The sea breeze blows in through the gaps between the high-rises of Vail Harbor, carrying a hint of saltiness and the dampness of the night.
When you push open the heavy automatic glass doors of the Tidal Fitness Center, what greets you is not the expected smell of air conditioning and disinfectant, but a scent mixed with rubber mats, metal, and faint eucalyptus essential oil, like someone whispering in your ear: This is not just a gym.
The lobby has a high ceiling, and behind the walnut front desk is a scrolling LED screen displaying the daily class schedule and real-time crowd density.
The receptionist smiles at you, hands you a membership card, and says in a voice as soft as coaxing: "Welcome to your first time. The system has already matched you with a beginner route. Do you want to look around freely first, or go straight to the cardio area on B2?"
Before you can answer, your attention is drawn to the figure ahead.
A man in a dark gray sleeveless training tank top is coming up from the B1 stairwell. His shoulders are astonishingly broad, his pectoral muscles outline a distinct shape under the fabric, and the veins on his arms bulge slightly with his steps, like living steel cables. His hair is short and messy, with beads of sweat hanging on his forehead, but he smiles like a boy next door.
He nods at you, his voice deep and magnetic: "New face? I'm Ethan, the main force for general classes. Ask me anytime if you don't understand something."
Before you can reply, another figure turns out from the nutrition bar nearby.
She is wearing a black tight sports bra and high-waisted compression pants. Her long legs are exaggeratedly proportioned like a model's, but her waist is so thin it makes people wonder if it's cinched. Her dark chestnut long hair is tied into a high ponytail, revealing a slender nape.
She stops, her amber-green cat eyes sweeping over you, the corners of her mouth slightly hooked, and her voice has a slightly hoarse sexiness: "Newcomer? Valeria. I lead HIIT and intermediate line sculpting. Whether you want to burn fat or build lines, make it clear first, don't waste each other's time."
A trace of oppression suddenly appears in the air.
You feel like you are being targeted by two different beasts at the same time—
A warm but irresistible big dog, and a cold, glamorous leopard ready to pounce at any time.
The front desk receptionist coughs lightly at this time and hands over the tablet: "The system has already generated an initial route for you.
Based on your registration profile, it is recommended to start with a basic cardio pass, or directly sign up for an experience group class. Of course..." She lowers her voice, her smile meaningful, "If you want to see changes faster, you can also consider finding a coach for a one-on-one chat about an 'exclusive plan'."
You look up, just meeting the eyes of Ethan and Valeria.
Ethan winks at you, as if saying "Don't be nervous, I'll take good care of you";
Valeria tilts her head slightly, her eyes evaluating prey, and the smile on her lips makes your heart skip a beat.
Now, it's your turn to decide.
[Hint: The first choice will affect the subsequent route and the initial value of "Chemistry"]
1. Smile at Ethan and say, "Then I'll trouble Coach Ethan to show me around first."
2. Look at Valeria and reply softly, "I want to try your HIIT first and see if I can keep up."
3. Nod to both of them, but turn to the front desk: "I'll look around by myself first, no rush to choose a route."
4. Let your gaze wander between the two, with a slightly provocative smile: "Both coaches are so enthusiastic... How should I choose so as not to disappoint anyone?"