Chapter 107: Can't Speak Up

Jiang Shidi seems to have not come for two days.

Lin Quanliang swept his gaze over the second floor and said to the people beside him.

"Yeah, we didn't see him on the street yesterday either; could it be that something really happened?"

"No way, the Wild Wolf Gang fell apart long ago, and Wu Tian's group is even more missing."

"Exactly because of that, Jiang Shidi is in danger; if Wu Tian's men want revenge on Jiang Shidi, they'll surely trouble him before they leave."

As they were talking, a somewhat familiar footstep sounded from the stairs.

Instinctively, they looked.

"Jiang Shidi!"

A shout of surprise rang out.

The newcomer was Jiang Cheng.

"Morning."

Jiang Cheng smiled and greeted.

The others couldn't stay as calm as he was; they had too many questions in their hearts.

For example, what happened when Jiang Cheng went up to the third floor that day? Did he actually see the Gym Master? After leaving, why didn't he come to the Martial Arts Hall for two consecutive days, not even open a stall?

Privately, they had also speculated.

Either Jiang Shidi got into trouble, being ambushed by members of the Wild Wolf Gang.

Or his mindset is off, feeling down; after all, the greater the Hope, the greater the disappointment, so he's been adjusting his emotions these two days.

Hearing the clamor of questions, Jiang Cheng obviously couldn't say that he stayed home practicing Secret Martial Arts for two and a half days.

"Actually, that night I went home, took a cold shower, and the next day I caught a cold, felt weak all over, which is why I didn't come to the Martial Arts Hall, and didn't even open a stall in the afternoon."

"So that's it, I told you."

Lin Quanliang laughed, "I knew it. With Jiang Shidi's diligent nature, how could he miss the Martial Arts Hall for two days in a row? So, is the cold getting better?"

"I've improved a bit, but still a little weak. I came today—first, I was afraid everyone would worry, so I wanted to show my face; second, I wanted to find Senior sister Bai and bring my family back, since constantly bothering her isn't good," Jiang Cheng said with a smile.

"Indeed, after all, it's someone else's house."

"Most of the Wild Wolf Gang members have left; a couple of days ago we even ran into Iron Fist Gang members on the street."

"First the Wild Wolf Gang left, then the Iron Fist Gang shows up, tsk tsk tsk."

They sighed in agreement.

"By the way, Jiang Shidi, a couple of days ago you went up to the third floor with Zeng Shixiong, how was it? Did you see the Gym Master? Were you accepted as a disciple? If you were, we'd have to call you senior brother Jiang from now on," someone asked feigning ignorance, since asking directly why you weren't taken by the Gym Master would be rude.

Jiang Cheng heard that, sighed, and showed a helpless expression.

"Zeng Shixiong did indeed bring me to see the Gym Master, but unfortunately my constitution is average and didn't catch the Gym Master's eye."

When he said this, Jiang Cheng felt calm inside, with no resentment.

After all, whether to accept someone is the other party's right, and before going up to the third floor, Zeng Shixiong had already said something.

Fortunately, he has already obtained Secret Martial Arts, and in two more days the core method will be at Entry, unlocking the first Acupoint.

"Huh?"

They were all stunned.

"Jiang Shidi, your constitution is just average? Then what's ours? Terrible?"

"Good heavens, Jiang Shidi, you're so talented yet not chosen by the Gym Master; we're probably even less likely."

"It's too hard; what kind of person actually qualifies to be taken as a disciple by the Gym Master?"

"Ahem."

A light cough sounded.

Lin Quanliang and the others looked up, and Jiang Cheng turned his head as well.

"Senior brother Zhao."

"Hmm."

Zhao Xiangyu gave Jiang Cheng a slight smile, "Jiang Shidi, you're here. I recall you haven't been for two days, right? What's up? Did something happen?" "I caught a cold unintentionally; I'm a bit better today," Jiang Cheng replied.

"I see, no wonder; you should rest more."

Zhao Xiangyu gave a reminder, glanced at the others, then at Jiang Cheng, "Um, I happen to have something to tell you; come with me."

Jiang Cheng was startled, feeling an inexplicable uneasy premonition.

But he still followed.

Lin Quanliang and the others saw the two off, all wearing wry smiles.

Even Jiang Shidi can't make it; looks like the rest of us have no Hope left.

"Yeah, just consider it for strengthening the body."

"Sigh."

In the shabby Conference Room.

Zhao Xiangyu stared at Jiang Cheng across the table, suddenly not knowing how to begin.

But a master's command is hard to defy.

Moreover, with matters like this, the sooner it's disclosed the better, allowing Jiang Cheng to prepare early; waiting until that day would be too harsh.

"Senior brother Zhao…"

Jiang Cheng saw the other person staring at him for ages without speaking and felt both amused and exasperated.

"Sorry, Jiang Shidi."

Zhao Xiangyu gave an awkward smile, "Actually I'm not sure how to start. You've been a Senior Member of our Martial Arts Hall for a while, right?"

"A little over a week, what's up, Senior brother Zhao?"

Actually I'm called Jiang Shidi; you came here to tell you that in another two or three weeks, when your membership expires, you won't need to—won't need to renew it.

Zhao Xiangyu gritted his teeth and said the last few words, his face turning red.

Jiang Cheng's smile on his face slightly froze.

"No need to renew? Senior Brother Zhao, I don't quite understand what this means—does the Martial Arts Hall close? Or is it just targeting me, not letting me renew the fee?"

"Yes, yes, the latter."

Zhao Xiangyu was a bit reluctant to look into Jiang Cheng's eyes.

"So that's how it is."

Jiang Cheng's complexion changed slightly.

In fact, ever since he started practicing Secret Martial Arts, his heart has also been torn, wondering whether to renew the fee next month.

Five thousand yuan a month is not a small sum.

Moreover, the reason he originally paid was to use the Martial Arts Hall to access Secret Martial Arts; now that goal is achieved, renewing the fee would be purely to pay the Protection Fee.

Of course, he could also choose to lay his cards on the table, using Secret Martial Arts to spar with Zhao Xiangyu and others, speeding up experience gain.

But that would also increase the risk, and he doesn't want to expose himself.

If he doesn't renew, he'll have to pay the newcomers of the Iron Fist Gang.

Management fee, Stall Fee, none can be left out.

If he doesn't pay, he'll have to confront the Iron Fist Gang head‑on.

Therefore, Jiang Cheng is very conflicted.

But now, the Martial Arts Hall side has already made a decision for him, not allowing him to renew the fee.

Jiang Cheng, though unaware of the exact reason, can guess that it must involve that Gym Master.

He doesn't know what about himself upset the other party.

"Jiang Shidi."

Fearing Jiang Cheng would press further, Zhao Xiangyu quickly changed the subject, saying: "I know people at the Autumn Wind Sword Hall; when your membership here expires, I can introduce you to them. Their Senior Member fee is the same as ours—5000 yuan a month. If you join them, the result will be the same; even the new Iron Fist Gang won't have a problem with you."

(End of Chapter)