Chapter Seventy-Eight

After dealing with Zhao Yan, Zhou Yu and Liu Long found a place to rest. The others finished tidying up the dishes and started to busy themselves with their own tasks.

Zhou Yu glanced at Xiao Jie, then at Nian Yu, uncertain how much time had passed. Finally, Zhou Yu said to Liu Long, “It’s been ages since we sparred with bare hands. Why not take advantage of this dull moment and practice a bit?”

Liu Long replied, “Sure, it’s been a while. But are you sure you’re up to it? Given your current physique?”

Zhou Yu took off his shirt, even removed his undershirt, and challenged Liu Long, “What, are you scared? Though I’ve been relaxing at home for the past two years and gained a bit of weight, I haven’t been fighting much. But to deal with you, just watch.”

Liu Long laughed and said, “Come on, when you first brought me into the team, you didn’t spar with me—you were training with Little Tiger. What’s this now, you can’t handle him anymore, so you’re turning to me? Perfect, now it’s my turn to get even with you for old times.”

He stripped off his shirt as well, preparing to fight just like Zhou Yu.

As Zhou Yu warmed up, he retorted, “Don’t get cocky. Let me get back in shape and I’ll spar with Little Tiger again—unlike you, he’s a real challenge.”

Seeing Zhou Yu and Liu Long about to spar, everyone quickly gathered around to watch. Suddenly, Liu Hu piped up, “Hey, I want in too. Let me join you guys.”

Zhou Yu and Liu Long, in perfect sync, replied, “Get lost! If you want to play, use weapons. Up for it?”

Liu Hu shook his head quickly, “No, no, forget it. I don’t know how to handle any of that. You two are just bullying me. You guys go ahead.”

Xiao Jie warned, “You two be careful—not too rough, we’ve got work tomorrow.”

Zhou Yu replied to Liu Long, “Alright, since my wife says so, I’ll go easy on you.”

Yang Ting chimed in, “You guys take it easy, don’t go too hard.”

Without another word, Zhou Yu charged at Liu Long. Blow after blow, they exchanged dozens of moves before stopping.

Liu Long commented, “You’re really not up to scratch anymore. Your reactions just can’t keep up.”

Zhou Yu retorted angrily, “Yeah, yeah, like you’re taking advantage or something. Hmph.”

The group realized Zhou Yu had taken a bit of a loss and wasn’t happy about it.

He continued, “Hmph, I’m going to take a nap before my night watch.”

With that, Zhou Yu headed into the RV. Liu Long said nothing and followed him inside.

Seeing the show was over, everyone returned to their own tasks.

Pan Yuxin told Wang Kui to keep practicing on his own, then went into the RV as well.

Nian Yu and Xiao Jie exchanged a glance without speaking, then went off to practice by themselves.

Inside the RV, Zhou Yu saw Pan Yuxin come in and asked, “Hey, why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be teaching Wang Kui?”

Pan Yuxin answered, “There’s nothing left to teach for now. Let him work on the basics. Some old habits are hard to change.”

Zhou Yu acknowledged with a simple “oh,” saying nothing more.

For a moment, the atmosphere inside the RV was awkward.

Pan Yuxin was the first to break the silence, softly asking, “Brother Zhou Yu, did you agree?”

Zhou Yu was puzzled, “Agree to what?”

Pan Yuxin blushed, “I mean, did you agree to let me be your girlfriend?”

Zhou Yu, a bit embarrassed, replied, “Let’s just leave it at that for now. I need some time to adjust to the change in our relationship.”

Pan Yuxin said, “It’s okay. I can wait—as long as you accept me, that’s enough.”

After speaking, Pan Yuxin moved next to Zhou Yu, kissed him on the cheek, and sat down.

She said, “You can rest your head on my lap.”

Zhou Yu murmured an assent, lay down, and said nothing more. Who could tell how complicated Zhou Yu’s feelings were at that moment?