Magnate Tycoon: How Did Simply Enjoying Life Make Me a Male God?

The burly man in the suit laughed heartily, familiarly patted Zhou Shun on the shoulder, then looked at Huang Jun, gave him a once-over, and was full of admiration: "Jun God, seeing you is even better than hearing about you, you're stronger than I was back in the day!"

"Brother Nian, you flatter me. You can just call me Huang Jun. The nickname Jun God is just something the fans made up, I wouldn't dare let you use it."

In front of him, Huang Jun showed great respect, stood next to Zhou Shun, and proactively shook hands with the other person.

"The fact you got that nickname means your efforts have earned everyone's respect. Besides, your abilities are indeed worthy of the title."

Though the burly man looked fierce, he was actually straightforward and hearty. After chatting with Zhou Shun and Huang Jun for a few moments, he entered the gym with a big smile.

As soon as the burly man, surrounded by the crowd, stepped into the gym, the passersby couldn't help but start talking.

"Who is that guy, that even Jun God respects him so much?"

"You don't even know him? That's Great Year. He was the first person from Hua Country to make a name for himself in the international bodybuilding scene. Though he wasn't ranked high in the Olympia, he was the first person to let the West see people from Hua Country on the Olympia stage.

So when he returned to the country, even though he no longer competes due to his age in his sixties, his status in the domestic fitness circle is that of a founding figure. It's not just Jun God; didn't you see even Boss Zhou was respectful towards him?"

"Great Year is quite a legendary figure among the previous generation. It's a pity the domestic fitness environment was so poor back then, otherwise, his Olympia ranking wouldn't have been so low. The fact that he brought his apprentice here himself shows he holds Jun God in high regard."

"I originally thought I'd be satisfied just seeing Jun God here, but I didn't expect to encounter Great Year as well. The trip was worthwhile today!"

Outside the gym, it was bustling with noise, and inside, even more people were already standing around.

Fortunately, the Peak Fitness Comprehensive Hall is spacious enough, divided into three levels, with a total area of 20,000 square meters, able to accommodate so many people without feeling crowded.

"Though the area isn't the biggest in the country, in the center of Celestial Sea City, only you would dare to build such a large gym."

Great Year, whose short cropped hair was already gray, walked between the gym equipment under Zhou Shun's accompaniment like a leader, followed by six or seven of his apprentices.

"Mainly, we want to promote fitness culture. Now that the fitness atmosphere in the domestic market is gradually picking up, we want to make this industry bigger."

Zhou Shun smiled and said, "Moreover, if it weren't for Huang Jun's popularity and President Li's financial support, we wouldn't dare to make such a big gym."

"President Li? You mean Li Jing?"

Great Year's thick eyebrow slightly raised: "The big boss behind this gym?"

"Yes, that's him," Zhou Shun curiously asked, "Brother Nian, do you also know President Li?"

"I've seen his name around on the internet. Li Jing isn't unfamiliar in the fitness circle."

Great Year chuckled lightly, not sure what attitude he held, "They say a big shot has emerged in the Celestial Sea Fitness Circle, with deep background, mastering competitions, or a leading figure..."

Noticing the underlying meaning in his words, Zhou Shun's expression changed slightly, and he immediately explained, "Those are just guesses made by people online. But President Li has indeed helped us in the fitness circle. If it wasn't for his help during the last professional competition, I fear Huang Jun's championship would have..."

"What you just said is not right."

Before the other could finish speaking, Great Year shook his head and waved his hand, "If it weren't for Huang Jun's own strength, no matter how much that President Li helped, he could never have won the championship, right?

So saying he controls the competition is impossible. If professional competitions could be predetermined by these wealthy people, fitness in our country would never develop."

Seeing Zhou Shun's embarrassed expression as he listened, Great Year spoke softly again, "I know you're in a cooperative relationship with him and can't speak ill of him behind his back.

But I still think that for the fitness industry to go far, it must be led by true fitness athletes, even enthusiasts could do..."

Hearing this, Zhou Shun quickly said: "Brother Nian, you may not know, but President Li does engage in fitness, so he has an impact on our industry..."

"Fitness? Are you talking about running on the treadmill for ten or twenty minutes a day and calling that a fitness enthusiast? Someone who can't deadlift 100 kilograms looks no different from a skinny dog to me..."

Saying this, he paused as if realizing he had gone too far, and added, "Of course, I'm not saying that President Li is a skinny dog, but the fact that the internet has made him out to be the big shot and leader in the Celestial Sea Fitness Circle is really an exaggeration...."

Hearing this, Zhou Shun's expression was unpleasant, and he felt helpless inside.

He finally understood why Great Year came back a day early, that perhaps offering support was one reason, but it now seemed he was more interested in meeting Li Jing.

Although Li Jing had no grudges against him, Great Year was well-respected not only in the domestic fitness circle but also due to long-term residence in Tianhai, where people in the Tianhai Fitness Circle implicitly regarded him as their leader.

Now, wonder from where came Li Jing, who wasn't an athlete nor knew other fitness bigwigs, just having some money, yet was elevated by online fans and marketing accounts to the position of a major figure in the Celestial Sea Fitness Circle, naturally arousing Great Year's discontent.

However, discontent aside, Zhou Shun understood Great Year's straightforward, yet reasonable temperament.

Even if he was indeed here to meet Li Jing, it would at most involve investigating and exchanging a few reminders, without any overly drastic actions.

But Zhou Shun knew not only Great Year well, but also Li Jing's temperament, who is also not someone who would tolerate being at a disadvantage.

He feared that Great Year's straightforward manner and Li Jing's pride might clash and lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

This would not only affect his relationships with others but would certainly impact the gym's business operations.

"Hmm? What's with the crowd up there?"

Just as Zhou Shun mulled over various thoughts, Great Year suddenly made a sound of curiosity and looked at the crowd gathering in the front field and asked.

"Oh, that's a little event we're holding for the opening."

Following the other's gaze, Zhou Shun looked over and then explained with a smile: "Since many fitness enthusiasts have come today, we specially prepared a 120-kilogram dumbbell to host a challenge event.

If anyone can lift this 120-kilogram dumbbell with one hand, stand straight, and hold it for three seconds, they can work out in our gym for free for a year."

"Oh? That's a good activity."

After his words fell, Great Year's eyes lit up with interest: "Although your final professional fitness achievements back in the day weren't as good as ours, your business acumen is indeed sharper than ours."

Saying this, he strode over.

The crowd that gathered originally, upon seeing a group of burly men led by Great Year coming over, showed expressions of surprise and made way voluntarily.

At this moment, a man was attempting the challenge onstage.

With bulging veins at his temple and a flushed face, he gripped a dumbbell in one hand, then exerted force with a muffled groan.

The 120-kilogram dumbbell slowly lifted under his strength, and the crowd immediately cheered with excitement upon seeing this.

But before he could fully straighten up, his expression changed as if reaching his strength limit, and the entire dumbbell slipped out of his grasp and fell onto the safety mat below.

"Phew... no good."

Though he'd released his strength, the man's face was still flushed, and he shook his hand, shaking his head: "I can't lift it, it's too slippery."

"Saying it's too slippery is just an excuse. Ultimately, it's a lack of finger grip strength."

Right after his words fell, a deep voice rang out from the crowd: "However, being able to lift it a few centimeters already puts you above most people, you must have been practicing for years?"

Hearing the lecturing tone directed at him, the man instinctively frowned, looked over to counter, but his expression changed.

"Brother Nian?"

Seeing the burly and imposing middle-aged man, his initial dissatisfaction vanished in an instant, replaced with surprise, and he immediately responded respectfully: "I've been training for five years."

"Hmm, I thought you had been practicing, or else the average person can't lift this dumbbell with one hand."

Looking at the dumbbell on the ground, Great Year showed a hint of interest, then turned to smile at his apprentices behind him:

"Do any of you want to give it a try? Boss Zhou said that if you lift it, you can work out for free for a year. This gym is much better than ours."

Hearing this, the group of burly men behind him exchanged glances, each showing confidence and eagerness.

Immediately, a burly bald man stepped forward first, rubbed his wrist, and confidently said:

"Master, I'll try first and show everyone how it's done."