8 Chapter 8: Not Cowardice, But From the Heart! (Edited))

New York's Chinatown is located at the southern end of Lower Manhattan, in the same district as Clark's home, not too far away. Riding in Marcus's police car, they quickly arrived.

Following the address sent by Old Cook, Clark found the "Nalan Martial Arts Gym". Upon entering, he was immediately taken by the Chinese girl behind the counter.

It wasn't that the girl was extraordinarily beautiful, but after being in this world for so long, seeing a fellow compatriot felt exceptionally comforting. Compared to the outgoing Western girls, the appearance of Chinese girls felt more pleasing.

"Hello, sir, are you interested in learning martial arts at our gym?" The girl's voice was as pleasant as her appearance.

Clark returned the polite smile and asked, "Hello, what kind of martial arts do you teach here?"

The girl replied, "It depends on what kind of martial arts you want to learn. Our gym offers classes at two levels: regular and elite."

"The regular class teaches simple and practical combat skills, $10 per lesson, 30 lessons per term."

"The elite class teaches Northern Leg techniques, $40 per lesson, also 30 lessons per term."

"New students can try two lessons for free. If they wish to continue, they must pay for the entire term, including the two free lessons, upfront."

Hearing the price, Clark was inwardly shocked.

$40 per lesson, amounting to $1200 a month. In 1998, the average office worker's monthly salary might not reach this figure.

Indeed, martial arts training isn't cheap!

The girl continued, "If you're just looking to learn some simple self-defense techniques, I suggest the regular class. It's quick, effective, and economical."

Clark's brow furrowed at the mention of "quick," his expression darkening.

Slamming his bank card on the counter, he declared, "If I'm going to learn, I want the best. I'm signing up for the elite class. I'll pay now, charge it!"

Received +6 impression points from Nalan Bai!

Hearing the system's prompt, Clark realized he had already offended the girl. It was too late for regrets.

"People give you friendly advice, and not only do you not appreciate it, but you also show attitude. So rude!" While efficiently processing Clark's enrollment, the girl complained.

Apparently, she did it on purpose, didn't she? Seeing Nalan Qing's expression, she must have done it intentionally!

"Name!"

As the girl prepared to fill out a form, her attitude had cooled, no longer as friendly as before.

Resigned, Clark replied, "Clark, 'Lee' as in 'wood,' 'Congxin' as in 'follow one's heart without overstepping bounds.'"

"Quite the mouthful." Complaining, the girl completed the registration and handed Clark a folder, "Upstairs, turn right, the second room is the elite class."

Clark reached for the folder, but it didn't budge.

The girl had pressed her hand firmly on it, staring at Clark, "Let me make this clear: mastering true martial arts requires talent, effort, and perseverance. It's hard to achieve significant progress in the short term, and our gym does not guarantee success. It all depends on your own aptitude and diligence."

"If you're only looking for superficial skills and can't endure hardship, or if you neglect your training for other reasons, you might end up weaker than regular class students after a term. So, don't come blaming us or demanding a refund."

"You still have time to change your mind."

Despite being upset, the girl couldn't help but offer Clark one last piece of advice.

But Clark wasn't there for a casual experience. Choosing to learn martial arts was a deliberate decision. In the Marvel world, there are countless ways to gain power, but for now, martial arts training was the most reliable for him.

Moreover, martial arts are highly compatible. Even if he gains other powers later, mastering martial arts will never be redundant.

Thinking of superheroes and supervillains, how many lack combat skills? Even Tony Stark learned Wing Chun, and the Ancient One was a martial arts master!

On the other hand, there's the Hulk, who got a lesson in humility from Thanos's army.

Shaking his head, Clark said amiably, "No need. I'm here to learn genuine martial arts. If I don't do well, it's my own fault, and I won't ask for a refund."

Directed by the girl, Clark quickly found the elite class.

The classroom was spacious, with only seven people inside. Among them, one black, one white, and five Asians were either hitting sandbags, wooden dummies, or practicing kicks in the air. Another young man, about twenty-five or twenty-six, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, stood with his hands behind his back, closely observing the others' practice and occasionally stopping someone to give pointers and demonstrate the correct movements.

Seeing Clark enter, the young man approached and introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Nalan Qing, the instructor of the elite class here. Can I help you?"

Clark handed over his registration form, "I'm here to enroll in martial arts training. This is my registration form."

Nalan Qing opened the folder, glanced at the form, then looked up at Clark, uncertainly asking, "Your name is... Clark Lee?"

Hearing Nalan Qing's words, the four other Asians in the classroom paused, then continued their training, but it was obvious their attention had shifted to their ears, trying hard to suppress their laughter at Clark's expense. Nalan Qing, meanwhile, looked puzzled and handed the form back to Clark.

Taking the form, Clark finally understood the misunderstanding.

The girl's handwriting was beautiful and delicate, but she had chosen to write vertically on a horizontal form in a connected cursive style, making "Chung-Sin" look like a single character to those unfamiliar.

Could she have done it on purpose? Given Nalan Qing's reaction, she definitely did it intentionally!