Saving Nora Episodes 311-315

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Saving Nora Episodes 311-315
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00:00Before listening from episode 311 to episode 315, don't forget supporting me by buying for me a coffee from the link in the description or in the first comment or below the video to motivate me to share all chapters of the book.
00:15Also, please don't forget to share the video, comment, and like.
00:19Iran had always been very good at remaining calm, cool and collected, but with Joel it was different.
00:27She always felt like he could see right through her.
00:30The past ten minutes had been the most unbearable of her life.
00:34The air of confidence she had always projected completely dissipated in front of her older brother.
00:40It was like he could hear her every thought and see her every flaw.
00:46He deliberately sat there saying nothing.
00:49She felt as if a whole year had gone by.
00:52She had been too candid in asking that question after the assistant came in.
00:56She felt like she had exposed herself.
00:59She internally cursed herself as she turned to Joel.
01:02Sure enough, he was looking straight at her.
01:05His usually friendly countenance was now sharp and chilly.
01:09Yvonne swallowed hard and lowered her eyes.
01:12The assistant could clearly feel the tension between the two siblings.
01:16He replied as gently as he could.
01:19The card was used for the first time in a foreign country five years ago.
01:23Although it's an anonymous card, it was without a doubt Miss Norris-Smith who used it.
01:29Yvonne was too afraid to speak while Joel stared at her.
01:33Even though she was astounded, she bit her lip, hiding her emotions.
01:38Did she know Mr. Hunt at the time?
01:41Her words took the assistant by surprise.
01:44He glanced at Joel who looked over at the door in a silent signal to leave.
01:48He quietly exited the study, closing the door behind him as soon as the door closed.
01:54Joel's cold and mellow voice reached Evan's ears.
01:58Are you hoping that this card belongs to Justin?
02:02She looked up in a panic.
02:04No, let me explain, Joel. That's not.
02:08But when Evan's eyes met Joel's mocking gaze, she shut up.
02:13There was no use in trying to talk her way out of this.
02:17He knew.
02:18Yvonne lowered her head.
02:20Joel, in your eyes, who is more important here, me or her, I'm Dad's legal daughter.
02:27Then do you remember what your legal name is?
02:30Yvonne was taken aback.
02:32Yvonne.
02:34Smith, she suddenly paused.
02:37Yvonne.
02:38Smith.
02:39Smith.
02:40Her name had been a topic of discussion ever since she was a child.
02:44Of course, her adoptive father's romantic history was also the talk of the town.
02:49However, he never seemed to care about all the gossip,
02:53even though people talked about how Yvette had betrayed him.
02:56He had never shown anything but love for her.
02:59He had even stayed single after Yvette had left.
03:03Later, he had adopted a daughter who would marry into the Hunt family in the future,
03:08and he named her Yvonne.
03:13Yvonne lowered her head, her fingers balling up into even tighter fists.
03:19Do you think that just because Dad liked that woman,
03:22he would also like the daughter she had with another man?
03:26Joel was silent, but Yvonne wasn't one to back down.
03:31She regained her composure and stood up to Joel.
03:34Aren't you afraid that Dad would be disappointed if you defend Nora?
03:38Everyone talks about how I'm just the adopted daughter,
03:41but I care about him as if we were related by blood.
03:45If he doesn't like Nora, I don't like Nora.
03:48And you're not just his nephew.
03:51You're pretty much his son.
03:53In fact, you're even closer to him than I am.
03:56How could you let him down like this?
03:59Joel pressed his lips together again, but he really let Uncle Ian down.
04:05He recalled how his uncle had reacted when the DNA report was first released.
04:10He remembered his own internal struggle at the time
04:13and how he had defended Nora at the Hunt's family party.
04:17Joel slowly lowered his gaze.
04:20Just don't do anything rash.
04:22Uncle Ian hasn't even made a decision yet.
04:25Seeing that he wasn't going to argue with her,
04:28Yvonne breathed a sigh of relief.
04:30I promise, she said nodding and standing up.
04:34Just after she left, the office window was suddenly wrenched open
04:38and Quentin climbed in, nimbly from the outside.
04:43The thin, fair-skinned young man stared at the door.
04:46Yvonne had just clicked shut, his lip curled.
04:50Are you really not going to do anything about this?
04:53Joel had always handled family affairs fairly.
04:56However, he'd definitely been a bit biased with Yvonne just then.
05:01There's nothing I can do.
05:03He said, Quentin was taken aback.
05:06Giving Yvonne a warning was tantamount to slapping Ian in the face.
05:11Yet, if he defended Nora, it would also shame Ian.
05:15But Nora is our cousin.
05:18She has blood ties with us.
05:20Joel sighed and said she's also the daughter of the woman that had broken his heart.
05:25Quentin scratched his head and kept quiet for a long while.
05:30At last, he said, forget it.
05:33The previous generation's relationships are too complicated.
05:37Better to pretend.
05:39I don't know anything.
05:41Joel cast a confused look at him.
05:43Aren't you supposed to be protecting her?
05:46Quentin looked back distinctly.
05:48Yeah, she's home.
05:50Wait, here she is now.
05:52A big black jeep pulled up to the manor with a screech,
05:55afraid that Joel would confiscate his card again.
05:59Louis had slipped away quickly in his rush,
06:02though he almost ran directly into the jeep.
06:05He stood in front of the car, his hand on his heaving chest.
06:09What are you doing driving like that?
06:12You scared me half to death.
06:14He walked around to the driver's side window,
06:16upon which he saw Nora's cool and expressionless face through the open window.
06:21Louis frowned, dissipated,
06:23and a huge smile blossomed on his face at once.
06:27Nora.
06:29What's up with this sudden change in attitude, Nora wondered.
06:33Sorry about that.
06:35I didn't know it was you.
06:37How could I be mad at my cousin?
06:40We have to have each other's backs, after all.
06:44He paused for a moment before continuing.
06:47Speaking of, Joel has taken the card.
06:50Do you think you could transfer some money to me?
06:54He asked, his voice sweeter than honey.
06:58Again.
07:00Poor kid.
07:01It seemed like he was always having money troubles.
07:04All right?
07:05How much do you need?
07:07She took out her cell phone.
07:09Only then did she realize that Louis had left her a voicemail.
07:13She raised her eyebrows.
07:16What did you call me about?
07:18She was about to play the message when Louis abruptly grabbed her phone.
07:22He remembered the nasty things he had said to her.
07:25Fumbling a bit, he hastily deleted the message.
07:29Only then did he return the phone.
07:32It is nothing, he said.
07:35Laughing nervously,
07:37Nora was off.
07:39Put by his sneaky behavior,
07:41but she didn't want to prolong the interaction with further questions.
07:45Instead, she picked up her phone and asked him again how much she needed.
07:50Louis held up five fingers.
07:52His monthly allowance was $50,000,
07:55although that was considered rather low for a family like theirs.
07:59It was just enough to pamper both himself and the cats and dogs.
08:03Even though Joel had returned his credit card,
08:05the limit of which also happened to be $50,000.
08:09Who would ever say no to more money?
08:12Nora tapped away on her phone.
08:15Then a beep sounded as Louis received a notification.
08:19She tossed the phone onto the passenger seat and left without saying goodbye.
08:23By Nora, Louis called out in a saccharine voice.
08:27He picked up his cell phone,
08:29and when he saw the transfer amount,
08:31his jaw dropped.
08:33The text Louis received read,
08:35Your bank account has been credited with $500,000.
08:39Louis felt like he was seeing things.
08:42He read the message a second and third time.
08:45It was definitely $500,000.
08:48He turned and chased after her car.
08:51Nora, wait up.
08:53Let me open the door for you.
08:55With a sister like her, what would he need his older brother for?
08:59Joel would never have given him that much money.
09:02As someone whose pocket money had always been under someone else's control,
09:06Louis had never personally had access to an amount of money like that.
09:10He trotted behind Nora to the garage after she parked the car.
09:14He walked eagerly to her side and opened the door for her.
09:18Watch your step.
09:20Giving him a wary look,
09:22she sidestepped Louis and entered the house.
09:25He looked down again at his phone in delight,
09:27but just as he was about to leave,
09:29someone blocked his path.
09:31It was Quentin who was wearing a baseball cap
09:34that had almost all of his facial features.
09:37Well, look at you, Louis.
09:40Have you run out of money?
09:42Who are you sucking up to?
09:45Your cousin,
09:47he asked in her chummy voice, still high off of his good fortune.
09:51Louis replied without hesitation.
09:54If she has money and she isn't afraid to share it with me,
09:57then she must be my real sister.
10:00You're good for nothing,
10:02Quentin said disdainfully.
10:04Uncle, Ion watched you grow up, you know.
10:07Did it ever occur to you that you're really letting him down?
10:11Uncle, Ion is very important to me, but so is Nora.
10:15How am I supposed to pick one over the other?
10:18If only she was Uncle Ion's daughter.
10:21Quentin stared at him,
10:23his face a mask of disapproval.
10:26After thinking about it, Louis finally said,
10:29I don't care anymore.
10:31I'll follow my heart instead.
10:33There hasn't been a girl in our family for many years,
10:36and I like Nora.
10:38Uncle Ion wants me to stay away from her.
10:41Sure, I can do that.
10:43Just give me a million bucks and I'll do whatever he wants.
10:47Just look at how much of a letdown you are, Quentin said.
10:51All you care about is money.
10:53If she were the senior student of the Quinn School of Martial Arts,
10:57would you still have something against her?
11:00Quinn didn't hesitate.
11:02Of course not.
11:03Apart from Quinn and Irvin,
11:05the two great martial arts masters,
11:08the senior students of the Quinn School and the Irvin School,
11:11were the idols of every martial artist in the world.
11:15Quentin frowned disdainfully.
11:17Your question makes no sense, though.
11:20There's no way she's the senior student of the Quinn School of Martial Arts.
11:25It's just an example, Louis whined.
11:28She's the same to you as money is to me.
11:31Quentin's face lit up in indignation.
11:34She might be my idol.
11:36She's better and more talented than anyone.
11:39How can you compare her to something as crude as money?
11:43Louis bounced toward the gates.
11:45Money may be crude to you, but it isn't at all to me.
11:49The mere smell of it is enough to send me straight to heaven.
11:53Quentin snorted coldly and scoffed.
11:56I'm not as childish as you.
11:58I wouldn't lose control of myself
12:01just from being in the senior student's vicinity.
12:04Suddenly, his cell phone rang.
12:07He calmly picked up the call in a voice full of self-importance.
12:11As ever, he said,
12:15As ever, he said,
12:17Speak.
12:19The caller was his subordinate, Boss.
12:22I found out some info about your favorite senior student.
12:26Quentin's eyes lit up in interest.
12:29This was quite a coincidence.
12:31He suppressed the excitement in his voice.
12:34Where is she?
12:36She's at the martial arts tournament.
12:38After taking a bath,
12:40Nora prepared to lie down in her room and relax for a bit.
12:43However, as soon as she entered her bedroom,
12:46she received a call from Quinn.
12:48The old man spoke in a solemn voice.
12:51There's a martial arts tournament starting today.
12:54It's held only once every ten years,
12:57and I've signed you up for it.
12:59Nora, who was towel-drying her hair, paused.
13:02I'm not going, she said.
13:05Quinn knew her well.
13:07Are you sure you're not going?
13:09Yes, she preferred to sleep.
13:12The people she would be competing against were simply too weak,
13:16and she didn't want to waste her precious time on them.
13:18The senior student from the Irvine School of Martial Arts will be there.
13:23Quinn said.
13:25Nora suddenly sat upright.
13:27Tell me where and when, she said.
13:29Quinn had been talking about the other senior student
13:32ever since she had started learning martial arts as a child.
13:35Nora felt that they had been friends in spirit for a long time.
13:39She couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally spar with him.
13:43She tossed the towel aside and flexed her wrists.
13:46She was going to beat him up so bad
13:49that even his mother wouldn't recognize him.
13:51Several schools are fighting for the top spot this time.
13:55The senior student of the Irvine School of Martial Arts
13:59took first place ten years ago,
14:01which allowed the devious old man to show off in front of me for ten years.
14:05I don't know if you remember,
14:07but I told you to go that time and you didn't.
14:10Nora had only been 15 years old back then.
14:13She had been receiving hormonal injections at the time
14:16and getting out of the house was just too difficult for her.
14:19Moreover, she wasn't of age back then.
14:22Her mother had told her to lay low,
14:24to not take any risks or reveal who she was
14:27until she had the power to protect herself.
14:30And even though she still didn't have the ability to protect herself,
14:34after all, she presented herself as a frail woman.
14:38She could pretend to be someone else today
14:41and give the other senior student a good thrashing.
14:44Quinn knew that she wanted to protect her identity.
14:47I know you want to keep a low profile.
14:50You don't have to participate under your name if you don't want to.
14:54Just think of a name and I'll get someone to make a contestant card for you.
14:58Being there will broaden your horizons
15:01and it wouldn't hurt to make the Quinton School of Martial Arts a little proud, right?
15:05All right? All right?
15:08Then, how about the name Smith-Ra?
15:12Quinn suggested.
15:14Ra was about to tell him that the name sounded pretty good,
15:17but Quinn cut her off.
15:19I've already asked someone to sign you up.
15:22Oh, and by the way, the first match is tonight.
15:25It seemed that he had called less to discuss this with her
15:29and more to inform her about it.
15:31She wanted to give Quinn a piece of her mind,
15:34but he continued talking.
15:37Every school in the tournament is required to participate anonymously.
15:42Only the winner will reveal their name and which school they are from.
15:46This is to prevent any drama between them.
15:50Nora frowned.
15:52Why were they making this so mysterious?
15:55Will the senior student from the Irvine School of Martial Arts be there tonight?
15:59Yes.
16:01Okay, Nora said before hanging up.
16:04She dried her hair using a hairdryer
16:07and changed into a well-fitted outfit.
16:09As she was leaving, she found Quentin standing outside her door.
16:14Don't go out tonight.
16:16I have to go out for something.
16:18Nora gave him a questioning look.
16:21Quentin noticed that she was wearing a new outfit,
16:24trying to scare her.
16:26He said,
16:27Don't you know that there are at least five different groups of people
16:30watching you right now?
16:32If you leave without me to protect you,
16:34you won't live to see tomorrow.
16:37Nora's gaze casually swept across the car that Quentin was holding.
16:41Where are you going?
16:43She asked to see my crush.
16:45Quentin replied casually.
16:48Then he turned and slipped away without heeding his warning.
16:52Nora walked downstairs leisurely after he left.
16:56Are youngsters nowadays still chasing after idols?
16:59She wondered.
17:00They should take a page out of her book.
17:03She had never chased after crushes before.
17:06Besides, those boys couldn't have held a candle to Justin,
17:10but Quentin had the biggest illusions of grandeur she had ever encountered.
17:15Who was this star that captivated him so much
17:18when Nora bumped into Joel in the garage?
17:21It just so happened that he was also going out.
17:24Oh, Miss Smith, I didn't see you there, he said shakily.
17:29Nora looked him up and down.
17:31Is something wrong, Mr. Smith?
17:34Both of them were a little uncomfortable.
17:37Although they shared the same last name,
17:40there was a strong sense of estrangement between them.
17:43Suppressing his emotions,
17:45Joel stiffly took a bank card out of his pocket and handed it to Nora.
17:49Louis, I appreciate your kindness,
17:52but you should take this card.
17:54It's valuable.
17:56Nora raised her eyebrows.
17:58She wasn't entirely sure that it was very valuable,
18:01but she reached out and took it from him anyway.
18:04Are you off to work this late in the day?
18:07She asked.
18:08Joel shuffled awkwardly,
18:10not answering her question.
18:12The silence between them was thick.
18:15What is it?
18:16Nora asked.
18:17I'm picking up the kids,
18:19Joel said after a brief hesitation.
18:21Perfect.
18:22Bring Jerry back with you too.
18:25Thanks.
18:26It seemed that she didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt
18:29about forgetting to pick up her child from school.
18:32She got into the Jeep and drove off.
18:35Joel stood where she had left him,
18:37completely flabbergasted.
18:39Just how heartless was she?
18:41Massaging his temples,
18:43he left for the kindergarten classroom.
18:45As soon as he arrived,
18:46he saw Tanya holding Pete and talking to him.
18:49What's your mom up to lately?
18:51She asked him.
18:52Tell her to come over to my place.
18:55I'm the only one at home,
18:57and it's boring me to death.
18:58Oh, okay,
19:00replied Pete too young to know what to say.
19:03Tanya was about to say something else
19:05when she spotted Joel across the room.
19:08She got up at once
19:09and left without giving him a chance to say anything.
19:13Nora followed the map that Quinn had sent
19:15to get to the tournament.
19:17She saw a group of office workers,
19:19all dressed in well-fitting suits
19:21and leather shoes going in and out.
19:24She wondered if she had come to the wrong place.
19:27She dialed Quinn's number.
19:29Are you messing with me?
19:31She asked.
19:32Quinn let out a sigh.
19:33Why would I mess with you?
19:35What's the fun in that?
19:37Just enter the building and head to the basement.
19:40They'll let you in after you tell them your name.
19:43She was about to hang up when Quinn added,
19:46By the way,
19:47remember to disguise yourself
19:49so that others won't recognize you.
19:51Nora scoffed.
19:53If you knew that I wanted to keep a low profile,
19:56why did you make me come here?
19:58She was met with silence on the other end.
20:01She hung up, rummaged through her car,
20:04and took out a bag of makeup.
20:06In her free time,
20:07Nora had begun learning some makeup skills.
20:10She had gotten so good at it
20:12that she could make herself look however she wanted.
20:15She used blue eyeliner to draw a wing tips
20:18at the corner of each eye
20:20and gave herself full red lips.
20:22By the time she was done putting on all the makeup,
20:25even she was having trouble recognizing herself.
20:28Finally,
20:29she took out a black tight-fitting dress
20:31from the back seat.
20:33After changing into it,
20:35Nora not only looked like a different person,
20:37she also looked incredibly gorgeous.
20:40She took out a stick of chewing gum
20:42and popped it into her mouth.
20:44Confident that no one would recognize her,
20:47she sauntered into the building.
20:49Everyone around her looked over her curiously.
20:53However,
20:54perhaps because there were so many strange people
20:57going in and out of the building,
20:59they didn't think much of it.
21:01Nora was about to head down to the basement
21:04when she was stopped by two tall, muscular guards.
21:07Here are you, Smith.
21:09Row.
21:10Nora blew a bubble as if going.
21:13There was an everyday thing for her.
21:15She raised her half-closed eyes in a flirtatious way.
21:19One of the guards looked at her warily
21:21while the other keyed her name into his tablet.
21:24A moment later,
21:25he handed her a wristband and a number plate.
21:29Your contestant number is 28.
21:31This is your mask.
21:33Nora took the mask from his hands and stared at it.
21:36What is this about?
21:38Everyone who enters the basement
21:40has to hide their identity,
21:42so masks are given to all participants.
21:45The criterion for determining victory in the tournament
21:48is taking off the opponent's mask at the top of the stairs.
21:51Nora called Quinn.
21:53Don't you think this rule about the masks is really strange?
21:57Quinn responded evenly.
21:59Ever since the country started cracking down on the underworld
22:02many years ago,
22:04they've become much stricter on martial arts practitioners.
22:08A lot of us don't want to be recognized,
22:10so we wear our masks.
22:12It's much more convenient than putting on makeup
22:15that would take too much time.
22:17Nora couldn't believe this.
22:19She had spent so much time doing her makeup in the car.
22:22Had she known,
22:24she would have just entered with a face mask and sunglasses.
22:28She felt a tension headache coming on.
22:30Why didn't you make that clear from the start?
22:33She looked down at the mask in her hand.
22:36It was made of a silver material
22:38and covered only the upper half of her face.
22:41It was made to cling to the skin
22:43so that it wouldn't fall off too easily.
22:46She hung up and put her phone away.
22:48She followed a staff member down the stairs.
22:51Which school are you from?
22:53He asked roughly.
22:55The Quinn School of Martial Arts.
22:57Nora answered casually,
22:59The Quinn School of Martial Arts.
23:02They're amazing.
23:04It's been so many years,
23:06yet they're still going strong.
23:09You have a promising future there.
23:11He began to explain the things happening around them to her.
23:15The number of people participating in the martial arts tournament this year
23:19is less than half of what it was before.
23:22Most of them have changed jobs
23:24to make more money after getting married.
23:27It's been harder to recruit people these days,
23:29he said with a sigh.
23:31Although she didn't say anything in response,
23:34the man continued on.
23:36By the way,
23:37do you know who the champion was 10 years ago?
23:41He didn't wait for Nora to answer.
23:43It was the senior student of the Irvin School of Martial Arts.
23:47He was just a teenager at the time,
23:49quite a thin boy.
23:50But even now,
23:52I remember the way he looked,
23:54standing on the platform,
23:55looming over everyone,
23:57and asking if they were all ready to admit defeat.
24:00That was a really exciting thing to see.
24:04Nora cast her eyes down and said,
24:06Frigidly.
24:08He only won because the senior student of the Quinn School of Martial Arts
24:12hadn't participated in the tournament.
24:14The man chuckled,
24:16Yeah,
24:17the Quinn School senior student is the most mysterious person.
24:20I've heard that even within the school,
24:23there are students who have never seen her.
24:26Have you seen her before?
24:28No, replied Nora after a pause.
24:31It wasn't a total lie,
24:33after all,
24:34unless she looked in the mirror,
24:36she couldn't actually see herself.
24:38The man shook his head.
24:40What a pity.
24:41I heard that all the students at the Quinn School
24:43are completely enamored with this senior student.
24:46He suddenly leaned toward Nora,
24:49lowered his voice and said,
24:51If you give me ten dollars,
24:53I'll take you to meet the senior student.
24:55What do you say?
24:57Nora gave the man a questioning look.
25:00What was his deal?
25:01Nora narrowed her eyes at the man.
25:04He flashed her a huge smile.
25:06You're acquainted with the senior student?
25:09She asked asively.
25:11The man nodded.
25:13Not only am I acquainted with her,
25:15I also know the Irvine School senior student.
25:18Would you like to meet him?
25:20If not for his previous statement,
25:22Nora might have been fooled by him.
25:24Her lips curled into a smile.
25:26First, tell me how you plan to get either of them to meet me.
25:30The man puffed out his chest enthusiastically.
25:33We invited the senior student here,
25:35and the Quinn School of Martial Arts
25:37has already announced that she will be participating in the tournament.
25:41They say that she will be taking back the champion title for them.
25:45He looked around,
25:47lowered his voice and pointed to a room nearby.
25:50She's resting in there.
25:52Give me twenty bucks and I'll let you take a photo with her.
25:56Nora looked at him in disbelief.
25:58And if you want an autograph?
26:01He went on and on.
26:03Nora was about to refuse
26:05when she suddenly heard an excited voice ring out behind her.
26:08I'll do it.
26:10She looked behind her to see a thin, fair-skinned teenager,
26:14wearing all black and walking over in a hurry.
26:17As if he wouldn't be able to meet the senior student if he was too late,
26:22a black mask covered the upper half of his face.
26:25He grabbed the man's arm desperately and cried.
26:28If you take me to meet her,
26:30I'll give you one hundred dollars.
26:32The staff member fell silent.
26:34After a momentary pause, he grinned.
26:37No problem.
26:39We have to agree on something first, though.
26:41You're not allowed to talk about the martial arts tournament when you meet her.
26:45Also, she doesn't like people getting too close to her.
26:49She doesn't like talking very much.
26:52Well, is there anything she does like?
26:55The teen asked, exasperated.
26:57She likes to sleep.
26:59The man explained, making up whatever lie came to mind.
27:03Ironically enough, he was right.
27:06Nora and the teenager stared at the man, waiting for him to go on.
27:11Now that he knew she was a monetary dead end,
27:14he wasn't paying attention to Nora anymore.
27:17Instead, he led the boy forward, telling him his bank details.
27:21Were you able to transfer me the money?
27:24He asked.
27:25Yeah, it was.
27:28No, where is the senior student?
27:31Nora shook her head as she watched them walk away.
27:34Where had this rich, impulsive kid come from?
27:37She refocused her attention, turned the corner,
27:40and walked toward the other side of the room.
27:43She pushed on a heavy door, and as soon as she opened it,
27:47a deafening noise assaulted her ears.
27:50She slipped inside, rubbing her throbbing temples.
27:54The door slowly closed behind her as she gazed around the arena.
27:58It was no exaggeration to say that the place was jam-packed.
28:02In front of her was a sea of people all turned away from her.
28:06It was hard to tell what kind of material the walls were made of,
28:10but the place clearly had excellent sound insulation.
28:14No one would have ever guessed that the basement of this
28:17unremarkable New York office building would be the site
28:20of a martial arts tournament.
28:22The lights were so bright that it looked like daylight.
28:26There were food stalls with men hawking their snacks,
28:29but just like in any other tourist destination,
28:32the prices were much more expensive than usual.
28:35Nora looked around and found that there were eight fighting rings in the arena.
28:39Matches were in progress, and all of them at the moment.
28:43As she was looking around, a staff member suddenly came up to her.
28:47Are you here to watch or compete?
28:50Nora showed him her wristband.
28:52I'm here to compete.
28:54The staff member nodded.
28:56Okay. Follow me backstage.
28:59That's where all the contestants prepare for their matches.
29:02Oh.
29:04Nora said uncertainly.
29:06She followed the staff member, weaving through the crowd.
29:09Soon they arrived backstage.
29:11He entered her contestant number into the computer system.
29:15You have two matches tonight.
29:17The first one is at seven.
29:19Zero.
29:20After the first match, you will have some time to rest
29:23before the second one starts.
29:25You'll need about an hour or so to rest, I assume.
29:29Even through the mask, the staff member could tell that she was a woman,
29:33and a petite one at that.
29:35But although he was being sweet to Nora,
29:37he was completely underestimating her.
29:40I'll need two minutes, I suppose.
29:43He replied, Nora.
29:44She really just needed enough time to wash her hands after the match.
29:48Perhaps two minutes was longer than necessary.
29:51The staff member was completely flabbergasted.
29:54You shouldn't be too confident, ma'am.
29:57You could get hurt.
29:59Who will I be fighting? Nora asked.
30:02Ignoring him, seeing how persistent and cocky she was,
30:06the staff member decided not to question her.
30:09He checked the match schedule.
30:11You'll be fighting someone named Tired Reno for your first match.
30:15He's in the renovation industry now,
30:17but he was also a martial artist in the past.
30:21Oh.
30:22Nora had tried to hide her disappointment.
30:25As it turned out, most of the contestants' aliases were quite transparent.
30:31What about the second match? she asked.
30:33Also a newcomer.
30:35Their name is Milk Lover.
30:38Nora stood there too, shocked by the stupidity of the alias, to laugh at it.
30:43How can I get a match with a senior student of the Irvine School of Martial Arts?
30:48She asked abruptly.
30:50The staff member stood there dumbfounded.
30:53There's no way a newcomer like you could possibly fight the reigning champion right away.
30:58Nora was confused.
31:00What do you mean?
31:02Didn't you look at the tournament rules?
31:05She shook her head.
31:07The staff member frowned.
31:09He was frustrated, but seeing that she was a young woman,
31:12he regained his composure and partially explained it all to her.
31:17All the contestants are split into classes with six classes in total,
31:21ranging from A to F.
31:23People like you who have only just registered belong to Class A.
31:28You can only progress to Class B after you win ten matches.
31:32After winning another ten matches at Class B,
31:35you'll then progress to Class C, and so on.
31:38By the time you reach Class F,
31:40there will probably be fewer than twenty people left.
31:44The reigning champion from ten years ago starts at Class F right away.
31:48Those in the second to tenth places ten years ago will start in class.
31:52Also, no one is allowed to challenge anyone outside of their class.
31:57This meant that Nora would have to fight sixty matches
32:00before she was allowed to fight the other senior student.
32:03What the hell? she wondered.
32:05What a waste of her sleeping time.
32:08Nora was terribly frustrated.
32:11The staff member noticed her silence.
32:14You should eat something first so that you won't be out of energy
32:17when your match starts.
32:19Food is free of charge for all contestants.
32:22All the best to you.
32:24All right.
32:27Nora stared impassively.
32:29She left the backstage area
32:31and walked over to the dining section at the front of the arena.
32:35She took a look at the match schedule hanging on the wall.
32:38A contestant could only fight a maximum of two matches a day.
32:42She would be expected to exercise integrity and virtue while fighting,
32:46which meant that the matches would take longer.
32:49At this rate, it would take at least a month
32:52for her to finally meet the senior student of the Irvine school.
32:56That was too long.
32:58Nora couldn't believe this.
33:00She had a sudden craving for cake
33:02as she was walking over to the nearest dessert stall.
33:05She spotted a familiar-looking tall figure
33:07carrying an adorable little girl.
33:10Although they were both wearing masks,
33:12Nora immediately identified them.
33:15She would recognize her child anywhere,
33:18her brows knitted together.
33:20It was Justin and Cherry as she skipped over to them.
33:23She saw a staff member approach Justin.
33:26Sir, you're the reigning champion, right?
33:29He called out quietly.
33:31Nora stopped in her tracks.
33:33She stared at Justin in utter disbelief.
33:36He seemed to sense her looking at him,
33:38glimpsing her out of the corner of his eye.
33:41He straightened his back, coughed, and said to the man,
33:45I'm sorry, I believe you're mistaken.
33:48The staff member looked back at him, completely confused.
33:52Justin hurried away with Cherry in his arms.
33:55He stopped and pointed at Nora.
33:58Look at that person, he said.
34:00Why does she look just like your mummy?
34:02Cherry blinked.
34:04Her big round eyes and a smile bloomed across her face.
34:08She doesn't look like my mummy.
34:10She is my mummy.
34:12Is your mummy really that small?
34:15Asked Justin.
34:17Cherry tilted her head up.
34:19Yeah, I hug her every day,
34:21so I know just how big she is.
34:23Justin sighed.
34:25It's no wonder you can recognize her, but I can't.
34:29I've never hugged your mummy before.
34:31Cherry looked at Justin strangely,
34:34trying to figure out what he meant.
34:36At last, she sighed theatrically.
34:39Oh, Daddy, you are so silly.
34:43Nora observed the two of them.
34:45Justin wore a casual black outfit with a black mask.
34:49Cherry was wearing a silver-winged mask,
34:52but even with half their faces covered,
34:54they all recognized each other.
34:56They were family, after all.
34:58The three of them quickly came together.
35:01Why did you bring Cherry here?
35:04Why did you bring Cherry here?
35:06Nora asked.
35:08When they had lived abroad,
35:10Nora always made Cherry close her eyes during her fights.
35:14She had been afraid that the violence
35:16would negatively impact her daughter.
35:19Everyone was sparring so fiercely in this tournament.
35:22Was it really appropriate
35:24to let Cherry watch something like this?
35:27Mummy, Cherry said,
35:29I was the one who begged Daddy to bring me here.
35:32I heard him on the phone.
35:34He said that there was a martial arts tournament,
35:36so I wanted to come.
35:38Don't worry.
35:40I know violence isn't good for children to see,
35:42so I promise I won't look.
35:44Nora looked over at Justin.
35:46Justin, and why are you here?
35:48He kept quiet for a moment before replying,
35:51I'm here to watch the matches.
35:54Men have a natural passion for martial arts.
35:57Nora gave him a questioning look.
36:00Why would the busy Mr. Hunt
36:02bring his daughter here to watch some boring matches?
36:05She found the whole thing a little suspect,
36:08narrowing her eyes.
36:10She asked,
36:12why did that guy call you the reigning champion?
36:15Justin answered good-naturedly,
36:17I suppose he mistook me for him.
36:20Perhaps the Irvine School's champion
36:22is as tall and mighty as I am.
36:24Nora's lips twitched a little.
36:26Would this man die
36:28if he stopped being narcissistic for even a moment?
36:31She wondered.
36:33She rolled her eyes and picked up a piece of cake.
36:36Do you think he'll come today?
36:38She asked as casually as possible.
36:41The actual senior student,
36:43Justin Hunt,
36:45kept quiet for a moment before replying,
36:47maybe.
36:49Nora raised her eyebrows.
36:51Does he have a match today?
36:53Which one is it, and at what time?
36:55Justin cleared his throat uncomfortably.
36:58He's the only one in class at the moment,
37:00so he won't be having any matches in the near future.
37:03He'll only compete once.
37:05The people in class will win
37:07ten matches in progress to Class F.
37:09Nora did some mental calculations.
37:12Since she was in Class A,
37:14she would have to compete in twice the number of matches
37:17as those in Class C.
37:19She would have to wait about twenty days
37:22before going up against him.
37:24This was far too slow for Nora.
37:27Nothing was more precious than time.
37:29She frowned.
37:31How can I meet him?
37:33Justin coughed.
37:35He was about to speak when he heard a voice behind him.
37:37Why didn't you just go when the guy asked you to?
37:40Just now.
37:42Nora and Justin looked over in unison
37:45to see the same skinny young man
37:47who she had met when she first entered.
37:49Nora couldn't help but feel the guy
37:51looked a little familiar to her,
37:53but she couldn't pinpoint who he was right away.
37:56The young man stretched out his hand toward her.
37:59Pleased to meet you.
38:01I'm Smithing.
38:03Based on her own alias, Smith Rau.
38:06She easily figured out who the young man was.
38:09It was none other than Quentin,
38:11her young cousin,
38:13who suffered delusions of grandeur.
38:15Seeing his outstretched hand,
38:17Nora coughed as she extended her own.
38:20Hello, I'm Contestant 28, she said,
38:23trying to mask her voice.
38:25Quentin immediately let go
38:27after lightly squeezing her palm.
38:30You know, he said arrogantly,
38:32I just went to meet the Quinn School senior student.
38:36I even took a photo with her
38:38and got her autograph.
38:40Why didn't you take up the staff member's offer?
38:43Nora was shocked.
38:45You met the senior student.
38:47The real deal, Quentin scoffed.
38:50Of course, she's the real deal.
38:53He took out his cell phone
38:54and showed Nora a picture of a large woman.
38:57See?
38:59This is her.
39:01Her face was fleshy
39:02and the muscles on her arms were bulging.
39:05It was obvious at first glance
39:06that her physique was achievable
39:08only through regular bodybuilding.
39:10Quentin seemed very moved.
39:13I've always considered myself
39:15a very observant person,
39:17but it was only when I met her
39:19that I realized why she is the senior student.
39:22It has always been very difficult
39:24for women to build muscles.
39:26In fact, it's much harder for women
39:28to do it than men.
39:30But take a look at her.
39:32It's impossible to achieve that
39:34without a few years of consistent bodybuilding.
39:37She is really just like Mr. Quinn described.
39:40She's obsessed with martial arts
39:42and has been practicing it
39:43since she was in the womb.
39:45Are you sure it was really her?
39:47Nora asked.
39:48She was trying not to laugh.
39:51The corners of her lips spasm.
39:53Quentin looked at her doubtfully.
39:56Is there any reason why I should doubt it?
39:58Do you know something I don't know?
40:01I'm not sure you actually met her.
40:03I don't know why she would want
40:05her photo taken for money.
40:07Quentin hesitated,
40:08doubt showing on his face more and more.
40:11She wanted to say something more,
40:13but Quentin had already started talking again.
40:16Well, whether she was real or not,
40:19from here on out,
40:20I will never slack.
40:22I will work until I'm
40:23the third strongest fighter in New York.
40:25Nora was constantly amazed
40:27at Quentin's ability to stroke his own ego.
40:29Only a few people from the
40:32Quinn School of Martial Arts know her.
40:34He went on again.
40:36Oh, and by the way,
40:38I also met the senior student
40:40from the Irwin School.
40:42Nora perked up.
40:43Where is he?
40:45Is it really him?
40:47Quentin nodded.
40:48I had never seen him before,
40:50but I saw the champion ten years ago.
40:53How could I possibly not know him?
40:55He's sitting right there in the room next to us,
40:58wearing the same clothes and mask.
41:00He wore ten years ago.
41:02His physique is exactly the same.
41:04He suddenly pointed at Justin.
41:07In fact, his physique is very similar to his.
41:10Justin and Nora were both speechless.
41:13After a moment,
41:14Nora returned and started to walk away.
41:17Justin, still holding Cherry,
41:19scurried after her.
41:21Where are you going?
41:22Nora flexed her wrists and sneered.
41:25I'm going to look for him
41:27and challenge him to a sparring session.
41:29The senior student that the staff member
41:32had gone on about earlier was obviously fake,
41:36but maybe the other one was the real deal.
41:39After all, didn't he love being in the spotlight?
41:43Justin instantly felt the muscles in his back tighten.
41:47As soon as they left the arena,
41:49they spotted a group of people
41:51escorting a muscular woman through the crowd.
41:53Step aside. Step aside.
41:56The senior student of the Queen's School of Martial Arts is here.
42:00Nora stood stock still.
42:03She had no clue what was going on.
42:05She scoffed at the sight of the imposter.
42:08Thank you so much for watching.
42:11Don't forget, subscribe to my channel,
42:14comment, and like.