"Besides, it was you who made our coach leave in anger..." As he spoke, Steven Joyce gave Brian Perry a look and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Perry, if you need anything, Samantha Ford can help you out..."

……

……

Brian Perry half-heartedly agreed.

Brian Perry performed a full demonstration of the simplified Tai Chi routine that Samantha Ford and the others had been learning. Watching his graceful, relaxed, and well-controlled movements, the team members were all amazed. The same moves and routines, but when performed by Brian Perry, they had a unique charm, especially with his movements perfectly in sync with the music, full of rhythm.

Samantha Ford's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Driving away a so-called Master Gu who didn't live up to his name, and gaining a much more practical coach instead, turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

"Brother Perry, how did you do that move just now? Teach me, will you? Tsk tsk, I didn't even see it clearly—just a shake of your shoulder and Master Gu went flying." During the break, Steven Joyce circled around Brian Perry, smiling as he asked for advice.

"That's called 'using four ounces to move a thousand pounds.' It's actually not that complicated." Brian Perry smiled. "Come on, Little Steven, let's practice it together."

Steven Joyce excitedly got into position. As soon as he made contact with Brian Perry, Brian Perry sank his waist, placed his left hand on his right wrist, then lifted his elbow diagonally upward with a slight bump. Caught off guard, Steven Joyce let out a surprised cry and fell back, landing on the floor.

"...In that split second, there are many internal movements that must be completed simultaneously. The strength stored inside the body is gathered at the waist through rolling and rotating motions in all directions, then extended by pulling between the waist and each joint. Sixty percent of the force sinks into the legs, and forty percent is sent to the arms, turning into power. Through bodily movements—whether striking, tapping, or pushing—a single point on the opponent's body is targeted. Even if the opponent has the strength of a thousand pounds, that small point can't withstand even forty percent of the force, causing their whole body to be thrown off balance."

"This is also called concentrating force on a single point, using my small force to disrupt the opponent's great strength—using the light to overcome the heavy. That's the principle of 'using four ounces to move a thousand pounds.'"

"Of course, you guys are just performing. As long as your movements are smooth and relaxed, your intention follows your actions, and you try to stay in sync with the music, that's enough... Let me give you a little tip: when performing Tai Chi, it's best to have your movements slightly ahead of the music, about half a beat faster. That way, visually, it feels like the rhythm and movement are perfectly blended, and you won't end up out of sync with the music."

In his previous life, Brian Perry often participated in Tai Chi performances and competitions, so he was very experienced. What he just shared was a tried-and-true little trick.

Brian Perry clapped his hands with a smile and said, "Alright, that's it for today. I have something to do, see you tomorrow."

Seeing that Brian Perry was about to leave, the always-silent Samantha Ford finally spoke up, "Coach Perry, let's have lunch together at noon—consider it our ceremony for taking you as our coach."

Steven Joyce and the others chimed in, "Yeah, Brother Perry, you're both our coach and our senior—let us treat you to a meal today!"

Brian Perry hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

On the surface, he appeared calm, but inside he was overjoyed. Successfully establishing a connection with Samantha Ford was a great start. As for how to break the ice with Samantha Ford going forward, he hadn't made up his mind yet and would have to play it by ear.

Chapter 010: Testing the Waters

The restaurant was chosen by Samantha Ford, a luxurious star-rated place on the west side of the east gate of Jinghua University, with a private room reserved. Clearly, this meal was Samantha Ford's treat.

A few team members accompanied Brian Perry in the private room, waiting, but Samantha Ford hadn't shown up yet—apparently, she was showering and changing clothes.

Samantha Ford's status was an unspoken taboo among these students. Brian Perry didn't ask, and Steven Joyce and the others avoided the topic as well.

In fact, if it weren't for their shared interest in Tai Chi and the upcoming school anniversary performance, ordinary students like Steven Joyce wouldn't have had the chance to sit with Samantha Ford. However, despite her noble background, Samantha Ford didn't put on airs with them. Still, the innate aura of a high-born lady radiated from her every gesture.

Everyone chatted and laughed, quickly becoming close. They were all young, about the same age, and alumni of the same university, so any barriers were easily broken. Besides, with Brian Perry's decades of life experience from both his past and present lives, he deliberately fostered a good relationship with these students—so it was no trouble at all.

The dishes were all served before Samantha Ford finally arrived, a bit late. She had changed into a white tracksuit, her long, jet-black hair still damp and pinned up with a butterfly hair clip. Her pretty face was flushed, making her look even more elegant and charming.

Samantha Ford invited everyone to take their seats and ordered a few bottles of beer.

After a few drinks, Steven Joyce chuckled, "Brother Perry, I really didn't expect to run into you at school again, and even more, I didn't expect you to be a Tai Chi master... When did you learn Tai Chi? I never saw you practice at school."

"Heh, I'm no master, don't say that or people will laugh at me. I just learned a bit as a kid and kept practicing on my own, that's all." Brian Perry laughed it off casually.