lookism: Experiment

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After the Anson ended, Michael was seen in the park, doing light training with Crystal under the soft glow of the rising sun. The air was crisp, and the rhythmic sound of their movements added life to the stillness of the morning. Crystal, dressed in her usual athletic attire, tied her hair back in a loose ponytail as she finished her stretches. 

Michael, leaning casually against a tree after a set of push-ups, broke the silence, his voice light yet thoughtful. "So, what's your plan for today?" 

Crystal sighed, her gaze shifting to the horizon. "The same thing. Meetings with other companies, more discussions about merging strategies. It's exhausting, you know." 

Michael's lips curled into a teasing smile. "If you hate it so much, why don't you run away with me?" 

Crystal chuckled softly, her laugh like the chiming of a bell. "I can't leave my father alone. He's important to me, Michael. If you want to be with me, you'll need his approval. Otherwise..." She hesitated for a moment, her voice steady but firm. "You'll have to forget me." 

Michael straightened up, the weight of her words settling over him. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he said, "Oh, then I'm coming to meet him today. Be ready." 

Crystal turned to him, her expression a mix of shock and amusement. "Really? You're serious?" 

"Yeah." His tone was resolute. "I don't want to lose you, Crystal. Even if your dad is Charles Choi, I'll keep trying until he approves of me." 

A soft smile graced Crystal's lips. She looked towards the golden hues of the sunrise, her voice gentle yet filled with hope. "This day might turn out to be the best day of my life." 

Michael moved closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "It *will* be the best day," he said confidently. 

After their training, they parted ways, each with their own thoughts lingering. 

---

Back at the hostel, Michael prepared himself for what was to come. After a quick shower, he donned a sleek black suit, matching shades, and styled his hair neatly back. His freshly-shaven face revealed his youthful determination, though the faint shadow of a beard hinted at his rugged side. As he adjusted his cuffs, he caught his reflection in the mirror, nodding at himself. 

The noise of his housemates broke his concentration. Warren, curious, leaned into the room. "Whoa, Michael, where are you headed looking like a mafia boss?" 

Michael smirked. "Somewhere important. If I succeed, there'll be a massive party for everyone in the runaway families of Gangdong." 

The room erupted with whistles and cheers. Sally quipped, "Well, if you're throwing a party that big, it *must* be important." 

"Best of luck!" they all said in unison, giving him thumbs up. Michael returned the gesture, smiling warmly before heading out. 

---

Michael arrived at the HNH building, its towering structure gleaming in the sunlight. Parking his bike, he stepped inside with purpose. The marble floors reflected the opulence of the space, and the quiet hum of professionalism filled the air. 

Near the lobby, he spotted Goo sprawled on a seat, snoring loudly. Ignoring him, Michael approached the receptionist, a young woman with a poised demeanor. 

"I'd like to meet Charles Choi," he said, his voice calm but firm. 

The receptionist raised a brow. "Do you have an appointment? If so, may I have your name?" 

"Michael," he replied simply. 

Before she could check her system, Gun appeared, his imposing figure cutting through the space like a blade. "So, you're the one," Gun said, his lips curling into an amused smirk. "Crystal Choi, huh? She's quite the woman. Tell me, how'd *you* catch her eye while others failed?" 

Michael shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Well, I'm not like others. I guess I'm special." His grin widened as he added playfully, "Just ask her." 

Gun chuckled, his laugh deep and knowing. "You're something, all right." 

After some small talk, Gun escorted him to Charles Choi's office, the walk down the corridor heavy with tension. Reaching the door, Gun didn't bother with pleasantries. Instead, he opened it and unceremoniously pushed Michael inside, locking the door behind him. 

Michael blinked, momentarily disoriented. *Why lock the door?* he wondered but quickly shook off his nerves. 

Charles Choi sat in a grand leather chair, his back to Michael as he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city. Slowly, he turned, his presence commanding. 

"I never thought I'd see the day someone like you fell in love with my daughter," Charles began, his voice even but sharp. "Though I can't blame you—she's more beautiful than any other." 

Michael's thoughts betrayed him. *Family genes, I guess.* 

Charles leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Tell me, why should I allow you to be with her? You may be strong, but strength alone won't keep her safe. The dangers that follow you are far too great." 

Michael met his gaze, his voice unwavering. "I spent my entire childhood training in hell, honing my abilities. No matter the circumstances, I'd protect Crystal with my life. Her safety and happiness come before anything else." 

Charles studied him intently, his expression unreadable. Then, with a chuckle, he said, "Bold words from one of Father Gabriel's apostles. Do you truly believe you can forsake everything for a girl?" 

Michael nodded. "Father Gabriel taught me not just how to fight but also the value of protecting loved ones. I owe him everything, and I carry his lessons with pride. I stand here not just as a fighter but as someone who deeply loves your daughter." 

A moment of silence passed before Charles spoke again, his tone softened slightly. "Your strength is undeniable—you defeated Goo, after all. While I don't know your full capabilities, I trust you can protect Crystal." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "But let me make this clear: Crystal is the only person I truly love in this world. If you ever hurt her, I will resurrect Gapryong's Fist, and you won't live to see another day." 

Michael bowed deeply, his voice steady. "If I ever harm her, I'll end my life myself." 

Satisfied, Charles gave a slight nod. "I approve of your relationship. Don't make me regret it." 

---

As Michael exited the office, he expected to see Gun waiting, but to his surprise, it was Crystal. Gun lay groaning on the ground, clearly having been shoved aside. 

"What happened?" she asked eagerly, her eyes searching his face. 

Michael kept his head low, feigning sadness. "I... I'm sorry, Crystal." 

Her expression fell instantly, worry overtaking her features. "What did he say?" 

Michael suddenly broke into a wide grin. "He approved it!" 

Crystal's initial confusion quickly turned to anger. Without warning, she punched him square in the chest, sending him flying backward near Gun. 

"You idiot!" she shouted. "Why did you make that face and scare me?" 

Michael coughed, wincing. "It was just a little joke." 

"Don't contact me for three days!" she snapped, turning on her heel and walking away. 

Michael paled. "Crystal, I'm sorry! Please, don't be mad!" 

Gun, watching the scene, smirked. "Not even married yet, and you're already in trouble." 

Michael glared at him. "Like you'd know anything about relationships!" 

Gun's eye twitched, and he clenched his fist. "Say that again, kid." 

Sensing danger, Michael disappeared in an instant, leaving an angry Gun behind. 

---

Charles, watching from his office window, allowed himself a rare smile. "Who would have thought—Father Gabriel is now family. Life truly is full of surprises." 

--- 

Michael returned to the hostel with a triumphant smile, his hands loaded with an assortment of food bags. Swinging the door open with flair, he bellowed, "It's party time, guys!"

The sound of his announcement brought everyone rushing to the door. Warren, always the curious one, was the first to speak. "Alright, Michael, spill it. What's the occasion?"

Michael's face flushed slightly, but he couldn't hide his excitement. "First, I have a girlfriend," he declared.

The room fell silent, stunned by the unexpected news. But before anyone could react, Michael continued. "Second, I'm going to propose to her for marriage."

The silence turned into gasps of disbelief. "What?! You're just 18!" Warren exclaimed.

Reading the expressions on their faces, Michael quickly clarified, "I mean, we'll get engaged now and marry in three years. Don't freak out!"

The explanation seemed to work. The room erupted with cheers and applause. Whistles filled the air as Michael grinned ear to ear. "Alright, let's make tonight unforgettable," he declared.

And unforgettable it was. The hostel came alive that night with music, laughter, and food. Michael ensured that every member of the Runaway Fam in Gangdong was well-fed for a month. The atmosphere was electric, and the celebration continued until the early hours of the morning.

The next day—or rather afternoon—Michael woke up nursing a pounding headache. Groaning, he rubbed his temples and glanced at the clock. "1 PM?!" he muttered, realizing he had slept through most of the day.

Reaching for his phone, he was greeted by 30 missed calls—all from Crystal. Panic set in. "I'm dead," he thought, hastily calling her back. But the line rang and rang, with no answer.

Michael sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "She's furious," he muttered. He dragged himself out of bed and headed for a long, sobering shower.

Refreshed but still concerned, Michael noticed the eerie quiet of the hostel. "Where is everyone?" he wondered aloud. Little Eli and Big Eli were likely at school, and the others had their routines. But the absence of Sally and Warren struck him as odd.

His musings were interrupted by a sudden call. It was Daniel.

Before Michael could greet him, Daniel's voice came through, frantic. "We need help! Get to XXXX location now!"

The call ended abruptly, leaving Michael scowling at his phone. "They're going to be the death of me," he muttered, grabbing his keys and heading out.

Michael arrived at the location, a grand casino that oozed luxury. Eyeing the entrance, he smirked. "I should come here sometime for fun," he mused, stepping inside.

Navigating the opulent interior, Michael followed the noise to the underground fight arena. Spotting a lone VIP wandering the hall, Michael swiftly swiped his mask and slipped it on. "Perfect," he thought, blending into the crowd.

Descending into the underground arena, Michael scanned the room and immediately spotted his friends—Daniel, Zack, Vin Jin, Warren, and Sally—all engaged in a brutal brawl.

"So that's where they've been," Michael muttered, his expression darkening. As he moved closer, a voice boomed through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the God of Combat—Sinu Han!"

Michael's eyes narrowed as the crowd erupted in cheers. "So this is the danger Daniel mentioned," he thought, his interest piqued.

From his seat, Michael watched as Sinu entered the cage, exuding an aura of dominance. The fight was brutal, with his friends being tossed around like rag dolls. Michael's patience snapped.

Leaping from the stands, he landed inside the cage, drawing gasps from the spectators.

"Who's this lunatic?" someone muttered.

Ignoring the crowd, Michael strode toward his battered friends.

Sinu turned to him, frowning. "Sir, please return to your seat. This is not a place for spectators."

Michael smirked. "Sorry, but I can't sit back while my friends get beaten to a pulp."

Before Sinu could respond, Michael vanished, reappearing beside him with a swift kick aimed at his head. Sinu blocked the attack effortlessly.

"You're skilled," Sinu admitted, his tone calm. "But you don't belong here."

He launched a counterattack, his fist aiming for Michael's face. But Michael deflected the punch, creating distance between them.

"You're as strong as they say, God of Combat," Michael said, smirking. "But they call me the Red Demon for a reason."

Sinu's expression hardened as the two clashed. Invisible strikes filled the air as Sinu unleashed his full power. Michael was thrown back but stood up, dusting himself off.

"Not bad," Michael said. "But let me show you how it's done."

In a blur of movement, Michael closed the gap, landing a devastating blow that sent Sinu flying. The spectators watched in stunned silence.

Sweating and shaken, Sinu raised his hands. "Perhaps we can resolve this peacefully," he suggested.

Before Michael could respond, a figure in a kitsune mask entered the cage. "Sinu Han," the newcomer said, his voice sharp.

Sinu turned, his face pale. Clutching his head, he fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

Michael smirked. "Looks like this fight's over."

Approaching his friends, Michael helped them to their feet.

Warren squinted at him. "Who are you?"

Michael pulled off his mask, grinning. "It's me, Michael."

The group sighed in relief, though Daniel simply smirked—he'd known all along.

Michael glanced at them. "Go home. I've got some exploring to do." Without waiting for a reply, he disappeared into the crowd, with a mask on his face, ready for his next adventure.

Michael, while walking, sees a blonde-haired guy with a mask. He waved his hand, and the person in return also waved towards Michael.

 Then Michael walked forward to see a big deal crowded in front of the room. Michael predicting a good show is going to happen snuck in. Michael then took popcorn and 3D glasses, and he started enjoying the show. He speaks, "This is the most entertaining; now I know why people like seeing fighting others." But after a few minutes, the fight was turned into storytelling, an emotional story. Michael, seeing their grief, stop eating popcorn for while, offering some to the angry girl too, but she didn't even look towards him. Michael, seeing this, shrugged and kept on munching. 

Then the popcorn was over, and the show was too. But then the workers president with his lackeys made his way toward the big deal and blocked their way. Michael smirked. 

He walked toward them, and then standing there in between, he said, "I took a liking to Big Deal, so I will do you one favour: I will fight with you." Then a big, tall man with a small mask on his face appeared. The worker president immediately addressed him and said, What are you doing here, Tom Lee?" The person in turn surprised that he was discovered without an effort. The president looked at Michael and said, "Who might you be?" 

Michael taking his mask. Now stood there in front of Eugene. Eugene, now with an angry expression, said, "Michael, then the consequences will be too much for you if you don't back down now; the hostel will suffer due to your boldness." Michael, now with red eyes, said, "Bring it on myself; don't include hostel in this." Eugene smirked under Michael's gaze and said, "You alone will not suffer; all of your relatives will suffer." Hearing this, Michael laughed out loud.

 After 5 min of laughing, he stopped and said,You don't know my family, Eugene. If they enter this battle, this will only be a one-sided massacre." Eugene has a confused look on his face now; he laughed at his threat to his family. What kind of family does Michael come from? Eugene, quickly covering up his emotion and setting up his glasses, said, "Don't interfere today between workers and big deal, you too, Tom Lee." Then Tom Lee moved forward towards Eugene, but Mandeok and Yuseong attacked Tom Lee. The fight was short, and before Tom Lee could dominate the worker, Eugene let the big deal go. 

Michael, while walking away, met Sinu in a way. Michael said," "Hello, Sinu Han, I am Michael." Sinu, with a smile to Michael, said,Hel lo, Michael, I am Sinu Han, as you already know. I am grateful to you for protecting the big deal today. Tell me if you need anything." Michael replied, "You could give me a treat; I kind of spent all my money yesterday." Sinu then said, "Sure, any time." Then they all exited the casino. Michael's friends were already waiting outside.

________

Peace