The next day when I wake up, I can clearly feel my knees have gotten a lot better. Yesterday was practically unbearable for me. Today, I can finally walk upright.
I've arranged to meet the client at a restaurant. Nina comes along with me.
"If you think this person seems hard to deal with, just don't take the job. Don't worry about it. We've got so many college classes anyway. Just focus on studying and earning scholarships."
I nod and say, "I get what you're saying, but since they're already here anyway, it's not much extra effort for me. Besides, don't you already know how well I'm doing in my studies?"
After that, I send the client a message. "I'm here, second floor of the restaurant, over by the spicy hot pot section, third row on the right. Come find me after you come in."
The reply comes back. "Got it. I'll be right there."
I glance toward the entrance, and sure enough, a chubby girl walks over. I wave to her right away, and she comes over.
The moment she sees me, the girl's face instantly turns red. Amy doesn't even dare to look me in the eye. She barely ever talks to boys. Seeing me, she thinks to herself, oh my god, it's actually him, the transfer student everyone's been talking about lately. He's really so handsome. But now this incredibly handsome guy is sitting right across from her, and there's no trace of disdain in his eyes toward her, which only makes her even more nervous.
While Amy is looking at me, I'm observing her too. When Amy notices my gaze on her, a wave of irritation and embarrassment suddenly rises in her chest, an indescribable discomfort. She holds back her tears, keeps her head down, and thinks to herself, my parents are just tricking me. They said this would be a professional weight loss coach with a great reputation, and someone my own age, so even if the weight loss doesn't work out, at least I'd make a friend. But this is a guy, and so handsome too. How does this count as a professional weight loss coach? My parents clearly just sent someone here to humiliate me.
She's already regretting this. Meanwhile, I have no idea what's going through her head, so I just proceed as planned, starting with an introduction.
"Hi there, I'm Ethan. I've been asked by your parents to help you with your weight loss journey. May I ask your name?"
Amy replies, still a bit dazed, "Hi, Ethan. I'm Amy."
I nod and continue. "Amy, have you tried losing weight before?"
Amy's mind is completely blank at this point. She just follows my lead and answers. "I've tried dieting, exercising, taking supplements, all of it."
"Sorry to interrupt. I have a question. Did you manage to stick with the exercise?" Nina chimes in with the question.
Only then does Amy notice her, and seeing the girl's pretty face, a pang goes through her chest. She answers, "No, I didn't."
Nina nods without saying anything.
I say, "Seriously, losing weight through dieting alone absolutely doesn't work. Exercise has to be the main focus. The most I can do is exercise alongside you and keep an eye on your diet. If we sign an agreement, you'll need to follow my plan for exercise and weight loss training. Can you handle that?"
Amy says with a hint of resentment, "If I could stick with things, I wouldn't be in this situation to begin with. The whole reason I'm reaching out to you is because I lack self-discipline. I already know all this myself."
I curl my lips and say, "My job is exactly that, to push you and encourage you. The weight loss process is naturally painful. If you're willing, I'll go work out with you on the sports field. Losing weight alone is a lonely and difficult process. It'll be a lot easier with us by your side."
Hearing this, Amy thinks excitedly, someone would actually run with me and play badminton with me too? That would be amazing. I've never had any friends at this school. Now, finally, someone would spend time with me. I finally feel like I'm being accepted.
Seeing her deep in thought, I shift my tone. "Of course, if you're not really willing, we won't force it. I'm just —"
Before I even finish speaking, she immediately says, "I'll do it. I agree."
I look at her with an admiring gaze and say, "Good. You're a warrior."
Once the two of us reach an agreement, we go ahead and arrange to eat meals together going forward. I also schedule some workout sessions for whenever Amy doesn't have class. She happily agrees to it all. The three of us eat a meal together, then head back to class.
That evening, Amy returns to her dorm, washes up, and lies down on her bed. She sees a message her mom sent her.
"Sweetie, did you meet the weight loss coach today?"
"Mom, why didn't you tell me the coach was a guy?"
Her mom replies, "Does it really matter if it's a boy or a girl? Sweetie, don't be shy. Someone recommended him to me. This young man is apparently really good at this weight loss stuff. Let's just give it a try. There's nothing to lose. Just think about it. If you really do lose the weight, you'd have an easier time finding a handsome boyfriend down the road. Wouldn't that be great?"
Reading this, Amy feels a bit embarrassed and a bit annoyed too.
Suddenly, her phone lights up. "Amy, is there any sport you enjoy?"
Amy's heart skips a beat in surprise. Hardly anyone ever messages her at night. "No, I really don't like exercising at all. I just like lying around."
Seeing her reply, I think it over and say, "Badminton, volleyball, table tennis. Let's try them one by one. We'll find the least hated option among the ones you don't like."
Amy has a bit of social anxiety and doesn't know what to say. She's just about to pretend she didn't see it when another message from me comes in. "Let's have breakfast together tomorrow morning. I'll wait for you at the cafeteria."