Chapter 1 ：underground black boxing
On a sultry summer night, amidst the vibrant cityscape aglow with dazzling lights and effervescent revelry, hurried footsteps echoed through the streets. Deep within the recesses of an unfinished skyscraper's underground parking lot, an illicit pugilistic spectacle unfolded. Two youthful combatants, devoid of protective headgear, adorned in crimson and azure boxing gloves and shorts, bore the bruised countenances of their brutal engagement.
Nearly a hundred spectators, a motley crew of men and women, cheered fervently from the sidelines. Two dignified figures, resembling proprietors, sat ensconced upon a sofa, engrossed in the spectacle. Bereft of air conditioning, each patron was flanked by a duo of bikini-clad sirens, fanning them diligently.
Abruptly, the azure-clad combatant unleashed a soaring kick, striking the crimson adversary squarely in the abdomen. With a resounding thud, the scarlet pugilist crumpled to the ground, clutching his midriff, visage drained of color.
A bald-headed magnate leaped from his seat, rushing to the edge of the ring, bellowing at the fallen fighter, "Song Yunian, swiftly rise! You cannot succumb! Do you comprehend the sum I've staked on you? Stand tall if you're a man!"
Clad in scarlet, Song Yunian attempted to rise but faltered.
A Caucasian referee, gesturing before Song Yunian's eyes, commenced the count, "One, two, three, four..."
A bespectacled magnate, smirking behind the scenes, quipped, "General Wu! Losing such a pittance must hardly faze you, eh? Ha ha!"
Undeterred, General Wu continued his exhortations, "Damn it, Song Yunian! Swiftly, rise! If you lose, I shall not be lenient! Rally, I say!"
As the foreign arbiter's count reached "nine," the azure-clad youth jubilantly raised his hands, facing the audience. However, to his astonishment, Song Yunian roared, "Ah!" vaulting from the ground. The referee signaled for the match to resume.
General Wu beamed with delight, exclaiming, "Excellent!"
Incensed, the bespectacled magnate spat out a "tch," expelling his cigarette smoke, and flung his wine goblet to the ground, shards scattering.
Startled, the bikini-clad sirens paled, emitting shrill cries of "Oh!"
The azure-clad youth, taken aback, resumed his assault on Song Yunian, yet each blow was deftly evaded. He attempted another flying kick aimed at Song Yunian's midsection, but the scarlet fighter sidestepped effortlessly.
After several futile attacks, the azure combatant, weary from exertion, ceased his onslaught, seeking respite and an opportune moment.
Seizing the lull, Song Yunian initiated a ferocious onslaught, his fists a blur, stunning the onlookers below. The azure opponent found himself unable to evade, bearing seven resounding blows from Song Yunian.
Despite clutching his abdomen, he remained resolute, refusing to succumb.
The bespectacled magnate, consumed by fury, rushed to the edge of the ring, exhorting, "Wang Qiang, persevere! You're a man! You're the king of combat!"
General Wu roared, "Song Yunian, do not relent! Deliver the final blow! Finish him!"
Stepping back, Song Yunian summoned his utmost strength, delivering a devastating punch to Wang Qiang's left cheek. His visage contorted grotesquely, his head snapping back, his body collapsing heavily to the ground.
The foreign referee commenced the count, "One, two, three, four..."
The bespectacled magnate, in a fit of emotion, pounded the ring with clenched fists, shouting at the fallen Wang Qiang, "Wang Qiang! Rise! Damn it! You cannot lose! By God! Quickly now, rise! Show your mettle!"
Wang Qiang, prone and bloodied, eyes glazed with agony, emitted anguished cries. General Wu refrained from derision, maintaining a composed demeanor as he awaited the outcome.
As the foreign referee reached the final count of "ten," he raised Song Yunian's arm high, signaling the end of the contest. Two attendants clad in white rushed onto the ring, bearing Wang Qiang away on a stretcher, swiftly ferrying him to the awaiting ambulance bound for the hospital.
The bespectacled magnate pursued the stretcher, berating Wang Qiang all the while, "Wang Qiang! You're nothing but a coward! A weakling! I've misjudged you!"
General Wu, overcome with excitement, ascended the ring, embracing Song Yunian, jesting, "Impressive, lad! You nearly gave me a heart attack! You're in for a windfall!"
