Chương 14: Chapter 14: Are You Planning to Stay Single Forever?
Chapter 14: Are You Planning to Stay Single Forever?
"Has Bundchen gotten up yet?"
It was morning in the second-floor gym. After finishing his workout, Richard leaned against the wall, drenched in sweat. He thought about sending Bundchen a text but hesitated and put his phone away. He looked out the window at the autumn morning light. The sky was clear and cold, tinted with a nostalgic yellow hue. Suddenly, a wave of melancholy washed over him.
Thump, thump, thump—heavy footsteps echoed as someone ascended the stairs, making them creak under the weight.
"Here's your milk," Susan said as she entered the gym, carrying a tray.
Richard turned his attention back, smiling lightly. Susan also doubled as the head chef at BAA.
"Richard, why do you look so down?" she asked.
"Nothing, just a bit tired," Richard replied, sitting up.
"Don't lie to me. People on the street are saying you got dumped. Did that girl Bundchen dump you?" Susan pressed.
"No, I didn't get dumped," Richard insisted, taking the large glass she offered and chugging a big gulp. He immediately spat it out. "Susan, what did you put in this milk? It tastes weird!"
She frowned at him. "You're wasting it! I spent all morning making this mixed milk."
"What's in it?" he asked warily.
"Not much—just milk, ground beef, raw eggs, honey, banana, and spinach. All good stuff. Drink it up, it'll make you strong," she urged.
Richard grimaced but managed to gulp down most of it. Initially, the taste was odd, but by the end, it wasn't too bad, with hints of milk, beef, and banana-honey flavor.
"Susan, you don't need to add so many things to the milk. Sometimes too much nutrition isn't good," Richard advised.
"Got it!" Susan responded, wiping the floor. "Even if you were dumped, don't be sad. If Bundchen left you because you're poor, it's her loss. Richard, you're the prince of the Bronx. No girl wouldn't like you."
Richard smiled faintly. "Thanks, Susan. I'm fine."
"People in movies who say that are usually heartbroken," Susan said, stowing away the cleaning cloth. "You're almost 20, old enough to get married. Want me to introduce you to some girls? I guarantee they're prettier and curvier than Bundchen."
"No need. I can handle that myself. Someone as excellent as me won't have trouble finding a girlfriend," Richard said confidently.
Susan gave him a skeptical look. "I'm a bit worried. Your standards are high, and you're very proud. Ordinary girls don't appeal to you, and you can't easily meet real socialites or princesses. You might end up single forever."
"Me? Single forever?"
"Very possible," Susan said, waving her hand as she descended the stairs.
Richard chuckled, shaking his head, and resumed his training with the sandbag.
—
"Richard, here are the files on Montell Griffin. His records, strengths, and fight videos. Study them and aim to win. These cost me over two thousand dollars. Losing would be a big waste," Anthony said, setting a box of files and videotapes on the office desk.
Richard glanced through the files. Montell was an African American boxer, 34 years old, who started his professional career in 1986. He had fought 50 matches with 41 wins, 8 draws, and 1 loss. His only loss was in March this year against Roy Jones Jr., losing his WBC light heavyweight belt.
In boxing, losing a championship title often diminished a fighter's commercial value. Some retired, while others went underground to continue training, aiming to reclaim their title. Montell seemed to be in the latter group, continuing to fight and earn money.
The files noted Montell's fast, powerful punches and significant damage potential. In a 1995 fight, he used a combination of heavy punches to knock out James Watson, who ended up in a coma for over 40 days, undergoing six brain surgeries to survive but never boxed again.
"Richard, this guy seems tough. Are you sure you want to fight him?" Anthony asked, worried.
"If I can't beat someone who lost to Roy Jones Jr., how can I aim for the championship belt?" Richard replied, flipping through the files.
"You really want to box professionally? I thought we agreed on pursuing acting."
"That's too slow. From minor roles to supporting roles to lead roles, it could take years. But if I make a name in boxing first, then switch to acting, it'll be faster. Plus, professional boxing pays well. With a championship title, the appearance fees are high. Tyson's match against Frank Bruno last year had a purse of over fifty million. Tyson alone took over thirty million. Making that much in under an hour is faster than robbing a bank," Richard said, grinning.
"Tyson is Tyson. You are you. Look at the current heavyweight champions. How many are white? None. That shows that black athletes are better suited for this sport. White guys like you can't compete. You'll get your face smashed in," Anthony said.
"Ha, nonsense. But you're right about one thing—almost all heavyweight champions are black. If a white guy, especially a handsome one like me, becomes champion and wins the four major boxing belts, imagine the impact."
"You'd get killed!"
"..."
"Fine, you'd become a boxing star overnight, earning hundreds of thousands or even millions in appearance fees. You might even get invited to the White House."
"Haha, exactly."
"Don't get cocky. This all hinges on you beating those black giants. Can you?"
"Of course. My punches are as good as anyone's," Richard said confidently.
"Don't be overconfident. Boxing can be deadly. Even if you don't die, getting your face bashed in means no acting, no dating. Do you want to be single forever?"
"..."
Richard glared at him. "Get out. Go do your job and stop nagging."
"What job? If you're not acting, what do I do?"
"Who said I'm not acting? I'm aiming for lead roles."
Richard picked two videotapes from the shelf. "These are my training videos and fashion shows. Copy them and send them to casting companies. They might reach out to us. If it's a lead or major role, pursue it. If it's minor, forget it."
He got the idea from other stars' experiences. Many actors started by sending videotapes to producers and companies, which landed them roles. Richard decided to try it.
Anthony examined the tapes. "I've heard of actors using explicit videos to entice producers. Does yours..."
"Get lost. Do I look like that kind of person?"
"If a female producer wants to seduce you, would you agree?"
"..."
Richard glared at him silently.
"Okay, okay. I get it. You'd agree."
Thump!
Richard landed a straight punch, sending Anthony flying out.
With the door closed, Richard inserted a tape into the player and watched fight videos. There were eighteen in total, including Montell's fight with James Watson, who retired injured, his match against former IBF super middleweight champion James Toney, which Montell won after twelve rounds, and his two bouts against current WBC light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr., with one draw and one loss.
The more Richard watched, the more he realized Montell was a tough opponent.
At noon, it was time for training. Richard brought the tapes to the gym, intending to discuss strategy with the coach.
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