Chapter Forty-Three: Far Too Cunning

Qin Anyi spent quite a while changing clothes in the locker room. The selection of combat uniforms inside was impressively thorough, with sizes ranging from five feet to over six feet tall, catering to every possible body type. In truth, picking out a uniform wasn’t difficult—after all, they were all the same style. What truly took up Qin Anyi’s time was the process of changing itself. By accident, he discovered the clothes Wang Yiran had just taken off, left in a basket in the corner.

Stacked neatly atop the jacket and pants was a pure white, modest undergarment. The style was plain, without a hint of lace or any unnecessary embellishment—just an ordinary piece of underwear. Yet, Qin Anyi couldn’t help but swallow subconsciously, his heart pounding a little faster, his gaze lingering a few times longer than it should have. The reason was simple: the owner of this undergarment was Wang Yiran.

Judging from the size, Wang Yiran’s figure was likely even more impressive than the analysis provided by Qilin had suggested. Qin Anyi had always believed that with Qilin’s assistance, his analyses would be flawless. Yet, seeing these clothes in person, he realized that even Qilin had underestimated Wang Yiran in this aspect. This was a type of shapewear, but not the kind that accentuates curves as many girls wore—rather, it was designed to keep the figure controlled and restrained.

What an exhilarating discovery. Throughout the process of changing, Qin Anyi found himself glancing back at the basket every so often, finally understanding why Wang Yiran would choose such shapewear. For a practical fighter, precise control over one’s body was essential. What many girls considered an asset, Wang Yiran likely saw as a troublesome hindrance. Yet life is often thus: what you desire eludes you, and what you don’t want comes unbidden.

It took him quite some time to finish changing, and even then, Qin Anyi was reluctant to leave, his mind still wandering. At last, he pushed open the locker room door, straightened his thoughts, and saw that Wang Yiran was still diligently following the training routine he had designed for her yesterday.

Suddenly, a question struck him, leaving his mouth dry and his mind racing. If he had just found Wang Yiran’s underwear in the basket, did that mean she was wearing nothing beneath her combat uniform? His gaze instinctively swept over her chest and lower body, but nothing seemed out of place. Qin Anyi shook his head, trying to rid himself of such improper thoughts.

“Women’s combat uniforms have built-in bodysuits, so there’s no need to wear underwear. From the outside, you wouldn’t notice anything unusual,” Wang Yiran said calmly, pausing her rapid kicks as if she had read his mind completely.

Qin Anyi instantly panicked, mortified that his less-than-honorable thoughts had been so thoroughly exposed by the very subject of them. He fumbled for words, unable to meet her gaze. “Uh... well...” he stammered, waving his hand helplessly, unable to refute her. Finally, he could only mutter, “Yiran, girls who are too clever are bound to make men nervous.”

“Clever? If only it were that simple,” Qilin’s voice suddenly interjected, full of disdain for Wang Yiran’s earlier training methods.

Qin Anyi had grown used to Qilin’s occasional comments in his mind, so he ignored it, replying to Wang Yiran in a serious tone, “Basic training is the foundation. But practical combat training is also essential. Only through actual fighting can you truly understand how to build upon your foundations.”

“When you weren’t around, I tried the virtual combat device. But after using your foundation training method, I found that the virtual system didn’t help much. It’s just a program, too rigid,” Wang Yiran replied with some regret.

“That’s because your virtual program is primitive! Don’t blame our virtual intelligence for being rigid—you need to get your facts straight!” Qilin’s voice yelled again.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll be your opponent. Since I’m hired as your tutor, I’ll take full responsibility,” Qin Anyi said, tightening the belt of his combat uniform and rolling his wrists and ankles.

“But you’re not an expert in martial arts...” Wang Yiran hesitated.

“The purpose of martial arts is simply to maximize the power of the human body. But all widely known techniques have their flaws. What I can do is point out those flaws and help you improve.”

Wang Yiran nodded, and suddenly her eyes brightened with interest. “With your analytical skills, can’t you combine the strengths of all schools and develop your own fighting style?”

Qin Anyi was momentarily stunned. He had never considered this, but with Qilin’s abilities, it might truly be possible. Could he develop a fighting style uniquely suited for him?

“It’s possible, but right now you’re still building your foundation. There’s no need to learn advanced techniques yet. According to the training plan I’ve set for you, in about half a year, I’ll create a set of martial arts tailored for you. Besides, my current database isn’t sufficient for that level of analysis,” Qilin answered at just the right moment.

“I’m curious, what does your family actually do? From what you’ve shown me, I can’t make heads or tails of it,” Qin Anyi asked casually as he assumed a fighting stance.

“It’s not time for you to know yet. When the time comes, I’ll tell you. By the way, even though combat uniforms have built-in bodysuits, they’re actually very thin. If we come into contact, you’ll still feel my body. It’s a perfect opportunity to take advantage, isn’t it?” Wang Yiran smiled brilliantly, her words coming out of nowhere.

Qin Anyi’s heart raced again, but before he could respond, he saw Wang Yiran’s fist already flying toward his face.

Too cunning!