Accidental Hero: The Rookie Who Outshines the Force - Chapter 30

On the sparring platform.

Lu Cheng lashed out with a whip kick. His [Combat Mastery] skill had integrated Muay Thai, and the force behind his kick needed no explanation.

Against true experts, a fight wasn’t just about one move—it was like a chess game, each step calculated three moves ahead.

So even though his whip kick was blocked, Lu Cheng already had his next grappling technique lined up.

Su Qingwu twisted her waist, feinting with a left jab, while her right hand sharply cut down to counter his attempted chokehold.

Just as her fingers slid against the pressure point on his wrist, Lu Cheng’s right knee drove toward her ribs—only to twist three inches off target at the last second, slamming into the air with a dull thud.

His eyes flickered. Damn, that was close—he’d nearly kneed her in the chest!

And that’s when he realized his natural disadvantage in this match.

This wasn’t a real fight. And his opponent was a woman. The problem was, she had… plenty of presence up front, and no sports bra could completely hide it. That entire area was off-limits for him.

Unfair! Absolutely unfair!

Before he could recover, Su Qingwu didn’t hesitate. Taking advantage of his shifted balance, she slid in close. Her left hand hooked the back of his knee, and her right palm chopped down toward his collarbone.

Lu Cheng jerked his head back to avoid it—only for the sharp point of her bent elbow to press against his nape, pinning him midair like a snake caught on a nail.

“Hah!!”

With a burst of core strength, Lu Cheng curled upward, driving a Muay Thai elbow strike past her ear. The blow sliced through strands of her hair.

Su Qingwu instantly shifted her tactics. A signature Sanda side kick lashed out like a drawn silver blade.

Lu Cheng’s crossed arms hadn’t even steadied from his block before she twisted with the recoil, spinning into a flying back kick.

It was dazzlingly graceful—and brutally strong.

His back slammed into the steel ropes of the ring.

Twannng!

The metallic vibration echoed through the gym.

The onlookers were stunned.

What a fight! They practically wanted popcorn and soda to enjoy the show.

Even through the chest guard, Lu Cheng could feel the pain.

“Hiss—!”

Sweat beaded on his forehead. He had to admit it—Su Qingwu was strong. No wonder she was the city’s reigning Sanda champion.

Right now, he was at a disadvantage.

Her crystal-clear eyes gleamed as she looked at him. This rookie wasn’t weak at all. In fact, her fighting spirit only burned hotter.

What followed was a flurry of strikes and counters, both giving their all.

Fifteen minutes later, the spar finally ended.

By points, Su Qingwu had won.

Lu Cheng had taken more hits, though thanks to the protective gear, he wasn’t injured—just a few bruises on his arms and legs. Nothing serious for a fighter.

Of course, Su Qingwu hadn’t escaped unscathed. He’d tagged her thigh with a kick and landed a hook that caught her forearm.

His strength surprised her—his punches were heavier than she expected.

Now the goddess cop had a reddish mark on her thigh and a purplish bruise on her fair arm.

For men, such bruises were nothing. But on her flawless, porcelain-like skin, they stood out glaringly.

Lu Cheng winced with regret. Maybe he’d gone a little too hard.

Su Qingwu, however, didn’t mind. She was used to training; with her fast metabolism, the bruises would fade in two or three days.

“You’re stronger than I thought,” Lu Cheng admitted with a grin, flashing his white teeth.

“Next time,” she replied coolly, casting him a sidelong glance. This man was a bit of a goof.

A free sparring partner—quite convenient.

Next “date,” she’d just bring him here to fight again. Far more fun than dinner or a movie.

Silent Amy, who’d been watching, walked over. She studied Lu Cheng with interest. “Not bad. We should spar sometime.”

Su Qingwu tossed a towel at Lu Cheng and shot Amy a cold glance. “He’s my sparring partner.”

Amy watched as Su Qingwu led Lu Cheng away, clicking her tongue. “So protective.”

She really was interested in Lu Cheng—but only for his fighting skills.

This high-end gym had private showers. Regulars like Su Qingwu even had exclusive rooms.

Shhhhh—

The showerhead hissed. Water streamed across tile, echoing in the room.

Lu Cheng rubbed his nose, struggling to calm his mind.

Think about it—a stunning beauty, showering just a few steps away in a private room.

The frosted glass couldn’t keep his imagination at bay.

He forced himself to recite a meditation mantra in his head before finally calming down.

At least he’d gotten a sense of his skill ceiling. With [Combat Mastery Lv.1], he was just slightly below the Sanda champion. When it levelled up again, the tables would turn.

He’d just settled himself when Su Qingwu’s voice called out from inside the bathroom:

“Pass me my clothes—they’re in the bag.”

…What? Clothes?

Why hadn’t she brought them in?

His rational side said absolutely not. She could come out and get them herself.

But reason won out. He obediently unzipped her gym bag.

Inside were her discarded clothes, including her undergarments, silk blouse, and denim shorts.

His hand trembled slightly. Could he really hand over her underwear?

Then he cursed himself for being spineless. She’d asked—what was there to be embarrassed about?

Resolutely, he gathered everything, walked to the door, and knocked.

The door cracked open. Steam poured out along with the scent of body wash. A pale, delicate arm reached through.

Lu Cheng quickly averted his gaze, shoved the bundle into her hand, and stepped back.

Five minutes later, Su Qingwu emerged, fresh and radiant, like a lotus rising from water.

Her hair was still damp, droplets clinging to the tips.

Her cheeks were flushed—whether from the heat, or from the thought of having a man waiting outside while she showered, or from asking him to hand her clothes, who could say.

She’d simply forgotten. Living alone, she was used to just bringing a towel and toiletries, not clothes. Only after bathing did she realize she couldn’t walk out half-dressed.

“Go rinse off too.” She tossed him a fresh towel, already busy blow-drying her hair.

“Oh.” Lu Cheng nodded. After that sweat session, a shower was exactly what he needed.

Of course, he brought his clothes with him before going in.

Three minutes later—done. Men didn’t need long.

When they left the gym, Su Qingwu offered to drive him home.

Lu Cheng didn’t refuse. She had the car; no reason not to hitch a ride.

Her driving was fast and sharp, almost dashing.

He, in contrast, was more of a turtle—always prioritizing safety.

He also noticed her Audi Q3 had been modified. The acceleration was powerful, a true pocket rocket.

In just minutes, they arrived at Lu Cheng’s neighbourhood. She pulled up at the northwest gate.

Lu Cheng opened the door to get out, ready to say goodbye—when he spotted his mother, He Xueting, walking toward them with groceries.

He nearly jumped. Like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.

She shot her son a glare, ready to scold him—but then her gaze slid past him to the passenger seat.

And there she saw Su Qingwu.

Her eyes lit up instantly. Stuffing the vegetables into her son’s arms, she brushed him aside and stepped forward with a beaming smile.

“Oh my, hello! You must be Xiao Su?”

Women had a natural knack for warmth—and with Su Qingwu’s stunning looks, He Xueting was instantly smitten. She liked the girl right away.

All she knew was that Auntie Gu had introduced a young woman named Su Qingwu, a beautiful police officer.

She hadn’t seen any photos—Su Qingwu rarely took them.

But now that she’d seen her in person, she could only marvel.

Her foolish son had really struck gold.

The Lu family’s ancestors must be smiling down from their graves!

“Auntie,” Su Qingwu greeted politely as she stepped out of the car, her clear voice carrying.

She hadn’t expected to meet Lu Cheng’s mother so soon. But since their fake-couple act had already begun, she calmly went along with it.

“So pretty!”

He Xueting circled her, delighted.

“Lu Cheng brings you home for dinner and doesn’t even give me a heads-up!” She turned to glare at her son again.

“Mom, she still has work later. She just gave me a ride, not staying for dinner,” Lu Cheng stammered nervously.

Wasn’t he supposed to meet her parents first? Why was his mom ambushing them like this?

He wasn’t ready!

“Already at the doorstep and she’s not coming in? Nonsense! Nothing is more important than eating. She’s staying for dinner, end of story!”