C8 Body Modification(2)

Hsiang Tai had no intention of being harsh. He spoke plainly, "Just be straightforward and ask for her WeChat directly."

"Is that really okay? I won't scare her off, will I?"

"What's the alternative? Sit around waiting for someone to ask for your contact info?" Hsiang Tai rolled his eyes and added, "Today's the 25th, you know. If you'd come to me yesterday, I could've suggested a little tactic. You could've just walked over with an apple and wished her happy holidays."

"But... New Year's Day is just around the corner." Liu Jing's eyes sparkled as he mused, "For New Year's, I could give her a can of protein powder."

The boys nearby burst into laughter. Shaking his head, Hsiang Tai patted Liu Jing's shoulder and said, "I'd rather you flaunt your wealth with a few tea eggs."

"Tea eggs sound good, too. You really know your stuff, President. So, how should I go about giving them?"

"To offer tea eggs? Just invite her for breakfast and wish her luck on her exams. Take it easy. If she's interested, there'll be other chances." If not, she might just run for the hills.

"President!" Hu Yanqing, the former big guy turned less big guy, who had been in the club for over a month, chimed in, "I want to get a girl's WeChat too. Can you help me figure something out?"

"Hey, hey, what am I, a matchmaker? I'm single too, you know."

"But you're always surrounded by girls, President. It seems like you can connect with so many of them."

"Exactly, in our club, you're the one with the charm..."

Amidst the teasing, Hsiang Tai rubbed his forehead and asked, "So, Hu, what's going on with you?"

"Yesterday, we had a new student join our class," Hu Yanqing said with an air of mystery. "She had been out on medical leave for a while and just came back. I hadn't noticed her on the roster before, but turns out she's a celebrity—an idol and an incredibly gorgeous one at that."

Ah.

Hsiang Tai had a hunch about who it might be. Hu Yanqing was a freshman majoring in music. So, the transfer student he mentioned was likely Hee Zi, right?

"Who are we talking about? Some idol?"

Curiosity piqued, everyone pressed for details.

"Remember the XYZ-GIRL from a few years back? The National Sweetheart Group?"

"Oh yeah, the ones who sang 'Love's Magic Circle'? That catchy pop group?"

"Is it someone from that group? Xia Qing? Yang Yilin?"

How come everyone knows about this XYZ-GIRL and I'm clueless?

"It's Hee Zi, the 'Z' from XYZ, Hee Zi."

"Wait, the Hee Zi who was dubbed a 'millennial beauty' by international media? She's in your class? But I thought she left showbiz? The other two have gone solo, and now she's studying here?"

"Exactly, she's even more stunning in person."

Hu Yanqing spoke with a hint of excitement, "I caught a glimpse of her in the homeroom teacher's office yesterday, and I was totally smitten. How can someone be that gorgeous? President, any tips? If I could just get her WeChat, that'd be amazing. I'm not asking for much else."

Seeing the young men's fervor, Hsiang Tai couldn't help but feel resigned. The club was all guys, and they all acted the same way when it came to beautiful women. He shook his head and advised:

"You're the class president, right? Just go talk to her. Say you need to add her to the class group chat for school announcements. If you're the first to ask, you're sure to get her WeChat. Hesitate, and someone else might beat you to it."

"That's our president!"

Hu Yanqing was pumped, "I'll go talk to her later. But, but, what if I'm too nervous to speak?"

"Go for it!" Liu Jing slapped him on the back, encouraging, "What kind of man gets nervous over something like this?"

"Hey, weren't you too nervous to ask for her WeChat just a minute ago, Vice President? Why the double standard?!"

"Alright, you little rascal." After being hit with a comeback, Liu Jing was ready to throw down. Hu Yanqing, abandoning his breakfast, scurried off to the side.

"But Hu Yanqing," Wang Jingkang, who had been quiet, suddenly chimed in, "I'd advise against any fanciful thinking on your part."

Puzzled glances were cast his way.

"That Hee Zi, she's got a notorious rep. Rumor has it she's been out with all sorts of men, even before she was of age," he explained. "The XYZ-GIRL group disbanded because of her scandal, didn't it? Girls like her are trouble—it's best to steer clear."

Ah, there it was.

The scent of a story brewing.

"Hu, this is your moment," Hsiang Tai advised. "There's definitely more to this. Think about it—she's out sick, possibly overwhelmed and sickened by the weight of these false rumors. If you stand by her now, offer support, help clear her name, who knows? You might just make a difference. You know how it is—gossip and exclusion are rife among girls. If you're the one to defend her, you might just come out on top."

Whether the rumors were true didn't concern Hsiang Tai. Everyone leads their life differently; there's no absolute right or wrong.

It was just idle chatter among a bunch of bored guys, anyway.

Watching the new club recruits, Hsiang Tai was reminded of his former self.

Truth be told, he hadn't always been into fitness. He was your typical chubby nerd, but after pushing through a running challenge one day, he discovered the sheer relief of physical exertion.

Negative emotions and grievances evaporated with each drop of sweat, each gasp for air. Post-workout, he'd bask in a profound sense of tired contentment. That's why, upon starting school, he joined the Muscular Club. Under the previous president's mentorship, he sculpted his physique and, with his unique perspective—not just muscle-brained—he rose to club president.

He treasured the club. Here, the goal was self-improvement, striving to be better through sheer effort. It was a place of mutual encouragement and competition, free from animosity and complex emotions. Many new members brought their personal stories, while the veterans had long since moved beyond their pasts, now united in their pure love for fitness.

Muscles and sweat are the truest essence of a man.

"Is everyone done eating? Let's take a stroll back to the activity room after dinner. Time for showers and a change of clothes. Then, if you need to rest, do so; if you have a class, head out; and if you're free, join us in the club's activity room to work on your equipment."

Hsiang Tai rallied the group to tidy up the dining area before they all ambled back to the club room together.

The walk was a relaxed contrast to running, with everyone moving at a leisurely pace, chatting and laughing in small clusters.

In the midst of their walk, Hu Yanqing suddenly called out, "Hey, hey, look over there—that's the stunning girl I was talking about! Hee Zi, Hee Zi!"

A line of boys turned in unison, only to see a long-haired girl in the distance being persistently bothered by a middle-aged man wielding a recording pen.