Ni Tiansong's voice rang out first, and the ones to turn around were the people gathered around Gu Zhaoping. The only one who didn't react was Gu Zhaoping herself.
She was wearing earmuffs, completely unable to pick up any outside sounds. Even Mao Xinci was fully focused on the target ahead, not distracted by the commotion.
Ni Tiansong hadn't expected to see Gu Zhaoping in this place so soon after returning to the country. He was also quite startled.
Especially after he glanced at his cousin—wasn't it his cousin who had invited him here to relax?
For a moment, he even wondered if his cousin had already heard something and had specifically invited Miss Gu as a guest.
But after a brief consideration, he felt his secrecy had been quite strong, and he wasn't one to show his emotions too openly in front of unfamiliar people. His cousin shouldn't have had the chance, nor any way, to know about his relationship with Miss Gu.
So he found it even stranger.
Upon hearing Ni Tiansong's footsteps striding over and then his call of "Miss Gu!", the hearts of everyone present nearly stopped!
They stared dumbfoundedly. How had this Young Master Ni really come over? Wasn't it said that Young Master Ni was sending him back?
They looked at Young Master Ni in shock, seeing that the expression on his face was no less astonished than theirs. Only then did a few of them think, wait, so this is Miss Gu? Young Master Ni, do you know her?
Young Master Ni's heart gave a violent thud. His eyes darted frantically between the two people, completely baffled, not knowing what was going on.
He had never heard that his eldest cousin knew Gu Zhaoping, and besides, she had always lived abroad before...
What on earth was happening...
Ni Tiansong watched Gu Zhaoping seriously for a moment. She was in the middle of shooting, so he paused, not wanting to disturb her. He just turned to ask his cousin, "What are you all doing here? Do you know Miss Gu as well?"
His cousin's heart gave a fierce jump. He quickly steeled himself and answered, "Ah, yes... Eldest Cousin, we happened to invite Miss Gu as a guest today, wanted to get to know her. We're just playing a shooting game, and Miss Gu seems interested, haha."
Yang Qi was also a bit dumbfounded. He looked at Ni Tiansong, but his mouth moved faster than his brain: "Mhm, right, we're entertaining Miss Gu..."
During their conversation, Gu Zhaoping fired her fourth shot. The "Bang!" made several people jump.
Yang Qi hurriedly turned to look, seemed confused after checking the target, disbelieving, then turned back to look at the score recorded on the screen, his eyes widening...
Huh?? What was this?
He thought he was going crazy—another 8.2??
His unfinished sentence was drowned out by Gu Zhaoping's gunfire, the half-spoken words catching in his throat, almost making him cough.
Seriously, was this reasonable? Gu Zhaoping, are you on fire today? This is god-like play??
Wasn't that second shot completely off-target? How did you follow up with two shots above eight rings??
Are you messing with me?!
Amidst the stunned silence of Yang Qi and the surrounding young masters, Ni Tiansong withdrew his gaze.
Although somewhat surprised by Gu Zhaoping's results, he had witnessed her chess skills before, so he wasn't overly shocked that she seemed proficient at everything. Instead, he quite approved of his cousin's arrangements.
"Miss Gu does indeed seem to enjoy shooting. Your planned activity is quite good."
Young Master Ni's facial muscles twitched. He, Yang Qi, and the others wore expressions as if they'd eaten something vile.
A good activity?? Was this something they had arranged out of goodwill??
This wasn't right!
Could it be that Gu Zhaoping really grasped the key points just from listening to the coach's brief instructions earlier? Damn, if that's the case, what's the point of us playing? Is that something a normal person can do? They refused to believe it!
Yet Gu Zhaoping's posture remained unmoving. She held the pistol steadily with both hands, calmly aiming and focusing on the bullseye ahead, then fired her fifth shot.
As this gunshot fell, Yang Qi's whole body jumped again!
8.2??
What did this mean?
The corners of Yang Qi's eyes were about to split from staring. He glared at the target and the screen, unable to make sense of it... Wait, he suddenly felt this number sequence looked familiar.
Why was it familiar?
This incremental order... what he had just shot was 7.8, 7.9, 7.9, 8, right?
And what did Gu Zhaoping shoot?
7.9, 0, 8, 8.1...?
Yang Qi's heart gave a violent leap. A terrifying thought suddenly occurred to him, but he immediately dismissed it.
No, how could that be possible? Was Gu Zhaoping planning to beat him by just 0.1 to 0.2 rings per shot? Is that something a human can
do? Does she think she's a special forces soldier?
Even if it was a coincidence, it was a bit too much of a coincidence, so much so that he felt he should be the one buying a lottery ticket.
Ni Tiansong turned his head at that moment, saw the pistol Yang Qi was still holding and hadn't put down yet, and asked him, "Were you competing with Miss Gu just now?"
Yang Qi, who had just raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, was startled by Ni Tiansong's question. He shuddered and quickly put the gun back, handing it to the shooting coach.
"Ah, yes, yes, it was me."
Ni Tiansong asked him casually, "How was your score?"
Yang Qi's face instantly contorted slightly. He was sweating profusely.
If he revealed his scores, it would all feel far too coincidental.
But in the gap of their conversation, Gu Zhaoping didn't pause at all. She went straight ahead and fired the remaining five shots.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The screen quickly listed the rings she scored. Yang Qi's heart lurched. He closed his eyes, clutching a handful of cold sweat, praying desperately that the scores wouldn't be too good, please don't be too good?
Finally daring to turn and look, the muscles at the corner of his eye twitched as if spasming. When his gaze landed on the screen, he instantly froze completely.
Yang Qi's eyelid twitched.
8.1, 8... 9.1!?
His entire face moved violently, still unable to believe what he was seeing!
He still had an impression of the rings he had just shot. If his memory was still intact and hadn't failed him, if he hadn't stepped into the realm of senile dementia just yet—
Then, based on the scores he remembered, Gu Zhaoping's every shot happened to be just 0.1 to 0.2 rings higher than his! No, except for the 2nd shot...
The 2nd shot she missed completely, didn't hit the target at all, so it was 0!
Wait, but even if you exclude that second shot that missed, the other nine shots were all just 0.1 to 0.2 points higher than his. Is this really a possible coincidence? Is this world real? Isn't this just some kind of code or bug???
Yang Qi's pupils trembled in that instant, and he began to doubt the reality of the world he was in!!
It was only then that Gu Zhaoping finally stopped. She put the pistol back and took off her hearing protection earmuffs.
She turned her head, her tone casual and relaxed: "You really are amazing. You won."
The scores of their ten shots were neatly displayed side by side on the large screen, a perfect left-right comparison. Every single one on the right was just a tiny bit higher than the one on the left, except for that missed second shot.
Yang Qi's face turned pale. He looked at the big screen in disbelief for a long moment, then glanced at Gu Zhaoping's hands, his mind churning with thoughts.
No, no, that Gu Zhaoping... the rumors said she was some kind of jujitsu master... and then... right! Also, she... it seems she even broke records in chess?
...How could this be? Could someone really be good at everything? How can she genuinely be so damn good at everything she happens to do??
He felt this shouldn't be a level a normal person could have!
What are you, some world-class top athlete? Are you even normal??
Although, based on the total score, he was indeed slightly higher than Gu Zhaoping, but that was only because her second shot completely missed the target!
Judging by her bizarrely consistent skill level afterward, she was completely capable of hitting above eight points every time, with exceptionally uniform results. So, that one missed shot seemed more like a deliberate humiliation!
What kind of win was this? Is there even such a way to win?
Anyone with eyes could see that Gu Zhaoping's second shot was intentional, a deliberate concession!
Gu Zhaoping, what are you doing?!
This question, threatening to drive him mad, filled Yang Qi's mind. And at that moment, Gu Zhaoping turned her gaze to Young Master Zhou beside Yang Qi and said, "You're supposed to be the best among them, right? Come on, I'd like to experience your skill too."
Young Master Zhou even subconsciously took a step back!
As if he'd been frightened off by Gu Zhaoping!
She's not human!
No, he's not an idiot. Anyone could see Gu Zhaoping's deliberate calculation; this was score manipulation!
She clearly could have beaten Yang Qi, so why did she intentionally leave one shot empty? He couldn't think of any other reasonable explanation besides humiliating Yang Qi!
Could it be that she conceded this round just to continue provoking him?
Seeing he didn't respond, Gu Zhaoping raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "I heard you're better than all of them. I couldn't even beat this Yang Qi here. You wouldn't back down from a challenge, would you? You should be able to beat me too."
"Or is it that you're actually not as good as Yang Qi, so you're afraid to face me?"
Yang Qi's expression changed immediately!
He understood now. Oh! So that's it, Gu Zhaoping! This is your plan! You want to drive a wedge between us, right?
The key was that there was no way to counter this trick, since they had already boasted so much, and Yang Qi did technically win the first round!
If Young Master Zhou didn't manage to beat Gu Zhaoping next, not only would he lose face personally, but if either of them had a slightly narrow mind, some resentment and awkwardness would inevitably arise between them.
"I..." Young Master Zhou was at a complete loss for words. He looked at Gu Zhaoping as if seeing a monster. Even he couldn't guarantee that every shot would be just a tiny bit higher than Yang Qi's score!
Yet Gu Zhaoping controlled it so precisely. He simply didn't believe Gu Zhaoping was a complete novice. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that Gu Zhaoping was faking it!
Calculating, so calculating!
Her earlier act of being a newbie, even asking the shooting instructor to explain the rules—it was definitely all a ploy to lure them in, to trick them into thinking she was a beginner!
Now they were caught between a rock and a hard place, and right in front of Ni Tiansong too. Could they possibly just back out now?
"Miss Gu." Ni Tiansong greeted her. Only then did Gu Zhaoping pause, realizing there was an acquaintance present.
She turned and saw Ni Tiansong, looking a bit surprised, then nodded in greeting: "Ni Tiansong."
Hearing her so casually call Ni Tiansong by his full name, Young Master Ni, who had been watching the whole scene dumbfounded, suddenly snapped back to reality with disbelief.
No way... they seem quite familiar?
The best he had dared to hope for earlier was that Gu Zhaoping had met Ni Tiansong before and they had some formal, surface-level acquaintance. But looking at them now, it was nothing like that...
Even his usually composed cousin showed a slight smile because Gu Zhaoping greeted him, that exceptionally handsome face lighting up with a bit of a radiant glow.
Although Ni Tiansong's tone was always gentle, this was an attitude he had never seen before.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
Gu Zhaoping nodded, glancing at the person beside him. Young Master Ni instinctively shrank back, feeling as if his intentions had already been seen through.
Gu Zhaoping's gaze settled on Young Master Ni, giving him a cool once-over from head to toe, then asked Yang Qi, "The person you brought me here to discuss that big cooperation with is Ni Tiansong?"
As these words fell, not just Ni Tiansong, but everyone present was stunned for a moment.
Those who knew the inside story of the whole affair almost stopped breathing.
It's over.
The smile on Ni Tiansong's face faded slightly for a moment, and he asked with some confusion and seriousness, "What?"
Having toyed with them enough, Gu Zhaoping couldn't be bothered to keep up the act anymore and said offhandedly, "Whose idea was this?"
The group froze, exchanging glances, not understanding what Gu Zhaoping meant.
"Did Gu Zhaoye arrange for you to do this, or did you take it upon yourselves to do this stupid thing for Gu Zhaoye? Tell me." Gu Zhaoping's gaze swept over them coolly, devoid of any extra emotion.
Now they understood what she was saying, and their faces instantly changed dramatically.
So Gu Zhaoping knew?!
She knew they were all friends with Gu Zhaoye and had come specifically to give her a hard time?
When did she find out? Had she been playing with them the whole time?
Remembering how she had completely ignored them when she first arrived, and then said they weren't even fit to be male models, the faces of these few guys twisted with anger. Damn it, Gu Zhaoping really was doing it on purpose!
How could someone be like this! She actually treated them like monkeys, playing them for fools?!
They really got played by Gu Zhaoping?!
They were absolutely furious! Yet they seemed to have forgotten that their original purpose was to toy with Gu Zhaoping. Who could have known they'd end up being the ones played?
If not for wanting to collect more evidence of Gu Zhaoye's misdeeds, Gu Zhaoping would have had zero interest in engaging in this tiresome back-and-forth with these foolish brats. However, since they were so eager to deliver their own handles right into her hands, she didn't mind making the trip.
Her gaze swept coolly across the room before settling on Young Master Ni. "You."
Young Master Ni's heart skipped a beat. Pointing at himself, he was momentarily stunned before hurriedly cutting in, "Me? I-I have no idea, I mean, what's going on here? What are you all doing?"
Ni Tiansong had already sensed something was off. Being somewhat adept at reading people's actions and moods, one look at his cousin's demeanor and a moment's thought told him the young man likely had ulterior motives.
Taking another look at the gathered young masters, Ni Tiansong pretty much understood what they had been trying to pull.
The smile completely vanished from Ni Tiansong's face. He turned to his cousin and asked in a low voice, "Did you specifically try to use me to do something to Miss Gu?"
How had he been seen through so quickly? Young Master Ni's heart gave a violent thump. Flustered, he waved his hands at Ni Tiansong in denial. "No way, cousin! How could I do such a thing? I would never have that kind of idea. Why would you think that? Did they mislead you?"
Young Master Ni was panicking now. He looked helplessly at Gu Zhaoping, hoping she wouldn't suspect him. How was he supposed to know Gu Zhaoping was this familiar with his cousin?!
Oh no, oh no! The worst-case scenario he'd imagined had actually come true? What was he thinking, agreeing to help Gu Zhaoye with this? Now that his cousin knew, he was absolutely done for!
And he was supposed to be currying favor with his cousin! Is this how you curry favor?!
Young Master Ni felt like crying, but had no tears.
"You invited me here intending to trick me into agreeing to a deal, using Ni Tiansong's name to gain my trust, only to renege and sabotage it later. That was your goal, wasn't it?" Gu Zhaoping glanced at Yang Qi again, her tone flat. Yang Qi's face, however, paled dramatically, as if he'd been casually yet brutally exposed.
"No, what are you thinking? How could we possibly do such a thing—"
"What you think is unimportant. What I think is what matters." Gu Zhaoping didn't even look at him, turning her head away with the same indifferent tone. "I thought you might come up with something new. Turns out it's just this. I overestimated you."
Ni Tiansong finally understood. He immediately turned to his cousin. "You're involved in this? Are you insane?"
Young Master Ni's face went deathly pale. He waved his hands frantically. "I'm not! No, this... Miss Gu is probably overthinking it. We just invited her to the gathering in a friendly manner, wanted to get to know her. How could we possibly do something like that? Cousin, you mustn't misunderstand me, I..."
"So that's why you invited me to this shooting range out of the blue," Ni Tiansong said, having already seen through his guilt. His tone was cool. "Ni Tianjun, who did you think you could fool?"
"Didn't my father tell you? I returned to the country this time specifically to meet Miss Gu, and our families are to finalize a collaboration."
Young Master Ni's eyes flew wide open. Huh? What?
But his uncle said... Wait, could the person his uncle mentioned be Gu Zhaoping??
How could that be? What are the odds??
It felt like a thunderclap exploded in his mind. He suddenly remembered the things Gu Zhaoping had talked about at the summit!
Blinded by prejudice, he hadn't listened carefully and had no idea if there was any substance to it. But now it dawned on him—what if his uncle and cousin, after listening, had already decided to collaborate with Gu Zhaoping, while he, like an idiot, was here helping Gu Zhaoye against her?!
Huh? Could he really be that stupid, that blind, to accidentally position himself against his uncle and cousin??
A chill ran through Young Master Ni's entire body. He had just confidently promised his uncle he would host his cousin perfectly and that his cousin shouldn't worry about a thing for his return—he would handle everything.
But he never imagined the person his cousin was going to meet was Gu Zhaoping!
If he had known, how would he dare do this!?
But it wasn't entirely his fault. After all, he wasn't a true core member of the Ni family. It was normal for his uncle not to divulge the specific plans in detail.
He thought he'd naturally find out who they were meeting once he accompanied Ni Tiansong to see Gu Zhaoping. But he never expected that before any introductions could be made, he had already thoroughly offended her.
The mere thought of the consequences made Young Master Ni shudder. He and his father had spent years currying favor with his uncle's family to finally achieve their current status and business. If they offended them now, not only him, but even his father would be affected.
His face instantly turned ashen. He hurriedly pleaded with his cousin, "Cousin, I really didn't do this! I, it was all them! I didn't know! I think they definitely wanted me to bring you here! To use your authority as a shield! I was tricked too!"
Gu Zhaoping merely let out a soft, amused laugh, watching him continue his act with amusement. Ni Tiansong showed no hesitation, his face impatient. "If Miss Gu thinks so, she must have her reasons. If you didn't do such a thing, why would Miss Gu suspect you? Why don't you reflect on yourself?"
Young Master Ni was dumbfounded. What, cousin, you're not even listening to my excuses? Why are you acting like there's no smoke without fire?
"Ni Tianjun, you're still too arrogant," Ni Tiansong said, withdrawing his gaze. "Apologize to Miss Gu."
Young Master Ni's face was ghostly white. Looking at Gu Zhaoping, he could only grit his teeth and force out the words, "I'm sorry, Miss Gu. Even if they wanted to do something, I didn't know about it! I, I was tricked by them too. Please don't misunderstand!"
Yang Qi finally snapped out of it. He was so angry he was practically spitting fire, on the verge of cursing. "Ni Tianjun, whose idea was this? And you're trying to pin it on me?"
Young Master Ni widened his eyes, refusing to back down. "What are you talking about? It was you lot with your scheming minds trying to use me! Now you want to drag me down with you! Cousin, don't believe them! They just want more people to take the fall. I absolutely didn't mean any of it! My intentions towards Miss Gu were entirely friendly!"
"I recall you and Gu Zhaoye are quite good friends, aren't you?" Gu Zhaoping said calmly, looking at him.
Young Master Ni choked on his words.
How does Gu Zhaoping know so much?
While it's true he's had a long-standing relationship with Gu Zhaoye, with her elder cousin standing right here, the power of the family's word rests in his hands. Young Master Ni, after a split second of hesitation, hurriedly added, "What Gu Zhaoye? I'm not even that close to him! We just sometimes hang out for food and drinks, that's all!"
"Miss Gu, you must believe me! I'm innocent, I have absolutely no intention of targeting you! If they do, that's their problem!"
"Really?"
"Absolutely! Gu Zhaoye and I are not that close at all! It's impossible that I would have any thoughts of targeting you, Miss Gu!" Ni Tianjun vowed earnestly.
He continued to rack his brains, "Uh... and besides, I think Gu Zhaoye is simply no match for you, Miss Gu! His business acumen is far inferior to yours! Any talk of collaboration should naturally be with you, Miss Gu. That's obvious to anyone with eyes. How could I possibly help Gu Zhaoye go against you?!"
And the moment his words fell, an infuriated and incredulous voice rang out from behind him.
"Ni Tianjun, what do you mean by that?!"
Ni Tianjun turned around, his eyes widening in shock.
Gu Zhaoye??
What are you doing here?!
Of all times, why did you have to show up now? Are you out of your mind?!
