The changes in Gao Xuan's body were very subtle. Most people found it very difficult to observe such details.
However, when these subtle changes accumulated, they resulted in a qualitative transformation.
The present Gao Xuan had fundamentally changed inside and out; he was no longer the same person as he was three days ago.
Gao Xuan scrubbed his body with soap in the primitive bathroom and rinsed off under the cold water pipe.
He rummaged through the shabby cabinet for a white shirt, a pair of casual trousers, and a pair of white sneakers.
In fact, Golden City was humid and hot year-round. Most people wore flip-flops year-round, and men mostly wore vests and shorts.
Only those particular about appearance, the wealthy, who had air conditioning in their rooms, wore neat long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
The shirt Gao Xuan had was a birthday gift from his master, a hope that he could leave the slum and become a respectable person.
Unfortunately, he had no opportunity to wear this shirt after bringing it back. It was already wrinkled. Gao Xuan washed the shirt and trousers clean, and also wiped the shoes.
When it reached two in the afternoon, he changed into the clothes and shoes and went to the Dragon Soaring Martial Arts Hall.
The Dragon Soaring Martial Arts Hall was not in the slum, but on the edge of the Golden City urban area. It was also a junction between the rich and the poor area, with a mixed population, and the living conditions were relatively much better than in the slum.
The Dragon Soaring Martial Arts Hall was not big, just two courtyards. The front yard was the martial arts hall, and the back yard was residential.
When Gao Xuan entered, a dozen young boys were practicing boxing in the yard.
When they saw Gao Xuan enter, all the boys widened their eyes. People wearing white shirts were rare, especially on such a hot day, and Gao Xuan didn't have a drop of sweat, managing to wear the white shirt with a fresh feeling.
The young man leading the boys in boxing was also stunned when he saw Gao Xuan, and tentatively asked, "Senior Brother Gao?"
"Little Dog, it's been a few days and you don't recognize me anymore."
Gao Xuan greeted with a smile, then went straight into the front hall.
Sitting in the hall, Ma Li was sipping tea. He was also stunned to see Gao Xuan.
Ma Li even stood up to look Gao Xuan up and down, disbelief written on his face. "Old Third, did you get a cosmetic makeover?"
"Hahaha, Senior Brother, don't joke," Gao Xuan laughed. "I don't have the money for cosmetic surgery."
Gao Xuan smiled, "Recently, I've made great progress in martial arts, quit smoking and drinking, and I have a completely different spirit."
Ma Li was half-believing and half-doubting; indeed, Gao Xuan was full of spirit, nothing like the previous sluggish and dejected state.
Somehow, he felt Gao Xuan's face had changed. It wasn't just about being full of energy.
The more familiar someone is, the less they notice facial details. Gao Xuan's previous appearance had no distinctive features. Ma Li couldn't remember any details, just felt Gao Xuan suddenly looked a lot more handsome.
If Gao Xuan used to be just a passerby, now with that vibrant spirit, upright features, and tall posture, he had somewhat become a handsome guy.
Ma Li couldn't figure it out, but could only believe Gao Xuan's explanation that his martial arts had indeed greatly improved, and his whole demeanor changed.
But then he became happy, as he had watched Gao Xuan grow up, considering him like his own younger brother. Now that Gao Xuan was doing well, he was happy for him.
"This is great, Qi Yan is very particular, I was originally worried you wouldn't catch her eye."
Ma Li said, "Let's go, we'll take a ride together there."
The two left the martial arts hall and hailed a taxi. It was too hot, and taking the car would save time and avoid getting all sweaty. Meeting someone like that would be too embarrassing.
"Qi Yan is thirty this year, a beautiful widow, her family is in the import-export business of substantial scale. Qi Yan has a seven-year-old daughter, already school-ready, looking for a bodyguard and driver..."
Ma Li gave Gao Xuan a brief introduction on the family's background and personality in the car.
He cautioned, "Qi Yan is very wealthy and also strong-willed. She dislikes lecherous men. In front of Qi Yan, be honest. Don't even think about flirting with her. Understand?"
"Senior Brother, don't worry. I'm not interested in a thirty-year-old woman. Earning money is the priority. I won't mess around."
Ma Li glared at Gao Xuan, "Don't mess around, it's me vouching for you. If something happens, they'll come after me."
Don't think it's just a driver and bodyguard job, but Qi Yan's requirements were high. The first was a clean record, being mature and honest, and also knowing martial arts. Able to fight when necessary.
If it wasn't for Ma Li vouching for Gao Xuan, he wouldn't have been qualified to compete for this position.
"Just kidding, Senior Brother knows me, I'm the most timid. Where would I dare do anything bad?"
Gao Xuan patted his chest in assurance. Although a bit flippant in attitude, Ma Li knew this junior was indeed timid, not daring to do anything bad.
Ma Li couldn't even imagine that Gao Xuan had changed completely inside and out.
When they reached the Qi Family, there was a pair of large European-style wrought-iron gates at the entrance, and walls four meters high, covered in many iron-spiked vines.
This thing looked like an ordinary vine but was filled with seven- to eight-centimeter-long iron spikes, causing painful and itchy pricks. Wealthy families planted these on walls for anti-theft.
Ma Li activated the intercom at the entrance, exchanged a few words inside, and then they heard a click as the giant iron gate opened automatically.
Ma Li led Gao Xuan along a long, wide driveway for over a kilometer before reaching the main building.
Two burly bodyguards frisked Gao Xuan and Ma Li before allowing them inside.
The main building was decorated in European style, with the floor covered in beautifully patterned marble, a giant crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the living room, exquisite sofas on both sides, and solid wood furniture, among other things.
Ma Li didn't dare sit down, leading Gao Xuan to stand in the center of the living room.
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