid that has helped me gain a lot of experience. But now that I've been upgraded, the team pyramid will also be upgraded.

Dai Li examined the team pyramid, and as expected, it was also upgraded. Before, the team pyramid could only hold two top-level coaches, four second-rate coaches, and eight third-rate coaches. Now, it could contain two famous coaches, four top-level coaches, eight second-rate coaches, and 16 third-rate coaches. The number of spaces had doubled, and there were two additional positions for famous coaches. This meant that two of the coaches working under him would enjoy the bonus effects of a famous coach.

It was only 14 people before, and now it is 30. I need to start recruiting again. But my training center can't accommodate thirty coaches. Maybe I should open another center and expand. It's better for me to leave this issue to Blake!

Dai Li did some calculations, and the amount he made from Taylor would be enough for him to purchase a larger venue. If he continued renting, opening up several branches wouldn't be a problem.

"It's better to wait and see the rewards for leveling up this time. I was upgraded from being a famous coach to a celebrated coach. The bonus shouldn't be too bad, right?" Dai Li shouted at the system to bring him his upgrade bonus.

Two upgrade awards appeared in the system. On the left was a golden, engraved stick, with a gem mounted to its top. The one on the right was a silver scale, its two trays also engraved with many patterns.

"A golden stick and a silver scale? They look quite impressive, but what are they?" Dai Li asked the system.

"That is not a stick, it is a scepter. This item is called the Scepter of Authority!" the system replied immediately.

"What is it used for?" Dai Li asked.

"Now that you are well-known, a lot of top athletes will seek you out. You will not only have to possess ability, but authority as well. Authority is absolutely necessary for a celebrated coach. This Scepter of Authority will improve your attributes in this area," the system explained.

Dai Li nodded that he understood. In the coaching business, the higher the level of the athlete, the more authority the coach required.

If it were an ordinary athlete with average skills, then an average coach would be enough to handle it. But if it were a well-known athlete or even a world-class athlete, there was no way an average coach would be able to coach them. Even if the coach was good, and was able to set up a good training routine, the athletes might not listen to them, and the effectiveness of the training would be greatly reduced.

It would be like when Dai Li had just entered the provincial team, and the coach then was Jiang Aiguo. At that time, Dai Li was more like an assistant trainer, not a formal coach. Later, when Dai Li entered the national team to learn, the situation was similar. Even when Dai Li was right, the national team athletes would not follow Dai Li's instructions.

When Dai Li later returned to the provincial team and led the national team, the situation was completely different. Dai Li was known as the coach who won a gold medal in the Asian Games, so he was the absolute authority in the provincial track and field team. Both athletes and coaches listened to Dai Li's instructions. Even for the few who were not satisfied with him, they could only talk bad about him behind his back.

He had trained Phillip, and now Taylor. Dai Li's training center had become famous on the west coast. But Dai Li's biggest weakness was the fact that he was Chinese. Americans stereotyped Chinese as not being good at sports. Therefore, Dai Li still needed to continue accumulating fame and increasing his authority. At the very least, when faced with world-class athletes, he should be able to get them to listen to him.

"Now that I have the Scepter of Authority, does this mean that in the future, people will follow all of my training programs? They will become more compliant? Am I understanding this correctly?" Dai Li asked.

"Not only the training programs. Your on-the-spot commands, your tactical arrangements, your comments on the athletes, and even your pre-match predictions. People will find them to be much more believable and reasonable. This is the ability of the Scepter of Authority," the system continued to explain.

"If that is the case, I don't even need to continue being a coach. I can just earn a living being a commentator," Li Dai said jokingly. As he had not used the scepter before, he wasn't able to evaluate its usefulness. He didn't know if it was an amazing magical reward, or just a useless piece of junk.

"What does the silver scale do?" Dai Li asked.

"This is called the State Scale. It can be used to adjust the competitive state of the athlete," the system replied.

"Does this mean that it can improve an athlete's state or worsen it?" Dai Li asked.

"Completely wrong," the system rebutted quickly. "The State Scale can't improve or worsen an athlete's state. It is used to stabilize the athlete's state. The more the scale moves to the left, the more stabilized the athlete is, and the more it moves to the right, the more the athlete's state will fluctuate."

"Of course it would better if it were stabilized! Why would anyone choose to move it to the right?" Dai Li said without hesitation.

"Is that really the case?" the system replied in a taunting way. "I'm talking about the fluctuation of the athlete's state. This, of course, includes a poor state, but it also includes a sudden burst of brilliance."

"You mean it can be good, or it can be bad?" Dai Li slowly started to understand what the system meant.

The system continued to explain, "I'll give you an example. A basketball player might have a free throw accuracy of 70%. If his condition is stable, he might score seven out of ten shots, and 70 out of 100. But if his condition was allowed to fluctuate, he might score ten out of ten shots, but he also might only get three or four. That is what happens when you move the scale to the right or to the left."

"You can also see it as the attack stats in a video game. A 15-15 attack means that every attack would be 15; however, for a 0-30 attack, it means that there is a chance for getting an attack that does 30 damage, as well as an attack with zero damage." The system gave a vivid metaphor.

Dai Li frowned. According to the system's explanation, the State Scale was akin to a video game where you choose to either have a stable output of damage or go for a critical hit, a choice that was a double-edged sword. It wasn't an easy task.

If placed in the context of a competition, if the athlete's standard were good enough, it would make sense to choose stability. But one also had to consider that if the opponent was in great form, then overly relying on stability might make one lose the match.

If the two competitors were both evenly matched, then the choice would be even more difficult. If they were both evenly matched, the person who was in a better condition would win. But the State Scale was not able to improve someone's state, it only allowed it to fluctuate. If it fluctuated upwards, then good, but if fluctuated downwards, then the match would be lost.

"If that is the case, then the less stable side might be good to use when the opponent is obviously stronger. It would be a difficult match to win anyway. Tipping the scale to the right to maximize the fluctuation of the athlete's state, if we are lucky, might give a boost and provide a chance for victory. Looks like this is a tool for those who are weak. Only when a person is outmatched would this item maximize the return benefits."

Dai Li figured out the correct way to use the State Scale within a short few seconds.

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Chapter 425: The Successor

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"If you want to open a branch, you will need to hire new employees. This is giving me a huge load of work." Though Blake said that, the tone of his voice was relaxed, and there was even a hint of teasing. He continued, "I've done so much, you better give me a raise next year!"

"After you finish dealing with the opening of the new branch, I will give you 5% of our stocks as a bonus. How's that?" Dai Li asked seriously.

Blake saw the solemn look on Dai Li's face and realized that Dai Li wasn't joking. He was pleasantly surprised and said, "Li, you sure are a generous boss."

Dai Li was very satisfied with Blake's performance. As a professional manager, Blake had performed magnificently in the time he had been in charge. Business increased, and the center became more well-known. Handing over specialized work to the professionals had been the correct decision.

Giving Blake a 5% stake in the company was Xiao Yunan's proposal. When it came to being a boss, Xiao Yunan was much better than Dai Li. Xiao Yunan managed a one hundred billion dollar company. Just a few tips from her would last Dai Li a long time.

To be a good boss, there was no need to do everything on your own or to have any specialized professional skills. Knowing how to use the correct people was the key. For example, a talent like Blake. Rather than giving him a raise, it would be better to provide him with a stake in the company. Once he had shares in the company, he would naturally work harder to manage the fitness training center.

The 5% shares really motivated Blake, and his mood instantly shifted to become more excited. He said, "About the location of the new branch, I suggest that we open it near a college. If there is a need, we can rent the facilities from the nearby college, such as the track and field stadium. We can save a lot of money this way."

"Okay, we will do as you say." Dai Li's voice changed, and he said, "I need to go back to China for a few days. I will let you handle things here."

As they were speaking, the doorbell rang and Taylor walked in.

"Li, do you have time? I want to speak with you," Taylor said.

Understanding, Blake stood up and said, "I'll get out of here."

After Blake left, Dai Li and Taylor were left in the room.

"Li, I've given it some thought, and I've decided to open a boxing gym," Taylor said, looking anxious and serious at the same time.

Dai Li stared at Taylor with an odd look. "You want to teach others how to box? This is a pretty good idea. With your status as a world-class boxing champion, you should attract a lot of people."

"No, you misunderstand me. I don't plan to make any money. I want to open up a boxing gym and teach the kids in youth detention centers how to box for free," Taylor said.

"Just like what Angie did for you in the past?" Dai Li asked.

Taylor took a deep breath and nodded. "You know, because I used to be in a youth detention center, I know that the kids in there aren't bad people. A lot of them lost their parents, and that was why they went on the wrong path. If someone gave them the right guidance, they might have a chance."

"So you want to open a boxing gym, and then teach them how to box so that they can become boxing champions like you?" Dai Li's expression became solemn.

Taylor nodded. "Compared to them, I am lucky. I met Angie, and he brought me out of the re-education through labor camp. He taught me to box, which is why I became the boxing champion Taylor, and not the drug addict Taylor, smuggler Taylor, or thief Taylor… Angie has already been gone for over a decade, but I am starting to understand him more and more. Understanding what he did back then. He chose to help me because he didn't want me to go down the wrong path. He didn't want me to become a criminal and rot in prison, or get my brains blown out in a gunfight. Whether or not I could become a boxing champion wasn't important. Practicing boxing was something legitimate that he found for me to do. Something practical that I could do, and not just lay around doing nothing."

Taylor took a deep breath, and his expression became sorrowful. "I'm not looking to train the next boxing champion. I don't even expect to train the next professional boxer. I only want to carry out Angie's last wish, to finish what he hadn't finished. I can help those lost kids find something to do. Such as regular boxing training. To keep them away from crime, away from drugs, at least give them a chance to grow up away from crime. To use their two hands to earn a living for themselves."

Dai Li stared at Taylor. In his mind, Taylor was simple-minded and impulsive. Someone who did things recklessly without considering the consequences. As it turned out, he didn't know Taylor at all. Taylor had a noble side to him.

Taylor chose to become Angie's successor after he became famous. Dai Li couldn't help but start to admire Taylor.

Taylor continued to say, "Although I am a boxer, I have no idea how to start a boxing gym, and no one to help me, so I want to ask for your help."

"What do you need me to do? Just say the word!" Dai Li said.

"After I start my boxing gym, I want to borrow some of your people, at least until my boxing gym can operate properly. I am unable to find someone suitable to run a boxing gym on such short notice," Taylor said.

"No problem. Let me think…" Dai Li pondered for a minute, then said, "Jones, Payton, and Tiger, you know all three of them. Pick one of them. All three of them are good. They all have their own strong points. When I open another branch, I am also considering picking one of the three to be the manager of the branch."

"Give me Chris Payton then! I am more familiar with him," Taylor replied.

"You have a good eye… Come to think of it, if it weren't for Payton, I wouldn't have been put in the police detention cell, in the same detention room with you—"

Taylor interrupted Dai Li, "Can you not bring that up? That is a very embarrassing memory for me."On the signboard, the words "Kevin Taylor's Boxing Gym" were written. Beside it was a cartoon version of Kevin Taylor's head.

"I never thought that Kevin would retire when he had just reached his peak again. And start a boxing gym, of all things. It's a gym that focuses on recruiting troubled youths, too. Those are all troublesome kids," Ayres said, while he patted the hand of an old woman beside him.

She was Ayres' wife. She had once been paralyzed, but was finally starting to walk using a cane. She was there to accompany her husband during the opening ceremony of the boxing gym.

"Ayres, Kevin is retiring. I would also like to congratulate you on your retirement. Again. What are you preparing to do next?" Dai Li turned his head and said, "If you are willing, you can continue to stay at my fitness training center."

"If I were to continue working, how would that be considered as retirement?" Ayres shook his head. "These two years, I earned a good salary from Taylor. I plan to use this money to travel the world with my wife. What do you think about having the Great Wall of China as our first stop?"

"You want to go to my motherland on vacation? How long do you plan to stay there?" Dai Li asked with interest.

"Two weeks? What do you think?" Ayres held up two fingers.

"If you only intend to walk around, it should be enough. In two weeks, you should be able to see some of the more significant sites," Dai Li said. He saw Chris Payton coming from a small distance away.

"Chris, are you used to the new working environment?" Dai Li asked with a smile.

"They are all a bunch of troublesome kids, and almost all of them have been in a youth detention center. Some of them were even in gangs, but I can manage. I also grew up in that sort of environment," Payton answered.

"That is true." Dai Li patted Payton on the shoulder and continued to say, "Do this well, help Taylor build up the boxing gym, and after two months, when we open the new branch, I have reserved a managerial position for you."

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Chapter 426: Rebirth

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Trash was scattered on the uneven road. A car whose rims had long been stolen was parked on a patch of grass that hadn't been cut in a long time. The car's front windows were shattered, and stains of dried blood could be seen on the messy seats.

On both sides were old and rundown apartments. The paint of the upper walls was peeling off, whereas the lower walls were covered in graffiti. Those who didn't know any better might have thought that these were art pieces, but they were actually gang signs. It was to tell the outside world that the place was their territory, and at the same time, it warned rival gangs to stay out.

This was a poor neighborhood, and it was the same as every other poor neighborhood in America. It was chaotic and run down, and violence and crime were common. When it got dark, even the LAPD was not willing to go there. And those so-called cultural facilities distanced themselves from areas like these.

A black youth lay in a corner. His body was curled up, his hands raised to protect his head. Surrounding him were four youths who were hitting and kicking him.

On the hood of the old car sat a youth with blonde shaved hair. He was covered in tattoos and had half a cigarette in his mouth. He was looking down at the black youth condescendingly. He said fiercely, "Tim, did you spend too much time at the youth detention center? Even your brain got disciplined until it became dull? I am giving you one more chance. Say it again."

"No, I'm not going to sling for you!" The black youth shouted in a trembling voice, twisting his body.

"It seems like your brain is still not awake after a beating." The blond-haired youth flicked his cigarette and looked at the black youth with contempt. He waved his hands, and the others continued the beating.

"Tim, do you understand what you need to do now?" the blonde haired youth asked.

"If I deal for you, once I get caught by the cops, I'll get sent back to the detention center. I won't be able to keep boxing," the youth said while panting heavily.

"So what? It won't be your first time going to the youth detention center. Who here hasn't been to that damned place!" the blonde haired youth said coldly.

"I promised Kevin Taylor that I will practice boxing seriously. I will not get involved in any sort of crime. I want to become a boxer," the youth said.

"A boxer? Hehehe. You need to wake up from your dream!" The blonde haired youth jumped off the hood, bent down, grabbed the black youth's hair, and said, "Tim, you should understand, you live here and you are poor. In this neighborhood, you either steal, or you follow me! There is no third option. This is your fate in life. You can't change it… So, you need to help me deliver some goods. You've got no choice."

As the blonde haired youth spoke, he kicked the black youth again. He then waved his hands, turned around, and walked away with his lackeys.

After about ten minutes, the black youth got up with difficulty, and limped away in the other direction…Kevin Taylor's boxing gym.

Taylor walked leisurely around the boxing gym, and finally stopped in front of Chris Payton.

"These kids aren't giving you any trouble, right?" Taylor asked.

"No," Payton shook his head. "Their behavior is much better than I thought. My impression was that kids who came out of youth detention centers were dangerous people, each one like an explosive barrel, just a bit of spark and they blow up."

"Actually they are just trying to make themselves seem stronger; that is how they survive. In reality, they want a peaceful life. I was the same when I was young. I fought everywhere. Using violence to solve everything. My aim was to make sure my peers didn't bully me," Taylor said with a sigh.

Payton pointed to a black youth who was training. "Something happened to Tim. When he came in today, he was covered in bruises, and they aren't there because of boxing practice. He most likely got into a fight with someone."

Taylor looked at the black youth and thought for a few seconds. He said, "According to the information we have, he was sent to the youth detention center twice. The first time was because of theft, and the second was because he had a small number of drugs on him."

"Did he touch any of that stuff?" Payton asked.

"Of course he didn't touch any of that stuff. Otherwise, he would be in a drug rehabilitation center, and not here." Taylor lowered his voice as he spoke, and continued, "He lives in the south side. That place is dangerous. There are a lot of Mexicans who snuck in illegally. Fighting should be something that is very common there.""Coach, I didn't fight with anyone. Please don't send me away!" The black youth called Tim looked very nervous.

"Then how did your injuries come about? Don't tell me you got them during your boxing training. My training doesn't cause injuries like that," Payton asked.

Tim hung his head low and stayed silent for a while before saying, "Some guys who live near me wanted me to deliver some goods for them. I didn't agree to it, so they beat me up. But I didn't fight back, I didn't fight."

"Delivering goods? Drugs, right?" Payton said. He suddenly had a feeling of deja vu, as if he saw a small-time drug pusher specializing in using minors to deliver drugs to buyers.

"I will never deliver for them again," Tim said firmly. "Even if they beat me up again, I still won't do it. I want to become a professional boxer, just like Kevin Taylor. Win the title of the boxing champion. I know that he and I are the same, we both came from youth detention centers. I believe that I will be able to do it."

Having a role model is really powerful! Payton sighed and asked, "You rejected those gangsters, but they wouldn't let you off so easily, right?"

Tim didn't answer, but the panic in his eyes said everything.

"Where is your house?" Payton asked.

"In the south side…" Tim gave him an address.

"Haha. No wonder I had a feeling of deja vu." Payton suddenly laughed and continued, "Tim, this afternoon, after you finish practicing, I will take you home! Coincidently, my home is also nearby. It's been a while since I last went home."An old Chevrolet Impala entered the rundown neighborhood.

The car was very popular in America. It was a typical American-style economy car. The car was large enough, with plenty of interior space, and the trunk was spacious as well. It was not a very high tech car, but it was enough. The engine was strong, and the car was cheap. To Americans, who typically practiced pragmatism, it was a very cost-effective choice.

On the side of the street, a short tattooed man had noticed the car quite a while ago. The tattooed man was obviously a gang member. At that point, he unconsciously touched the gun on his waist.

The Impala was too common in America. A lot of criminals chose to steal conventional cars in order to avoid being tracked by the police. So the tattooed man worried that the person in the car might be dangerous. They might pull out a submachine gun in the next second and start spraying everyone.

"Don't be nervous, he is one of our own. That is Chris's car." A bald black man who was wearing sunglasses and a large gold chain patted the short guy's shoulder and said, "Although Chris only comes back a few times a year, I still recognize his license plate number."

"Chris? Which Chris?" The short guy hadn't registered what was said.

"Chris Payton! Payton's third son. This neighborhood is all part of their family's turf. But I've heard Chris doesn't get involved with his family's business. He became a sports coach elsewhere. He usually doesn't come back," the bald black man with the glasses said.

"A sports coach? A Payton working in a proper job? Hahaha, only an idiot would believe that!" The short guy laughed and looked in the direction the Impala had gone. "Is he driving to 'Yellow Hair' Jack's territory? Payton's house is on the left, isn't it?"

"Maybe he has some other business." The bald man with the sunglasses lit the cigarette in his hands, took a deep breath, and blew out a smoke circle. "Jack only took control of that street last year. I'm not sure if he'll recognize Chris Payton."In the car, Tim looked nervously around him.

"Coach, you don't need to drive me. You can just stop here. I can walk back by myself," Tim said.

"It's no problem. I've been here before. I don't even need a navigational system," Payton said nonchalantly.

"Coach, it has been very chaotic here recently. There are a lot of gangsters, and there are also many illegal immigrants from Mexico. If a stranger lingers here too long, it will be dangerous. If we meet with any issues, even if we call the cops, the cops will take a long time to arrive," Tim said in a worried tone.

"I said it's okay. You don't need to worry about me. Oh, I need to make a right turn here?" Payton pointed at the crossroad in front.

"Yes, a right turn, and then a left turn, and you will arrive at my house," Tim said, while praying that they won't meet the blonde haired youth. Otherwise, it might bring trouble to Payton."Boss, Tim lives there. He should have just returned home." The thug pointed at a run-down apartment from far away.

"Go, go find him. Right now I lack delivery men." The blonde haired youth waved his hands at some of his lackeys.

An old Chevrolet Impala came from a distance, stopping at the apartment entrance.

Tim stepped out of the car, turned around, and saw the yellow-haired youth coming for him.

"Coach, you need to leave now!" Tim shouted loudly.

Payton didn't listen to Tim. He opened his car door, got down, turned around, and looked at the yellow-haired youth."Boss, it's Tim! And it looks like he brought help."

"So what if he has help? This street is my turf. What I say goes," the blonde haired youth snorted coldly and brought his lackeys forward."Mind your own business and get the hell out of here, f*cker!" The blonde-haired youth's tone was very arrogant.

"Who are you?" Payton stared coldly at the blonde haired youth.

"This entire street belongs to me. If I kill you right here, the police won't be able to do anything. The only thing that will happen is that the missing persons' statistics gets an additional number. So get out of here while I am still in a good mood!" The blonde haired youth's attitude became more and more arrogant.

But Payton just smiled disdainfully and said, "As far as I know, all the streets around this area belong to the Paytons."

He knows about the Paytons. The blonde haired youth paused. He stared at Payton, trying to figure out whether or not he was a gangster. But from his appearance, besides looking very muscular, the youth couldn't see anything different.

"Who exactly are you?" the blonde haired youth asked impatiently.

"I am a coach. I'm Tim's coach," Payton pointed at Tim.

"Only a coach? Hahaha… sticking your neck out like this, and here I thought you were Batman or Captain America!" The blonde haired youth couldn't help but laugh maniacally, and the gangsters around him also started to laugh.

However, Payton ignored the ridicule of the gangsters and said, "I am Chris Payton."

"Like I care what your… Wait. Payton? Did he just say, Payton?" The blonde haired youth's laughter suddenly stopped. His expression was frozen.

In the next second, the blonde haired youth asked his lackeys, "What did he say his name was?"

"Boss, he said his name was Chris Payton," the gangster beside him said immediately.

"Chris Payton. What a familiar sounding name. He's a Payton, and a coach. And he has such a fearless look even though he is here…" The blonde haired youth suddenly thought about the rumored third son of the Payton family.

Although Chris Payton didn't participate in his family's business, the street gangs in that area all knew of his existence. As someone who grew up in a gangster household, yet chose to leave their world and work a proper job, Chris Payton was definitely different from the sort of people they new. It was easy for people to remember him.

"You are Chris!" The blonde haired youth finally realized that he had kicked against a piece of iron. He was just a small time street gangster. At most, he was only an affiliate member of the Payton family. All the blocks nearby were part of the Payton family's sphere of influence. If got on the Payton family's bad side, someone would most likely bring his head to the Paytons as a tribute. So the blonde haired youth could not afford to offend Chris Payton.

"I prefer people to call me Coach Payton. I also don't want to see people bullying my students." Payton's expression had become cold.

"I understand, Coach Payton. I swear I will never harass Tim again!" The blonde haired youth was able to control a street. He wasn't brainless."Okay, you don't have to worry about them giving you trouble anymore. If they still continue to harass you, just let me know. At least on these few blocks, my words still carry some weight." Payton patted Tim on his back.

"Coach Payton, thank you!" Tim's eyes were filled with admiration. Payton was not used to that.

I think a lot of athletes look at Coach Li with this kind of expression! It feels pretty nice." Payton laughed as he entered his Chevrolet.

Payton started his engine, placed it into gear, and looked forward.

In the distance, the blonde haired youth and his lackeys had already gone far, but their backs could still be vaguely seen.

Even if they can't get Tim, they will find some other teenager to help them deliver their goods… Payton's felt a strange sort of sadness.

He could help the first Tim, or even the second or third Tim, but he couldn't help everyone. The blonde haired youth could always find some other kid.

There were too many poor people in the area. It was just like the blonde haired youth said; if the poor wished to live, they could only follow the laws of survival.

The cruel reality. Helplessness and desperation! But I am not the one who has the strength to change things… Chris Payton turned his head to look into the distance. High up, there was a billboard, and on the billboard, a presidential candidate's huge promotional poster was smiling at him.

Chris Payton gave a mocking smile. He suddenly didn't want to go home. He stepped on his gas pedal and headed in a different direction.

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Iron Man Training Center.

Max, the owner of the training center, faced the telephone receiver and said very emotionally, "Mr. Hanks, you have already trained here for two years. If you have any complaints about our training program, we can change it according to your needs. You don't need to go to another place…"

"Max, these two years, I've enjoyed working with you guys. I am also very satisfied with your training program, but I am a hiking enthusiast, and I've always wanted to challenge Mt. Everest. Standing on the highest point on earth is one of my dreams. This is the reason I am changing training centers. As you know, climbing Mt. Everest is a very dangerous thing. It is very taxing on the body. If my physical condition isn't good, I might die on the way, and my body might not even be able to be carried down. I need to be responsible for my own life."

The voice on the phone paused for a moment, then said, "One of my friends is also a hiking enthusiast, and we both joined a mountaineering club. Just last week, he successfully climbed Mt. Everest. Before he went, he went to Coach Lee's physical fitness training center and did physical training for three months. So, I also plan on spending three months and focusing seriously on my physical training. Then I will go and challenge Mt. Everest in September!"

Max put down the phone. He looked depressed.

"Another client lost, and it's that Coach Lee's physical fitness training center again! They've already opened up quite a few branches, and they have stolen some of my business," Max said coldly. He grabbed the performance report for the past three months with a look distress.

In these three months, the Ironman Training Center had lost many of its VIP clients, making its performance deteriorate a lot. In the service industry, the higher-end the customers, the higher the profit. Sometimes, the cumulative profit from several normal clients would not be sufficient to cover for the profits from a single VIP client. It was similar to the profit from selling a luxury villa, compared to the profit of selling dozens of small houses.

Amongst these VIP clients, almost all of them went to Coach Lee's Physical Fitness Training Center. More accurately, they went to coach Li's new branches. And the manager of one of those branches was Chris Payton.

This made Max feel like he had lifted up a stone to smash his own legs. Payton had once come to the Ironman Fitness Center to look for a job, but Max had directed him to Dai Li's training center. Max originally wanted to create trouble for Dai Li. He never thought that within a few short years, Payton would grow to become a coach that was capable of operating independently.

"It can't go on like this!" Max slumped against the chair and lowered his head to think.

That Coach Lee's Physical Fitness Training Center is expanding too fast. They opened three branches in such a short time, but it seems like he doesn't understand that fitness centers are not like chain supermarkets. Opening more stores don't necessarily bring more benefits. The most important thing is to have is talented employees. Coaches are a fitness center's core.

After reaching that conclusion, Max suddenly laughed a delighted laugh. He had a plan.Jones sat on the sofa, quietly looking at the contract in front of him. His face was filled with hesitation.

Jones was a coach. He had worked in many different gyms. Two years ago, he applied to work at Coach Lee's Physical Fitness Training Center.

In those two years, Jones had some achievements. He had some steady clientele in his hands, and at the same time, he also felt that his coaching skills had improved. In the past, he could only work in small to medium sized gyms, coaching ordinary people. Now, he could coach professional athletes.

Not long ago, Dai Li had opened up a new branch, and seeing that Jones was a senior employee of the fitness center, he was appointed to be the deputy manager of the new branch. This counted as a promotion for Jones, but just as he was about to make this big jump, he received the contract that was in his hands.

The Ironman Fitness Center's boss, Max, personally went to see him and gave him the contract. The contract promised to give him a salary that was five times his current salary. It was very obvious, Max was there to scout him away.

Jones was just an average coach. His skill level was limited to normal gyms. As such, his salary was naturally not very high. Going by his actual coaching abilities, the salary Dai Li gave him was very generous. But when he saw the salary that was offered by the Ironman Fitness Center, he was seriously tempted.

Of course, Jones knew that he would have to work for his pay. In other words, if he took the salary, he would have to demonstrate higher value.

I've been working in Coach Li's place for two years. I've learned quite a few things. I've already seen the training programs he makes for professional athletes, and they don't seem to be anything special. I should also be able to come up with them. And now I'm not the same as I was, I definitely can deal with professional athletes.

Jones looked at the salary in the contract again, and he finally made his decision.As the sky began to brighten up, the ringtone from the phone woke Dai Li from his dreams. The caller ID showed that it was an international number. Dai Li recognized that it was an international call from Blake.

"Randy, what's the problem?" Dai Li answered the call.

"Li, I want to congratulate you first on your engagement. I'm terribly sorry for disturbing you at this hour—" Blake started to say, then stopped. "It is night in America right now, so it should be the morning over there, shouldn't it? Is the sun already up?" Blake asked.

"No problem. I should be up as well." Dai Li sat up, rubbed his eyes, and asked, "If you're calling me at this hour, is there a problem at the training center?"

"We've met with some trouble, yes. Yesterday, I received a resignation letter from Jones. I didn't give it too much thought, but today, I received four more resignation letters. Which means, within two days, five of our coaches resigned. And they were all full-time coaches." Blake then gave the names of the other four.

Dai Li was suddenly fully awake. So far, in Dai Li's training center, there were thirty full-time coaches in all of the branches. Having five resign in one go meant that they lost one-sixth of their people.

Dai Li immediately logged into the system. The team pyramid showed that their names were missing. And the titles that Dai Li gave them had all become vacant. This meant that they were no longer part of Dai Li's team, and they could no longer have a place in the team pyramid.

On the other side of the phone, Blake continued to say, "I think someone is trying to steal our people. I did some research, and just as I thought, all of the people who resigned went to the Ironman Training Center."

"Ironman? Their boss is called Max, right?" Dai Li asked.

"Correct. This is definitely Max's doing. He offered them very high salaries to steal them from us. I am worried that besides these five people, there might be others who will resign. We have now already lost one-sixth of our manpower. If another four or five people tender their resignations, our daily operation might be affected," Blake said.

"We still have some part-time coaches, so we can use them to stabilize things first. And another thing; you need to recruit new people immediately," Dai Li said.

"I will do that, but more importantly, I am worried that this might affect the others. People are sheep. Five people resigning within five days might influence others to leave. Even if we retain them, the instability brought about by constant personnel change might affect their work performance. Employee morale might be affected," Blake said.

Dai Li nodded. "This is a problem. Alright, I'll buy a ticket immediately, and I'll head back tomorrow."

"That would be for the best." Blake let out a long breath. "If we have the boss here, I think it might help to placate the employees' emotions and stabilize the place!"When Dai Li arrived in America, Blake's worries really turned into reality.

Returning to the training center, Blake explained while driving, "Right now eight of our coaches have resigned, and another five are clearly indicating that they hope for a raise."

"In other words, 13 in total? That is almost half of my manpower. The Ironman Training Center is able to absorb so many new employees?" Dai Li didn't seem like he was nervous.

Hiring people was always expensive in America, not to mention in professions like coaching where professional knowledge and experience was required. Hiring 13 people at once, and paying their salaries, their social security, and their health insurance was a large financial commitment. A typical fitness center would not be able to afford it.

"Not only the Ironman Training Center. As far as I know, other training centers are also starting to approach our coaches. They also want to poach our people," Blake said.

"Our coaches are really popular commodities!" Dai Li laughed instead of worrying.

"Our center's training results are good, and word of mouth has spread. More people will remember our coaches. They are all thinking about trying to snatch up our people." Blake's tone was tinged with resignation.

Dai Li, still not panicking, said, "Those five that asked for a raise, how do you plan on handling it?"

"I will delay, for now. I wanted to discuss it with you first before making a decision," Blake glanced in the car's rearview mirror, even though he knew that the only people in the car were him and Dai Li. After checking the back, he said, "I don't agree with giving them a raise. Once you raise one person's salary, the others will also want a raise. If we agree that easily, then next time, they might get carried away and keep asking for raises."

Blake slowed down the car and continued. "But if we don't give them the raise, they may resign. Right now, we already don't have enough people. If another five leave right away, our daily operation will be affected. These coaches have a lot of experience, and new employees would surely be unable to completely take over their responsibilities. Besides, working here was also a process of cultivation. The resources we spent on grooming them are also a cost, and if we get new people, we would need to spend more money grooming them."

Dai Li massaged his temples. This was a problem that many entrepreneurs faced.

An employee grew from an inexperienced rookie to a "business elite," and then the employee mentioned that he wanted to job hop. Of course, the boss would feel that he had lost a lot of money. The boss would feel like the employee was only using his company as a rookie training ground, going elsewhere to show off his ability after slowly growing. Not only did they not get much for themselves, but they also had to waste a lot of their time and resources.

It was because of these issues that more and more employers were not willing to spend too many resources on training new employees. They worried that after they trained the new employees to become "business elites," they wouldn't be able to retain them. Instead of wasting time and resources on training employees, why not just poach the talent from elsewhere.

In the sixties and seventies in America for example, most companies were really focused on employee training, and during that time, most companies also encouraged their employees to take part in on-the-job and off-the-job training. Employees would continue to learn. As they improved themselves, they would naturally also better themselves in their job performance, and it would generate more returns for the company. The employees that improved themselves would also have a higher income, and it helped to create a society with many middle-income families, and it started the flame for the so-called American dream.

However, most companies nowadays had already given up the culture that focused on employee training. And it slowly affected the entire world. It was more cost-effective to simply poach talents rather than to train their own. Thus, headhunting companies had started to flourish all over the world. Except for Japan. Japanese companies practiced a system of lifetime employment. Once a person was employed there, they were employed for life. They had no need for job hopping, which meant that there was no need for headhunters.

Any boss would want to choose employees who were already trained, but some professions still required training for employees. In the medical industry, for example, being a doctor was something that needed to be learned on-the-job. Learning while working, learning throughout their entire career, and learning how to take hardship. Domestic second-rate hospitals had departments that were responsible for training new employees. If they didn't have them, they would not be able to pass an inspection from the health department.

This was one of the reasons why there was no way to implement government policies encouraging doctors who had seven to eight years of experience to work more as general practitioners.

The small hospitals with low standards and poor techniques would naturally welcome their doctors to have more specialization. Their abilities to treat patients were horrible. If a doctor could become a deputy chief physician, they could rule the entire place. Of course, these kinds of places would want to have more practicing physicians who were good at exaggerating their skills. It will bring the hospital more income.

Looking at it from the position of bigger hospitals, a newly graduated medical student would require hospitals to spend resources training them during their residency. After being assigned to a department, they would need to appoint a chief physician to guide them, give them thousands of patients' information to let them gain experience, and at the same time, bear the consequences of their mistakes. Research also would also cost a lot of money, spending several decades of time and countless resources and a lot of manpower to turn a rookie into a specialist. And now, if the hospital asked them to go out to practice more, work in their hospital once a week, and the other six days to go and help other hospitals make money, if the hospital chief agreed, they would really need to go visit the psychiatric ward.

From some perspective, coaches and doctors were very similar. They were both professions that required technical knowledge, and they both relied on the accumulation of experience to bring more accurate judgment. At the same time, they also needed to constantly learn new theories relating to their professions.

Coaches needed to train athletes, and doctors were necessary to cure patients. The differences in the human body could be reflected in sports training and medical treatment. For a coach, an error in training might cause the opposite of the intended effect and cause the athlete to get injured. And for a doctor, if the wrong treatment was given, there might be no way to cure the sickness, or it might even cause a medical incident. In the medical field, new drugs and new medical equipment constantly appeared, the number of diseases that could be cured grew larger and larger. And in the sports training field, new training methods and new training equipment were always appearing. Humans were always reaching new limits.

"My brain hurts!" When Dai Li thought about the similarities between coaches and doctors, he couldn't help but let out a sigh. If it were in his country, it wouldn't matter whether it was coaches or doctors, they were always bound by an establishment. Just like the issue with asking doctors to practice more. As long as the doctor was still bound to the hospital, the hospital could just require the doctor to stay in the hospital; there would be no need to go out to work as a general practitioner.

In America, however, there was no such thing as being bound by an establishment. If a coach in a training center wanted to change his company, as long the everything was done according to the signed contract, Dai Li couldn't do anything.

"Go back and find a lawyer. I want to see if we can add a new clause that mentions paying a penalty in the contract for new employees. If the contract period hasn't ended, they would need to pay the penalty!" Dai Li said as he huffed and puffed.

"I also planned to do this. I will go contact the lawyer's office in the afternoon," Blake said. "But the five who are asking for a raise, what should I do?"

"Of course we should reject them!" Dai Li shook his head in dissatisfaction. He showed the face of a capitalist. "We won't give even one cent more. We can't open this can of worms, and we cannot let them become accustomed to this! If people asked for a raise every few days, we'd be running a loss-making business!"

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Chapter 428: Old Trade

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Dai Li felt like an exploitative capitalist. Faced with employees asking for a raise, he he rejected their request resolutely, with no room for compromise. He wouldn't pay even an extra cent.

Blake, who was sitting in the driver seat only shrugged his shoulders. He had a 5% share in the training center, so he could also be considered as a small owner. Naturally, he also had the mindset of a capitalist, and was determined not to give the employees their raise.

While he was driving, Blake slowly said, "I never thought you would reject them so decisively. This reminds me of the time several decades ago when labor unions flourished. Back then, unions would often request wage increases, and if business owners didn't agree, the labor unions would organize strikes. After that, the business owners and unions negotiated to give the workers a raise and to increase employee benefits. Once the workers' demands were satisfied, they would go back to work. However, not long after, the workers who had tasted the honey would ask for another raise and more benefits. If the business owners rejected them, they would go on strike again, and then they would get into another negotiation… Such was the cycle. In the end, the business owners couldn't take it anymore. They shut down their factories and moved them overseas, to places where they didn't have to worry about labor unions. The business owners continued to make money whereas the American workers lost their jobs."

"I have heard about it a little. I remember a few years ago, General Motors declared bankruptcy because the United Automobile Workers union demanded too much. In the end, General Motors couldn't compete anymore. They were the largest manufacturer to declare bankruptcy in American history," Dai Li said.

"In actuality, most of the automobile workers did not have to worry about their livelihood; they were all skilled workers. Even if the three big giants, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler became bankrupt, these automobile workers could go to Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. The automobile manufacturing plants opened by the Japanese in America don't care about unions such as the United Automobile Workers, so if they went to work at a Japanese plant, their benefits would be much lower."

Blake noticed that the traffic light far away had already turned red, so he slowed the car down before continuing, "Most skilled professionals are the same; they won't really become jobless. If they have the skills, they will always be able to earn a living. The only difference is whether or not their quality of life will go down. Just like those coaches that left our center, and those that are about to leave, they are all actually just hoping for a better life."

"I understand what you mean. Job hopping for money is not something to be ashamed of, and if your salary goes up every time you jump ship, it actually shows the value you possess. It shows that your abilities are getting stronger and stronger." Dai Li spread his hands and said, "But if someone is earning a salary that is disproportionate to their abilities, that may not be a good thing."

"Yeah. Those coaches think that they should have a better salary, so they jumped ship," Blake answered casually.

Dai Li shook his head, "You misunderstand. What I mean to say is, the salary that I am giving them right now reflects their current abilities. With their current abilities, they are not suitable for a higher salary, so they shouldn't have requested a raise. At least not now. Those training centers that gave them a high salary made a deal that will lose them money."

Blake was shocked by Dai Li's words. "I thought you were just trying to make yourself feel better because you couldn't get those coaches to stay! You're actually saying that the ones that got poached away were all newbies?"

"Of course. Do you think their coaching abilities are high?" Dai Li asked.

"In comparison to you, they are indeed pretty weak; actually, it's not even comparable. But compared to the average coach, they are not bad! At least to me, their salary is matched by their work performance; I would even go so far as to say that they are a good value. Which is why Ironman Training Center is willing to spend so much money on poaching them," Blake said.

"It would be the same with anyone else hired to fill their positions. If you place the new employees you hire with me and let me train them properly, they will also become outstanding coaches," Dai Li said very confidently.

Blake gave Dai Li a look. He didn't know where Dai Li's confidence was coming from.

Blake had considered becoming a boxing coach, so he knew that developing a good coach didn't happen overnight. This caused him to be somewhat uncertain about the salary increase issue. As the saying goes, it is easy to raise an army, but hard to find a general. There were tons of average coaches, but good coaches were rare. They could only be discovered, not sought out.

On Dai Li's face, there was a vague sneer, and there was even a slight hint of sarcasm in the sneer.

Those naive people. Do they really think that their coaching abilities have improved that much? If they had the ability, they would've done well a long time ago, and they wouldn't have had to come to my training center. Dai Li shook his head in silence. His mind had already entered the system. He was looking at the vacant positions in the team pyramid.

The coaches that chose to jump ship were all employed by Dai Li during the early stages. At that time, Dai Li's training center had only been open for a while. They wanted resources, but they had none, they wanted fame, but they had none. They had no way of hiring top-tier fitness coaches, which was why they could only hire coaches with average abilities. Chris Payton's resume was the best amongst them.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The coaches that had no skills would naturally garner lower pay. In addition to hiring some part-time workers, Dai Li's human resources cost wasn't very high.

As far as the effects of the coaching, Dai Li wasn't worried at all. The training programs were all designed personally by Dai Li, and then the other coaches were responsible for the daily training. The motion detector allowed Dai Li to know clearly the weaknesses of every single person. From that, specific training programs could be developed. The other coaches simply had to follow the training program.

Ever since he obtained the team pyramid, Dai Li had fewer reasons to worry about the training effects. The team pyramid allowed the coaches under Dai Li to benefit from additional training effects, turning them from a group of weaklings into elite coaches. If they weren't connected to the team pyramid, their level would be the same as average coaches.

Like Jones, who was poached away by the Ironman Training Center. His real standard only allowed him to work in gyms, coaching ordinary people. Once Dai Li brought him into the team pyramid and gave him the position of a top-level coach, he would receive the bonus of a top-level coach. When Dai Li was still a top-level coach, he had the ability to coach the national team. A gym coach and a national team coach; the difference was as big as heaven and earth.

It was also because of the effects from the team pyramid that Jones would feel his coaching ability had improved. This gave him the incorrect perception that he was a young, promising, and talented coach.

Without the team pyramid, the coaches that jumped ship would be restored to their original level. If they had really been very talented coaches, they wouldn't have gone to Dai Li's center to work. They would've achieved something a long time ago.

Blake, who was driving the car, did not pay attention to Dai Li's confidence. He continued to drive and said as he drove, "Recruiting new people can't be rushed, but we have recently accepted some clients for physical training. We have to prep them for lifeguard recruitment tests. That sort of training is usually short-term and profitable, but word of mouth will spread quickly. If we don't do well in a certain year, it will be difficult to get that kind of business again."

"Yeah, summer is almost here again. The beaches will be very full," Dai Li looked at the sky outside.

Blake continued to say, "Last year, we opened a small-scale physical fitness course for lifeguards. The results were decent. Many were able to pass the physical fitness part of the lifeguard exam. At that time, Jones was the one who was responsible for the training. Jones was the first one to be poached by the Ironman Training Center, and at the same time, he brought over some of our clientele. This affects us quite negatively."

Amongst jobs that were popular with American youths, being a beach lifeguard was usually among the top ten. Imagine staying out at the beach every day, facing the ocean, enjoying the sun and the breeze. There were also many sexy bikini babes and young muscular guys with eight packs. There would be nothing to do but just ride a motorcycle around the beach. The days would pass as if it were a holiday. Earning a decent paycheck while on holiday; how could young people not be tempted by that sort of life? In an effort to attract young viewers, some American film companies purposely went and filmed movies about lifeguards.

Thus, a large number of young people to would be attracted to sign up for the recruitment of beach lifeguards. Only the best of the best could work in that popular occupation. The acceptance rate for beach lifeguards in America was comparable to the acceptance rate of civil servants in China. Just by looking at the popularity of training programs for civil servants in China, one could imagine the popularity of training programs for beach lifeguards in America.

As a beach lifeguard, besides knowing the techniques for saving lives, one also needed to be good in the water and have good physical fitness. Many physical fitness training centers opened courses to help clients develop those skills, allowing them to smoothly pass the beach lifeguard exam.

Dai Li started his career with training courses, so of course, he knew that these kinds of short-term courses were profitable. In the past, Dai Li started a two months summer course that was able to earn him a year's worth of salary. So, the beach lifeguard training course was a profitable venture to any fitness training center.

However, these sorts of short-term courses depended a lot on word-of-mouth. It wasn't only true in China, but in other countries as well. If none of the students from a group who trained in a particular year passed the test, then the center's reputation would be ruined. As a result, no one would sign up the following year. In contrast, if the passing rate was high, then when the course opened the following year, students would come rushing in.

For the students who took part in the training course, the important thing wasn't the price, but the quality of the training. It was like in the retake class for the National Higher Education Entrance Examination in China; if the class could produce a Number One Scholar of the College Entrance Examination every year, even if the price was high, there would be no need to worry about student recruitment. On the contrary, many would even try to secure a place in the class through connections.

When Dai Li thought about the characteristics of training courses, he massaged his temples before saying, "Conducting training courses is my old trade, I'll personally handle this year's beach lifeguard training course. I want to have a passing rate of a hundred percent!"

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Chapter 429: Increased Difficulty

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The five that brought up getting a raise walked out of Blake's office in single file.

Their faces showed that they were a bit frustrated, and a little bit angry.

Not far away, another two coaches looked at them as they discussed quietly.

"There's no need to say anything. From their expressions, Blake definitely rejected their request for a raise."

"Will they really choose to jump ship?"

"Jump ship? Resign more likely. If another training center really offered them a higher salary, they would've already tendered their resignation letter like Jones. I'm guessing that they were hoping to use the stream of recent departures to raise their own salaries."

"Right now, the training center is lacking manpower. If they resign because they weren't given a raise, it is definitely a big threat. But Blake seems to have seen through their ploy."

"Or perhaps Blake doesn't even care if they leave. It is hard to find a secure job right now. Maybe a lot of people are applying for coaching positions!"Ironman Training Center.

In the conference room, Max was looking at the coaches that he had just headhunted, and he felt that his training center was filled with strong soldiers and sturdy horses. He was in high spirits.

That Chinese Coach Li's training center. So what if he opened a lot of branches? Coaches are the key. No matter how many branches you open, and no matter how big they are, without coaches, they are just a bunch of empty buildings. But I have to thank you for helping me train so many excellent talents.

As Max thought of that, he coughed lightly and said, "Summer is almost here, that means the lifeguard examinations are about to start again. This is our next important job."

Max also knew that these short-term training courses were very profitable. From the most prominent national fitness training chains to the smallest average gym, everyone was fighting to get part of the pie.

Max continued to say, "Our new colleague Mr. Jones is very experienced in this regard. He did the same job last year, right?"

As Max spoke, he turned to Jones. Jones nodded his head politely and said, "Yes, last year, when I was at Coach Lee's physical fitness training center, I was mainly responsible for the beach lifeguard training courses, but we were in a bit of a rush last time, and I only had a month to train. However, of the eight trainees, six passed the beach lifeguard physical fitness test."

Many people there were in awe. If what Jones said was true, then his coaching talent would command the trust of everyone.

"Then you will still be responsible for the job this year, how's that?" Max asked.

"Of course that is no problem. There is more time this year, and I will strive to make sure that every one of my students passes the beach lifeguard physical fitness test," Jones promised straight away.

Max nodded his head happily. Jones knew that since this was his first task after jumping ship, it was an important task. Whether or not he could stay in the Ironman Training Center depended heavily on the results of the beach lifeguard training course.At a cafe next to the beach, a tall bald man who sat opposite Dai Li was endlessly introducing something. "Being a beach lifeguard is a trendy job. Right now a lot of young people want the jobs, so the competition is becoming fiercer and fiercer. The professional and physical requirements are getting higher and higher. Like the beach I am at; this year they're requiring the beach lifeguards to have first aid certification. They don't only demand that the lifeguards to know how to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and compressions, they also want the beach lifeguards to know how to operate an automated external defibrillator…"

"There are also places that require beach lifeguards to have a diving certificate and know deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving. But these are relatively easy. Two days of theory and one day of practical training, around four to five hundred dollars, and they're valid for life."

Dai Li, who sat opposite him, interrupted the bald man, and said, "Mickey, let's stick to things that are related to the beach lifeguard physical fitness test."

Mickey was about 190cm tall and very muscular, built like a bull. It was hard to imagine he shared the same cute name as Mickey Mouse.

Mickey was a beach lifeguard, and he was also a famous leader of the lifeguards in Los Angeles. At the same time, he was also a hardcore fan of Taylor's, so Dai Li used a boxing glove signed by Taylor to learn many useful things from Mickey.

Mickey lowered his voice, and said, "Last year, my beach decided to only recruit one beach lifeguard, but over a hundred applicants came, and about eighty of them passed their physical fitness test. The passing rate was too high, and as far as I know, the situation at other beaches was about the same. Many applicants came prepared. So this year, the lifeguard association has decided to raise the standard."

"What are the contents of this year's physical fitness test?" Dai Li asked immediately.

"To finish a 36-mile run, 8 kilometers of swimming, and 25 obstacle courses within 24 hours," Mickie answered with a laugh.

"36 miles is about 58 kilometers," Dai Li calculated in his head. He found that the part of the test to be a bit familiar.

"Seem familiar?" Mickey asked. "You have probably heard of the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, right?"

"You're right, a 58-kilometer run, 8 kilometers of swimming, and 25 obstacle courses within 24 hours. Isn't this the 24-hour Frogman Challenge? Why would you design such a test? This is a test for the Navy SEALs, how can the average human pass this test!" Dai Li couldn't help but be surprised.

"The people we recruit are never just average people. The job of a beach lifeguard is to protect human life. It's a sacred job, so of course, we need the best people to accomplish it," Mickey said while laughing.

The US Navy SEALs were famous amongst the special forces. Part of the Navy SEALs' assessment was completing a 58-kilometer long distance run, 8 kilometers of swimming, and 25 obstacle courses. Americans who had nothing to do and liked to challenge themselves would sometimes try to pass the assessment test for the Navy SEALs to satisfy their egos, so the Navy SEALs test became a sort of competition. It became the 24-hour Frogman Challenge.

The Navy SEALs is one of the best special forces in the world. The average person definitely couldn't achieve that level of fitness. The difficulty of the 24-hour Frogman Challenge for the average person was much lower than the Navy SEALs assessment test.

The SEALs had to carry tens of kilograms of weight to complete the test, and the long-distance run would be conducted in a mountainous area with rugged roads. The swimming test would be at a place where the winds and waves were fierce. The difficulty of the 25 obstacles was also much higher. The 24-hour Frogman Challenge for citizens naturally did not require its participants to wear weights, the long-distance run was also done on even surfaces, and the 25 obstacle courses were also less difficult.

Even if the difficulty was much lower than the Navy SEALs test, the competition was still an enormous challenge for the average person. Even if they were an athlete, it would still be challenging to pass this event if they didn't go through professional training. And for the average person, if they wanted to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, they would need to go through professional fitness training.Blake knocked on the door and walked in. "Li, I have bad news, and I have good news. Which do you want to hear first?"

"What's the bad news?" Dai Li asked.

"Amongst the students who signed up for the beach lifeguard training course, someone came and asked for a refund," Blake said.

"That's within expectation. This year's beach lifeguard assessment test changed into the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. The difficulty is much higher than the previous years, so some people will choose to give up," Dai Li replied. "What's the good news then?"

"The good news is that there are even more people signing up to join our training course," Blake said while laughing.

"Why? Did you make advertisements for the training course?" Dai Li asked with a puzzled face.

"No." Blake shook his head. "If the results of this year's training course are good, I will make an advertisement next year. As for the increased number of applicants, I think it is because the difficulty of this year's lifeguard assessment test has increased. As you know, if they don't go through professional training, there is no way they can pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. Think about it. If you are a person who regularly plays sports, your fitness level should be decent, so you only need to slightly increase your training in order to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. What would you do?"

"I understand. What you mean is, those that asked for a refund are the ones whose fitness level were average. In the past, it was possible for them to achieve the desired fitness level through training, but this year's test became more difficult, so it is no longer possible to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge assessment test even after training. Those that signed up are those whose fitness levels are better. They would've been able to pass the test without having to go through professional training. Now that the difficulty of the physical fitness test increased, they came to apply," Dai Li analyzed.

"That is correct. But to a fitness training center like us, this is a test. The average gym wouldn't be able to raise the standard of their fitness training course. Their coaches will also find it difficult to help their students pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. So those low-end training courses will naturally be eliminated, and those that survive will be the ones like us." Blake took a deep breath. "But the higher the training quality, the higher the chance of showing the gap between different training centers, so the competition has become fiercer. If we don't do well enough this year, we will face difficulty in recruiting new students next year."

Dai Li smiled as if he didn't mind it. "I am personally handling this matter, are you not reassured? Although the fitness test has become more difficult, as long as the physical condition of the students is not too bad, I will be able to let them smoothly pass the test."

At that moment, as Dai Li displayed his confidence, Blake couldn't help but feel shocked. He instinctively felt a sort of conviction towards Dai Li, as if everything Dai Li said would become a reality.

In the system, the Scepter of Authority sent out a dignified flash of light…

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Chapter 430: A Fatty with a Quest

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The Ironman Training Center.

A bright professional smile was on Jones's face as he looked at the two young clients in front of him. A fat kid and a well-built blonde youngster.

"Mr. Cruise, you were a key player in your high school football team, and you've participated in the long jump event before. You currently exercise two to three times a week. I think that with your body foundation, there's a high chance for you to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge with professional training," Jones told the blonde youngster.

"As for Mr. Hassel…" Jones turned his head towards the fat kid and continued, "Mr. Hassel, if it were last year, I might have been able to help you pass the fitness test for beach lifeguards, but the difficulty of the test has increased this year. Forgive me for being direct, but with your current condition, there is no way for you to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge."

Disappointment filled the face of the fat person. He asked with a glimmer of hope, "Is there really no chance at all?"

Jones shook his head, "If there's money to be earned, we don't turn down clients. But I would never lie to my clients, which is why I can only tell you the truth."

More than ten minutes later, the two youngsters walked side by side out of the main door of the Ironman Training Center. As soon as they reached the car, the fat person couldn't help but touch his large belly before letting out a disappointed sigh.

The fat person was called Hassel, and he was an ordinary young man. His appearance was average, his height was average, and his family background was also very average; however, he had a not-so-average weight. There were a lot of people in the US whose weight was on the higher side, and Hassel was considered an exceptional case even among that group of people.

However, Hassel wanted to become a beach lifeguard. Unfortunately, with his body and without professional training, it would be practically impossible for him to pass the beach lifeguard fitness test.

By his side, the well-built blonde youngster consoled him, "Buddy, don't be so sad! If this one can't, you can try the other fitness centers; they might be able to help you pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge."

The blonde youngster was called Cruise, and he was a good friend of the fat kid. Unlike the fat kid, Cruise had been an athlete ever since he was young, and he was good at all kinds of sports. Like most Americans, Cruise also aspired to work as a beach lifeguard.

That was why both of them accompanied each other to the Ironman Training Center; they wanted to sign up for a fitness training program to become beach lifeguards. However, only the athlete, Cruise, swiped his credit card to sign up while the fat Hassel only received a piece of bad news, which was that with his body condition, even if he were to participate in a training course, it was still impossible for him to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge.

Hassel's sad look made Cruise feel bad, so he made a suggestion. "I heard that there is a 'Coach Lee's Physical Fitness Training Center' not far from here, and Kevin Taylor is rumored to train there, though the fees are higher over there. You should go try again."

"Higher fees?" The fat Hassel touched his pockets where his credit card was, and he began to hesitate.

"You should at least consult them. Even if the chances are slim, there's still a chance. If you don't do it, you will lose even that slim chance," Cruise began distributing his rich chicken soup for the soul.A fat Hassel whose mind was filled with chicken soup for the soul arrived at Dai Li's training center.

"Mr. Hassel, please wait a moment, Coach Li will be here soon." The receptionist pointed towards the training ground with a smile.

Dai Li, an ethnic Chinese man was standing in the training ground, and in front of Dai Li were members of a training course.

A lot of Westerners could not differentiate Asians accurately, and Hassel was the same. He glanced at Dai Li's photo on the brochure before looking back at Dai Li on the training ground. He noticed that the actual person looked similar to the one in the brochure and asked, "Is that person Coach Li?"

"Yes, he is our boss, Coach Li. The fitness training course for beach lifeguards will be led personally by our boss!" the receptionist said with admiration.

Hassel nodded and walked a few steps closer. He wanted to hear what Dai Li was saying, and Dai Li's voice also emerged at that moment.

"Although you are all my clients, if you want to train here, you have to follow my rules. So, I hope that you can do these two things perfectly. First, trust me, trust me unconditionally." Dai Li held out a finger. After finishing the first rule, he stuck out a second finger, and said, "Second. If I tell you to do something, you do something. You have to follow my training plan strictly. For example, if I ask you to do ten push-ups, you do ten, not one more, and not one less!"

In front of Dai Li, all the students of the course looked at Dai Li with severe expressions, like they were listening to the scoldings of an army drill sergeant. At that moment, everyone there felt that the Dai Li was more like a very experienced big-shot coach than a physical trainer. He was extremely in control. So his words were like Polaris in the night sky, providing guidance to the people.

Hassel observed from not far away. His heart was oddly convinced, as if what Dai Li said was the truth.

The scepter of authority was in constant effect, and everything Dai Li did received a bonus. Dai Li's words at that moment were naturally infused with the essence of power, generating an overwhelming sense of dignity felt by the people around him.

"Alright, I'll give everyone a five minute preparation time. You can drink water, go to the toilet, or lace your shoes again. We'll officially begin the warmups after five minutes." Dai Li waved his hand after speaking and moved towards Hassel.

"Coach Li, this Mr. Hassel also wants to sign up for our fitness training course for beach lifeguards," the receptionist introduced Hassel to Dai Li.

Dai Li assessed Hassel from top to bottom. Hassel was at most, 1.7 meters tall, which was considered short among American males, but when it came to his width, Hassel was definitely above the American male average. He had a head full of brown curly hair, a chubby face full of freckles, and a big belly. He had the typical appearance of a fat kid depicted in American movies.

"Mr. Hassel, you want to sign up for our fitness training course for beach lifeguards?" Dai Li asked in a tone that sought confirmation. Looking at Hassel's appearance, he certainly did not look like the kind of person who could pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge.

"Yes, I want to become a beach lifeguard," Hassel said with an expectant face.

"Mr. Hassel, the beach lifeguard test this year is much harder than previous years. The beach lifeguard candidates this year have to complete the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, the specifics of which include running a 58-kilometer marathon, an eight-kilometer swim, and…"

"I know the test details," Hassel interrupted Dai Li, his expression gradually becoming sad. "I know that there is no way for me to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. I've been to a couple of training centers, the coaches there have already told me."

Hassel's sad look made Dai Li feel sympathy, he asked, "Mr. Hassel, since you already know that you can't pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, why did you still come to my place?"

"I just wanted to try my luck. Who knows if you might have a way," Hassel answered honestly.

"Then why do you want to become a beach lifeguard?" Dai Li continued asking.

Hassel hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I've got my sight on a girl. I want to get closer to her, and she's a beach lifeguard. So I want to apply to become a lifeguard at the beach that she goes to. That way I could see her every day."

"So it's to get a girl, that's courageous." Dai Li looked at Hassel with a smile that didn't look like a smile, and asked, "Why didn't you tell the girl directly that you like her? Why must you become a beach lifeguard, taking such a big roundabout route?"

"I… I feel that we should get to know each other more… And then…" Hassel said in a stutter.

A scene suddenly appeared in Dai Li's mind. A fat loser fell in love with his dream girl but didn't have the guts to confess, so he would think up all kinds of ways to get closer to his dream girl, dreaming that one day she would come to him.

Poor guy, but at least he's a fatty with a dream. Dai Li looked at Hassel's shilly-shally expression. Sympathy began to rise from the bottom of his heart. Dai Li suddenly wanted to help this fat kid.

In this world, if I can't help him pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, no one else can.

As he reached this conclusion, Dai Li said, "It's not impossible to help you complete the Frogman Challenge with training, but this depends on how much you're willing to pay."

"I can use my credit card, but I don't know if I have sufficient credit," Hassel said immediately.

"That's not what I mean." Dai Li shook his head as his expression grew austere. "I'm not talking about money. It's effort, your personal effort."

"I will do my best," Hassel said impatiently.

Dai Li instead said, "You will need to go through very high-intensity training if you want to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge in your current body condition. The training will be tough, you might even think it's torture. Can you persevere?"

"I can. I can definitely persevere," Hassel nodded like a woodpecker pecking wood.

"I have to first remind you that the training program that I make for you isn't only exercise for the body, it's more of a test of will. The 24-hour Frogman Challenge was originally a test for the Navy SEALs, so what you will be facing will also be cruel training, a devilish fitness training. If you can't persevere, you will only be wasting money," Dai Li reminded him with a solemn expression.

Due to the bonus from the scepter of authority, Dai Li's dignified look made Hassel nervous.

"It's just a fitness course, why does it feel like I'm about to make an important life decision?" Sweat had already begun to form on Hassel's forehead, and his face twisted in nervousness as he became hesitant.

"How about this, Mr. Hassel. I suggest you go home and consider whether you really want to accept this sort of high-intensity training. Come and sign up once you've made up your mind." Dai Li glanced at his watch as he spoke; the five minutes were almost up. He apologized and returned to the training ground.It is always tough for men to keep a cool head in front of beautiful women, and a lot of losers would sacrifice everything for their dream girl. Some would eat only pickles for an entire month and send the money they saved up to female broadcasters, getting a heart hand gesture or a simple "XOXO" in return.

Hassel was also willing to go through cruel fitness training for his dream girl.

So on the following day, Hassel went to Dai Li's training center and maxed out his credit card.

At the same time, the training course at the Ironman Training Center also began.

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Chapter 431: Mediocre

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the Ironman Training Center, Max leaned against his chair with a job briefing in his hands. The middle-aged man with a beard in front of Max was a senior worker who had been with Max for many years. In addition, he was the most experienced and capable coach in this training center, so Max found him to be a very capable assistant.

"What about the newcomers? Are they adapting to their new job?" asked Max.

"They have pretty good executive capability and are able to follow training schemes to finish their tasks," the man with a beard said, but it seemed that he began to hesitate.

Max noticed the man's hesitation, and then asked, "What's wrong? Have you found anything wrong?"

"It's nothing, but these new coaches, in my view, are too common," said the bearded man.

"Too common? What do you mean?" asked Max.

"I mean they are too common in all aspects. During this period, I didn't find any special skills in them. It seemed that they can only finish the tasks arranged for them. If I was asked to use an adjective to describe their performance, I think the word would be 'mediocre,'" the bearded man said.

The word "mediocre" made Max unhappy, because he had spent a lot of money hiring these new coaches. If they didn't have great performance, it meant that Max had made a bad decision.

"Maybe they just came here for a short time, so they haven't completely adapted to the working environment here," Max said, trying to find an excuse.

"Maybe," the beard said. Then he took out a paper file, handed it to Max, and added, "This is the training scheme that Jones made for the students of the beach lifeguard course, which I filed. I thought this physical training scheme was too generalized. It was not suitable for everyone, and when I researched it, I found that this scheme was downloaded from the Internet."

Max took the paper file and read it seriously.

Max was a professional physical trainer, and he went through several pages of the physical training scheme and found that the content was the same. If you just read one of the schemes, you might think it was pretty good, but if you put the schemes together, you found that they were all revised editions of a single scheme. It was just like an annual year-end summary; apart from the date, everything was the same as last year.

"It is quite general." Max felt terrible immediately. Jones was the first coach he had hired, and Max thought highly of Jones, but according to the scheme, it was obvious that Jones failed to live up to Max's expectations.

"Judging from these training schemes, Jones isn't worth the salary I pay for him." Max hesitated, but then he said, "Last year, Jones successfully helped six people pass the exam for beach lifeguards within one month; this was a real achievement he made. Although these training schemes might seem mediocre, I guessed he might not be good at making detailed training schemes, but he might be good at practical training instead. It doesn't really matter as long as the training is good enough."

"I hope so." The beard shrugged, but the look on his face suggested that he didn't think highly of Jones.

Dai Li's training center.

Amidst the magic music, Dai Li was square dancing with a group of his students.

The modest movement of square dance made many students feel uncomfortable. They have never seen such a warm-up before.

"Coach Li said it was a warm-up, but I have never seen such a warm-up. It seemed like we were dancing!"

"But it really works, I feel warm now and I have sweat on my forehand."

"I guess this warm-up may have something to do with Chinese Kung Fu. Maybe Coach Li knows Kung Fu?"

"Ten to one, maybe he can fight like Jackie Chan."

"Stupid, Jackie Chan is just a movie star, not a master of boxing."

"You're stupid. Jackie Chan knows Chinese Kung Fu! And he brings Kung Fu into movies."

"Guys, stop arguing and save your strength. This is just a few minutes of warm-up, but I'm already sweating, and it seems like I've played half-court basketball. We're going to be exhausted when the formal training starts."

"It seems that we won't feel good for the next few days."

"Regret signing up? I told you earlier that Coach Li is not an ordinary coach."

The golden-haired Cruise finished his all-day training and walked out of the Ironman Training Center.

When he got home, he ordered a pizza and took a bath.

After coming out of the tub, Cruise felt much more relaxed. He stood in front of the mirror, looked at himself, glanced at his abdominal muscles and then showed off his strong biceps.

"Compared with the days before training, there doesn't seem to be any obvious change." Cruise touched his "Apollo's belt" and began to clean his body hair.

Cruise, meanwhile, could not help but recall the previous days of training.

"All the training programs are very general. They are just the same as the training programs in a common gym, but with a little bit more intensity. It seems that professional physical training center is no better than a common gym!"

Thinking of that, Cruise suddenly felt that his money was not worth it. The physical training course was so much more expensive than a common gym membership, yet what he got from it was merely doubling his training volume.

How about Hassel, he said that he had signed up at the training center of Dai Li, Cruise thought of his friend.

Hassel, a fat man, sank to the ground, gasping for breath. His face was covered with sweat and it seemed that he was completely worn out.

"The five-minute break is over, stand up and finish the next training program!" Dai Li said. At that moment, for Hassel, Dai Li's voice just like the cry of a devil.

But Hassel still struggled to get up and begin the next training program according to Dai Li's instructions.

The next training was a series of fat-reducing exercises, which was special-designed program for Hassel.

Dai Li nodded to show his satisfaction with Hassel's performance. Hassel looked like just another fat kid, but in fact, he was quite persevering. So far at least, he had finished all the physical training programs.

After a day of training, Hassel felt very tired and went to the bathroom. A few minutes in a hot shower made him feel better and relieved his muscle pain.

"Whew!" Hassel took a deep breath, and he stood there, letting the water spray over him.

"I'm so tired!" Hassel recalled the last few days and he felt that as if he were living in hell.

The shower sprayed into his face, making him unable to open his eyes, so subconsciously he lowered his head, avoided the shower spray, and opened his eyes.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar object, which was his penis.

At that moment, he widened his eyes and suddenly felt happy.

I can see it! I can see it with my head down! Hassel felt excited

In the past, Hassel could never have seen his penis over the rounded girth of his big belly. Today, however, Hassel could see it just by tipping his head down.

Hassel immediately understood that it was not his penis getting bigger, but his big belly getting smaller!

Hassel took the bath as fast as he could, didn't dry his body, and then stood in front of the mirror.

In the mirror, he was still fat, but now he was a fat man who looked very energetic.

Hassel patted his belly and felt that his fat had become stronger, then he tried lifting up his arms and flexing his biceps. And he found that the muscle on his fat and loose arms could float when he began to exert force.

"Yeah!" Hassel couldn't help cheering. He realized that these days of training had been really effective.

For Hassel, "seeing practical results" was more convincing. At that moment, he had a hope in his mind; he suddenly felt that all the fatigue and pain he had experienced during training was worth it, and if he continued to accept the training, he was likely to pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge.

Jones was a little bit anxious; the training course he was in charge of had started more than 20 days ago, but he wasn't satisfied with the performance of the students. The training effect was failing to live up to his expectations.

Last year, when they were trained for 20 days, they made remarkable progress. This year, however, is totally different from last year. Many students aren't showing any progress at all. So what's the reason? The training programs are almost the same as last year, so what has caused the big difference in training results?

What Jones didn't know was that last year's training programs at Dai Li's training center were highly targeted, although they were routine. Dai Li's detector could detect everyone's shortcomings. And once you improved your shortcomings, you are sure to sense remarkable progress.

More importantly, at that time, for the function of team pyramid, Jones was a member of Dai Li's team, so he could learn from the first-rate coaches. But now that Jones had job-hopped, his training effect went back to his days as a coach at the gym.

The difference between a gym and a training center was just like the gap between an amateur and a professional athlete. An amateur who is very skillful in the opinions of ordinary people might be defeated instantly in a game with a professional athlete. The two can't be compared in any way.

Dai Li could not find a suitable coach in a short time while his training center was short of hands. Therefore, he hired Jones, a gym-level coach. It was Dai Li's targeted training programs and the enhancement brought by the whole team that made up for the shortcomings of Jones and his colleagues. All they had to do was carry out the training programs, and then good results would be achieved.

However, for other high-level training centers, using coaches from common gyms would definitely result in disaster. High-level sports training was like sailing against the current. No progress simply meant regression. A high-level athlete who witnessed the regression of ability after months of training in your center would be a deadly blow to your business.

Dai Li came to Blake's office with a handful of resumes.

"Out of all these resumes, I think three of the candidates are decent choices for the position. Give them a probation period and let them have a try," said Dai Li. He gave some of the resumes to Blake.

Blake got the resumes and took a look. And then he asked hesitantly, "Full-time contracts for them? Not part-time? The three are so average that they could only be coaches in a gym according to their work experience. In my opinion, they don't deserve full-time contracts with a training center like ours."

"I know they are just average coaches. But what can I do? We are short of hands now. Every resume we have received recently is at the same level. I have tried to choose the best candidates." Dai Li shook his head helplessly. "But the three I have chosen were all once athletes, and they are not too old now. I hope there are more possibilities in them to be built up to be qualified coaches. We may have a future Payton, if we are lucky enough."

"You want to train them yourself, again? They will go to other centers after they grow into qualified coaches." Blake threw cold water on Dai Li's ideas.

"Let them go then. Soon, others will know that what they got from my center is not what they thought." Dai Li smiled cunningly.

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Chapter 432: Hassel's Race

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The empty road was very quiet. It was not the main traffic artery, so very few vehicles would pass there. What's more, it was the weekend, many people would stay at home instead of driving around.

A middle-age man in glasses was standing on the lawn of his house with a baseball glove in one hand and a baseball in the other.

"Get ready!" The middle-aged man cocked his arm back and then threw the baseball.

Opposite the middle-aged man was a little boy eight or nine years old, also wearing a baseball glove. When the boy saw the baseball coming to him, he held out his hands and caught it.

At that moment, someone ran along the road, and gradually, more and more began to appear along the road. They all wore numbers on their backs, and it was easy to see that they were athletes running a race.

The little boy stopped and looked at the athletes.

"Daddy, are they competing?" asked the little boy.

"It is supposed to be a marathon," the middle-aged man with glasses stopped and said. "It's not too cold or too hot right now. It's really a good time to run a marathon."

"Wow, it's a marathon, there must be sports stars running!" The little boy looked expectantly at the crowd, hoping to see a sports star.

"No point looking for someone famous. That's just a marathon for marathon lovers. They are all amateur runners!" the middle-aged man said with a smile.

"How do you know there aren't any sports stars in it when you are not participating?" the little boy asked indignantly.

"Look at that man." The middle-aged man pointed to a fat man amongst the runners and then said, "If it was a professional marathon, how could there be a fat runner on the team? So, it must be a race organized by marathon lovers. Everyone is at the same level, so it's taking part that really counts. Therefore, it is less likely that professional athletes and sports stars are participating."

Following the direction of his father's finger, the little boy looked at the fat man, whose figure made him very conspicuous despite being in the center of the crowd. In addition, the number on his back suggested he was a real runner.

"He looks fat, and it seems like he won't be able to finish the race," said the little boy, somewhat discouraged.

"You are right. That's why your mother and I tell you to eat more vegetables and less food with a lot of calories, such as French fries. Otherwise, you will become a fatty and be unable to complete a marathon."

The little boy nodded helplessly. It was obvious that he didn't want to give up these delicious high-calorie foods, but he didn't want to be clumsy fatty either.

The fat Hassel didn't know he had become the object lesson that a middle-aged man used to educate his son.

But at that moment, Hassel was covered with sweat and his clothes were soaked. He couldn't even tell what direction he was running, and it was all he could do to run after the man in front of him.

Hassel didn't know how long he had been running, but he remembered that at first there were many people, but gradually the crowd drew into a long line. Occasionally, two or three runners would run together. There were fewer and fewer runners around him, as some surpassed him and others fell behind.

Hassel didn't know whether he ran fast or slow. Colorful clothes dazzled him, which also gave him a sense of security. At least he knew that he still had many companions and was not alone.

Hassel didn't know how far he was from the finish line, but he was running mechanically just like an indefatigable robot on an assembly line. As he forced his body to run at a constant speed, his limbs were paralyzed and he had forgotten the fatigue in his body. What's more, he thought nothing in his mind, but simply focused on taking step after step.

When Hassel passed a depot, a volunteer handed a bottle of water to him, but he didn't stop. He continued to run along, opening the bottle and pouring the water into his mouth.

Drinking the bottle of water made him feel much refreshed, and the intake of water stimulated his body's circulation, making him sweat more.

At this point, Hassel looked very dispirited, and he ran clumsily. It gave everyone the feeling that he might give up the race in the next few seconds, and stop to have a rest on the roadside.

At the roadside, there were indeed some contestants who chose to sit down and have a rest. Whenever Hassel passed by, they would look at him with a strange eye, maybe admiration, maybe sympathy, or maybe bewilderment. Perhaps they didn't understand how a fatty like Hassel could stick it out until now.

"I can't stop, I can't stop, Coach Li told me that I have to keep running. Even if I run slower than a walk, I can never stop and rest. Once I sit down and rest, it would be hard for me to stand up again." Hassel recalled Dai Li's advice.

There were fewer and fewer contestants around Hassel. Some were faster than he was, so he was gradually left behind, and others were physically exhausted, so they slowed down and were left behind by Hassel. This race was the same as a marathon, where crowds of contestants set off together, and then they gradually dispersed, so the tight formation would become more and more loose.

Hassel was still running at his own pace, and he ignored those who moved beyond him and those he left behind. That's what he had been practicing these days—running at his own pace, namely, running at a constant speed.

From morning to noon, the sun was getting higher and higher, and the temperature began to rise. Hassel felt much hotter, and he sweated more.

The sun rose right above his head, which meant the heat of the day was coming. At this time, Hassel came to realize that he had been running all morning. But he didn't feel tired. His body had completely fallen into the rhythm of running.

But Hassel was thirsty, and as the sun shone on him, he felt like he was burning, which accelerated the evaporation of water from his body.

"Hold on, I have to hold on. I should be near the depot, where I can be supplied with water." Hassel licked his lips.

Sweat came from Hassel's forehead, rolled down his cheeks, rested on his chin, accumulating into large beads of sweat and eventually falling to the ground. Wherever Hassel passed by, there would be sweat stain on the ground, while in front of him, there was the sweat stain of others.

At this moment, time seemed static, and Hassel no longer felt it passing. He looked ahead uncertainly as he ran mechanically, swinging his arms and repeating the same movement.

At last, there was a large crowd in front of him, and something like a billboard.

There is a depot ahead! Hassel could not remember how many depots he had passed. Previously, he would catch the water provided by others and drink it while continuing to run.

This time, Hassel ran over as he had done several times before and he saw the staff and volunteers in green overalls.

This time, instead of handing him a bottle of water, however, the staff gave him a piece of paper.

"Go over there and register!" said the staff.

"What this?" asked Hassel, but his words disturbed his breathing rhythm and he felt exhausted immediately.

"It's your certificate of completion for the 58-kilometer race!" the staff said and then continued to hand the papers to the contestants behind Hassel.

"Certificate? Am I finished?" Hassel looked at the paper in his hand. It was indeed a certificate of completion for the 58-kilometer race, with a number just written on it.

I made it! I finished a 58-kilometer race! Hassel thought, and then took off his coat, which was completely soaked with sweat.

This 24-hour Frogman Challenge was not as difficult as I thought it would be!

The blonde Cruise lay on a beach, and in front of him was a wall about 2.5 meters high.

This wall was one of the 25 obstacles. The participants had to climb up the wall, get over it, and then stand on the ground on the other side.

Usually, it would be quite easy for Cruise to finish it. He was more than 1.8 meters tall, and he was a master of sports. He could climb up the 2.5 meters high wall just by jumping from a standing position, without even a run-up.

This time, however, Cruise couldn't climb over the wall. He had tried many times, but his strength couldn't support him to climb over the wall. Even though his hands could reach the top, he had no strength to shore up his body.

The 58-kilometer long-distance run and the 8-kilometer swim had completely drained Cruise of his physical strength. As a result, the 25 obstacles, which had originally been the easiest task for him, had now become an insurmountable challenge.

I didn't expect the 24-hour Frogman Challenge to be so difficult. I signed up for a special physical training course, but I'm still having difficulty passing the challenge. Breathing heavily, Cruise decided to take a rest, save up his physical strength, and then climb over the wall in front of him.

The 58-kilometer run and the 8-kilometer swim have consumed too much of my energy, especially the 8-kilometer swim… Cruise could not help but recall the swim.

Cruise had spent more than three hours to finish the 8-kilometer swim, which consumed no less energy than the 58-kilometer long-distance run.

Swimming consumes more physical strength than long-distance running, let alone swimming in outdoor public waters. Even good swimmers would feel tired after swimming for more than three hours in a row. In addition, three hours of swimming after a 58-kilometer run was enough to make anyone exhausted.

Cruise was dog-tired. But in fact, his performance was pretty good, because few participants could make it to the 25 obstacles. Most of them gave up during the first two events.

Lay down for a while, and my energy will recover. By then I will be able to climb over the wall! This idea kept coming up in Cruise's mind, but he was in a daze and his consciousness was clouding.

I'm so sleepy, I want to sleep for a while. Cruise took another look at the nearby wall.

A fat but fuzzy figure appeared near the wall. He ran, jumped, and used his hands to seize the wall as his feet scrambled up it. Suddenly, he used his arms to support his body and climbed up the wall with the inertia of his run and jump.

In reality, he put his own body on the wall and hung himself in the air with his stomach as a support point. But from Cruise's perspective, he could only see the fatty stamping his legs to keep his body balanced, then the kid fell over to the other side of the wall.

What an ugly gesture. It reminded me of Hassel, how is he here now? He should have been eliminated. Cruise gave a deep sigh, and he slowly closed his eyes. Ten seconds later, he was snoring.

At that moment, a staff went past Cruise and squatted and had a look at him, only to find that Cruise had fallen asleep. The staff, therefore, covered Cruise with a blanket, and then muttered, "There's one more participant who gave up the race."

The staff clearly knew that anyone who fell asleep at this point would not be able to wake up soon, let alone return to the race.

Hassel got up from the ground, and as he had just fallen off the wall, he was a bit dizzy. What's more, the ground was covered with soft sand, and Hassel's mouth was full of sand.

Hassel spit out the sand, then raised his head and looked forward tenaciously.

He was going to confront the next obstacle.

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Chapter 433: Follow-Up Calls

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the Ironman Training Center, Jones sat in front of the phone expectantly with a name list in his hand.

The 24-hour Frogman Challenge had ended, but Jones' work wasn't over yet. He had to make some follow-up calls with students to make check whether or not they had passed the Challenge, and thus check the outcome of his work.

Jones was looking forward to the results of the follow-up calls. He was like a man with a lot of lottery tickets waiting for the winning numbers.

I don't know how many students have passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. It is very difficult. I can gain a footing here if 40% of the students can pass, which would be excellent. I might get an extra bonus if half of the students can pass. And if 60% of the students passed… No, that's hardly possible. I don't think any training center in Los Angeles can achieve that.

Jones dialed the first phone number on the list as he was thinking about all this.

"Is this Mr. James? Hello, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center. I'm calling to ask if you have passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge?"

"No! I quit during the 8-kilometer swim because of exhaustion. It's really a shame…" said the voice.

Jones hung up the phone and was in a bad mood. He had expected a piece of good news in his first call-back. But it didn't come. The first student didn't pass the challenge. However, he calmed down and dialed the next phone number.

"Mr. Garcia, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center. I am calling to ask if you passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge? No? Sorry to hear that…"

More terrible news! The optimism in Jones's eyes had disappeared, and nervousness began to grow in his heart.

Calm down. I will get good news in my call to the third student according to the 40% probability of passing. Jones then made the third call.

"Mr. Davis, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center. I'm calling to ask if you passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge? Not you either?"

And the student named Davis suddenly asked, "Are there many students who haven't passed the competition besides me?"

Jones immediately realized that he had leaked the information and he explained at once, "The 24-hour Frogman Challenge is very difficult. And the pass rate is not high. In fact, most of the participants cannot fulfill the competition. Don't be discouraged, Mr. Davis. Just keep training and I'm sure you'll be more likely to pass next year."

Suddenly overwhelmed by negative emotions, Jones hung up the phone. He stopped for one more minute to get back his courage to dial the fourth phone number.

"Hello, Mr. Pop, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center…"

What waited for him was another piece of bad news. The fourth student did not finish the competition.

Bad luck today. All of the first four guys didn't finish the Challenge. But I feel that the good news is on its way. Jones blamed the defeat on his luck and tried to comfort himself. And then he made the fifth call.

But another "I quit the competition" welcomed him.

He made six calls. None of the six people passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. He expected a good result six times and was disappointed six times, too. The disappointment engulfed him, and he felt more and more lost.

What's going on? Six people and no one passed! Is the 24-hour Frogman Challenge so difficult?

At that moment Jones still hadn't realized that it was the problem of training that stopped the students from finishing the challenge.

Looking at the name list in his hand, Jones was so worried about receiving another piece of bad news in the next call that he didn't even dare to pick up the phone and call the next student.

What I need now is a piece of good news to encourage myself. Jones then searched the list and found the name Cruise.

I remember this guy, Cruise. An excellent sportsman with blonde hair. He will have finished the competition!

Thinking about that, Jones skipped the other phone numbers on the list and dialed Cruise's phone number first. And after a long wait, Cruise answered.

"Is this Mr. Cruise? Hello, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center."Cruise walked into the restaurant to see the fat guy, Hassel, in the corner.

In front of Hassel were two big plates full of food. And Hassel was eating happily with his knife and fork.

He has gotten much thinner since we last saw each other a few days ago. It seems that the physical training class he attended was effective to some extent, Cruise thought and then walked towards him.

"You are much thinner." Cruise sat facing Hassel and pointed to the plates to ask, "But you will be as fat as before if you keep eating so much."

"I was tired to death because of the damn competition. I slept for a whole day and a night to recover. And my training before! It felt like being in hell. It was not easy for me to go through all this. So, eating this is my reward to myself," the fat guy said as he kept eating.

Cruise's face looked melancholy as he thought about the competition. He then called the waiter to order a meal to hide his depression.

"Another for me, too," said Hassel, pointing to his own plate. Then he asked Cruise, "Which beach do you want a job interview at? Some suggestions first. Do not go to the Monica South Cape Beach. I'm going there for my interview. My dream girl is there."

"Job interview? Maybe next year I will have the opportunity." Cruise sighed deeply and then suddenly raised his head in confusion, looking at Hassel. He asked, "What did you say just now? You have a job interview for a lifeguard position?"

"Yes. Three days from now." Hassel nodded seriously.

Cruise stared at Hassel, and he thought Hassel was bragging.

"Are you kidding? The job of a beach lifeguard requires that you pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. Are you telling me that you have passed the competition?" said Cruise, leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed.

"Yes, I passed. I mean it. Believe me!" Hassel replied while Cruise smiled disdainfully, which let Hassel know that Cruise didn't believe his words at all.

"I know it sounds fantastic. And even I could not believe it when I woke up." Hassel then took out his mobile phone to show Cruise a photo and said, "Look. It's my certificate!"

Cruise looked at the picture. It really was Hassel's certificate of passing the 24-hour Frogman Challenge.

"Is this a fake one you created with Photoshop?" Cruise looked at the fat man skeptically.

Hassel shook his head at once. "Of course not. Come to my home to see it if you don't believe me. Or, you can check the serial number of my certificate on their official website. Man, we've known each other for ten years. I would never lie to you on this."

"So, you really passed the competition?" Cruise said wide-eyed, staring at his fat friend. Then he asked, "How did you do that?"

"Just everyday training. I have a training plan from Coach Li. As I said just now, the hell-style training. However, I must give him my thanks now. I wouldn't have passed the challenge but for his help." Hassel ate a mouthful of food and then asked, "By the way, you haven't told me which beach you want to go to for the job interview."

"I didn't finish the competition," Cruise said after a pause, deciding that there was no need to hide it from his friend.

"What? You didn't finish the competition? Stop kidding me. That's not funny." Apparently Hassel didn't believe what Cruise said.

In Hassel's memory, Cruise had been a master of sports since his childhood. Cruise was good at almost all kinds of sports, and was the best player on their high school football team, and a college offered him a scholarship. At college, he even ran track and field. Hassel thought he was far behind Cruise in the field of sports. That was a kind of difference that could never be bridged, even through a lifetime of training. What's more, he believed that a competition that he passed would be a piece of cake for Cruise.

Hassel's surprise put Cruise in a worse mood due to the fact that he had lost to this fat guy in sports. He felt insulted, even though they were friends.

Cruise then fell into depression. At the same time, his phone rang. He picked up his mobile phone and saw a landline number.

"Is that telemarketing?" Cruise didn't want to answer, but his cell phone kept ringing, so he answered.

"Is this Mr. Cruise? Hello, I'm Coach Jones of the Ironman Training Center. I'm calling to ask if you have passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge?" Jones said on the phone.

"No." Cruise's voice was angry, and his attitude was cold.

If it were a few minutes ago, Cruise wouldn't be so cold. But the 24-hour Frogman Challenge had been a scar on his heart since he knew that Hassel passed the competition. Jones's call to ask him about the result of the Challenge was just insult to injury.

Jones didn't catch the chillness in Cruise's words. On the contrary, he asked in disbelief, "I thought you would have passed. Which section did you quit?"

Cruise was hurt again. He just wanted to hang up the phone immediately. But out of politeness, he replied, "The 25 obstacles."

"Oh, that's too bad. You almost finished the Challenge!" said Jones regretfully. And then he began to comfort Cruise, "But you are very close to success. Keep training with me and you will pass the Challenge!"

Jones's words made Cruise unhappier. Seeing the fat guy eating happily across from him and recalling his own training in the Ironman Training Center, Cruise felt he had been fooled and had spent his money in vain.

There's no difference between those exercises in the center and what I do in a normal gym. This Jones has cheated me once and he now wants to do it again! Cruise's tolerance ended at that moment.

"No, I will not go to your center next year. I will not go there again for the rest of my life!" said Cruise angrily.

Jones did not know for a moment how he had offended Jones. He instinctively asked, "Why?"

"Why? Why don't you ask yourself?" Cruise said and then he added, "Do you remember the guy who was with me when I signed up for the training in your center? The fat man you refused! He was trained in another place, and then he went through the 24-hour Frogman Challenge! And I, who have been trained by you for so long, have failed on a wall only two and a half meters high! D*mn you and your physical training center. You cheaters! Sooner or later you will go out of business!"

Cruise hung up the phone angrily and then put the phone number into his blocklist.

Across from him, Hassel, with salad in his mouth, looked at him and was stunned. Hassel then asked, "Did I hear that right? You really didn't finish the competition?"

Hassel even couldn't speak clearly with his mouth so filled with food.

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Chapter 434: One Hundred Percent and Zero

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The secretary who had recently started as an intern knocked on the door and walked into Blake's office. She put a folder on the table and said, "Mr. Blake, the follow-up calls have all been finished."

Blake got the folder and opened it to have a look. And he became serious.

"Nancy, this work is very serious. I hope you can do it carefully. If you just dawdle, you can pack up and leave now," said Blake.

The secretary was so frightened that she almost cried. Her expression was a little confused. And she asked, "What's wrong with my work, Mr. Blake?"

Blake's facial expression was saying, "You know what I mean." He pointed to the folder in his hand and asked, "Are you sure you have done all the follow-up calls that I asked you to do? Did you call each of them?"

"Yes, Mr. Blake. I called them all and I recorded the results of my calls on the document." She pointed to the folder in his hand.

But Blake laughed ironically. "Nancy, this work is not a joke, and today is not April Fool's Day! Everyone on the follow-up list is satisfied with our training. Okay, it may not be too surprising to have a one hundred percent satisfaction rate. But the key point is that everyone chose 'passed' as the result of the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. All of them passed the challenge. A pass rate of one hundred percent. Do you think that's possible? Nancy, you must know that I can tolerate the inefficiency of my employees, but I cannot tolerate cheating. Honesty is of great importance."

The secretary felt wronged. She timidly explained, "I confirmed with them again and again. But all of them told me that they passed that competition. It's true. I didn't lie to you. What I said is true. You can check the results with our clients if you do not believe me."

On hearing the words of the secretary, Blake frowned. He had thought that she filled out all the forms with "passed" without making the follow-up calls because she didn't take her job seriously. But he could tell from her expression that her words were true.

"Did every client finish the competition? No. That's impossible. It's the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, not a simple mass sports activity. A 50% pass rate would be a big surprise. How could it be a one hundred percent pass rate? Are the students in this training class all professional athletes of triathlon?"

Blake didn't believe it. But he was softened, seeing the grievance of the young secretary. He decided to call to check on his own.

Let me pick a few clients randomly and ask them. The truth will show itself.Half an hour later, Blake was stunned, looking at the phone on the desk. Everyone he called had passed the competition. For a moment, he didn't know whether he should continue to make the next call or not.

Jesus! Each of them passed the competition! Has the 24-hour Frogman Challenge become easier? Why does it seem like a driving test, which anyone can pass?

Blake was a professional. He knew the difficulty of the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. The challenge was designed as the test for the Navy Seals. The fact that the average people could pass would be evidence to prove that Navy Seals were too unqualified.

It suddenly occurred to Blake that Dai Li had been in charge of the training.

How did Dai Li achieve that? Blake couldn't help getting out his mobile phone and calling Dai Li."All passed? How did I do that? Just training! If one trains poorly, let him spend more time on training and eventually he will be able to pass the competition," Dai Li said, relaxed.

"Are you kidding? Your description makes it sound as simple as shopping at Wal-Mart!" Blake snorted coldly, then lowered his voice to say, "Tell me honestly if you're using something you shouldn't use."

Dai Li was slightly stunned. And after thinking for a moment he realized the indication of Blake's words.

"You mean stimulants? Randy, as a former professional athlete, you should know that in the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, stimulants wouldn't work," said Dai Li with a smile.

"You are right," Blake nodded and replied. The 24-hour Frogman Challenge was a physical test for the average person. It was not like the Olympic Games or the World Championship. For ordinary people, using stimulants made no difference. For example, an examinee who drunk a can of Red Bull before his physical test for a senior high school entrance exam would not experience any improvement in his scores. The only effect of drinking Red Bull would be to quench his thirst.

Blake added, "A pass rate of one hundred percent. It's really a miracle. To tell you the truth, I would like to announce this result to the public. It will be great advertising for us, and we will win more customers for the next year's training class."

"Make it public then. Publicity is your job," said Dai Li.

"But do you think anyone will believe it? That's the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. I myself didn't believe it until I saw the result of the one hundred percent pass in person. But we will be faced with questioning from all over Los Angeles. Everyone will take us as cheaters. But due to our protection policy of the privacy of our clients, we are not allowed to disclose the information of our clients. Therefore, our announcement cannot be verified by those who question. We will not be able to prove that the one hundred percent pass is real," said Blake.

Privacy protection really mattered in America. China saw a weak awareness in privacy protection. In China, some training classes for civil service entrance exams usually announced the information of their students who passed the exams. Those classes wanted the whole world to know that some of their students were admitted by the Finance Bureau, the Construction Bureau, or the National Tax Bureau. Some high schools in China issued the list of their students enrolled by universities on their bulletin boards every summer at their gates. Students' names, scores, and admission results, which were all private student information, were usually used as material to flaunt the achievements of those high schools.

But Americans put more importance on protecting privacies. A physical training center must keep the information of clients a secret. Leaks of the information could cause a lawsuit.

The 24-hour Frogman Challenge was so difficult that no one would ever believe in a one hundred percent pass rate. And the best way to prove its achievements would be to reveal the performance of its students, which was impossible given the privacy protection system in the US.

Announcing the pass rate without evidence would only result in endless questions from the outside. Such an announcement might operate as a disaster rather than an advertisement.

Dai Li knew Blake well, and he asked, "Since you called to say this, there must be a solution, right?"

"I have an idea. We can't release the information of all the students, but we can publish the information of one or two of them. It's not a difficult thing. What we need is only the consent of the chosen ones. But the chosen student should be as physically normal as possible. We should convey through him a message that our pass rate is real to the public," said Blake.

Suddenly, Blake's words reminded Dai Li of Hassel, the fat guy. Hassel's shape made it impossible for anyone to believe that he could pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. From another point of view, the fact that he passed made it reasonable to say that all of the rest of the students passed.

Just like it was reasonable to say that the whole class passed the exam when the one ranked last in the class passed.

Therefore, Dai Li said, "There is a student named Hassel in the training class this time. He is a fat guy, and you can find his photo in the student database. I think he is a good choice for us to show to the public as a typical image."

"Okay, I will get in touch with him at once," answered Blake.

"No. Let me talk to him in person," Dai Li said. Then he added, "Hassel will soon take part in a job interview. Maybe we can help him.""Coach Li, I didn't think you'd call me," Hassel said in surprise.

"Mr. Hassel, I think you haven't taken part in the job interview for beach lifeguards, have you?" asked Dai Li.

"No, I haven't. I am still preparing for the interview. It was scheduled on the morning of the day after tomorrow at first, but apparently the interview has been moved to next week since too many people have applied for the position. But I think I can hardly be chosen. The Monica South Cape Beach will only pick one person this year. And I am just one of the dozens of candidates. Too many people want to be beach lifeguards." Dismay gradually filled Hassel's voice as he replied.

"I have a plan that will bring you some fame and depict you positively. It may help you become a beach lifeguard." Dai Li lowered his voice mysteriously and added, "If you are interested in it, please come to the training center so that we can have a talk in detail."In the Ironman Training Center.

Max had been waiting for the results of the follow-up calls for a whole day. But he hadn't seen Jones yet.

It seems that I will not hear good news. Jones would have been here earlier if the results had been very good. Max had realized that the results of the class must be barely satisfactory, if not worse.

The 24-hour Frogman Challenge is very difficult. I shouldn't expect much. I can accept it, barely, if 30% or 40% of the students can pass the challenge.

Thinking of that, Max decided not to wait any longer. He called Jones and asked him to come.

Minutes later. Jones turned up in Max's office.

"Coach Jones, are all follow-up calls to the students in the physical training class done? How about the results? How many of our students passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge?" Max asked directly.

"Well…" Jones finally plucked up his courage and replied, "None of our students passed the competition."

"Pardon?" Max thought he had misunderstood Jones's words.

"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Max," said Jones hurriedly. "It is just an accident this year. Next year! Next year I will certainly…"

"You just said that no one passed the competition? None of them?" Max didn't care about the latter part of Jones's words. He was still thinking about "none of our students passed the competition."

"Sorry. But it's the situation now," Jones said awkwardly.

Max was shocked. He had predicted that the results this year would be bad. He had even prepared for the worst situation where just one or two students passed the challenge. There was really a "one" in the results. The "one" in "none".

The next second Max looked at Jones in shock.

It would be incredible to find that all students passed, but none of them? That was much more incredible.

In his school days, almost everyone had gotten full marks at least once. But few had gotten zero, except those who handed in blank test papers. According to probability, the probability of avoiding all the correct answers was lower than that of answering all questions correctly. You could guess the right answers to one or two questions even if you learned nothing. Perhaps only the one who knew all the correct answers was able to answer all the questions wrong.

So, at that moment, Max was astonished. No one in the training class passed. That sounded like winning the lottery.

How bad was the training to make all of them fail in the competition! How did Jones do that? Max stared at Jones and he didn't know what to say.

At that moment, there came a knock on the door. And then Max's most senior employee, the coach with whiskers, came in.

He looked at Jones with a hint of disdain in his eyes, then he turned to Max and said, "I have just learned that the training center of Coach Li claimed that all of their students this year passed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. That's a pass rate of one hundred percent."

"One hundred percent! That's impossible!" said Max

On hearing of this, Jones was sweating like a pig.If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

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Chapter 435: Press Conference

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"All students finished the competition? 100 percent completion rate? It's impossible! Are they all from the SEALs?" Max shouted hysterically.

Max's reaction was understandable. None of his students finished the competition, while all of Dai Li's students finished it, which would drive anyone a little crazy. It was like if a parent's child got a zero on a test, while the neighbor's child got a perfect score. It would let any parent down.

A minute later, Max calmed down and said, "That can't be true. It was the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. It can't have 100 percent completion rate. It's a lie, a fraud. It's false publicity! We must expose him!"

"So, what do you want to do?" the beard asked.

"We are not enough for this. We need to unite other training centers to make the event bigger. We'll make sure all people in Los Angeles know that Coach Li is a liar. We'd better take this opportunity to get him out of Los Angeles!" Max said savagely.The 100 percent completion rate indeed displeased others. As for the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, it was difficult for a high-level training center to reach a half completion rate, even if the center was selective in who they recruited for training. For example, Cruise was an athlete, and only people like him could finish the 24-hour Frogman Challenge after formal training. For people with no basis of sports, it wouldn't even be possible to run 58km.

However, Dai Li got a 100 percent completion rate. It was a big deal, and a slap in the face to the other training centers. It wasn't even possible for everyone to pass the exam, but Dai Li had somehow gotten a full score.

Many fitness training centers in Los Angeles were united together spontaneously, believing that Dai Li was lying to generate publicity and recruit students. It seemed that they were trying to kick Dai Li out of Los Angeles.

The media also fanned the flames of the controversy. Though California was a place with a large number of Chinese people, discrimination against Chinese still existed. How could those traditional white people allow a Chinese man to walk on them? For the media, the incitement to racial confrontation was always a great way to catch people's attention."You seem to have touched the interests of many people. You've become the public enemy of all fitness training centers in Los Angeles. Maybe someone will accuse you of false publicity!" Blake said with a smile.

"I didn't do it. We did it." Holding a cup of black tea, Dai Li asked, "Is everything ready for the press conference?"

Blake nodded. "No problem! Hassel has sent us his old pictures, so we can hold the press conference anytime."

"Let's begin! Time to take advantage of public opinion." Taking a deep breath, Dai Li said smilingly, "Prepare more food and drinks for the press conference as well as some small gifts. These journalists have come to give us free publicity, so we can't let them go home empty-handed! As a Chinese saying goes, courtesy costs nothing…"Wearing a stiff suit, Blake stood upon a makeshift podium, next to a projection screen.

There were some journalists in the audience, and some people had come just to watch.

Dressed in a plain tracksuit with a peaked cup covering most of his face, Max stood in a very humble position. He seemed to be a client coming to a training session, only to come across a press conference here and join the crowd.

100 percent completion rate, that is impossible! I want to see how you defend yourself, you liar! Max thought in his mind.

At this time, Blake waved for silence and said, "This spring, our fitness training center started a fitness training program for clients who wanted to participate in the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. This training program was very successful, and our students all finished the challenge. However, many people doubt that it is possible for our training center achieved a 100 percent completion rate. Therefore today, we are holding the press conference to explain this to the public."

Blake paused and then said with a solemn expression, as if to announce something very important, "The first thing I want to say here is that our training center achieved a 100 percent completion rate in this 24-hour Frogman Challenge. They all finished it."

"So how can you prove it?" someone asked.

"If I was allowed, I would show you the results of all the students in our fitness training program. However, we can't do it for the confidentiality of our clients," Blake said.

"So, you can't prove it at all."

"I knew it. They are just bluffing. It's impossible to achieve 100 percent completion rate in 24-hour Frogman Challenge."

"I thought there would be big news, but this is no news at all."

"This training center is lying, and its false publicity!"

People began to whisper.

Blake on the stage was in no hurry. He didn't listen to the murmurs of disapproval, but raised his voice and said, "Although we can't disclose the information and results of our clients, we still can invite one of them. I believe he will provide ample evidence for the 100 percent completion rate."

"Humph! Can only one of them prove that all finished the challenge? Every training center in Los Angeles has students who can finish the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. It's common to find a gifted student to talk about his training experience!" said a short man not far from Max, full of disapproval.

Many people agreed with that, except Max. He was upset because his Ironman Training Center couldn't find a student who had completed the race.

Blake didn't take it seriously. He motioned backstage and continued, "Let's welcome Mr. Hassel!"

Hearing his name, fat Hassel trotted up to the stage.

For an instant, the scene was quiet. Everyone looked at Hassel in great astonishment. And then the discussion began like a sudden riot.

"This guy looks a little fat!"

"I don't know how many pounds he is, but he must be fatter than me."

"Such a fat man completed the 24-hour Frogman Challenge? Probably not. I mean, the challenge is really difficult, right?"

"If such a guy can finish it, I think I can too."

"Maybe this guy is lying for the training center!"

Blake smiled and once again motioned the audience to be quiet, and then said to Hassel, "Mr. Hassel, would you show us your certificate of completion?"

"Sure." Hassel nodded. At this time, people discovered that Hassel had a hard folder in his hand. He opened the folder and placed it before his chest like an award certificate, facing the audience.

"This is the certificate of the 24-hour Frogman Challenge, and it has a serial number on it. We can check it on the website to see it is true…"

"Don't need to check. It's true since he dares to bring it out. The fat guy finished the challenge."

Meanwhile, the projection screen next to Blake was showing a slide with old pictures of fat Hassel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what I'm showing you now is what Mr. Hassel looked like before training," Blake pointed to the screen and said.

"He looked even fatter then."

"Guess how many pounds the fat man lost."

"The fat man seems to have lost a lot of weight. For this reason, if for no other, this training center is really not bad."

"I can't believe that the fat guy like a ball in the picture could pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge after training!"

"If that guy can finish the race, I'm pretty certain I can too."

Blake was quite pleased with the reaction, and once again silenced the crowd. He said, "After looking at Hassel's pictures, I think you guys can understand that Mr. Hassel certainly wasn't good at sports in the past, and many of us here are probably in better physical condition than he was. Even so, through our training and his personal efforts, Mr. Hassel still passed the extremely difficult 24-hour Frogman Challenge. I think this can prove that our training has achieved a 100 percent completion rate."

The audience kept silent and many people even agreed with that. If even a person like Hassel could complete the 24-hour Frogman Challenge after training, it wouldn't be surprising that all the other students could do it, too.

In fact, everyone thought they must be better than that fat guy in the picture. Since the fat guy could finish the challenge, then doubting the others would suggest that they were not even better than a fat guy. No reporter wanted to dig a hole for himself. It was like when a group of men were together; no one would admit that they were short and soft, but would only brag about how strong they were.

Standing unobtrusively in the corner, Max was astonished to see the pictures.

How could such a fat guy complete the challenge? What's their training program? I really want to know how the fat guy's training program was designed.

Max knew that he definitely couldn't make fat Hassel complete the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. He also knew that no other training center in Los Angeles could make it happen, either.

As he watched the reporters from the stage, Blake finally felt it was enough and winked at a young man in the crowd.

The young man understood, raised his hand, and asked loudly, "Mr. Hassel, why did you want to participate in the difficult 24-hour Frogman Challenge? Is it because you want to challenge your weakness?"

The young man asked in a euphemistic way. If he had asked more directly, it would have sounded like this: Why did you want to trouble yourself since you were so fat? Are you playing with yourself?

The scene was quiet again and everyone was looking at Hassel.

"I want to be a beach lifeguard," Hassel answered.

"I see. So, beach lifeguard is your dream job?" the young man continued to ask.

Suddenly Hassel looked shy. He looked at Blake, who gave him an encouraging look.

Finally, Hassel said, "The girl I love is a beach lifeguard."

"I see. It turns out that for the sake of his beloved girl, he was willing to accept such a difficult challenge. Love is so powerful!" The young man started clapping.

People around him saw the young man clapping, and recalling the sentence "love is so powerful," they were affected immediately. They couldn't help but start clapping.

The next second, there was a thunderous applause for Hassel.The long table was filled with snacks and free drinks, and the journalists all got together around the table.

No matter the country, a journalist's work was very hard. It was quite usual for them to sleep outside and eat nothing while they worked. But now, few people would refuse these free afternoon snacks.

Max couldn't stay any longer. He was in a terrible mood. He hadn't thought that the press conference today would not only cause no damage to Dai Li's reputation, but also offer him free advertising.

Max lowered his peaked cup, trying to cover more of his face, and headed towards the door.

"Excuse me, sir!" a woman said behind Max.

Am I recognized? Max was in panic.

The woman was Blake's intern secretary. She walked to Max and handed him a nice paper bag. "This is a small gift for you, sir. Thank you for attending our press conference."

I wasn't recognized. Max sighed in relief. He looked at the bag with the words "Coach Li Fitness Training Center" printed on it.

"What's this?" Max asked.

"A portable weight scale," the intern secretary answered with a sweet smile.

Max felt a little restless.

How can the boss of the Ironman Training Center accept a scale from my competitor? It's an insult! And it would be shameful if others know I accepted their scale! I would be viewed as a joke then.

But if I don't accept the gift, will they doubt my identity? After all, it is not common to refuse a free gift! Oh, no. If I was recognized, they would think I was spying on my competitors, and there are so many journalists…

D*mn it. You just needed to hold your press conference and everyone else just needs to leave after it. Why do you have to give gifts!

At that moment, Max thought that the logo on the bag was dazzling.

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Chapter 436: Tragic Last Shot

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Hassel entered the interview room and saw four people sitting behind a long table. These four people were definitely the interviewers.

Feeling nervous, Hassel went to the interviewee's chair and sat down stiffly.

In the following minutes, Hassel felt dizzy. The interviewers asked questions, and he answered. But after answering, Hassel couldn't remember what he had said.

Then he walked out of the room without waiting for further notice.

"It seems to be over. I think that was a terrible performance," Hassel muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, the four interviewers in the room started to discuss Hassel.

"I wouldn't believe such a fat guy could pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge if I didn't see him in person."

"It seems that you seldom go online. That fat Hassel is a new web celebrity in Los Angeles."

"Web celebrity? Did he do something special?"

"He just finished the 24-hour Frogman Challenge after hard training. For his figure, it was a miracle."

At this time, one of the interviewers took his phone and started searching.

"I found it. This is a picture of him. He was much fatter than he is now. Have a look…" The guy showed the others the picture on his phone.

"Oh my god! He used to be so fat, and he unexpectedly passed the challenge. He must have worked harder than anybody else. That's admirable."

"It says the power of love helped him pass the 24-hour Frogman Challenge. What does that mean?"

"He fell in love with a girl who is a beach lifeguard. Therefore, he wants to be a beach lifeguard for that girl."

"He came to us for an interview, which means the girl he loves is on our Monica South Beach, right? Well, I have a bold idea…"

They looked at each other as if they had seen through each other's thoughts.A shooting match was playing on the TV. A middle-aged man was sitting on the sofa in front of the TV, with a melancholy expression.

Suddenly, the TV was turned off. The middle-aged man turned around and saw a middle-aged woman with dark brown hair standing behind the sofa, holding the remote. Apparently, she had just turned off the TV.

"Honey, don't look back on these depressing things. You should look at something pleasant. If you continue to immerse yourself in your past failure, you'll just burden your mind and heart," the woman said.

The middle-aged man kept silent for a few seconds and said, "I think it's time to retire!"

"What did you say?" The woman was shocked by the unexpected answer.

"I said I should retire." Lowering his head, the middle-aged man sighed. "Every time, every time I fired the last shot, I couldn't make it. I'm tired of this all these years! I really can't persist…" the man said, with his head in his hands. He looked in pain.

The woman looked at her husband heartbrokenly. She knew what her husband had been through all these years. She sympathized with him and felt pity for him, but she also wished he could buck up.

The woman sat next to her husband, holding him in her arms. After he calmed down, she said, "Do you still remember Randy Blake, Adam?"

"You mean that commentator?" the man asked.

"Yes. Him." The woman touched her husband's shoulder lightly and continued to say, "Now he is a partner in a fitness training center, and that is where Taylor has trained."

"I have read some reports. The chief coach there is Chinese, but he helped Taylor to return to his peak," the man said.

"So, I think you should also have a try. Maybe the Chinese coach would help you back too!"Blake entered Dai Li's office and saw Dai Li talking to someone on the phone.

A long time later, Dai Li put down the phone and said, "Hassel called me to tell me he was accepted by the Monica South Beach."

"That's not surprising. Hassel is a web celebrity in Los Angeles now, and he's becoming known as an inspirational role model. He stands for a positive image, a person who is willing to work hard for love. I think it is a good advantage for Monica South Beach. It will attract more visitors there. People will be curious about what the beach lifeguard who was a fat person before looks like, and what the gorgeous girl the fat man loves so much looks like. From a business standpoint, he has a good chance of getting the job," Blake nodded.

"Well, we wish him well. May he finally get his beloved girl!" After saying this, Dai Li continued to ask, "By the way, what have you come to me for?"

"You heard the name Adam Holly, right?" Blake asked.

"That famous shooter?" Dai Li nodded. "I know him. Known as the Tragic Last Shot. He is deeply impressed on my memory. He missed the target that year, so that China got one more gold medal. Now he is known as our national friend."

"I knew them when I was a commentator. Adam's wife Karina was also a shooting world champion. Mrs. Holly just called me, and they want to train here," Blake said.

"Just Mrs. Holly, or both of them?" Dai Li asked.

"Sorry, I didn't make it clear. Mrs. Holly applied for her husband, and only Adam Holly will come for training," Blake explained.

"It's the first time for me to deal with the fitness training of shooters. As far as I'm concerned, shooting doesn't require much physical ability." Dai Li thought about it and revised his previous statement immediately. "But not necessarily. If I remember correctly, Adam Holly was in the 50-meter rifle shooting with three positions. This event consists of three positions, and each position needs 40 shoots, 120 in all, and then 10 shoots in the final. The whole competition lasts more than four hours. Therefore, the 50-meter rifle shooting with three positions is known as the marathon of shooting."

"You are right. But Adam Holly isn't coming for physical training," Blake said.

"What is he coming here for, if not physical training? This is not a shooting center. To be honest, I know nothing about shooting. So, I can't give any guidance to this world champion. Does he want to be a coach here?" Dai Li asked in confusion, shrugging his shoulders.

"You know that Adam Holly is known as the Tragic Last Shot, and he can never make the last shot. So, his wife hopes that we can help him to manage this," Blake said.

"Are you kidding me?" Dai Li looked annoyed. "He can't make the last shot. He should see a psychologist for that, rather than me, a sports coach!"

"Adam Holly was powerful when he was young. Apparently, he is still powerful now, except his last shot. Therefore, Mrs. Holly hopes that you can help him to find his state when he was young, just like you helped Taylor." Blake paused and asked, "Will you accept the work?"

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Chapter 437: The Shadow of the Failure

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Rubbing his temple, Blake thought for several seconds and then said, "Adam Holly is famous in America. From the perspective of publicity, it is beneficial for us to make this deal. And Adam Holly is rich, so he can afford high training fees. His name as a world champion can bring him some advertising revenue, and he has a shooting training center with an outdoor shooting range, which earns more than two million dollars for him every year."

"Is a shooting center so lucrative?" Dai Li was surprised. "I know the gun industry is highly developed in America. It is said that there are more guns than people in this country. But I never knew that the industry had developed into such a prosperity that a single shooting training center can make two million dollars!"

Blake smiled and said, "I understand that what you want to say is about gun abuse in America. However, there are more reasons for the lucrativeness of Holly's shooting center than the charm and celebrity of the Holly's. For example, Adam Holly himself often plays the role of a coach and teaches courses on shooting. It is reasonable that courses from a world champion of shooting sports are more expensive."

Not fully understanding Blake's words, Dai Li nodded and listened to his explanation.

Blake added, "Adam Holly is a genius when it comes to shooting. With his father and grandfather as hunters, he has inherited the gene from his family. He started learning to shoot when he was five years old."

"Wait for a second," Dai Li interrupted him and said, "you mean hunters? Professional hunters? Such an old career still exists in America nowadays?"

"Yes, and it is very easy to get a hunting license. Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for a license by paying a fee and presenting a couple proofs of identity. Many gun shops even offer to make the application for you. And, of course, there are rules about what animals you can hunt. Having a hunting license doesn't mean you are free to hunt all wild animals."

"As for professional hunters today, they make their money mainly from hunting and offering guide services. Their prey are usually wild boar. The wild boar in the US is a non-native species that was brought here by the Spanish long ago, sp the wild boar generally has no natural enemies in the US. The wild boar population in some places will multiple three to five times every five years. Groups of wild boar will destroy crops, kill livestock, and even harm humans. Therefore, it is usual farmers who hire hunters to kill the boar."

"And the hunting guide services are for hunters who are new or unfamiliar with an area. As you know, many hunters have a mastery of shooting, but they don't know where to find the prey and how to track it. And there lies the opportunity for professional hunters. Going out with a professional hunter can make an amateur hunter safer. Professional hunters make big money by offering such services, since many amateur hunters are rich and willing to spend several thousand dollars on finding a black bear."

After briefing Dai Li on hunters, Blake went on describing Adam Holly. "Where are we now? Oh, yes. Holly started learning to shoot when he was five years old. At that point, he wasn't even strong enough to pick up a sporting rifle. He started with pistols, and soon, he showed his talent for shooting. He won the championship of the teenage group of an American national 10m air pistol game when he was twelve years old."

"Besides shooting, Holly loves baseball, too. But his talent in baseball is not as great as his talent in shooting sports. Some top universities in America are willing to offer full scholarships to the best shooters. He chose shooting finally for the full scholarship. What's more, he chose 50m air rifle, the most difficult program."

Few American parents pay college tuition fees for their children, since tuition is very expensive in America. Most Americans go to college on loans. From the day they enter college, they shoulder the burden of paying their student loans. It usually costs them a few years after graduation to pay off the student loans. So, many students try to apply for scholarships to lighten the pressure.

The full scholarship in America covers not only tuition but also living expenses for the student. A full scholarship usually means that you are freed from worries about tuition fees and living costs. Some students even have a little money left over. A student with the full scholarship lives a pretty good life on campus. He or she doesn't need to work for a living, and also doesn't need to worry about student loans. Therefore, many Americans start planning for college scholarships in their junior high school days.

Blake continued, "After entering college, Holly received more professional training, which led to a rapid development of his shooting skills. He was the best in the 50 meters air rifle program all over the US when he graduated."

"Holly became a professional shooter after his graduation. He then started to participate frequently in shooting games, including national and global games. He got many gold medals, including the one of the world championship of shooting. Holly soon grew into a household name in America. A sharpshooter would be an idol, given that shooting was a sport widely loved in America."

"Later, he took part in the Olympic Games. You mentioned witnessing him picking the wrong target and losing the gold medal when he should have won. You know that failure."

Dai Li nodded and said, "I watched the match on TV that day. Our Chinese shooter ranked number two after the next to last shot. And he was 9.1 points behind Holly. Holly would have won without any doubt if he hadn't missed the target. But he did miss. And dramatically, he shot on someone else's target, getting a breathtaking score of 10.6 points, which was almost never happened in a professional game, especially in an Olympic final. With due respect, I was so excited that I jumped up from my chair when I saw it happen."

"An Olympic gold medal for free was a perfect reason for you to celebrate," Blake said unnaturally.

Dai Li smiled awkwardly, and he asked, "What's the following story then? Holly lost the gold medal. He has been accused by Americans, hasn't he?"

"No, he is our hero!" Blake shook his head and added, "It seems that you don't know there are two programs under 50m rifle. They are 50m Rifle Three Positions, in which Holly lost the gold medal, and 50m Rifle Prone, which ended earlier. And the winner of the Olympic 50m Rifle Prone competition was Adam Holly. Why should we blame a man who won one gold medal and one silver medal in the Olympic Games?"

"Oh! I only know his bad luck at the Olympic Games. I really didn't know that he had already been an Olympic champion before his failure," replied Dai Li.

"Almost everyone blamed the failure on Holly's bad luck. And the failure did pay Holly something in return. A Czech female shooter comforted Holly after the final ended. Her name is Ekarina, and she is Adam Holly's wife now. He lost a gold medal, but he got a beauty," Blake said.

"Yuan, Miao Bu Ke Yan…" Dai Li whispered in Chinese.

"What are you saying?" asked Blake.

"It means…" Dai Li took some efforts to explain this Chinese idiom to Blake and finally, Dai Li made himself half-understood.

Blake knew that it was hard for Dai Li to express the exact meaning of the phrase in English. So, he didn't waste much time on the Chinese sentence. He went back to talking about Adam Holly. "During the years after the Olympic Games, Holly got world championships many times. He was then still ruling the 50m air rifle program. I even thought he was not influenced by his bad luck at the last shot in the Olympic Games that year."

"But I was wrong." Blake changed his tone and added, "Victories Holly got were all because of advantages at early stages of his matches. Holly could win with all his advantages before the final shot. And four years later he was in the Olympic final again, and it was the final shot again. And he failed again. At that moment, everyone realized that he had never escaped the shadow of his failure caused by missing the target four years before."

"I watch that match on TV. Holly had always been in the leading position, and he was in a good competitive state. He often got 10.5 points and more. He was 4 points more than the shooter in the second place before the final shot. That was a decisive advantage, which meant he only needed another 6 points to be the winner. And the fact was his final shot got only 4.4 points, a score that was almost never seen in an Olympic match," Dai Li said.

"Yes. And that score showed that he never walked out the shadow of his failure four years before. In fact, he got totally 400 points in the previous 120 shots with prone position, which proved that he was still a king of the 50m air rifle program. Unfortunately, the final shot was his nightmare…" Blake sighed regretfully. "From that day on, he has been stuck by the final shot. It is a good score for him if his final shot can get more than 8 points. Therefore, he is called 'Tragic Last Shot.'"

"It's a mental problem!" Dai Li threw up his hands and added, "Doesn't he go to a psychologist?"

"Of course he does. He has seen psychologists from America and Europe, and famous psychologists all over the world. I think a psychologist would gain great fame if he could solve Holly's problem of his final shot," said Blake.

"His problem is not solved by famous psychologists. And he turns to me, a coach?" Dai Li asked, laughing.

Blake obviously held a different opinion. He replied, "Don't you feel that's better? You will not need to worry. It's better if you can solve his problem. And it's also okay if you cannot."

Dai Li thought for a moment and he said, "Let me meet with Mr. Holly first and then I can decide."

"Okay. We really should have a talk with him in person. I will let you know after I set up the appointment," Blake said. "Next is a piece of good news. I haven't got letters of resignation for eight weeks. The trend of resignations of our coaches has ended."

"Okay. Those who want our coaches have got enough coaches from here. And those who wanted to leave left." Dai Li smiled mysteriously. "Do you still remember what I said before? It's not so simple to get my employees!"

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Chapter 438: A Trap

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Thor was more than 50 years old, and he had been a fitness coach when he was young. Later, he ran a small community gym, and after several years of operation, the small gym became a medium-sized gym and then a large-scale fitness club. At present, it had become a more advanced "Thor Fitness Training Center."

More than three years ago, Thor had recruited a coach from Dai Li, and it was a quite successful deal for him. Because Dai Li didn't pay that coach much, Thor promised to pay the coach an extra 30% of his original salary.

Thor was very content with his decision, because the new coach he got from Dai Li had good performance, even though he had to pay an extra 30% of the man's salary, he still had an advantage, because it was difficult to train a qualified coach in a short time. No fitness training center would reject such a professional and experienced coach, who could concentrate on work immediately.

At that time, Thor heard that the Ironman Training Center recruited more coaches from Dai Li, and he even regretted not taking measures earlier, or he could have recruited more talented coaches from Dai Li.

Three months later, however, Thor suddenly changed his mind, and found himself regretting his decision to recruit a coach from Dai Li.

Coaches are not scientists. If a scientist could get results from his scientific research in several years, it would be quite fast for him. But many scientists have to spend their entire lives to research a project, and the result wouldn't come out until the end of their lives. Some scientific results wouldn't be confirmed until decades after the scientist's death.

For coaches, three months is enough to prove their training level and coaching ability. For example, if an NBA basketball team changed coaches before the new season, then about one month's pre-season training camp, 20 days of pre-season games, and one month of regular games are enough to estimate the coaching ability of the new coach. The same is true of football, in that about three months would be enough to estimate the ability of the football coach.

But it would be much quicker to the evaluate the ability of fitness coach. Ten or fifteen days would check the effect of short-term fitness training. Generally speaking, if there wasn't any effect after a month of fitness training, then the training would have failed.

Now three months had passed, and the new coach should have showed his training results. However, several of his customers retrogressed to varying degrees. Instead of making progress, they stagnated.

Thor realized that he had made a bad decision. What he recruited from Dai Li was not a perfect coach, but a "fake" coach, and he was not worth of the salary Thor paid him.

At the same time, Robin, the boss of another fitness training center in Los Angeles, was also glum.

The man sitting opposite Robin was his partner Johnson. He kept on complaining, "There is no wonder why Walker could only get a small salary; it turns out that he has poor ability."

"I'm sorry, Johnson, it's my fault. Walker is not a qualified fitness coach. He would be an entry-level coach in our training center," Robin added. "But he had great performance when he worked in Dai Li's training center, and the reason why I decided to recruit him was that I saw the successful cases he had executed. But when he came to our training center, his performance was totally different."

"Yeah, you made a bad decision. So, I have a suggestion; why not correct the mistake in time? We don't need such a useless coach!" Johnson said in a low voice.

Robin was silent for a few seconds, then he nodded approvingly and said happily, "Have you heard that other training centers also recruited coaches from Dai Li's training center, and all of those coaches have had bad performance? Fortunately, we only got one coach from Dai Li's training center, and we might have lost a whole year's profit if we had several coaches from Dai Li's training center."

"Yes, I heard about that. All the coaches recruited from Dai Li's training center have had bad performance. If I hadn't recruited coaches from Dai Li's training center voluntarily, I would have even suspected that Dai Li was trying to trick us by giving useless people to us," Johnson said and shook his head. "Now I really admire Dai Li. He knew that those coaches didn't deserve such a high salary, so when we went there and recruited them, Dai Li didn't object, and we even regarded them as treasure."

"What I'm wondering now is why these coaches had good performance when they worked for Dai Li, but when they worked for other training centers, all of them had bad performance," said Robin.

"Who knows? Maybe it's magic from the east! Think about 'Blade Runner' Philip; he has no legs, but he can beat the top able-bodied runners. In addition, Kevin Taylor is stronger now at 32 years old than he was at 22 years old. In my view, it's impossible, but Dai Li did it," Johnson said with a helpless expression.

"Maybe he is a wizard. His training center should be renamed; it should be called Wizard Training Center instead of Dai Li's Training Center," Robin remarked jokingly. "By the way, have you thought about Max, from the Ironman Training Center? He spent so much money to recruit the most coaches from Dai Li, I think he must have suffered great losses by now.

The Ironman Training Center

Jones looked decadent.

Jones felt that he was hard-working. He arrived at the Ironman Training Center early every day, and he came home late after work. He put almost all his energy into his work, and he even considered how to make training plans for clients in his days off. Over the past several months, he hadn't gone to the movies, he hadn't watched ball games, he hadn't gone to his favorite bar, he hadn't even saved the time that he usually allocated for computer games.

But his efforts didn't pay off. Shortly before, all the students in Jones's 24-hour Frogman Challenge training class had failed the challenge. After that, someone even complained about his training to his boss Max.

It made Jones confused. He had made such efforts, but the results were terrible.

"When I worked in Dai Li's training center, my training was very effective. Even the professional athletes were able to make remarkable progress under my training. But when I came here, I made more effort than before, but the results were several levels lower than before. Why?"

Jones looked not far away. There was a coach named Claude, who was a colleague of Jones, now and before.

Claude was once a coach in Dai Li's training center as well, he had come here with Jones at the same time. And he had the same trouble as Jones; namely, when he worked for Dai Li, he had a good performance and he was praised by many people. But when he came to the Ironman Training Center, he was totally different from before.

It was said that his clients complained about him yesterday. He has the same terrible situation as me, thought Jones.

Just then, a man in the distance shouted to Jones, "Coach Jones, the boss asked you to go to his office!"

Jones was a little confused.

Max sat in his office and he looked very serious. In front of him were several dismissal letters, and Jones's name was on the first letter.

"It's time to put an end to it," Max murmured.

"You need to do this." The bearded coach was sitting opposite to Max. "If we keep such an unskilled guy here, we will lose more and more clients. In fact, you should've fired them just after the end of the fitness training course."

"You are right. They cost me an extra month's salary and many clients, which were also a big loss. It's good that we won't lose next month's salary," Max nodded.

"But according to the rules, you should still pay him another month's salary," said the bearded man.

An employer could fire an employee at any time in the United States, since the nation could basically be viewed as employer-dominated. In many states, a reasonable excuse was needed to fire an employee; for example, late arrival to work, low work efficiency, lack of professional ethics, negative impact on the company, and so on. However, in California, the law allowed the employer to fire any employee without any reason at all.

As for labor law, the United States didn't mandate open-ended contracts. The labor law in the United States mainly protected the employment of certain disadvantaged groups, such as avoiding racial and gender discrimination in employment, and preventing employment discrimination of disabled people.

Also because of this, the United States had many powerful labor unions. Workers who joined a union would have more speaking rights when facing their employers. If their employer fired them without any excuses, they could strike back.

Surely, the compensation for layoff was needed. In general, the compensation contained salary of 1N months, in which the N stood for the employee's service years in the company. Taking Jones as example, who hadn't worked over one year, he only could get one month's worth of salary as his compensation.

Walking out of the Ironman Training Center, Jones still held the dismissal letter and compensation check.

I'm out of work! Jones still didn't believe what had happened.

Three months ago, the Ironman Training Center had poached him with the offer of a fat salary. He came here with great ambition and prepared to achieve his big plans.

But three months later, he was like a poor dog, kicked out of the Ironman Training Center with disgrace.

A real master like me can go any place I want! There are so many fitness training centers in Los Angeles. With my work experience, will I even need to worry about my job? Jones started to encourage himself. He took out his phone and checked the latest recruitment information on a recruiting website.

He heard some footsteps behind him, which were from Jones's previous colleague. Claude came out of the room, also with a dismissal letter in his hand.

Thor Fitness Training Center

Thor, the boss of the training center, looked at the young interviewee and opened his resume. One of the lines of the resume caught his eyes immediately.

"Mr. Jones, I notice that you have worked in Dai Li's training center in your resume, so can you tell me why you left there to go to the Ironman Training Center?" Thor already had some doubt, but he asked calmly.

"Because Mr. Max offered me a higher salary," Jones said proudly. In his view, a raise in salary was something to show off, or at least something to prove his value.

But Thor, with a wry smile on his face, soliloquized in a very low voice, "I see, he must have made Max suffer a great loss…"

"Mr. Thor, what did you say? I didn't hear you clearly," asked Jones.

Thor narrowed his eyes and looked at Jones with a forced smile. "Mr. Jones, the job in my training center is not suitable for you."

"Mr. Thor, we can talk more about the salary…" Jones thought Thor was trying to reduce the salary.

"No, no, no, Mr. Jones, it has nothing to do with salary." Thor leaned back and said, "We don't need a staff member who worked for Dai Li."

"Why?" asked Jones instinctively.

"Because I just fired a staffer. He was the same as you; he used to be a coach in Dai Li's training center." Thor stretched out his two fingers and said, "There is a big pit in the ground. If you fall into it the first time, you can say you are careless, but if you fall into it twice, that's stupid."

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Chapter 439: Dai Li the Bluffer

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"In front of us is our functional training room, with world-class training equipment, some of which is newly-bought," Blake explained to Holly eloquently.

Nearby, Adam Holly was looking around, expressionless. He felt contemptuous of this.

Although this Coach Lee's Fitness Training Center is famous, it is nearly the same as the others, not special at all. Besides, I'm a shooter and general fitness training is enough. How can this kind of professional physical training help me? It seems that today I came here in vain. But it's for my wife. After all, she wanted me to come here.

Adam Holly thought considered when he could find an excuse to leave.

"That's our Coach Li." Blake pointed to the man in front of them.

Adam Holly looked in that direction and saw Dai Li.

That guy is marvelous. Holly started tensing up as he felt the unique quality of a top-level coach in Dai Li.

Blake led Holly to Dai Li, and Dai Li started to detect Holly.

Holly's ability is 925 and talent S in the 50-meter air rifle event. As I expected, his level and talent are at the top. He is also an athlete capable of dominating an era.

Dai Li knew Holly mostly because of his historic missed shot that sent the gold medal to China years ago. In fact, before that, Holly had dominated the 50-meter air rifle event. Whether it was in the United States or on the world stage, it was difficult for others to win as long as Holly attended the competition.

Dai Li continued to detect Holly and finally he found what he wanted to know.

The defect is that his last shot is extremely unstable, infinitely close to negative state, which is caused by psychological reasons. This was expected. But it says his state is unstable. In other words, if he can be stable when he makes the last shot, the tragedy will not happen, right?

Dai Li thought of his state scale, which could adjust the playing state of an athlete.

The state scale could make athletes' state either extremely stable or unstable. As for Adam Holly, who was now in an infinite negative state, Dai Li didn't think he could play beyond expectation.

Holly's ability exceeds 900. He doesn't need training at all. He should achieve a great result as long as he performs as usual. Therefore, I only need to use the state scale when he attends games so as to stabilize his state. It seems that I am the person Holly needs.

However, I am a coach after all. Since he has come here, it is not appropriate to do nothing for him and ask him to go back and just wait for game. Thus, the training needed should be done one by one. Besides, a psychological problem like Holly's requires some unique training, rather than those regular training projects. Maybe I should bluff this time!

Dai Li decided to accept this business.After the visit, Holly was taken to the reception room.

When Blake started to ask Holly about it, Dai Li stopped him with a meaningful glance.

Dai Li said, "Mr. Holly, you just visited our training center, and I'm sure you saw many training projects. But I'd like to tell you up front that those training projects you just saw basically won't be helpful for you at all."

Hearing this, both Blake and Holly were astonished.

Blake looked at Dai Li with confusion. Blake didn't know why Dai Li would tell clients that their training had no effect at all. All training centers want their clients to order as many training projects possible, while Dai Li tell them that those training projects are not effective. Is it that this guy doesn't want to make the money?

Holly was confused too. Business was all about boasting, so why would a businessman take the initiative to say that his goods were not good? Holly even thought it possible that Dai Li expressed himself wrongly, so he asked awkwardly, "Coach Li, I didn't follow you. You just said that your training project is not helpful for me? Is that right?"

"Yes, I mean it." Dai Li nodded seriously. "Do you think hours of training on these pieces of gym equipment or on the treadmill would help your last shot accuracy?"

Hearing about the last shot, Adam Holly felt more unnatural, and his heart beat faster. But when Holly recalled Dai Li's words, he felt that Dai Li was really honest. Training with equipment like a treadmill had nothing to do with shooting accuracy.

Blake was hinting at Dai Li with winks. He didn't want to lose a famous client like Holly, but Dai Li pretended not to see his winks and continued, "Mr. Holly, regular fitness training can't solve the issue with your last shot, so we really need some unconventional training to do it."

"Unconventional training… Wait! You mean you can solve my problem?" Holly wore an incredulous look on his face.

"Sixty percent assurance," Dai Li said, purposefully being conservative.

Instead, it gave Holly a feeling of hope. At that moment, Holly felt like he just met the very doctor who could cure him when he was ill with incurable disease.

"Coach Li, arrange my training plan, please!" Holly said eagerly.

"No problem. I'll offer you a specialized training plan, but before that, we should look at the contract first," said Dai Li, beckoning Blake to prepare the contract.

Blake looked at Dai Li and Holly with astonishment.

What? They haven't said anything yet. Adam Holly, you are a world champion. Don't you have a few more questions? As a coach, Dai Li, shouldn't you explain more? So quick to ask him to sign the contract?Holly left the training center with the copy of the contract in his hand. His signature was scratched clearly across the bottom line.

Why did I sign it? Looking at the contract, Holly was suddenly unable to laugh or cry.

What's wrong with me? That Coach Li just said that and I signed this contract. I didn't even ask more. At least I should have asked him the exact content of the unconventional training.

Holly shook his head with guilt. Recalling what happened just now, he only felt that he seemed to lost have his mind and taken Dai Li's words as absolute truth.

That's so weird. So many psychologists couldn't solve my problem, but I unexpectedly believed him when he said sixty percent assurance.Inside the training center, Blake held the other copy of the contract.

He looked at Adam Holly's signature on the contract, and asked, "The guy just now is the real Adam Holly, right?"

"Nonsense. You led him here, and you found this client. Now you ask me whether it is true. Are you playing with me?" Dai Li gave Blake a stare.

"No, it just went so smoothly. I thought it would take a lot of…" continued Blake.

"Isn't it good?" Dai Li ignored Blake, sitting in front of the computer, continuing to type and handle his tasks.

"I don't understand why your simple words could earn his trust that easily?" Blake continued to ask

Maybe because I am the protagonist! Dai Li smiled, but even he didn't expect the wand of authority to be so effective that Adam Holly would believe him without any hesitation.

Blake asked once again, "But can you really solve his problem with his last shot?"

"Sure. I am working out a training plan for him," Dai Li said as he continued to type quickly.

"Is this the unconventional training you just mentioned? Let me have a look." Blake looked at the screen.

"Square dancing, half an hour? Yoga, one hour? Trudging, forty minutes? Arm massage, twenty minutes? What the hell are these?" shouted Blake.

"This is the training plan for Adam Holly!" Dai Li wore a confident smile.

At this moment, Blake was shocked. It was as if he saw his teacher, the legendary coach "White Devil" Ayres, because that kind of confidence and quality was only possessed by a legendary coach.Adam Holly entered his living room.

"How went your training today, Adam? What did you train?" Mrs. Holly asked from the kitchen, before emerging with a fruit tray.

"You don't look tired at all. I thought you must be tired after hours of physical training, so I prepared these banana and apple slices for you." She put the tray on the table as she spoke.

Holly took up a banana and said, "My training today was pretty easy. I just danced for a while and did some warm up's."

"Dance? That's a fitness training center, not a dance club!" Mrs. Holly asked, full of astonishment.

"I said that was a warm up. Dance is just for warming up," said Adam Holly. "After dancing, I mean after the warm up, I did yoga for a while."

"Yoga? That's a fitness training center, not a yoga club!" she continued to say.

"Coach Li said doing yoga can not only make your body more coordinated, but can also adjust your mood…" said Adam.

"Then? What else did you do?" Her expression looked odd.

"After that, I trudged along the training center for circles following music. Then Coach Li massaged my arms…" answered Holly.

His wife interrupted him and stared at him. "Adam, I now think it was a mistake to let you go to Coach Li's training center. Dancing, yoga, and trudging? What kind of training are those? What training center would conduct these training projects? Did we meet a swindler?"

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Chapter 440: Marathon of Shooting

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Holly only felt confused and didn't know what to do during the ten days of weird training, which included dancing, yoga, and trudging.

Holly was a shooter, but he was also a world champion for many years. He had met many great coaches and also knew what their training was like. However, this was the first time that he had encountered this kind of training.

Every evening when Holly returned home and carefully recalled his daily training program, he always felt that the day had been a waste of time. But every time he saw Dai Li, he would follow his training arrangement involuntarily. Every word Dai Li said was full of authority in Holly's ears, just like an order given by a general to a soldier, which had to be carried out at once without any doubt.

Holly didn't know the reason why. As for age, Dai Li was younger than him, but Holly felt that even the chief shooting coach of the United States national team was inferior to him in terms of momentum.

But after ten days of weird training, Holly paused his training. He needed to attend the shooting championship in Tennessee, whic was also the qualification trial for the World Shooting Championship.

In the United States, the selection of the World Shooting Championship was just like the field and track events. No matter how great you were, how excellent your previous scores were, or how many world championships and Olympic championships you had earned before, every player had to pass the qualification trial to attend the world games. Even a world record holder couldn't attend the games if he couldn't pass the qualification.

This shooting tournament was held in Tennessee because there were many people who liked shooting there.

When talking about places with guns, people generally thought of Texas first. Texas cowboys didn't hide their love of guns, and there were pictures posted online of Texans carrying M16's in the supermarket.

However, the number of guns per capita in Tennessee was higher than that of Texas. People there also liked guns. The National Rifle Association often held gun shows in Tennessee, and whenever a gun control act was introduced, there would be demonstrations and parades against it. It was worth mentioning that the famous civil rights fighter, Martin Luther King, was assassinated by an automatic rifle in Tennessee.

It was natural that shooting activity received more attention in a place where guns sold well. Gun manufacturers would not hesitate to sponsor shooting competitions. Here, a famous competition shooter such as Holly had become the idol of many people.Dai Li stood before one of the posters that were hung on the walls of the corridor of the museum and read the content on it carefully.

"Dai Li, why are you looking at this? These are the basic knowledge of shooting events. Only people who are coming here for the first time pay attention to these things," Blake said to Dai Li before handing him a cola.

"I'm coming here for the first time," Dai Li said. "I mean, this is my first time being here to watch the games. I've watched live on the TV before."

"I see." Blake walked to Dai Li and started to lecture him on the subject. "The Olympic Games shooting events mainly use three kinds of guns; handguns, rifles, and 12-gauge double-barreled shotguns. The double-barreled shotguns are mainly used for skeets, and both handguns and rifles are sports pistols."

"In official competition, pistol events include the men's 50m pistol slow fire, the 25m pistol rapid fire, the 10m air pistol, and the women's 25m pistol slow fire and 10m air pistol. Rifle competitions include the 10m air rifle, the 50m rifle prone position, and the 50m rifle three positions, among which the last event is only a men's event."

"Of all these shooting events, the 50m rifle three positions is recognized as the most difficult shooting event. The distance and the duration are both very long. Players need to shoot 120 times from three positions. Each shot is important. And another 10 shots are needed if entering the final. The 50m three-position rifle is known as the marathon of shooting."

Blake led Dai Li to another poster and pointed to a target painted on it. "This is the target for the 50m air rifle, one to one true size. It is 154.4mm in diameter, black within the fourth ring. The black is 106.4mm in diameter."

Looking at the true-size target, Dai Li estimated that the area within the ninth ring was nearly the size of a coin, which meant that the shooter should hit a coin fifty meters away if he wanted to gain nine points.

For professional shooters, the ninth-ring meant failure. Taking the Olympic Games as an example, a player needed to gain 1170 points with 120 shots to be qualified for the next round, which meant he should hit within the ninth ring less than three times.

I can't even see a coin from fifty meters away! Dai Li thought. He sighed. "As for this target, I am virtually blind compared to Adam Holly!"

"Exactly! These shooters practically have eagle eyes. Ordinary people like me even have trouble playing the popstar games on our smartphones due to poor visions," Blake said.

Pointing at the target, Dai Li asked, "Is there a gun sight on their guns?"

"The guns can have sights, but they can't amplify the scene. This aiming device may only contain a red dot or a cross to aid in targeting." Finishing his explanation, Blake pointed to the fast food truck on the road outside and said, "Let's eat something first. Adam Holly's competition will take several hours! We have enough time to see a movie before we come back."The information of the match and the names of the contestants were shown continuously on the big screen in the stadium, which was surrounded by a crowd of spectators.

"So many great shooters. All the best shooters in America are here."

"Of course, this is the qualification match for the World Shooting Championship."

"I saw Adam Holly's name. I don't think it will be difficult for him considering how good he is."

"But it'll be difficult to get the first prize. After all, Prince is also here. In the last two national shooting championships, Prince defeated Holly with the final kill!"

"Final kill? Do you really think it was a final kill? Obviously, it was because Holly missed his last shot. He always was ahead of Prince, and he always missed his last shot."

"Sure, that's why he is called the Tragic Last Shot."

Everyone talked about Holly's last shot and shook their heads helplessly.Adam Holly appeared at the shooting stadium and was immediately surrounded by a crowd of fans. As Blake said, Holly was remembered for missing the last shot at the Olympic Games on the international stage, yet he was still viewed as a world champion and a hero in the hearts of the American people.

Holly signed autographs, was photographed, and finally dealt with his fans. He took his rifle and entered the competition area and adjusted his equipment.

"Adam, several days before I heard that you would retire and wouldn't be attending the competition. Now it seems that was a piece of false news," said a young man with curly hair walking next to him.

This young man was Prince, Holly's main competitor in America. During the last two national shooting championships, Prince defeated Holly twice, which made him nearly the number one of the 50m rifle event.

Holly looked back at Prince. He didn't say anything and responded with a cold look, just like an old lion king, facing a young lion's aggressive challenge.

Prince continued, "I heard you applied to a fitness training center recently, right? To be honest, it's beyond my imagination! We are shooters, not those wild guys running and jumping on a field. Shooting is a peaceful sport. What can fitness training do for us? You are just too anxious."

It was not surprising that Prince knew that Holly attended a fitness training center. Prince was Holly's main rival, and it was normal to know your opponent's condition.

Hearing Prince's words, Holly still said nothing, but his heart was very uncomfortable.

Prince is right. I shouldn't waste time on fitness training. What did I do these days? Dancing with that noisy music, doing yoga lying on a pad, and trudging in the training center? What's the meaning of that? Well, except the massage. Coach Li's massage felt really good. But that was not what I need. I want to not miss the last shot! Maybe I made a mistake this time. I'll terminate the contract after the competition, Holly thought as he adjusted his gun.Dai Li and Blake got something to eat. When they came back, the game was half way over, and the screen showed the results of the players.

"Holly has 876 points, ranking first. Prince has 875 points, in second place. Three people are 874 points and nine 873 points, and many of the rest are 872 points. It seems the gap is quite narrow," said Dai Li.

"It's quite often narrow in 50m three-position rifle. The gap between the players who enter the final is less than 5 points. In fact, it's impossible to win the championship if you're behind by three points. No one can recover the gap in the last 10 shots," Blake explained.

50m three-position rifle contained prone position, kneeling position, and standing position with 40 shots each and a full score of 1200 points. These 120 shots only counted integer points. For example, if a player hit the 9.5 ring, it would be only calculated as nine points.

Under the rules, there was actually no difference between 9.9 and 9.1, which would both be calculated as nine points. However, the difference between 9.9 and 10.1 would be amplified.

After these 120 shots, the best eight players would enter the final and each one would shoot another 10 times, and the decimals of the scores would also be calculated. Therefore, the best result would be 10.9 points, and the result of the 10 shots would theoretically reach 109 points in all.

In the last 10 shots, as for the existence of decimals, the difference between 9.9 and 10.1 was not one but 0.2. Under this circumstance, it was harder for the people behind to catch up to the players ahead of them. In the previous phase, they could catch one point with one shot, but now they couldn't, let alone in only ten shots total.

In such a world-class competition, all the players here were extremely good, especially the last eight ones. Everyone could get more than 10.5 points. Therefore, during the last ten shots, it was impossible to catch up if there was a gap over two points.The 50m three-position rifle was really the marathon of shooting. After Dai Li returned back to the field, he waited another hour before all the players finished their own 120 shots.

"Here come the results. Adam Holly's total point is 1174 points, with prone position 399 points, standing position 389 points, and kneeling position 386 points. Holly did much better in prone position than standing and kneeling position," said Dai Li, looking at the scoreboard.

"It's normal. The 50m rifle event contains the special competition of prone position. Therefore, players usually will train prone position shooting so that their grade in prone shooting will be better. Look at Prince, in second place. He also got 399 points in prone position and both the third and fourth place got 398 points," Blake said.

"Prince's score is 1174 points, the same as Holly in the first place. The third and the fourth are 1172 points, and they still have hope to win. However, all the players beneath the fifth place are basically out of the race. Next, it is time for the final ten shots!"

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Chapter 441: Tragic Last Shot

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Bang!

A crisp gunshot rang out. Adam Holly looked at the monitor beside him, and it showed a score of 9.7 points.

It wasn't a good score; even claiming it was average would be barely believable. However, Holly was satisfied with the score, because it was the first shot of the last ten shots, and the main function of this shot was to mark the target, so a score below 10 wasn't considered bad. According to the way the Olympics calculated the score, getting 9.5 points with this shot would be considered an acceptable result.

After a few dozen seconds, all eight contestants had finished their first shot, and only one of them managed to get 10.2 points. The other contestants each had a score below 10. And Holly's main competitor, the curly haired youth named Prince, got a score of 9.6. He was behind Holly by 0.1 points.

On the second shot, Holly scored 10.2 points. It seemed like the adjustment he made after his first shot really improved his accuracy. Prince's second shot was 10.1 points, so he was still behind Holly by 0.1 points.

On the third shot, Holly scored 10.5 points. It was the best score up to that point.

The applause came quickly and faded just as quickly.

Compared to other sports, the audience for shooting sports was usually quieter. They would only applaud when the results were really good, and the applause didn't appear often; after all, shooting athletes also needed a quiet environment during the competition.

Although the best score for the event was 10.9, in proper competitions, a score of 10.5 was already considered to be on the high side. Even in international competitions like the Olympics, a score above 10.5 would only appear once or twice in a competition, and in those cases, it was usually due to luck. This was basically equal to hitting the center of a dollar coin from 50 meters away. It couldn't be done without luck.

After the first three shots, Holly's score improved with every shot. At that point, he had already achieved an advantage with his lead, and besides Prince, the other competitors had basically already withdrawn from the fight to become the champion.

On the fourth shot, Holly achieved a 10.1 score again, followed by the fifth shot, Holly hit a 10.5 again with some adjustment and received a full round of applause. The sixth shot, Holly's score was 10.0. The seventh shot, Holly hit a 10.1 score again.

Six consecutive shots, and all of Holly's scores were above 10 points. There was no disputing that it was a world class display."Holly is really good!" Dai Li couldn't help uttering those words as he looked at the results displayed on the big screen. Holly was leading Prince by 1.4 points, and his entire lead had been achieved through the seven most recent shots. On average, every shot Holly took was 0.2 points higher than Prince's.

In a competition of this level, if a shooter was able to get an average of 0.2 points more than another contestant, it basically meant that they were in different leagues.

Dai Li calculated in his head and then said, "There are only three shots left. If Prince wants to win, on average, each of his shots would need to be higher than Holly's by 0.5 points, which means that if Holly scores 10 points, Prince would need to score 10.5 points. It is still possible to score 10.5 points, but to achieve such a high score in three consecutive shots is very rare. It looks like the game has already been decided."

"Not necessarily." Blake shook his head. "Don't forget that Holly is the 'Tragic Last Shot.' Even when he leads throughout the match, his lost shot may make him lose all his advantages."

"Tragic Last Shot? That was the Adam Holly of the past." Dai Li had a bright smile on his face. "The reason he came to our training center was to get help solving this issue, wasn't it?"

"He has only trained at our place for ten days. Ten days, it's so short, how big of a change could he have made!" Blake said in frustration.

"Ten days, huh. It is enough for him to be reborn." Dai Li's tone showed incomparable confidence.Holly looked at the results displayed on the screen.

I am leading Prince by 1.4 points. If he wants to beat me, he needs to catch up by 1.5 points within the last three shots. This is basically impossible. For the following three shots, I need to be stable.

Holly's thoughts stopped there. He raised the rifle in his hands and aimed in front of him.

Bang! After the crisp sounding shot, Holly looked at the small screen beside him. On it, it showed where the bullet had landed as well as the score for that shot.

"This shot is 10.0 points," Blake muttered, he then immediately turned his gaze on the big screen far away. He wanted to know what Prince's score for this shot was.

10.4, I've allowed Prince to catch up by 0.4 points. I still have a 1 point advantage. Holly took a big breath, calmed his mind, and prepared for his ninth shot.

The referee quickly signaled for the ninth shot. Holly lifted his rifle again, aimed, and finished shooting.

"9.9 points. Holly is clearly starting to seek stability in these two recent shots. Now we will see whether or not Prince is able to take advantage of this opportunity. He was able to catch up by 0.4 points just now, but we don't know if he will be able to catch up by a few points with this shot." As Dai Li finished speaking, the big screen displayed Prince's score.

"Prince's score for the ninth shot is 9.7 points. He didn't close the gap, but lost another 0.2 points; the difference between his score and Holly's is now 1.2 points."

When shooters were behind on points, they naturally employed a more desperate shooting style, which made it easier to get a high score of around 10.5. However, risks always existed together with high rewards, and a more desperate shooting style would mean bearing higher risk, and the consequence of that risk was to get a lower score. In the ninth shot, Prince lost his gamble.

There was only one shot left, and the difference between them was 1.2 points. In theory, Holly only needed to get 9.8 points to secure a victory. Because the highest score for a shot was 10.9, if Holly hit 9.8 points, that would mean he would lead by 11 points; if that happened, even if Prince hit the highest point of 10.9, he still wouldn't be able to win.

However, in reality, 10.9 points was something that rarely happened. Normally, even 10.5 points would be considered a very high score, and if Prince hit 10.5 points, Holly only needed to get 9.4 points to win.

However, Holly's worst result that year was 9.7 points, and he hadn't gotten a score below 9.5 points before.

Going by this data, victory was in the palm of Holly's hand. However, Holly's last shot couldn't be looked at with a "normal" vision; he was the famous "Tragic Last Shot."

Prince was deeply aware of this fact, so even though he was behind by a whole 1.2 points, he did not appear to be nervous. The pleased look on his face almost made it seem like he was the one in the lead.

Prince lifted his head and looked at the information on the big screen, and his expression seemed to indicate he was lost in his own memories.

The situation now makes me think of the American National Shooting Championship from a few years ago. I remember I was behind by even more, I think about 2.2 points, and I thought that I had definitely lost, but Holly's last shot was only 7.7 points.

And during the American National Shooting Championship last year, in the last shot, I was also the one who was behind, and I did very badly on my last shot. I only managed 9.3 points, but Holly couldn't even get seven points. That time, he didn't just lose first place, but he even lost the second and third place, and in the end, he only placed fourth!

Tragic Last Shot, this nickname is really suitable. Ever since the Olympics where he missed his target, he has never been able to do well in his last shot. It used to be true in the past, and it will be the same today, so even though I am behind by 1.2 points, it isn't an issue. The only thing I need to do now is to do well on my last shot!"

Yes, do well on the last shot, not only that, I need to shoot earlier, to put more pressure on Holly!

At that moment, Prince's eyes filled with determination. He had already assumed that Holly would drop the ball in the last shot.

At that point, the referee signaled to indicate that the last shot could be taken. Prince immediately lifted his rifle and aimed at the target that was 50 meters away.

Bang! Prince was the first to pull the trigger.

A round of applause from the audience followed.

"10.6 points, Prince's last shot was great. He actually hit 10.6 points, which is the year's best result so far. Prince really is a world-class athlete. In a situation where it was the last shot, and he was behind by 1.2 points, he was not only able to withstand the pressure, but he struck back!" Blake couldn't help but exclaim.

"10.6 subtracted by 1.2 is 9.4. In this case, Holly needs to score 9.5 points in order surpass Prince and win first place!" As Dai Li spoke, he logged into the system and began using the State Scale. He pushed all of the weights towards the side that stabilized the state.

All the weights have been added, and now Holly is at the most stable state that he can be. With his skill, getting 9.5 points should not be a problem! Dai Li secretly thought in his head.As Holly lifted the rifle, he couldn't help but think of the last shot he took in the Olympics where he shot at someone else's target.

I'm not aiming at the wrong target am I? I should check one more time.

Holly lowered his rifle, checked whether or not he was aiming at the wrong target, then started to aim again.

At the same time, applause rang out.

Holly lowered his rifle for the second time, and then looked at the big screen.

Prince actually manage to get 10.6 points in his last shot. In that case, my last shot has to score 9.5 points in order to have enough to win!

Holly took a deep breath, lifted his rifle for the third time, and took aim.

9.5 points. My last shot needs to score 9.5 points, but in these last few years, all of my last shots couldn't even reach nine points. Can I get 9.5 points today?

Holly aimed at the target. He focused on the black dot on the target located 50 meters away.

The target I am aiming at is mine, right? I'm not aiming at the target next to mine, am I!

The situation where he missed in the Olympic was like a nightmare. It was bothering Holly's mind again, and he lowered his rifle for the third time.

Bang…

Bang…

Bang…

The contestants around him were finished with their final shots, but Holly looked as if he were a lost pedestrian. He stood there with a look of hesitation on his face.

Almost everyone there had their eyes concentrated on Holly. Their eyes showed that they were expectant. Not for the birth of a champion, but for Holly to perform badly on his last shot again, handing first place to someone else.

"D*mn…" Blake let out a long sigh and lowered his head. He couldn't bear to keep looking at Holly. He didn't want to see Holly fail again.

Not far away, Prince had finally smiled, and this smile became brighter every time Holly lowered his gun.

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Chapter 442: Effective Training

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the stadium, only Holly hadn't fired his rifle. The reflection in everyone's eyes showed him lifting up and lowering his gun. Everyone felt Holly's uncertainty.

The audience looked at Holly with eager eyes, including the referee of the match, but the referee didn't press Holly. It was the last shot in the competition, and it was the shot that would decide the final winner. Holly should spend extra time on preparing for this shot. They had already waited for hours for the competition, so they didn't mind waiting a few extra seconds.

Holly felt everyone's expectant gazes, and their expectation put more pressure on him.

9.5 points. I only need to get 9.5 points with this shot to win. This isn't hard for me, I only need to shoot normally! Even if I perform slightly worse than usual, I will still be able to get 9.5 points!

Holly encouraged himself continuously, but he didn't realize that this exposed his desperation and lack of confidence.

Holly lifted his rifle again; however, the competitions he had participated in over the past few years kept emerging in his mind.

He remembered the second time he entered the Olympics. During the last shot, he only needed six points to win, but he only managed 4.4 points, giving the Olympic gold medal to someone else again.

All his experience of past failures ran like a movie on fast forward. They were rushing in Holly's mind, and the more Holly didn't want to remember these past tragedies, the more these memories of past failures kept appearing in his mind.

These few years, he had experienced too many failures. He always dropped the ball during the last shot. It stood to reason that he should have been numb by then, or he should've gradually forgotten, but every time the memories appeared, they were crystal clear, as if he was actually there.

Don't overthink, just aim the rifle and pull the trigger! Holly forced himself to focus.

He lifted the rifle, looked down the sights, and aimed at the target in front of him. All his movements were steady.

Finally, Holly pulled the trigger.

Bang!

A crisp gunshot sounded out.

At that same moment, Holly felt that his shot was stable.

Is it my imagination? The shot just now didn't feel too bad, it felt very stable.

In the next second, Holly immediately looked at the small screen beside him.

On the small screen, it showed where Holly's shot landed, the circle that was created by the shot was between the ninth and tenth circle.

"It is above nine points! The last shot, I was able to go above nine points again!" In a heartbeat, Holly immediately looked at the score below.

"9.5 points, exactly 9.5 points, I won!"

In that second, Holly didn't think about celebrating, but to check whether or not he was dreaming."9.5 points, exactly 9.5 points! How is this possible, how can Holly do so well in his last shot!" Prince's jaw dropped. He had a hard time accepting this outcome.

Actually, within the last 10 shots, Prince had been lagging behind, and the gap kept growing. Under normal circumstances, Prince should've already mentally prepared himself to lose the competition.

However, Prince kept believing that the final winner would be him, because the opponent he was facing was Adam Holly. The man always dropped the ball with his last shot. Prince thought that the competition would be the same as the last two American National Shooting Championships, where Holly did terribly with his last shot and handed first place to him.

But today's competition didn't go as Prince had planned.

Prince lost, and he lost by 0.1 points. Losing with that kind of result was really embarrassing.

And this was a 50-meter rifle three-position competition. Within a few hours, Prince had shot 1,210 shots. He initially thought that he would definitely win, but he lost the competition because of a difference of 0.1 points. The experience of losing this sort of competition was truly horrible!The applause and cheers resounded instantly. These types of matches where victory or defeat was decided by the last shot would, of course, have higher entertainment value, and Holly's 9.5 points allowed him to win by as little as possible. This type of dramatic ending made the audience feel like their money was well spent. Not to mention, Holly finally didn't drop the ball in his last shot. This was the first time in a very long time that Holly had a last minute win.

The cheers from the audience reached Holly's ears. The sound was slightly different from what he normally heard, because it was rare to hear such enthusiastic cheers in shooting competitions. This made Holly felt surreal.

Am I dreaming? Holly looked around him in confusion.

And just then, all the contestants around him walked over, all of them, including Prince, to congratulate Holly.

Someone shook hands with him, and Holly could clearly feel the warmth transmitted from his hand.

Someone patted him on his shoulder, and Holly could clearly feel the weight of his arm.

Someone even gave Holly a hug, and when Holly took a slight whiff, he could clearly smell the cologne on his body.

All of these informed Holly that everything he had just experienced was real.

This time, I've really won! I've finally won, with my last shot! Holly finally started to thank the audience by waving at them, and at the same time, tears streamed down his face.

Finally, while he was waving towards the stand, he saw Dai Li and Blake.

It's Coach Li! Holly went blank for a brief moment, and he remembered the weird ten days of training he had received.

The 9.5 points from my last shot, was it because of the results of the training? Dancing, yoga, and letting out my emotions, was this weird training program really effective? Holly suddenly thought of this point.

Dropping the ball during the last shot was something that had troubled Holly for over a decade, and he received all kinds of training and a lot of psychotherapy trying to solve this problem. They were all ineffective. However, during today's game, the problem that had troubled him for over a decade was finally solved!

Problems don't go away by themselves, and every time there is a change, there is a reason for it.

Holly felt that he was the same man who had missed in the Olympics. The only difference was that he received Dai Li's training.

Maybe it was Coach Li's training that brought about the change! Holly secretly thought. He had already decided that he would continue to receive Coach Li's training, even if the training methods were really weird.Looking at the stage, Dai Li let out a sigh.

"Exactly 9.5 points, so close. If it were 0.2 less, he would've lost. How risky!"

This result had never occurred to Dai Li. Dai Li originally thought that with the State Scale stabilizing Holly's state, Holly would be able to score 10 points; after all, he was a person whose ability was over 900 points.

But in the end, Holly only managed 9.5 points, which really gave Dai Li a cold sweat.

According to Holly's true strength, 9.5 points is definitely not a good score, and it can even be considered as being below his normal level. It seems like Holly's problem of missing his lost shot is a severe problem. Even when I stabilized him, he could only get a score of 9.5 points. He really needs treatment for this psychological issue. Holly's problem is caused by his mental state, and he should solve it psychologically. Depending on the State Scale is simply treating the symptoms and not the cause.

After he had thought about it that far, Dai Li's expression was a bit blue. He was a sports coach, not a psychologist, and the system did not possess anything that could help to solve this type of psychological issue.

Dai Li turned his head to look at Blake, but found Blake in deep contemplation.

"Randy, what are you thinking about?" Dai Li asked.

"I was thinking about how to promote the training center. Holly won, which is a really good advertisement for us." Blake made an expression of resignation. "Truth be told, I originally thought that Holly would miss his last shot. I did not at all think that he would win this competition, so I did not think about the issue of promoting after this. But now that he has won, it really caught me off guard."

"As I said before, ten days, I will help Holly be reborn." Dai Li patted Blake on his shoulder while standing up. "Let's go back to Los Angeles. When it comes to the promotions, think about it while you are on the plane!"

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Chapter 443: Defeating Inner Demons

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

One week later. Dallas, Texas.

Another shooting competition, another final shot.

"Adam Holly is leading by 3.6 points, he will definitely win this competition!"

"That might not be the case, don't forget Holly's nickname, the Tragic Last Shot. Even if he was leading by more than 3.6 points, he might still lose."

"You definitely haven't watched last week's competition. Holly scored 9.5 points with his last shot. He defeated Prince, and he won first place."

"In all these years, Holly only managed to do something like that once. In the other competitions, didn't he always drop the ball with the last shot? Last week's competition was just a coincidence! You can't expect Holly to have last week's luck every day."

Some people were optimistic about Holly, and some weren't. As for Holly himself, he fell into uncertainty.

Holly repeatedly checked whether or not he was aiming at someone else's target, and then the memories of his past failures kept popping up continuously, the Olympics, the World Championship, the Grand Prix, domestic competitions in America… The memories of him missing the final shot every single time were like a slideshow flashing in his mind.

The shadow of his past failures had again become a lingering nightmare, constantly swallowing Holly's self-confidence, making Holly more and more uncertain.

Finally, a number appeared in his memory, 9.5!

Holly remembered last week, at the competition in Tennessee, how he managed a score of 9.5 points on the last shot.

It wasn't a very high number, but it was the best score out of all the last shots that he had taken in the past few years.

I just got 9.5 points last week! As long as I can get back into last week's form, maybe I can achieve the same results today. Holly lifted his rifle and pulled the trigger as he thought of that.

At the same time the gun fired, Holly felt a feeling of steadiness.

This feeling again, it is the same as last week! I've got this! Although Holly did not look at the small screen in front of him, he could feel that the score for this shot would be enough for him to win first place.Looking at the stage, Dai Li stared at the final score on the big screen. He let out a big sigh.

9.7 points. Compared to last week's 9.5 points in Tennessee, Holly's score for his last shot has improved. Dai Li looked at the State Scale on the system. All of the weights had been pushed to the side where it stabilized the state.

It was the same as last time; the State Scale is at the most stabilized state, but today's result was 0.2 higher than last week's. However, according to the system's description, when the State Scale is in its most stable state, the fluctuation of the results should be the least. What is the reason for this gap?

Dai Li went to check Holly's ability value again and found out that Holly's ability had not changed. It was still at 925.

His ability value didn't change, but his score has improved. Does this mean that it is because Holly's mental state is gradually recovering?

Dai Li suddenly felt that he had found a way to cure Holly of his psychological problems.Five days later, at the New York Elite Shooting Competition, Holly scored 9.8 points in his last shot.

Looking at the results, a mysterious smile appeared on Dai Li's face.

9.8 points, Holly has again improved a bit. This result confirms my guess; when his results get better, he recovers his confidence, and the troubles his past failures brought him decrease.

It seems like, in order to solve Holly's psychological problems, he needs to constantly enter competitions and do well in them. By going through such accumulations, he can start to build up his self-confidence. Once he has enough self-confidence, he will be able to resist the troubles that come from his past failures, and his last shot will reach a normal level.Austria, the World Championship.

The commentator was speaking into the microphone, giving non-stop updates on the competition.

"Holly's condition today is not bad. After finishing that shot, he managed to get a full score in the 50-meter rifle prone event!"

"10 points! Ten consecutive shots, and Holly managed to get 10 points in all of them. His score for the standing event is 393 points…"

"1,183 points? Oh my god, in the first 120 shots in the contest, Adam Holly scored 1,183 points! He is having an outburst today! It looks like Holly already has the gold medal for the 50-meter rifle three positions in the bag."

Holly placed his rifle on the gun rack next to him and raised his head, then started to enjoy the cheers from the audience.

On the electronic scoreboard on the wall, Holly's name ranked first, with a score of 1,183 points, meaning that he only lost 17 shots. Compared to the results of the previous 120 shots, this was a new world record.

At the same time, the 1,183 points almost guaranteed Holly would win the World Championship, because the score of the person in second place was only 1,176 points. Holly had a seven point advantage.

For the last 10 shots, if the difference was only one or two points, there was still a chance to catch up. But trying to close a gap of seven points with only ten shots was simply impossible. Even if 10.5 points was achieved with every shot, one must also pray that the opponent's result would be below 9.8 points for it to be possible to win.

And Holly had been able to achieve a world record breaking 1,183 points in the first 120 shots; this showed that he was at the top of his game today. How was it possible for Holly, who was already surpassing his usual performance, to only get a score of 9.8 points?

Sure enough, for the next nine shots, Holly had seven shots with more than 10 points, including three shots that scored 10.5, and the gap between him and the shooter who was in second became wider, reaching a gap of 9.1 points.

There was only the final shot left in the competition. Leading by 9.1 points. For any shooting athlete, it was a lead that was completely impossible to lose.

Any athlete besides Adam Holly!

9.1 points. Going by the standards of shooting athletes, even amateurs, as long as they didn't shoot off target, they would win. But Adam Holly had lost competitions in this kind of situation. He had missed the target, he had shot at the target of others, and he had done it in one of the most important sporting competitions in the world: the Olympics!

"What a dramatic scene, leading by 9.1 points before his final shot, Adam Holly will definitely feel a sense of deja vu! That's right, it is the same situation he faced during that fateful Olympics; he led by 9.1 points before the last shot. It is simply a perfect copy of that Olympic match!" the TV station's commentator couldn't help but exclaim.

All eyes in the audience were focused on Holly, but both of Holly's eyes were staring at the scoreboard on the wall.

The last shot, 9.1 points, am I dreaming that dream again? Holly couldn't help but bite the tip of his tongue with his teeth, hoping to wake himself up.

It had been more than a decade since he shot the wrong target in the Olympics, and for more than a decade, Holly had been dreaming that same dream.

In the dream, he was competing in the final round in the Olympics, and he only had one shot left. He was leading by 9.1 points.

In the dream, he knew that he would shoot at another person's target, so he would desperately try to aim at his own target. He wanted to correct that mistake.

In the dream, when he fired that last shot, the small screen in front of him would show a score of zero points.

In the dream, he would always try to fix his mistakes, but he would fail every time. And the feeling of despair would come.

At that moment, Holly's hands suddenly trembled. He felt terrified, uneasy, confused, and he was somewhat unclear on whether it was reality or just a dream!

Another way of looking at it was that Holly knew that it was reality, but he hoped that he was dreaming, because he didn't dare to face reality. He would have preferred it be a dream, as the failure in the dream wasn't real.

Holly finally understood that although he had won several times recently, he had not overcome himself. He had not defeated the inner demons that had been bothering him!

At that moment, Holly was like a frightened bird. He wanted to escape from that place, but found himself trapped like a bird in a cage.

The demon continuously swallowed the light in Holly's heart, and Holly felt a coldness in his body as if he was pulling himself into a bottomless abyss…

Holly couldn't help but to turn around and look at the audience behind him, looking for the seat where Ekarina was seated. He hoped to find his wife, his lover, his family. At moments like this, she could give him warmth and make him feel safe.

Finally, he saw his wife in the first row of the stands. Ekarina was covering her mouth with both hands. Her eyes were looking at Holly with worry.

Ekarina knew that Holly's old problem had reoccurred. The last shot, 9.1 points. The present situation was exactly the same as the Olympics from a few years ago. Holly was still unable to overcome that psychological barrier. She could predict that Holly would again face a tragedy with this shot.

Holly's expression became a bit complicated. He felt his wife's worry. He didn't want to disappoint his wife, but he had no self-confidence. The nightmare where he shot the wrong target with his last shot lingered.

Suddenly, above his wife's head, Holly saw a hand stretched out, giving him a big thumbs up.

It was the outstretched hand of the audience member who was sitting behind Ekarina.

Holly looked up, and finally saw the face of the audience member.

It's Coach Li! Holly was slightly stunned. At the same time, he saw a smile on Dai Li's face.

That smile showed expectation, and it also showed encouragement!

This was what Holly needed the most at that moment. He needed the encouragement of others.

Holly finally remembered the strange training he had received at Dai Li's hands in recent times. He finally remembered the recent competitions where his last shot was not inaccurate.

Coach Li has been training me. I should have confidence in myself. I can do it! Holly finally recovered. He calmed down, raised his rifle, and aimed at the target in front of him."Holly seems to be hesitating. He must have recalled the last shot he took in the Olympics a couple years back, so he is worried about that tragedy reoccurring."

"Speaking of tragedies, I suddenly remembered; Holly has another nickname in America, the 'Tragic Last Shot.' It means that he is often very inaccurate in the last shot."

"In the last few years, Holly's last shot has often been inaccurate, and he has lost a lot of chances of getting first place because of it."

"But he is ahead by 9.1 points today. It is such a big advantage, even if he is not perfectly accurate, he won't lose first place right?"

"That might not be the case, maybe he will hit another person's target again!"

The audience members in the stands were discussing. At that point, Holly pulled the trigger.

"Holly took the shot!" Everyone's eyes were on the scoreboard. After two or three seconds, Holly's score appeared on the scoreboard.

"10.1 points! Holly won!"Holly stood still with an expressionless face. As if he had not realized that he had won.

I really won? This is not a dream! Holly suddenly felt lost.

The dream where he missed his last shot had plagued him for more than a decade, and now, he finally saw a different conclusion in reality.

This time, he hit his own target, and he had firmly won first place.

Decades of burden, decades of pressure, they were all released at that moment. Holly felt that his body became lighter, and the grievances that he had suffered in his heart for many years also broke out at that moment.

In the next second, Holly could no longer suppress the emotion welling up inside of him. He leaned directly on the gun rack next to him, and he cried like a child.In the distance, Dai Li made another detection for Holly.

The results from the detection show that the unstableness of the last shot is gone! Holly has finally defeated his inner demons with that last show. Holly will no longer need the State Scale, and I don't need to follow Holly around when he participates in competitions anymore.

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Chapter 444: Lost Person

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The doorbell rang, and Justin Alexander opened the door, but the face he saw was a face he didn't want to see.

"Sebastian, why are you here?" Alexander's tone was not the least bit friendly.

"You're not going to invite in your old partner?" Sebastian pointed into the house.

Alexander hesitated, but he nodded and invited Sebastian into the house.

The two sat down in the living room. Alexander didn't even serve Sebastian a cup of coffee. He asked directly, "Sebastian, what is your reason for visiting me?"

Sebastian crossed his legs and asked, "Justin, your suspension period is coming to an end, right? I am here to talk to you about your comeback. I've done some calculations, and as long as you use your time properly to train, you should be able to get back to your original condition before the Olympic trials. So when are you going to return to my training camp?"

"What do you mean? Do you think that you have not hurt me enough? If not for you, I wouldn't have been banned. Wasting away at home for four years. The day I was suspended, the cooperation between us ended!" Alexander snarled.

"Do you think I was the one who got you suspended? You got suspended because of the choices you made. I warned you about the possible consequences of using those things, and you didn't raise any objections. You still used them, and you ran faster, right? You are the one who failed to withstand the temptation. Shouldn't you bear the consequences of your own actions?" Sebastian said.

"The consequences? The consequence was that I was suspended by the Anti-Doping Committee! I almost lost everything, but you suffered nothing, and you were able to win the title of the best national track and field team coach. Hahaha, how ironic. A coach who used performance-enhancing drugs for his athletes won the title of best track and field coach of the year!" Alexander's tone was full of ridicule and resentment.

"Is that a problem? Athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs naturally need to bear the risk. If performance-enhancing drugs improve their results, and they don't get caught, they will get praise, glory, money. But if you are caught, of course, you are suspended as punishment. The world is fair; if you want to gain something, you need to be willing to pay the price. And you were unlucky then, the International Association of Athletics Federation had just improved their doping detection system, and they caught you."

Sebastian changed his tone and went on to say, "But that's not important anymore. It's all in the past. Being suspended isn't a catastrophe. Isn't your suspension going to end soon? The next step you should take is to return to training as soon as possible. Return to the field, and then start your career again."

"That's right, I will return to the game, but my partner will not be you! I will not cooperate with you anymore, and I will not use those d*mned things again. This time, I will rely on my own strength to get honor!" Alexander said resolutely.

However, a scornful smile appeared on Sebastian's face. "I admit that you are a very talented athlete, but do you really think that you can stand out from that many athletes by your own talents? You have to know that it is not 30 years ago. You can't achieve results by just training the body. Today, technology has developed, and there are many other ways to assist in training and improve an athlete's performance. I've only allowed you guys to enjoy the progress brought along by technology. Yes, I used some products that can help athletes improve their performance, but how do you know that the same methods are not used by others?"

Alexander was silent. Sebastian then advised, "Justin, I think you know that many athletes are using performance-enhancing drugs, and many people are even using them legally. Especially athletes who are in athletics, using performance-enhancing drugs is an open secret. Performance-enhancing drugs can indeed bring about an improvement in results. If others are using it, and you don't use it, isn't it equivalent to binding your own hands and feet?"

"No! I will never touch that kind of thing again!" Alexander resolutely shook his head. "I have already had one suspension, and if I get caught doping again, I will be facing a life-long ban!"

"The possibility of that happening isn't high. Don't forget, I have Franklin's Lab behind me." Sebastian smiled confidently. "I'll tell you a secret; Franklin's Lab has launched a new generation of products, and the Anti-Doping Committee has no way of detecting them. Franklin's Lab is at least 24 months ahead of the International Olympic Committee, so you can relax. Believe me, as long as you are willing to continue working with me, I will make you the fastest runner in the world!"

"The fastest runner in the world? If not for Kittel's retirement, you wouldn't have the confidence to say that!" Alexander snorted.

"You're right, it's because of Kittel's retirement that I dare give you such a guarantee. Didn't you always dream of being the fastest person in the world? Now you have the chance to realize your dream. As soon as you come to my training camp, you will realize that you are getting closer and closer to your dream." Sebastian's voice was full of enchantment.

"My dream is to defeat the fastest person in the world, and that person is Kittel. Yes, I never defeated him. Every time I challenged him, I ended up in failure. But that does not mean I will give in!" Alexander's emotions seemed agitated, and he went on to say, "But you gave me those d*mned things to use and got me suspended for four years. In these past four years, I would've had chances to challenge Kittel again. But now? Kittel has already retired, leaving only a pile of records that no one can break, and I can no longer challenge him. He has become a mountain that cannot be passed."

The unfriendliness in Sebastian's eyes went away in a flash, and he eased his tone and said, "We shouldn't waste time on things that happened in the past, we should pay attention to the present. I know that you are worried about being caught using performance-enhancing drugs again, and you are worried about being suspended for life. But don't forget, you are already 30 years old. How long can you continue to run? With the technology of Franklin's Lab, even if you were caught using performance-enhancing drugs again, it will be many years in the future. When that happens, you might've already retired."

"Besides, when you were suspended four years ago for using steroids, you became infamous. In the eyes of other track and field coaches, you are a troublesome guy with a criminal record. Besides me, what top coach would be willing to work with you? Those track and field coaches who are famous and well-established are all looking to protect their reputation. Will they accept a tainted athlete such as yourself? You are more like a prisoner who has just been released from prison rather than an athlete!"

"But I am different, not to mention that we have cooperated for so many years. I understand you. If we cooperate again, we do not need to rebuild rapport. I will be able to let you return to your peak in a short time! Think about your age; you are already 30 years old, and the four-year suspension also made you miss your peak period. If you get a new coach now, you will need time to understand each other. You will need time to get to know each other. You guys will need an adjustment period, and when all this is done, you will already be old! Can you still run then?"

"Even if you hate me, for your own career, I hope you can let go of your prejudice against me. You should understand this clearly; choosing to continue to cooperate with me is your best option," Sebastian said. He took a business card from his pocket and placed it on the table. "I don't know if you still have my contact information. I'll leave my business card here, so contact me after you think about it!"Sebastian left, leaving Justin Alexander sitting alone in the living room. He laid down on the sofa and turned on the TV. He then stared at the ceiling. His heart was filled with many contradictions.

Because of his suspension, he hated Sebastian. However, he had to admit that what Sebastian said had some truth in it.

As Sebastian said, coaches and athletes needed time to get to know each other and to build rapport. The higher level the athlete, the more that held true. The adjustment period might be four or five months, or one or two years. Many track and field athletes refused to change coaches after entering their peak, because the adjustment period that came with changing coaches would lead to the decline of an athlete's performance. In sprint competitions for example, even if the results were only a slight decrease of a few fractions of a second, it would be unacceptable to an athlete.

A sprinter's career was relatively short, and their peak periods were even shorter. The one or two years of adjustment period with a new coach was time that the sprinters couldn't afford to lose.

What's more, Alexander was already 30 years old. He had been away from the game for four years because of the suspension. He not only needed to return to his original physical condition, but he also needed a lot of time to find his rhythm in competitions. If he followed a new coach, he would need more time before he was able to really return to the field.

From this point of view, continuing to work with Sebastian was indeed the best option.

But Alexander also knew what it meant to continue working with Sebastian. Sebastian would not give up the use of performance-enhancing drugs for athletes.

At that time, an exclusive program was playing on the TV. The person who was being interviewed was Adam Holly, who had just won the gold medal in the World Championship.

"I know that since I missed my target in the last Olympics, I had the nickname, the 'Tragic Last Shot,'" Holly said. It was followed by a soft laugh from the audience.

"However, my friends who have seen me in recent competitions must know that I have completely solved this problem," Holly continued.

"Adam, would you mind sharing with us how you solved this problem?" the host asked.

"This is because I met a good coach! So I want to especially thank my coach, Dai Li. It is because of his training that my last shot is no longer inaccurate," Holly replied.

"Coach? Is he the kind of coach who trains the body? Not a psychiatrist?" The host looked surprised. "This is the first time I heard a psychological problem being solved through physical training."

"That is the truth! If you live in Los Angeles, you may have heard of him. He has opened a physical training center and is very famous in Los Angeles. You must know 'Blade Warrior' Philip. He was originally just an injured soldier who came back from the Iraqi battlefield. It was after he received training from Coach Li that he was able to become a top athlete. There was also the boxing champion Kevin Taylor. After being trained by Coach Li, he was able to return to his peak!" Holly had an earnest expression. He looked more like an advertising promoter.

In front of the TV, Alexander had already straightened up. He lived in Los Angeles, and as a professional athlete, he had heard of Coach Li's training center, so when he heard Dai Li's name, he picked up his phone, and started searching for Dai Li's training center.

Coach Lee's Physical Fitness Training Center, there are quite a few chain stores… Dai Li, he's Chinese! Alexander looked at Dai Li's photo, and surprise flashed in his eyes.

In the US, the Chinese gave the impression that they were not good at sports. Therefore, in the case of sports, the Chinese had to perform better than blacks or whites to get people's attention. For example, if a school team was selecting basketball players, and a Chinese man and a black person gave the same performance, then the coach would definitely choose the black person. If the Chinese wanted to be selected by the coach, he must do better than the black person.

As a Chinese coach who is able to make it in Los Angeles, and be famous no less, this guy must be really capable. Alexander stared at the photo and memorized Dai Li's appearance.

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