Guan Xia only observed for a while before quickly losing interest and returning to sit on the sofa in the guest area, snacking on treats while binge-watching a drama.
It wasn’t until her neck started aching that she checked the time and realized it was almost dark.
The receptionist girl poured her another glass of water and craned her neck to peek toward the fitness area.
Guan Xia took a sip and followed her gaze. "What’s going on?"
The girl replied excitedly, "Sister Lele is stepping onto the stage today. Rumor has it her opponent is from the same martial arts school as her."
She glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, leaned in closer and whispered, "Apparently, he even tried to pursue her before but got rejected."
Guan Xia hadn’t expected such a dramatic scenario while just hanging out. Her eyes widened in surprise. "That intense?"
The girl nodded vigorously, then dashed off to grab an unopened bag of sunflower seeds and shoved it into Guan Xia’s arms before tugging at her. "I found someone to cover for me. Come on, Sister Xia, let’s go watch the show!"
Guan Xia barely had time to grab her hiking stick before being yanked up, nearly stumbling. The girl quickly steadied her, apologizing, "Sorry, Sister Xia, I forgot! Here, lean on me. We’ll take it slow—there’s still time. Sister Lele’s still changing."
With the girl’s support, Guan Xia stabilized herself, clutching the seeds in one hand and her hiking stick in the other as she shuffled forward. After just a few steps, she suddenly felt an intense gaze fixed on her.
There was no malice, but the stare was so piercing she noticed it immediately.
Turning around, she spotted a massive figure standing at the gym entrance—someone in a bulky panda mascot suit, impossible to tell if male or female. Meeting Guan Xia’s curious look, the panda wobbled its oversized head and extended a green dinosaur balloon toward her with its left paw.
It was the first time a stranger had ever handed her a balloon. Guan Xia froze for a second before stepping forward to accept it when the panda nudged it closer.
Once the balloon was safely passed, the panda wobbled its head again and slowly ambled away down the hallway.
"Aw, why’d they leave so fast?" The receptionist girl examined the dinosaur balloon. "This year’s anniversary balloons are actually pretty cute. I was gonna ask for one too. They’re quick!"
Seeing how much the girl liked it, Guan Xia offered, "Here, you can have it."
The girl waved her off. "Nah, the anniversary event runs for three days. I’ll grab one after my shift. Come on, Sister Xia, it’s about to start!"
Guan Xia tied the balloon string around her wrist to free her hands for the hiking stick, then followed the girl inside to join the excitement.
By this hour, most people had already clocked out, but the gym was buzzing with energy as the sparring match hadn’t yet begun.
The air was electric—groups of familiar and unfamiliar faces chatted animatedly. Guan Xia, swept up in the atmosphere, couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation.
A few minutes later, Pang Le strolled in wearing just a tank top and shorts, effortlessly vaulting onto the ring with a few agile steps.
At the opposite corner stood a tall, muscular young man with an unremarkable face but a boyish, confident grin as he slipped on his gloves. "Long time no see, Shijie (elder martial sister)."
Pang Le stepped into the ring and rolled her eyes. "Why are you here again? Did Pang Qi send you?"
Unfazed by her attitude, the man flashed a bright smile. "Nope, came on my own. I’ve got business in Yongquan City for a week, so I figured I’d drop by for a match."
Pang Le’s gaze lingered on the bruise at the corner of his mouth, arching a brow. "In this state? Seems like you haven’t had enough beatings yet."
Fully geared up, the man beckoned her provocatively. "Who’s getting beaten is still up for debate, Shijie. Don’t underestimate me—Shifu (master) says I’ve improved a lot lately."
Pang Le scoffed, too lazy to pay attention to him, strapping on her gear before charging at him.
The match was fierce—blows exchanged above, cheers erupting below. Guan Xia, a complete novice, couldn’t decipher their techniques, but judging by the hits landed, Pang Le’s former suitor was slightly outmatched. After an initial even start, he spent most of the match on the defensive.
Having known Pang Le for two years, this was the first time Guan Xia saw her so ruthlessly unleashed—a side so fierce and exhilarating it sent shivers down her spine.
Entranced, Guan Xia barely noticed when the receptionist girl nudged her arm.
Turning slightly, she followed the girl's gesture toward a pillar, where Lawyer Shi stood equally captivated, his eyes alight.
"Looks like Lawyer Shi’s about to be conquered," the girl giggled, eyes crinkling. "Nothing like a little competition to light a fire. This shidi (junior brother) showed up at the perfect time."
Guan Xia stayed silent, her gaze returning to Pang Le’s radiant presence on the ring. Privately, she disagreed—though inexperienced in romance, she could tell Lawyer Shi’s interest wasn’t spurred by rivalry. He’d simply glimpsed a side of Pang Le that was magnetic, even to someone like her.
The spar ended in just over ten minutes. Pang Le watched as her opponent struggled to rise, giving his shoulder a pat before standing triumphantly. "Try again in ten years, shidi."
The man burst into laughter, extending a hand. "Still as incredible as ever, Shijie. But mark my words—I’ll be back."
Pang Le moved to pull him up, then smacked his hand away with a scoff. Spotting Guan Xia, she leaped off the ring, slinging an arm around her shoulders with a smirk. "So, beautiful? Am I not the coolest, hottest thing you’ve ever seen? Admit it—you’re obsessed."
Guan Xia grimaced, shrugging her off. "Speak like a normal person."
Pang Le instantly straightened, but noticing the dinosaur balloon on Guan Xia’s wrist, cracked up again. "What’s this? Since when are you into kiddie stuff?" She reached out to poke it.
Guan Xia, fond of cute trinkets, yanked the balloon away. "A panda mascot gave it to me. Want one? I’ll go with you to ask for another later."
Pang Le swatted at the balloon again, stretching her shoulders. "Nah. Only men get that kind of effort from me."
Guan Xia snorted in disbelief.
Pang Le's fingers itched with the urge to act, and before she could stop herself, she quickly pinched Guan Xia's cheek. She withdrew her hand just as Guan Xia was about to flare up, smoothly changing the subject as if nothing had happened. "It's dinnertime. You must be hungry. Let me change, and we'll go out to eat."
As Pang Le turned around, she spotted Lawyer Shi, who had somehow appeared behind them without her noticing.
Lawyer Shi first gave a slight smile and nodded at Guan Xia and the receptionist before turning his gaze to Pang Le, his expression softening noticeably. "Dinner tonight? I just wrapped up a case, so I’m free for the next few days."
Pang Le glanced at Guan Xia and flashed a smile. "You probably heard—I already have plans with a friend tonight."
"Then tomorrow?" Lawyer Shi pressed.
"Bad timing," Pang Le replied cheerfully. "I’m swamped lately. Maybe in a few days? I’ll reach out when I’m free."
The smile on Lawyer Shi’s face dimmed slightly, a hint of displeasure flickering across his features, but he held back any protest and simply nodded. "I’ll wait for your call then."
Watching him walk away, Guan Xia couldn’t help but ask, "You finally got his attention, and now you’re turning him down? Is it because of me? Don’t worry—I can stay at your place. Go on your date; I’ll be fine."
"Not a chance," Pang Le said, tearing her gaze away. "No man is more important than my friends. Besides, things that come too easily are never valued. I need to keep him on his toes a little longer before taking the next step."
Guan Xia knew better than to meddle and gave Pang Le a light shove. "Alright, as long as you know what you’re doing. Now hurry up and change—I’m starving."
For dinner, Pang Le recommended a Hunan restaurant that had only been open for a couple of months. The head chef, she explained, came from a long line of culinary masters, and the place was always packed. She’d pulled some strings to get them a reservation; otherwise, they’d have been stuck waiting for hours.
On the way, Guan Xia spotted the giant panda mascot again. The handful of balloons it had been holding earlier had multiplied, and it was now surrounded by a lively crowd of children laughing and playing, some even sneaking touches at its fluffy tail.
Guan Xia nudged Pang Le with her elbow and tilted her chin toward the mascot. "That’s where I got my balloon. Since we’re passing by anyway, want to grab one?"
Pang Le glanced at the dinosaur balloon and grinned. "Sure."
Before Guan Xia could say anything as they approached, the panda mascot noticed them and immediately held out another dinosaur balloon.
Pang Le took it, and Guan Xia smiled. "Thanks." The mascot wobbled its head in an awkward but endearing nod of acknowledgment.
"So you like this kind of thing," Pang Le teased, tying the balloon around her wrist just like Guan Xia. "For your birthday, I could dress up as one for you—complete with hugs."
Guan Xia imagined Pang Le stuffed inside the costume and nearly shook her head hard enough to rival a rattle drum. "Absolutely not. That thing looks heavy. I just like anything fluffy."
"Anything fluffy?" Pang Le’s face lit up with the mischievous glint Guan Xia knew all too well. "Even rats? I’ll get you one as a pet."
Guan Xia rolled her eyes in exasperation.
