Playing with the Aunties

Chapter 29: Playing Around with the Aunties

Cheng Bo glanced at Jiang Hao and suddenly said, "You've got good physical fitness. Since you like working out, why not get a Fitness Coach certification? With your build, once you have the cert, staying at Oubao Lai shouldn't be a problem. Working here, you teach when there are classes, train yourself when there aren't—you get to work out for free and make money. It's a good deal."

Becoming a Fitness Coach—Jiang Hao had never really thought about it before.

"Is it hard to get the certification?" Jiang Hao asked.

"Hard for some, but for you, it shouldn't be too tough. There are specialized training programs—seven days of training, then the exam covers theory and practicals. Theory is split into general and specialized; you just study the books and memorize."

"The practicals include pull-ups, push-ups, seated forward bends, bodyweight squats, resistance exercises with equipment, active and passive muscle stretching, cardio machines—stuff you already practice. Shouldn't be a problem."

"Of course, that's just the basic cert. The intermediate is way harder—I still haven't passed it myself. Easy to get in, tough to level up."

Jiang Hao thought for a moment, then asked, "How much does a Fitness Coach make a month?"

Cheng Bo had just finished a set and stood up to stretch his muscles. "Base pay isn't high. Oubao Lai is the biggest fitness center in Binhai, and it's only three thousand. Other places are about the same, some even worse."

"Only three thousand?"

"Heh, how much a coach makes depends on personal skill. The real money is in commissions—more VIP clients you bring in, more students you train, more private sessions you sell, the more you earn. For example, when I train you, I get thirty percent of your private lesson fee."

"Oubao Lai has a lot of high-end clients, so coaches here earn more than at other places. That's why competition is fierce—coaches from other gyms all want to come here." Cheng Bo said this with a hint of pride.

"With competition that stiff, even if I get the cert, I might not get in," Jiang Hao said.

"Heh, you've got a good shot. You're handsome—those aunties love your type." Cheng Bo grinned.

Damn, am I selling my face or my body?

Still, Jiang Hao was tempted. Forget the money—he'd spent over ten thousand on a three-month card, and with half a month left, renewing would cost him again. That wasn't a small sum for him.

He'd only bought it for the mission in a pinch. Now, spending that much stung—he really couldn't bear it.

If he became a coach, he'd save that money and earn some too. Not bad.

Maybe he should just become a Fitness Coach and play around with the aunties.

After finishing his workout, Jiang Hao rested a bit, then headed to the boxing training hall. He loosened up, put on gloves, and started pounding the heavy bag. The hall gradually filled up. Having been there for over two months, he knew most people and nodded greetings here and there.

Thwack, thwack, thwack!

His fists slammed into the bag with dull thuds. Jiang Hao found the feeling grounding.

Yeah, grounding.

He didn't know why he felt that way.

Cheng Bo walked over. "A few people want to spar. You in?"

Sparring sessions could be coach-led or student-to-student, arranged based on skill level. It was all voluntary, and coaches matched opponents carefully—some had trained for two or three years, others just started. Pairing those two would be pure bullying.

"Sparring? I'm in," Jiang Hao said.

He felt like a good fight right now.

The students split into groups and started banging away. Honestly, beginners' sparring wasn't pretty—lots of mistakes. But since both sides were new, they couldn't capitalize, so it was an even match.

Both ended up exhausted and stepped down.

Next up was Jiang Hao against a student who'd trained for half a year. The guy was about Jiang Hao's height but stockier. They locked eyes, and Jiang Hao's gaze slowly turned fierce.

"Go."

At the command, the guy charged, swinging wildly at Jiang Hao.

Jiang Hao's eyes widened as he threw a punch back.

Thump, thump, thump~

No defense—they went straight into a brutal exchange. Punches landed on his body, but Jiang Hao felt no pain—only excitement. He swung harder.

Slap, slap, slap.

Jiang Hao unleashed a combo. The opponent dodged, but Jiang Hao seized the opening and drove an uppercut into his jaw. The guy's body twisted, and he hit the floor.

"Stop! Stop!"

The coach rushed in to block Jiang Hao, then checked on the downed student. "You okay?"

The student shook his head, still dazed.

The coach waved the match off—he didn't want anyone hurt. The fight had been intense, but it lasted barely ten seconds before Jiang Hao KO'd him.

He'd taken a few hits too, but it felt good. The lingering frustration in his chest dissolved with the impact and collision.

Clap, clap, clap.

The surrounding students applauded Jiang Hao.

Someone even shouted, "Nice one."

As the next match started, Cheng Bo sidled up to Jiang Hao. "Your boxing's improving fast—real vicious. That look in your eyes just now scared me, like you were about to kill someone. You're probably at amateur level."

Jiang Hao had actually killed people, more than one. That killer aura naturally clung to him.

"That wasn't enough. Anyone else want to spar?" Jiang Hao asked.

Cheng Bo was taken aback. "There's only Yuan Hong left. He's a pro. What, you want to be a punching bag?"

"It's nothing. I just feel like having a good fight today."

"Alright, I'll go tell him. He'll be happy to have someone to spar with. But watch yourself—don't get hurt," Cheng Bo said.

Jiang Hao nodded.

Yuan Hong wasn't tall, maybe around 1.73 or 1.74 meters, but he was stocky—broad shoulders, thick arms, neck, waist, and thighs. The guy was a professional boxer, trained for two years, and had fought in pro matches. Sure, his rankings were average, but even so, he was a pro. Amateurs couldn't compare.

Jiang Hao put on his protective gear and stood across from him. The coach looked at Jiang Hao and said, "Protect yourself. Keep your hands up, don't get hurt. Use more jabs, fewer kicks. Control the distance. Remember, no high kicks—flashy moves get you killed fast."

As for Yuan Hong, the coach only said one thing: "This is training. Don't go too hard."

Clearly, he was looking down on Jiang Hao.

"Begin!"

At the coach's command, Yuan Hong threw a punch. Jiang Hao blocked with both hands. Thud. It felt like being hit by a car. Jiang Hao stumbled backward involuntarily.

What is fighting, really? It comes down to a few things: power, speed, stamina, pressure, durability, and technique.

Isn't that pretty much the same as game stats?

And honestly, it is.