Having just bested the 190cm-tall Coach Shen, Ken unexpectedly became the center of attention and conversation in the gym. Several burly, muscular men even discreetly took out their phones to film his squat attempts. The unintended consequence of his wager left Ken feeling somewhat helpless.
He proceeded to test his maximums for the squat and deadlift, recording 210kg and 240kg respectively. These numbers represented a near-doubling of his performance from his university days. The impressed and envious looks from the gym regulars confirmed that these were highly respectable figures even among dedicated lifters.
After a brief cooldown and some stretching, Ken left the gym and headed to a supermarket. While shopping, his phone rang. The caller ID surprised him—it was Zhao Lei, his university roommate and the very friend who had first introduced him to the gym.
The timing felt uncanny.
Ken had always been somewhat reclusive, even during his student years, preferring solitude to crowds. Nevertheless, he had maintained a few close friendships from both high school and university, and Zhao Lei was among them.
"Dude, why aren't you replying to my WeChat messages? Have you stopped using it, or are you just ignoring me on purpose?" Zhao Lei's voice came through, full of familiar exasperation, the moment the call connected.
"I haven't really been checking WeChat lately," Ken replied. "Even forgot to reply to my dad, and my mom had to call to check on me. What's up? Why the sudden call?"
"To bring you aid in your hour of need! So, found a new job yet?"
Ken was puzzled. "How did you know I lost my job?"
Zhao Lei named a company. "That's my girlfriend's workplace. They're starting a new project and are hiring. Lately, several applicants have come from the same bankrupt company. She remembered me mentioning where you worked and told me. Look, if you haven't found anything yet, you should apply. She says with your skills and experience, it'd be a sure thing. The company's benefits are solid, and the salary wouldn't be much lower than before. Plus... my girlfriend is helping with the hiring right now..." His implication of being able to pull some strings was barely veiled.
Ken was tempted. His savings wouldn't last forever with a mortgage to pay, but considering his current physical condition, he hesitated. "Thanks, Lei. I appreciate it. But I'm planning to take some time off, rest a bit. Not looking for work just yet."
"Taking a break is good too. You've been chained to that job for years, wasting your youth. Might as well use this time to sort out your personal life, maybe find someone. Speaking of which... where are you? Since you're currently a man of leisure, you can't be that busy. Get over to Xichun Road, let's grab a meal."
"Uh, maybe not the meal," Ken said quickly. Dining was his greatest fear now. He couldn't eat anything without vomiting. He could hardly drink raw blood at the dinner table.
"Cut the crap. Get over here. I'll send you the location on WeChat. Take a taxi."
Ken continued to demur. "I've already eaten..."
Zhao Lei was insistent. "Then come watch us eat! I want you to meet someone."
"You know I'm not good with social stuff..."
"Come on, you've been working for years now. Haven't you figured it out yet? You can't go it alone in this world and expect to get anywhere! Even your projects require teamwork, collaboration across departments. You should meet up with old classmates now and then, stay in touch. Help each other out when needed. That's how bonds are strengthened. Who knows, a helping hand at a critical moment might change everything?"
"I know all that, but it's just not my nature..." Ken would have brushed off anyone else, perhaps not even answered the call. But his relationship with Zhao Lei was different, and he knew the concern was genuine.
"Alright, alright, no lecture today. No strangers either. The person I want you to meet is my girlfriend... well, fiancée now! I've mentioned her so many times, we've been together over a year, and you've never met her. If you don't show up today, I'm blocking you. Your choice."
Ken sighed in resignation. "Fine. I'll come chat, but I'm not eating anything..."
Around 6 PM, Ken arrived at the private dining room. He was greeted by his old friend Zhao Lei, whom he hadn't seen in a while, and Lei's fiancée, Wang Han.
"Whoa! Where are your glasses? And since when are you bald? D*mn, you nearly gave me a heart attack. Almost didn't recognize you!" Zhao Lei exclaimed, only realizing it was Ken when he sat down at their table.
"Figured since I lost my job, I might as well change up my look. My hair was thinning anyway, so I just shaved it all off," Ken said with a smile. He then turned to the attractive woman in a professional suit beside his friend. "You must be Wang Han. We're finally meeting. I've heard nothing but praise about you from this guy."
Wang Han smiled warmly. "Likewise. Lei talks about you often. Says he could tell you were the smartest in your class since freshman year."
"He's just setting me up for failure! Yeah, smart... so smart all my hair fell out..." Ken joked, rubbing his bald head.
Wang Han was a petite, elegant woman, a local with a poised, well-bred demeanor. From Zhao Lei, Ken knew that despite being two years younger, she was already in middle management at her company and highly capable at her job.
Perhaps pre-briefed by Zhao Lei, Wang Han didn't bring up the job opportunity. The conversation flowed easily, revolving around shared university memories and amusing anecdotes, the atmosphere comfortable and relaxed.
"The beef bone soup here is excellent, really flavorful. Even if you've eaten, you should at least have a bowl," Zhao Lei said, reaching to ladle soup into Ken's bowl.
Ken quickly moved his bowl away. "No, really, I'm good. I've started working out, just came from the gym. Already had my post-workout meal. Can't eat anything else."
Zhao Lei paused, studying him for a moment, then nodded. "Huh, no wonder you look slimmer. That's good, really good. Exercise is important. You look like you're in much better shape than last time I saw you, almost ten years younger. Hmm, I should find time to hit the gym too."
Wang Han chimed in, "Should we order a fruit salad, then?"
"No, no, water is fine for me. We'll have a proper meal together another time," Ken insisted. Thankfully, his excuse seemed to satisfy them both.