0046 – Demonstration
Many seasoned fitness enthusiasts would struggle to reach this level. While it wasn't the pinnacle—his coach could press around 170kg, which was near the top—Zoe's performance was remarkable, especially considering her seemingly slender build. And this was her first time working out.
For someone new to the gym, lifting 120kg in several sets was beyond extraordinary. Most newcomers could only manage between 20-40kg on their first attempt. Zoe's feat was almost unbelievable.
It was as if she was a natural-born muscle prodigy, a perfect candidate for bodybuilding. With her upper body and core strength, a bit of training could make her an ideal weightlifting athlete.
The coach, who also served as the head coach of a nearby weightlifting training facility, began to see Zoe in a new light, his gaze turning fervent.
"Excuse me, this might sound a bit rude, but are you really a beginner?" he asked, rubbing his hands together, clearly embarrassed by his own question. "Could we get to know each other better? I'm the owner of this gym and the head coach of the weightlifting training facility next door."
Zoe sensed the coach's nervous and eager emotions, glanced at the weights on the bench press, and immediately understood the situation. Earlier, she had used the available weights without paying attention to their combined heaviness—it was all the same to her, unlike the immense drums she usually lifted.
Seeing the coach's hopeful look, Zoe nodded and said, "My name is Jenny, and today is indeed my first time working out at a gym." She appreciated the coach's concern, whether it was for her well-being or the safety of the gym, and didn't want to be rude.
"Ms. Jenny, with your initial bench press performance, you’re a natural for weightlifting. Would you be interested in joining our gym? With a few days of training, you could fully utilize your talent. I also have connections with the provincial weightlifting team. It could mean fame and fortune for you."
The coach's eyes sparkled with excitement, thrilled at the prospect of discovering a weightlifting prodigy.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested," Zoe replied, shaking her head.
Despite the refusal, the coach continued to follow and persuade her earnestly, making it difficult for Zoe to ignore him. After a moment of thought, Zoe decided to follow the coach to the adjacent weightlifting training facility.
She wasn't there to join them, though.
Looking at the coach who thought he had succeeded in recruiting her, Zoe said seriously, "You mentioned training me to become a top weightlifting athlete. How far can you throw?"
Her tone carried a mix of curiosity and challenge, making the coach understand the implicit question: Do you have what it takes to teach me?
In response, the coach chose to demonstrate. He picked up a weight and, with a professional motion, threw it 19.1 meters—a distance that matched the standard of professional weightlifting athletes and one of her best throws.
Confident in his performance, the coach walked back with a satisfied grin. But then, Zoe picked up the same thing and casually threw it.
With her immense strength and precise control, the weightlifting landed exactly 19.2 meters away, just slightly farther than the coach's throw. She hadn't accidentally broken any records but had subtly surpassed the coach.
The coach's smile froze, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.
Seeing this, Zoe turned and left quietly, not leaving a trace behind.