Translator: _Min
The atmosphere stilled for a moment, every one, including that of the young man who had proposed the duel, turned towards them.
Jiang Shuihan stood off to the side, his hands clasped behind his back, his face adorned with a graceful and warm smile.
Si Fuqing flexed her wrists and ankles, lifting her chin slightly. âWhat are you waiting for? Come on.â
The young man snapped out of his stupor. âAre you sure?!â
His intention behind the challenge had been to make her back down. Why did she seem so excited instead?
âOr what?â Si Fuqingâs eyes narrowed mischievously, âYouâre not trying to deceive me, are you?â
She had already warmed up.
Just as the young man was about to speak, Jiang Shuihan interjected, âShang Lu, remember the creed of the Thousand Army Alliance: words must be trustworthy, actions must bear fruit.â
Shang Lu dropped any pretense of hesitation and took up an attacking stance. âLetâs be clear, injuries are quite normal in a fight. You canât go complaining to the lady later.â
âEnough talk,â Si Fuqing crossed her arms, âif you fought like how much you talk, the enemy would have long been defeated.â
This comment enraged Shang Lu. âI wonât debate you; come on!â
âYou first,â Si Fuqing raised an eyebrow. âIf I go first, you wonât get the chance to make your moves. Show me your three moves; Iâm waiting.â
She stood there, perfectly at ease.
Grinding his teeth, Shang Lu lunged forward, his hand forming a fist as he swiftly aimed a punch at Si Fuqing.
Si Fuqing barely moved, merely tilting her head to avoid the incoming punch.
Not pausing for a moment, Shang Lu sent a second punch her way.
She dodged it again, even taking the time to yawn.
âWhy are you only dodging?â Irritated by his failed attacks, Shang Lu grew increasingly anxious. âWe agreed youâd counter, not dodge!â
Avoiding his moves already proved that she was fast enough to do so, which already convinced him.
âDodging?â Si Fuqing suddenly grinned, nonchalantly adding, âIâm dodging so I can counter your three moves.â
âNonsense!â Shang Lu scoffed and threw another punch.
âWhoosh!â
Once more, Si Fuqing effortlessly dodged. Shang Lu was now utterly frantic. âYouâre still dodging, youâ Uhâ
His words were cut short by a stifled grunt.
Thatâs because Si Fuqing had made her move.
Her hand shot out like a bolt of lightning, directly seizing his extended fist by the arm. Then, with a swift twist, she bent it sharply.
âThump!â
Shang Luâs knees buckled and he fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
Before he could react, Si Fuqingâs other wrist rotated, her hand pressing against his throat.
Though she didnât seem to use much force, Shang Lu found himself paralyzed, his eyes widening in disbelief.
âWhat do you think?â Si Fuqingâs fingers gripped his shoulder as she held him down, her voice dripping with calm mockery. âDoes this count as me countering your three moves?â
The expressions of the other guards tightened.
Only now did they understand Si Fuqingâs earlier wordsâletting Shang Lu complete his three moves.
Had she not allowed this, he would have been down on the first. Si Fuqing smiled wickedly. âIf this doesnât count, we can go another round.â She sounded regretfulâregretful that she hadnât had enough.
âEnough, enough, enough!â Shang Lu cried out in pain and frustration. âI give up, please, no more! I really do!â
Si Fuqing finally released him.
It took Shang Lu a good three minutes to catch his breath.
He walked up to Si Fuqing and bowed deeply. âMiss Si, from now on, I am your bodyguard!â
âI donât need a bodyguard,â Si Fuqing looked at him, unimpressed. âI am my own bodyguard. What use do I have for you? If not for your challenge, I wouldnât even be here.â
Stunned, Shang Lu stammered, âWh-what?â
Jiang Shuihan was equally surprised. âMiss Si is a celebrity, how did you become a bodyguard?â
âAh, life is tough,â Si Fuqing sighed dramatically. âPets are expensive to keep, so I have to work multiple jobs.â
âI see,â Jiang Shuihan nodded, filing this information away for future reference.
âIf thereâs nothing else, Iâll go,â Si Fuqing clapped her hands together. âBut if you really want to follow me, do you know how to walk dogs?â
Saluting upright, Shang Lu had completely erased what he said earlier, he responded eagerly, âYes!â
âGood,â Si Fuqing nodded. âWhen Iâm at work, you can help me walk the dog.â
Overjoyed, Shang Lu followed her, while the other guards watched him coldly, their eyes filled with a touch of malice..