From a distance, he felt a wave of surprise wash over him. He never anticipated that Nanako Ito would be on the receiving end of blows from the American girl. She appeared so passive, unable to defend herself.


    Her once beautiful face was now marred with bruises and blood from relentless strikes, particrly a disturbing crack at the corner of her right eye.<fn9c74> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn9c74>


    He couldn’t help but step closer to the edge of the ring, carefully observing Nanako Ito. Despite her injuries and passive demeanor, her eyes were sharp, continuously tracking her opponent’s movements without losing focus.


    He was perplexed. If Nanako Ito was so attentive to her opponent, why wasn’t she fighting back? What was she waiting for?


    In that moment, Nanako Ito caught sight of Charlie.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    She felt a jolt of surprise mixed with confusion.


    To her astonishment, she noticed a hint of distress in Charlie’s eyes.


    Deep down, she questioned, “Is that concern in Charlie’s eyes for me? Is he worried about my situation?”


    In the next instant, a wave of self-deprecation washed over her: “Why would he feel sorry for me? To him, I’m just a Japanese girl sitting idly, watching the world go by. My strength must seem as insignificant as that of an ant. Moreover, my fellow countrymen have harmed his friends, and my master has brought him humiliation. Even if I haven’t wronged him, he’s likely to harbor some resentment.”


    “So, it’s clear that, despite any affection he may have for Michelle standing across from him, it’s impossible for him to feel anything for me.”


    “But… the look in his eyes truly stings! Could it be that he really does care for me?”


    “There’s only one way to find out if he feels sorry for me!”


    With that thought in mind, Nanako Ito intentionally allowed a gap in her defense during Michelle’s attack.


    With a resounding boom, Michelle seized the moment and struck Nanako Ito hard on her right cheek, instantly leaving it bruised and bloodied!


    As Nanako Ito braced for the blow, her gaze remained fixed on Charlie.


    She noticed that at the very moment Michellended her punch, Charlie’s expression of distress became even more pronounced!


    Despite the pain coursing through her, a wave of joy inexplicably surged within her!


    “He truly cares about me!”


    This realization brought a smile to her face, transforming her into a happy little woman.


    Michelle, riding high on her recent sess, couldn’t help but frown at this unexpected sight. She wondered, “What’s going on with Nanako Ito? If she isn’t in the right mindset now, how can I exin her demeanor? Is she losing her grip?”


    Just as her thoughts raced, Nanako Ito, filled with joy, suddenly noticed that Michelle’s movements had faltered!


    In that moment, she recognized that the opportunity she had been waiting for had finally arrived!


    And with Charlie watching her with those distressed eyes, she knew she had to seize this moment to defeat Michelle!


    Not only would she shock Charlie, but she would also earn his apuse!