The Same Hairband

Afternoon

Su Cheng looked at the black hairband on his wrist and eventually took it off.

Holding the 0.6 cm thick, approximately 5 cm diameter black hairband in his palm, he fell into deep thought.

He couldn’t understand why the fragrance emanating from this hairband was so strong.

Although it had been worn on Li Guanqi’s head, and the scent would naturally be intense, it shouldn’t be this overpowering.

It was like a sachet, continuously releasing its fragrance.

Curious, he brought it close to his nose and took a light sniff. The rich scent made him feel as though Li Guanqi was right beside him.

"How strange," he muttered.

Unable to figure it out, Su Cheng shook his head. He stretched the hairband slightly and then put it back on his right wrist, holding his arm out to keep it at a distance. Yet, the delicate fragrance still lingered around him.

"Could there be something hidden inside this hairband?" he wondered.

"Ding ling ling~"

Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling the end of the physical education class and breaking Su Cheng’s reverie. Unable to solve the mystery, he decided to set it aside for now.

Since he hadn’t changed into his gym clothes, he headed straight to the nearby dojo to change and begin his practice.

That afternoon, he was the first to arrive at the dojo, so the place was empty. He walked to the changing room, put on his archery uniform, and then made his way to Ji Qingyi’s practice area.

Ji Qingyi wasn’t there today, so he needed to use the key to open the door. However, as he was about to unlock it, he noticed someone inside. He pushed the door open and stepped in.

Inside, he saw two tall, slender figures. One was at the desk, grinding ink with a stone, while the other was washing tea utensils with practiced ease.

Both were dressed in sharp, black female butler uniforms, looking serious and dignified, their beautiful faces expressionless. When they noticed Su Cheng enter, they gave him a deep glance but continued with their tasks without a word.

Su Cheng felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped Liu Qingyue might be among them.

Unfortunately, he didn’t recognize either of them, but he wasn’t particularly surprised.

After all, Ji Qingyi’s status in this world was at the very top. If she handled everything herself, wouldn’t that be beneath her?

With that thought, he stepped forward, picked up his bow and arrows, and began practicing his posture, preparing to work on his archery.

A few minutes later, the two butlers left quietly, and Su Cheng remained focused on his practice, completely unaware of their departure.

A few more minutes passed, and Ji Qingyi slowly pushed the door open and entered, her every movement exuding elegance and grace, as though a celestial being had descended from the moon palace.

Her gaze fell on Su Cheng, and she noticed that even without his usual cushion, he was still able to concentrate on his practice. A hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes.

"President," Su Cheng greeted her respectfully as soon as he noticed her presence, putting down his bow and arrows.

Ji Qingyi looked at him and asked calmly, "How did you manage it?"

"I changed my gear," Su Cheng replied with a smile, raising his hand to show the black hairband on his wrist.

Ji Qingyi was momentarily taken aback. She examined the hairband closely, her eyes showing a trace of surprise. Then she raised her own wrist, revealing a similar hairband—same color, same size, same thickness.

A cheap item, worth just fifty cents.

She had bought it from a street vendor the first time she went out alone.

Since it was the first decision she had ever made on her own, it held great significance to her.

"Your friend cares about you deeply," Ji Qingyi remarked, her tone neutral.

"I suppose so," Su Cheng replied with a nonchalant smile.

Ji Qingyi didn’t say more. She turned and walked over to the desk, intending to sit down and continue reading. Seeing this, Su Cheng resumed his practice, focusing on his posture.

After a while, he began shooting arrows.

"Thud~"

The sound of an arrow hitting the target echoed through the room. Ji Qingyi looked up, her eyes falling on the arrow he had just drawn back into a full moon shape. She couldn’t help but comment, "Archery isn’t about building muscle. You don’t need to use all your strength when drawing the bow."

Su Cheng immediately lowered his bow, and Ji Qingyi set down her book, walking over to him. "Draw the bow," she instructed.

"Yes," Su Cheng complied, raising his bow.

Ji Qingyi took hold of his arm, her fingers tracing along it inch by inch.

As he breathed in the faint, elegant fragrance emanating from her, combined with the tickling sensation of her fingers on his arm, he couldn’t help but want to pull away. But Ji Qingyi tightened her grip.

"Don’t move," she said coldly, her brow furrowing slightly.

Su Cheng immediately stopped fidgeting. Ji Qingyi observed him for a moment before finally releasing his arm.

"Your shoulder and arm muscles need to be relaxed, as if they’re mere observers. Only when you achieve this can you begin to merge your mind with the act of drawing and releasing the arrow."

"Understood," Su Cheng replied, then began to draw the bow and aim.

"Thud~"

"Whew~"

The arrow hit the bullseye, and Su Cheng exhaled deeply, having held his breath while aiming.

"Do you know why you’re panting?" Ji Qingyi asked, her gaze fixed on him.

Su Cheng shook his head.

"The harder you try to focus on the target, the more you lose control of your breathing. That’s why you’re gasping for air."

"How can I improve?" Su Cheng asked eagerly.

This small detail could easily be noticed by the judges.

"It’s simple. Focus on your breathing, and you’ll feel as though you’re enveloped in an impenetrable silence. Nothing from the outside world can disturb you."

Ji Qingyi continued, "When you achieve this, you won’t be distracted by the presence of spectators. Only then can you truly merge your mind with the act of archery. And only then will you possess a glimmer of championship potential."

Having said this, Ji Qingyi turned and walked away, returning to her book.

Su Cheng pondered her words carefully.

No matter how well he practiced, the actual competition would be a different story. He would have to deal with a noisy environment, countless camera flashes, and mounting psychological pressure. At that moment, all sorts of emotions would inevitably arise within him. Would he still be able to maintain his accuracy and composure then?

The thought made him anxious.

He glanced around and then asked, "President, can everyone else achieve this?"

Ji Qingyi looked up from her book and replied, "This is the most basic requirement."

Su Cheng met her gaze, his eyes thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod and returned to her reading.