Horseback Archery

Noon.

Archery Club.

Since it wasn’t club time at noon, most members came here to rest.

“By the way, Su Cheng is supposed to represent the club in this year’s International Mounted Archery Championship, right?”

“Of course.”

“But the problem is, he’s already left the club.”

A few members of the dojo sat on the floor, discussing the upcoming international competition organized by the World Mounted Archery Federation. As soon as Su Cheng’s name was mentioned, everyone sighed.

“Ah, what a pity.”

A girl said regretfully, “He really doesn’t need to chase the mounted archery championship anymore, does he?”

“Yeah, a lot of people online think that if he were still into mounted archery, no one else would stand a chance. But now, we haven’t heard a single update from him.”

Another boy couldn’t help but sigh.

“Hmm, I was really looking forward to seeing him in traditional attire again at the world stage, leaving a heroic, majestic silhouette on the big screen.”

At that moment, Yang Xin, who had been quiet in the corner, suddenly spoke up with certainty in his tone: “No, he will participate.”

Hearing that, everyone turned sharply to look at him.

“How do you know?”

Yang Xin glanced at the group, took a slow sip of water, and then calmly said, “I remember he practiced mounted archery with the club president not long ago.”

Everyone was momentarily stunned.

Then someone questioned, “But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll participate, does it?”

“Why don’t you just ask him yourself?”

Suddenly, Li Shishi, who had been silently polishing a bow and arrow, unexpectedly cut in with a cold remark before returning to her work on the longbow.

Everyone snapped back to reality, only then noticing that a strikingly handsome horse archer had quietly entered through the door. He greeted everyone politely with a hand gesture.

“Good afternoon, everyone.”

Li Shishi put down her bow and stood up. She nodded slightly to Su Cheng and then spoke, “We were just talking about you. I hope you don’t mind.”

She paused before continuing, “Everyone’s just really curious whether you’ll be participating this time.”

“Not at all,”

Su Cheng nodded slightly, smiling. “To be honest, I’m looking forward to the competition, so I definitely will participate.”

“Really? That’s great!”

Cheers erupted around him.

“Will you be representing the Archery Club?”

Someone asked excitedly.

“Of course.”

Su Cheng smiled in affirmation.

……………………

While Su Cheng was chatting with the club members, inside the dojo, Liu Qingyue was brewing tea. After preparing it, she carried the steaming green tea to the center of the dojo.

She handed the tea to her mistress and said, “With all the noise outside, it’s obvious he’s here.”

Ji Qingyi was sitting in a chair, eyes closed, resting. She slowly opened her eyes, took the tea, sipped it lightly, and said, “I never invited him here.”

“Mistress, don’t you welcome him?”

Liu Qingyue stood nearby, pouring tea for Ji Qingyi. A faint smile appeared on her delicate face as she spoke softly, “Or could it be… you’re afraid to face him now?”

Ji Qingyi paused her tea-drinking motion, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Liu Qingyue.

"Miss, please don’t misunderstand me—I have no intention of offending."

Sensing Ji Qingyi’s scrutiny, Liu Qingyue quickly waved her hand and explained, "You wouldn’t normally say something like ‘he wasn’t invited.’ Honestly, coming from you, it sounds like you’re not welcoming him at all..."

"Last night, you used my name to ask Gu Ruoxue something—that was overstepping boundaries... I haven’t settled that with you yet."

Ji Qingyi snorted coldly and slammed her teacup down on the table. "Today, I’m warning you: no matter what you do from now on, don’t cross my bottom line again."

Liu Qingyue was silent for a long moment before nodding, acknowledging the warning. The night before, while Ji Qingyi was bathing, she had taken her phone and risked sending a message to Gu Ruoxue—but the reply was far from helpful.

Gu Ruoxue’s only response was: "Please come to the Practice Department for an interview."

Liu Qingyue naturally understood what Ji Qingyi feared—what she was worried about was nothing more than the embarrassment of being seen in a bad light by Su Cheng, just like the last time with the scrambled eggs incident, and losing face.

"Actually..."

Liu Qingyue looked up and said, "Miss, if you’re afraid Su Cheng will overstep his bounds, you could just confront him as his strict instructor and discipline him through teaching. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?"

Ji Qingyi was momentarily taken aback. She had expected Liu Qingyue to spout some nonsense about equality again, but this time, she actually offered a suggestion that suited her taste.

"No need for your reminder."

Ji Qingyi picked up her teacup again, took a light sip, and casually said, "The archery competition is coming up soon, and since he’s been out of practice for a while, I’ll take him myself to toughen him up."

She put down the cup and looked at Liu Qingyue, her tone leaving no room for argument: "As for you, go to the Practice Department later and tell Gu Ruoxue that Su Cheng will be returning to club training for a while."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyue lowered her head slightly, pressing her lips together before softly responding, "Okay."

In fact, this sentence carried three meanings: first, to ask Gu Ruoxue to lend Su Cheng; second, to explain that it was Liu Qingyue who sent the message yesterday, not Ji Qingyi herself; and third, to inquire about any updates from Gu Ruoxue.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

At that moment, a sudden, heavier knock sounded on the door, causing Ji Qingyi to furrow her delicate brows in discomfort. The knocks were much louder than before, which unsettled her greatly.

"Please come in."

Liu Qingyue spoke.

The door opened the next moment, and a figure stepped inside, eyes sharp and wise, reflecting intelligence and order.

It was none other than Su Cheng.

"President, senior sister."

Su Cheng greeted politely, then shifted his gaze to Ji Qingyi beside Liu Qingyue, smiling warmly: "President, I’ve come to practice Go. Please guide me."

"Mm, have a seat."

Ji Qingyi extended her delicate hand, indicating the empty seat opposite her with a rather indifferent tone. Although Su Cheng was polite and respectful in his words and actions, Ji Qingyi couldn’t help but feel uneasy whenever she thought about his abilities.

“Thank you.”

Su Cheng smiled warmly and thanked her before taking the seat beside Ji Qingyi. Meanwhile, Liu Qingyue served him tea with practiced grace and elegance.

With a young lady present, as a servant, Liu Qingyue knew she must maintain proper decorum and observe all the necessary rules.

After pouring a cup of tea for him, Liu Qingyue remained by his side, her demeanor gentle and serene, as quiet and pure as a tranquil white lotus in bloom.

Su Cheng’s gaze swept over Liu Qingyue as he took a sip of tea, then withdrew his eyes and earnestly complimented, “I didn’t expect your tea skills to be so exquisite, rivaling even the president’s.”

“You flatter me,” Liu Qingyue replied softly, shaking her head. “I’m far from matching the young lady.”

“Ahem…”

Ji Qingyi cleared her throat lightly and glanced at Su Cheng. “Let’s put the Go game aside for now. The archery competition is coming up soon, I’m sure you’ve heard.”

“Everything will be done as the president directs,” Su Cheng said with a faint smile. “What I’ve learned so far is just the basics. I look forward to your guidance, President.”

“No need for formalities. It’s just mutual exchange,” Ji Qingyi said lightly.

She took a small sip of her tea and then spoke calmly, “Are you still going to honor the promise you made before?”

“Of course,” Su Cheng nodded without hesitation.

“Then go ahead.”

At that, Ji Qingyi gave a subtle signal to Liu Qingyue.

Liu Qingyue bowed slightly and quietly exited the dojo.