Chapter 42: Pain and Happiness

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Tang Rui exered significant effort to drag the two hefty boxes into the living room before proceeding to open one of the boxes, revealing a sit-up fitness machine inside.

Previously, the salesperson who specialized in fitness equipment had inquired about which body areas Tang Rui aimed to target during his workout.

Tang Rui promptly responded, expressing his desire to focus on enhancing the strength of his waist and abdomen.

And then came the suggestion…

The other party suggested this particular sit-up fitness machine.

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Upon unpacking the box, he took out all the components.

To his surprise, the machine was not pre-assembled; instead, it had been disassembled into panels and parts, requiring him to assemble it himself.

Fortunately, the assembly process turned out to be quite straightforward.

Nonetheless, Tang Rui paid little heed to the complexity of assembly. A new idea had taken root in his mind.

He pondered whether the fitness equipment he put together would feature a system interface.

From a logical standpoint, it seemed likely.

After all, he had previously assembled items he had purchased.

This fitness equipment, too, required his assembly skills.

Other than the variance in technical complexity, there was essentially no difference between them.

Tang Rui skipped the instruction manual altogether and immediately delved into assembling.

It took him ten minutes to complete the assembly of the sit-up machine.

Just then, a familiar light flashed.

A system interface materialized.

[Item: Sit-up fitness machine]

[Experience: 0/80]

[Origin Point: 11.15]

Gazing at the data displayed on the system panel, Tang Rui noted that assembling this fitness equipment had awarded him 0.05 origin points.

Given the relatively undemanding nature of the assembly process, he found the number of origin points somewhat excessive.

It was comparable to folding a paper airplane, if he were to draw a comparison.

Strikingly, the number of origin points he received was five times that of a paper airplane’s assembly.

However, this wasn’t the primary concern.

What truly mattered was that the system panel had appraised the assembly of this fitness equipment as efficacious. Consequently, Tang Rui was presented with a wider array of choices.

He proceeded to transport the assembled sit-up machine to the gym area and began unboxing the other piece of equipment.

The upcoming task was assembling the treadmill.

Li Shuyao had recommended he acquire this treadmill, asserting the necessity of incorporating both cardio and oxygen levels into his workout routine.

He wasn’t exactly privy to the specifics, yet he understood that when he jogged, Li Shuyao would initiate a video call, running alongside him.

This camaraderie spurred him on.

Surprisingly, the treadmill’s assembly proved even simpler than that of the sit-up machine.

He extended the frame, placed the base upon it, secured it with a latch, and mounted the display screen.

Curiously, though…

Where was the System Interface?

Tang Rui waited patiently, yet the system panel remained conspicuously absent.

Both machines had been assembled, but the treadmill seemed devoid of a system panel.

Was there some sort of bias against the treadmill?

Tang Rui cocked an eyebrow, regarding the treadmill with a touch of disdain.

Upon consideration, his conclusion made sense.

The system likely didn’t recognize this manner of assembly.

Connecting the treadmill was tantamount to plugging a USB cable into a charging port.

Acknowledging this as valid system progress would indeed verge on the absurd.

It appeared he would have to construct a fresh treadmill tomorrow.

A treadmill bereft of an upgrade function held no appeal in his eyes.

A sudden buzz signaled the commencement of his phone’s vibration.

Retrieving his phone, he discovered a video call from Li Shuyao.

Sans ado, he accepted the call.

Li Shuyao appeared on the screen, garbed in her gym attire.

“Have you assembled the equipment?” she inquired.

“Indeed, everything is set up,” Tang Rui responded as he turned his phone to showcase the two newly assembled pieces of equipment.

“In that case, go change into your workout clothes.”

“Sure, I’ll be right back.”

Tang Rui promptly dismissed the treadmill quandary, hurrying to switch his attire.

Yes, he held a deep passion for sports.

And yet, it dawned on him that he lacked proper sportswear.

For his present needs, a basketball jersey seemed the most suitable choice.

Oh well, it would have to suffice for now.

Donning his changed clothes and sneakers, he reentered the gym area.

“You’re wearing basketball shoes?” Li Shuyao remarked, glancing at his footwear with a hint of speechlessness.

“Well, yes, basketball shoes,” Tang Rui responded, unfazed. He remembered wearing the same type of shoes for morning runs during high school.

“The distinction is substantial. For a brief period, it’s fine, but prolonged usage can adversely affect your feet and knee joints. Never mind, let’s call it a day. I’ll get you a pair of proper running shoes tomorrow.”

“Sure thing. Let’s focus on the run for now. We can tackle the equipment issue later.”

Tang Rui, hearing about potential bodily repercussions, resolved to craft his own pair of running shoes the next day.

“Before you start running, perform some warm-up exercises.”

“Understood.”

Li Shuyao guided him through a set of warm-up routines.

Perhaps a tad too enthusiastic, Tang Rui concluded his warm-up before he had even begun the actual workout.

He hadn’t even initiated the run when his smart bracelet buzzed, indicating his heightened heart rate and increased blood circulation.

Under such circumstances, it was natural for him to feel warm.

As he mounted the treadmill and commenced running, he adjusted the camera for optimal visibility.

This arrangement ensured Li Shuyao could only see his upper body.

“Maintain your breathing rhythm and synchronize your arm movements. Yes, just like that,” Li Shuyao provided guidance as they both jogged.

Tang Rui absorbed the instructions intently, his gaze locked onto the phone screen.

His level of concentration rivaled his high school years.

After ten minutes elapsed, his body’s endurance hit its limit.

“No more. I can’t continue running,” Tang Rui panted, the exhaustion evident in his tone.

His legs felt like they were encased in lead, devoid of any strength.

“Alright, take a break. Don’t sit down, and avoid drinking water. Keep moving around the room slowly.”

“I get it. I’m not completely oblivious,” Tang Rui responded, his breaths labored.

Ten minutes later, following a well-rested pause, Li Shuyao directed him to engage in abdominal exercises.

“Can we postpone this for tomorrow?”

“No, your legs are still weak. However, your waist and abdomen are unaffected. It won’t hinder your sit-ups.”

“Alright, 1’11 give it a shot.”

Reluctant to appear too feeble, Tang Rui reluctantly positioned himself on the sit-up machine.

“Let’s begin with sets of ten. Ready, and go.”

Li Shuyao commenced the routine, with Tang Rui matching her pace in his sit-up movements.

Though he strained to engage his waist and abdomen, he didn’t lie down immediately after each repetition. Instead, he glanced at the system interface.

[Item: Sit-up fitness machine]

[Experience: 1/80]

[Origin Point: 11.15]

Clicking his tongue in mild disappointment, Tang Rui noticed that each sit-up contributed only 1 experience point.

His prior perception of experience points being meager seemed to hold merit; they were indeed quite substantial.

For him to level up the equipment, he would need to complete 80 sit-ups.

But for now, he decided to press on.

With determination, Tang Rui forced himself through consecutive sit-ups, with the system experience points incrementing with each repetition.

The rewarding feedback system proved motivating.

Unbeknownst to him, the phone’s screen featured captivating scenery.

To keep pace with Li Shuyao, Tang Rui persevered despite the exertion.

After all, as he ascended, Li Shuyao descended.

For synchronization’s sake, he braved the strain.

Amidst the mixed sensations of struggle and satisfaction, he completed a set of sit-ups.

“Take a breather, regulate your breath. Next up, push-ups.”

“I’d rather continue with sit-ups. My waist doesn’t feel strained yet.”

Tang Rui shook his head, his determination evident.

“Alright, we’ll save that for later.”

Li Shuyao cast him an amused glance, a subtle smile dancing at the corners of her lips. She didn’t challenge his assertion..