Fame and success are not easily attained.

Su Cheng turned his head mechanically, and what met his eyes was a breathtakingly beautiful face that could stir one's heart.

Her expression was impassive, her gaze as still and indifferent as unfathomably deep water—aloof, towering above all, untouched by the mundane world.

This was none other than the most revered person in the world—Ji Qingyi.

"President?" Su Cheng froze for a moment before responding respectfully, "President, do you have any instructions?"

Ji Qingyi ignored him, her eyes sweeping across the room.

Everyone caught under her mirror-like gaze immediately lowered their heads, avoiding her line of sight like quails evading a hunter, their hearts filled with unease.

"What were you all discussing just now?" Ji Qingyi frowned slightly, her gaze settling on Li Shishi nearby.

The latter stiffened and quickly replied, "Su Cheng wanted to sign up for this year's individual competition, and we were trying to dissuade him..."

Ji Qingyi arched an eyebrow. Her next words poured over them like ice water, chilling their hearts: "To me, it seemed more like you were trying to make him prove something."

Li Shishi's heart tightened, and she answered in a trembling voice, "Apologies, President. Su Cheng has only recently joined the Archery Society, and we don’t know much about his abilities, so..."

In Ji Qingyi's eyes, this was nothing short of a provocation.

Though the others were still in the dark, sooner or later, they would learn of her relationship with Su Cheng.

By then, this little "test" would be spun into a farce—as if any random member of the Archery Society could make her betrothed perform like a clown for their amusement.

How utterly ridiculous!

"So you’re questioning my judgment, doubting my discernment?" Ji Qingyi's icy gaze swept over them. "If I recall correctly, you’re the most senior member here, aren’t you?"

An invisible pressure weighed down on everyone present, making it hard to breathe. Cold sweat trickled down their foreheads. Li Shishi struggled to speak: "Apologies, President. We acted thoughtlessly."

Ji Qingyi snorted coldly and slowly released her grip on Su Cheng. She strode gracefully back to her seat and settled into it with refined elegance. Yet beneath that gentle demeanor was an unshakable authority that made others afraid to meet her eyes.

Meanwhile, Su Cheng regained his freedom. "President, this matter has nothing to do with them."

He stepped forward to plead for the others, standing before Ji Qingyi and explaining, "This was my own stubbornness—I insisted on participating in this year's individual competition."

The others exchanged glances, surprised. They had expected Su Cheng to stay silent, but instead, he took the blame himself, making them seem petty in comparison.

Li Shishi widened her bright eyes, staring at Su Cheng in astonishment. Though she didn’t know how to assess him, she couldn’t help but admire his courage.

It was obvious the president was furious, yet Su Cheng dared to shield them—truly commendable!

Ji Qingyi’s gaze lingered on Su Cheng’s slightly sickly complexion. Though his cheeks bore an unhealthy flush, his dark eyes burned with stubborn determination, that unyielding resolve making him a difficult opponent.

Finally, she stood and walked with measured grace toward her designated area in the club, commanding as she went, "Follow me."

Su Cheng pressed his lips together and followed. The others exhaled in relief, nodding gratefully at him.

"Su Cheng, I’ll help you submit your registration for the competition," Li Shishi suddenly called out, stopping him.

Su Cheng paused mid-step, turning back to look at her with hopeful eyes.

At that moment, the entire club nodded in silent approval, as if Su Cheng had finally earned their recognition—truly becoming one of them.

His heart swelled with excitement, and he was about to thank her when an untimely voice cut in: "No one interferes with his affairs without my permission!"

Su Cheng’s expression dimmed instantly.

Li Shishi could only offer an apologetic smile.

With a resigned sigh, Su Cheng gave Li Shishi a meaningful glance before turning to catch up with Ji Qingyi.

......

Ji Qingyi remained expressionless as she led Su Cheng toward her private space.

Neither spoke a word along the way.

Soon, they arrived at a tea table.

Ji Qingyi took her seat, while Su Cheng stood frozen, watching her with confusion and a faint trace of anticipation in his eyes.

Then, Ji Qingyi picked up the teapot, poured herself a cup of hot tea, and then one for Su Cheng before speaking coolly, "Sit."

Su Cheng obediently sat, cradling the teacup without drinking, his gaze fixed intently on Ji Qingyi as if waiting for something.

Ji Qingyi took a sip of tea, moistening her lips before finally meeting his eyes. "Do you not realize the consequences of shooting an arrow in front of others?"

"I was wearing my glasses earlier," Su Cheng set down his cup and adjusted the black frames on his nose, explaining, "The senior said these glasses prevent me from making eye contact with others."

Ji Qingyi shook her head. "Avoiding eye contact is important, but your demeanor and posture are equally crucial."

Su Cheng frowned slightly. "Even if those are hard to conceal, they shouldn’t negatively affect others, right?"

Ji Qingyi studied him deeply before replying, "Even without eye contact, people observing your aura, expressions, and movements will still be subtly influenced—albeit in a weaker way."

"Wait, that can happen too?"

Su Cheng was stunned. Wasn’t this just like the effect of his gaze?

His very presence and movements could influence others—how overpowering was that?

He’d have to record himself later to see what it looked like.

Ji Qingyi noted the astonishment on his face. Setting down her cup, she said calmly, "Though not as potent as your eye ability, it still carries a unique charm—one that lingers in memory."

She paused before continuing, "However, this only applies to ordinary people. I haven’t paid close attention to your demeanor, so my assessment may not be entirely accurate."

Su Cheng nodded thoughtfully.

Ji Qingyi finished the last of her tea and set the cup down before speaking again, "You must never display your archery skills in front of outsiders. It will invite unnecessary trouble."

Su Cheng nodded in understanding, then ventured, "Then, President, if you don’t mind… could you personally observe my archery and give a more precise evaluation?"

A flicker of something complex passed through Ji Qingyi’s eyes, as if she were weighing her options. After a moment, she replied, "Very well. But first, remove your glasses."

"Of course." Su Cheng brightened immediately, hurrying to the nearby bow rack and carefully setting aside his glasses.

Ji Qingyi stood, watching him silently.

The moment Su Cheng grasped the longbow, his entire body relaxed. His stiff posture melted into fluid grace, his back straightening as if he and the bow had become one—transcending the barriers of time.

This subtle change left Ji Qingyi somewhat dazed, as the person before her overlapped with her memories.

She blinked abruptly, shaking off the thoughts in her mind, and fixed her gaze on Su Cheng as he stepped up to the shooting position, drew the bowstring taut, and aimed into the distance!

In that instant, Su Cheng's aura surged to its peak!

His fingers suddenly released, and an arrow shot forth like lightning, as if time had paused for him, leaving behind only a breathtakingly vivid moment frozen in time.

Ji Qingyi held her breath, watching Su Cheng's every move without blinking.

"President? President?"

After a long pause, Su Cheng, having snapped out of his focus, noticed Ji Qingyi staring at him in a daze and was startled.

"Not bad," Ji Qingyi replied, regaining her composure. She turned and sat back down, lifting her teacup for a sip—though the slight tremble in her hands betrayed the turmoil within.

"President, this state fades right after I release an arrow," Su Cheng approached Ji Qingyi and reminded her in a low voice. "I suspect it's related to my physical stamina. If I can improve it in the future, I might be able to prolong this state."

"What are you trying to say?"

Ji Qingyi set down her cup and looked up at Su Cheng.

After hesitating, Su Cheng spoke up, "President, I think I should be fine signing up for the competition. In these two weeks, I’ll train hard to meet the standard in three weeks."

"This year's archery tournament has been postponed," Ji Qingyi said coolly. "I don’t think it’s just a matter of physical stamina. The closer you get to that state, the easier it becomes to extend it. To develop holistically, you must first learn to maintain deep focus and inner calm even in ordinary circumstances."