Volume One, Chapter Seven: Choosing a Gym

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And so, Lu Yichen gritted his teeth and forced himself to complete a five-kilometer run. Exhausted, he found a bench to sit on, enjoying the cool night breeze which eased his fatigue considerably. Watching the energetic elderly men and women dancing in the park, he couldn’t help but lament his own physical condition—it was frankly mediocre, probably not even comparable to that of senior citizens.

“Sigh, how long has it been since I last moved around in the park…”

[Detected: Host has maintained a healthy diet and completed a five-kilometer night run. Health level increased by 1%.]

Just a healthy diet and a five-kilometer night run, and yet only a 1% increase in health—reaching 70% was proving to be quite difficult.

Nevertheless, it was at least a first step. Keep going!

After resting a while, Lu Yichen stood up from the bench and walked over to a group practicing Tai Chi under the trees beside the park.

He took a place at the back and began following the elderly men and women in their Tai Chi movements.

“Young man, you’re here to practice Tai Chi too?”

“Well, I’m just trying to strengthen my body.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place. Let me tell you, Tai Chi has a lot of subtleties…”

As the practice ended, Lu Yichen suddenly stood out in the crowd, catching everyone’s attention.

A group of middle-aged women approached to strike up a conversation.

“Young man, you’re really handsome.”

“Do you have a girlfriend? I know plenty of nice girls who could be introduced to you.”

“...”

In an instant, Lu Yichen became the center of attention, either being matched up with potential partners or invited to join the Tai Chi sessions next time.

“Ring, ring, ring~”

His phone rang. He raised it, waved his hand to excuse himself, and stepped out of the crowd.

“Hello, is this Senior Sister Yue?”

Seeing the caller ID was Yue Suxin, he asked out of habit to confirm it was her.

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Is there something urgent you need, Senior Sister?”

“Not really, just wondering if we could meet in the afternoon tomorrow instead.”

“Why? That’s fine.”

“Nothing much, I’ve been assigned to deliver goods and won’t be at the shop in the morning.”

“I see. I thought it was something important. It’s been a while since anyone called me.”

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“Hahaha, scared you, huh? Just because it’s not urgent doesn’t mean I can’t call you.”

“Of course, I’m always glad when you call. If it weren’t for your timely call, I wouldn’t have known how to escape.”

“Whoa? What happened?”

“I was just surrounded by a bunch of aunties, all trying to set me up with someone.”

“So popular! Speaking of which, it’s been ages since I last saw you. Your photos on social media are really handsome.”

“Well then, we’ll see each other tomorrow.”

“I’ll be waiting to see the handsome guy. I have some things to take care of now, so gotta go. Bye.”

“Okay, bye.”

Lu Yichen put away his phone and went home to take a shower, then started scrolling through his phone.

Soon after, he put the phone down and went to sleep.

The next morning, Lu Yichen woke up at seven o’clock. As he got out of bed and walked to the bathroom, his whole body ached.

“Ugh, definitely didn’t stretch properly before yesterday’s run.”

After freshening up, he prepared a nutritious breakfast. After eating, he changed into sportswear and went out for another run.

This time, he set his target to seven kilometers and began his morning jog.

After completing the seven kilometers, Lu Yichen collapsed onto a bench, gasping for air and chuckling to himself.

“Seven kilometers, done!”

He looked up at the sky, savoring the morning air and gentle breeze.

No wonder they say the early bird catches the worm.

Who says mornings aren’t good?

This morning was really wonderful.

Though he used to dislike mornings, probably because of early classes and work...

[Detected: Host has maintained a healthy diet and completed a seven-kilometer morning run. Health level increased by 1%.]

“Seven kilometers only gives 1% too?! The system really keeps an exact count.”

After resting, Lu Yichen returned home, showered, changed clothes, and went downstairs to take a taxi to the first gym.

Upon arrival, he compared the gym with the pictures he had and realized they looked nothing alike.

He gave up on entering and moved on to check the next one.

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The second gym was exactly as shown in the pictures. Lu Yichen went inside, and the receptionist immediately began introducing the programs and prices.

He toured the gym’s interior but found many machines dirty and the facilities incomplete. He decided to pass and continued to the next.

The third gym was very good, but the trainers were overly enthusiastic, each dragging him around to look at the training. Unable to stand the atmosphere, Lu Yichen made an excuse and left.

At the fourth gym, Lu Yichen sighed, worried the previous problems might repeat.

Yet when he entered, he found the place very quiet, with almost no one around and the equipment was new.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

He called out but got no answer. Eventually, he left, adding this gym to his shortlist since it looked promising.

At the fifth gym, his initial curiosity had waned. Upon entering, a staff member immediately noticed him.

“Hello, how can I help? I can introduce you to our services.”

“What are the prices for memberships and classes?”

“Our annual card is 1999, monthly 399, quarterly 999. Students get discounts. Class prices depend on which trainer you choose.”

“Could you give me a tour?”

“Of course, please follow me.”

The staff showed him the first and second floors. The facilities were comprehensive and clean.

Lu Yichen nodded with satisfaction and added this gym to his consideration list, planning to revisit the fourth gym later and then decide on one.

After leaving the gym, Lu Yichen went to the supermarket. Following recommendations from a certain book, he bought vegetables, fruits, beef, and large shrimp.

[Detected: Host has successfully completed an expenditure. Reward: 5000.]

“I bought too little; this system really doesn’t give much!”

Carrying the shopping bags, he hailed a taxi home, neatly stored the ingredients in the fridge, then sat contentedly on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.

“Quality carbs, quality protein, vitamins—all bought. But… maybe I could swap the shrimp for lobster?”

“Now that I have the system, eating lobster every meal is totally doable! The system even gives more rebates, so why not indulge a little?”

With that, Lu Yichen immediately ordered prepared lobster from his phone, eager to try something new since he had never tasted it before.

Half an hour later, the lobster he ordered arrived. He placed it on the dining table, took a few photos, and began eating.

[Detected: Host exhibits binge eating behavior. Health level is declining.]