Chapter 43: Joining
Chapter 43: Joining
"Why?" Jiang Cheng asked.
"There are two reasons," Zhao Xiangyu said, extending his index finger. "First, while our gym teaches self-defense techniques, fist and foot techniques can be unpredictable. With the other party having more people, if a fight were to break out, our members would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. Even if we find those people afterward, they might not be able to provide sufficient compensation. Our gym might offer some compensation, but it would be limited. It's not worth taking the risk of injury over a trivial matter. It's better to take a step back; after all, our gym will back us up."
"What's the second reason?"
"To be honest, the second reason is also for the benefit of our gym." Zhao Xiangyu spoke frankly, "In the past, some of our premium members, after encountering thugs or members of the Wild Wolf Gang, would take the initiative to provoke or even attack them, relying on their membership cards.
We can understand their feelings, but most people's true intentions are to seek revenge and vent their anger through our gym.
Such actions not only consume our gym's resources but also put us in danger. After all, we are a business, not a gang, and we can't be fighting all the time.
So, we implemented a rule: only when you show your membership card and have not deliberately provoked the other party, and your personal safety or property is harmed, will our gym pursue the matter to the end and provide a satisfying resolution for our members.
In other situations, the gym will handle it accordingly. Of course, members should not try to deceive us by concealing the truth or lying. In this regard, our gym has ample experience."
Zhao Xiangyu smiled at Jiang Cheng.
"I understand," Jiang Cheng nodded.
The role of being a gym member wasn't as significant or proactive as he had imagined.
Thinking of using the gym as a backer to cause trouble everywhere was an overestimation.
But when it comes to comparisons, the Wild Wolf Gang's management fee was more like blatant exploitation. During the day, ill-intentioned people loitered in the area, and it was even worse at night.
The Falcon Fist Gym, on the other hand, offered a guarantee, albeit with conditions.
Fortunately, he didn't want to cause trouble. If others didn't provoke him, he wouldn't retaliate, and even if not for himself, he had to consider his family.
"Since that's the case, I'll purchase a month of premium membership."
Zhao Xiangyu's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "Are you sure, Mr. Jiang? The premium membership fee is five thousand yuan per month. But once you purchase it, you won't need to pay the Wild Wolf Gang a single cent, and you can learn a lot here. Additionally, we provide hot water showers, and there are many other conveniences in daily life."
Although he said to consider it, everything he mentioned afterward emphasized the benefits of premium membership.
"I've already thought it through before coming here," Jiang Cheng smiled.
"Good, Mr. Jiang, please wait a moment. I'll get the contract, and you can take your time to read it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Once you've decided, just sign the contract."
Zhao Xiangyu smiled and got up, returning shortly with a contract and a cup of water for Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng thanked him and carefully read through the contract, paying close attention to any fine print.
Fortunately, the Falcon Fist Gym didn't resort to such tricks, and the font size was consistent throughout.
It took almost ten minutes to read, and Jiang Cheng nodded.
The terms mentioned earlier were more or less the same as what Zhao Xiangyu, sitting across from him, had explained.
"Have you finished reading?"
Zhao Xiangyu sat opposite.
Jiang Cheng looked for ten minutes and waited for ten minutes without saying a word.
At this moment, seeing Jiang Cheng looking at him, he smiled and asked, "Do you have any questions?"
"Zhao Xiangyu explained it very clearly. All I need to do is sign here, right?"
"Yes, after signing, I'll take you to pay. Once the payment is done, you'll be a premium member of our martial arts hall and can enjoy all the privileges." Zhao Xiangyu smiled.
"Okay, then I'll trouble you, Zhao Xiangyu."
"No trouble, it's my duty."
Zhao Xiangyu picked up the contract and led Jiang Cheng to an office.
It took a quarter of an hour to finally complete all the procedures.
Compared to when he arrived, Jiang Cheng now held a black premium membership card in his hand. It had his photo and the date, 9.24-10.23, valid for one month.
If the validity period was exceeded, even holding this card would be useless.
He also received two sets of white training uniforms from the martial arts hall.
As they left the room, Zhao Xiangyu's attitude became more friendly, and his address changed, "Jiang Cheng, have you practiced before?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Jiang Cheng's back, seemingly unintentionally.
"I've practiced the short stick for a few years, but all by myself, without any guidance," Jiang Cheng replied.
"No wonder."
Zhao Xiangyu laughed, "Zeng Xiangyu specializes in stick techniques. You can seek his guidance later, but before that, it's best to master the basics. Start with the most fundamental foundation training, and once your lower body is stable, you can practice our martial arts hall's Flying Eagle Fist. If you still have energy then, you can also choose one or two suitable weapons."
"I see."
Jiang Cheng thought to himself that it would take at least two or three years to master this set of skills.
The premium membership costs five thousand yuan a month, which is sixty thousand yuan a year—not something an ordinary person can afford.
Fortunately, he had the Proficiency Panel, which could greatly shorten the time required.
"We're here."
Zhao Xiangyu suddenly spoke.
Only then did Jiang Cheng realize they had reached the second floor.
Compared to the first floor, the second floor had more space, better facilities, and fewer people. At a glance, there were only five or six people.
Most of them were men, with only one woman.
"Huh? Is that you?"
The short-haired woman in the white training uniform, upon seeing Jiang Cheng, showed a look of disbelief.
Jiang Cheng recognized the short-haired woman.
She was the same person who had come to his stall to eat roasted sweet potatoes the day before, her name seemed to be something like Li.
"Sun Xiaoli, do you know Jiang Cheng?" Zhao Xiangyu asked curiously.
"We're not really acquainted, but I've seen him. He sells roasted sweet potatoes on the street. Yesterday, Bai Shejie took me to eat some, and they were quite delicious."
After Sun Xiaoli finished speaking, she smiled at Jiang Cheng.
The few people around them exchanged glances, looking puzzled.
Could a street vendor selling roasted sweet potatoes afford a premium membership?
"So, Jiang Cheng, you have this skill too." Zhao Xiangyu smiled, "I must go and try your cooking in a couple of days."
"I'd be delighted."
Jiang Cheng smiled.
"Then it's settled."
Zhao Xiangyu turned around and faced the few people in front of him, "Everyone, let me introduce you to Jiang Cheng, a new member of our martial arts hall. I hope you'll all take good care of him. Jiang Cheng, these people here are all seniors in our martial arts hall, and they're all quite skilled. If you have any questions in the future, you can ask us or them."
(End of Chapter)
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