The Challenge and the Duel

The junior girl’s face flushed with embarrassment at Ning Ran’s words. She had never imagined Ning Ran would openly admit such a thing in public. Wasn’t she aware that such a blatant lack of discretion would inevitably lead to unsavory rumors?

Ever since Ning Ran had enrolled, she had maintained a distant demeanor from all other boys. Why, then, was she treating Jiang Zhe with such a distinct difference?

Unaware that Ning Ran had already publicly announced her intentions via livestream, the junior girl, fueled by resentment over Jiang Zhe’s blatant disregard, had tried to trip him up. Yet, she dared not show Ning Ran even a hint of displeasure. With a sullen expression, she could only mumble an apology before hastily retreating from the fencing club, her steps frantic.

Ning Ran was too disinclined to bother with insignificant people. She removed one glove and her mask, handing them to her attendant for safekeeping. Then, taking a handkerchief, she dabbed the sweat from her forehead, her captivating ‘peach blossom’ eyes studying Jiang Zhe with a hint of scrutiny.

‘If he were in ancient times,’ she mused, ‘a fellow like Jiang Zhe would be nothing short of a treacherous concubine, a bringer of chaos who bewitches hearts and incites conflict wherever he goes.’

‘And just look,’ she thought, ‘he’s only just arrived at the fencing club and already caused trouble. Truly, handsome men are nothing but trouble incarnate.’

As Ning Ran’s scrutinizing gaze swept over him, Jiang Zhe, still holding the lot box, merely shrugged helplessly, an innocent expression on his face. He made no move to greet her first.

“You’re quite early.”

Jiang Zhe remained silent, but Ning Ran had no such reservations. Once she had finished wiping her forehead, she tossed the handkerchief to her attendant and then strode towards Jiang Zhe.

The fencing uniform, loose above the calves and snug below, did not appear bulky on Ning Ran. Instead, it accentuated her long legs, making her appear even more slender and exuding an air of dashing heroism.

Though she was thoroughly covered, Jiang Zhe felt an urge to whistle. However, considering Ning Ran’s peculiar temperament, he decided against it.

His brief interactions with her had shown that Ning Ran responded better to gentle persuasion than to force. Sweet-talk, he knew, was her ultimate weakness.

“After all, it was a pre-arranged matter, and I can’t go back on my word. I’ve even brought the necessary tools… If you’re not finished here, you can continue; I have nothing else to attend to afterward.”

As Ning Ran drew closer, the gaze of the surrounding onlookers shifted, clinging to the pair as if glued. Already accustomed to being the center of attention, neither Jiang Zhe nor Ning Ran paid them any mind, speaking without any attempt to conceal their words.

However, some of their words held meaning only for them. To others, they sparked an unbearable curiosity, sounding like an indecipherable language. If not for their apprehension of Ning Ran’s powerful background, they would have long since approached Jiang Zhe to demand an explanation.

When had Jiang Zhe managed to ensnare Ning Ran?

Ning Ran, a super ‘white, rich, and beautiful’ heiress, was truly a figure at the pinnacle of society. Coupled with her stunning looks, it was no exaggeration to call her the ideal dream girl for any man of distinction. Alas, her sharp tongue and arrogant demeanor made her seem like a high-mountain flower—unapproachable.

To earn even a single glance of Ning Ran’s favor would be worth sacrificing decades of one’s life.

After all, who could possibly refuse a beautiful and wealthy partner?

Amidst the onlookers’ curiosity, Ning Ran shook her head. ‘Today’s tasks should be completed today.’ Since she had already agreed to uphold the wager, she would absolutely not go back on her word. “It’s nothing important. The fencing club has my private lounge. Let’s discuss the details there.”

She harbored a degree of curiosity and anticipation, wondering which embarrassing task she would draw. As for resistance or fear… ‘Hmph, there’s nothing Ning Ran is afraid of. Even if I make a fool of myself, it doesn’t matter. We’ll see who dares to laugh at me then!’

With that thought, Ning Ran straightened her slender waist, subtly raised her chin, and reached up to tuck a strand of red hair behind her ear, preparing to follow Jiang Zhe.

“Wait.”

But before she could even take a step, someone immediately stopped her. This caused Ning Ran to frown involuntarily. She turned her head directly towards the source of the voice, only to see the other person she had just competed against taking a few steps forward. He simultaneously removed his mask, revealing a refined face.

He smiled at Ning Ran, then turned his gaze to Jiang Zhe, his eyes dark and intense, much like a hyena fixated on its prey, refusing to let go once it had bitten down. Seeing this, Jiang Zhe raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected to encounter two love rivals today.

Another secret admirer of Ning Ran? he wondered. It seems my own desirability isn’t the only one on the rise; Ning Ran’s is equally impressive.

“Lin Qi, if you have something to say, say it quickly. If not, don’t disturb us.”

Ning Ran, the straightforward girl she was, paid no heed to others’ expressions. Her tone was one of clear displeasure, her face plainly declaring, ‘Don’t waste my time.’ In contrast, Jiang Zhe remained utterly composed, standing leisurely in place, not at all like someone about to face trouble.

“Senior, you must have the wrong name! Senior Ning Ran isn’t someone just anyone can seek out, you know~”

“Lin Qi, if you have something to say, say it quickly. If not, don’t disturb us.”

Lin Qi stared intently at Jiang Zhe. Though his words were framed as a question, the grim expression on his face conveyed a forceful demand, suggesting that even if Jiang Zhe refused, he would be compelled to agree. This sudden and intense hostility was not unfamiliar to Jiang Zhe, and he showed no fear of the provocation.

Before transmigrating into the game, Jiang Zhe had dabbled in various sports. Thus, he was far from a stranger to fencing; in fact, he was exceptionally skilled, surpassing even fencing masters. Let alone a mere novice like Lin Qi, fresh out of school—Jiang Zhe could easily defeat him to tears.

Unfortunately, the current Jiang Zhe could not make such a move; it would contradict his established persona. After all, Jiang Zhe hailed from an ordinary family, with financial constraints that prevented him from attending extracurricular classes, let alone engaging in a sport like fencing. He likely hadn’t even touched a sword once.

Even when he had to fight, he had to find an excuse. He certainly couldn’t suddenly transform into a fencing master now. Therefore, he could only refuse. However, seeing the club president’s relentless demeanor, a simple refusal might not suffice. He would have to devise another strategy.

“Jiang Zhe is here to see me, not because he’s interested in fencing. Lin Qi, if you’re trying to pick a fight with Jiang Zhe on behalf of your cousin, Lin Moshu, you’d best reconsider and decide who’s truly more formidable: you or me.”

Before Jiang Zhe could even think of a solution, ‘Ning the Counterer’ went online, her words incredibly domineering, practically implying that Lin Qi wasn’t even fit to carry her shoes. Through her own actions, she illustrated the ‘big fish eats small fish’ rule of society, readily using her power to suppress others.

Hearing this, Lin Qi’s expression grew even darker. He no longer fixated on Jiang Zhe, instead shifting his gaze to Ning Ran, letting out a cold snort. He showed no fear of Ning Ran’s threat.

“I don’t believe you’ll truly stand up for him. Even if you do, the Ning family won’t tolerate you acting so arbitrarily.”

Lin Qi’s words also carried a threat. There was no privacy in aristocratic families, and the Ning family’s internal conflicts were considerable. After all, Ning Ran wasn’t as glorious as she appeared on the surface; she, too, had restrictions placed upon her. However, Ning Ran merely let out a burst of laughter, her voice as melodious as silver bells, making her complexion appear even more radiant.

In the silent fencing club, her laughter resonated with unusual clarity, yet it carried an invisible pressure that left people breathless. After a moment, she lifted a hand to wipe away non-existent tears, then stepped forward to stand before Lin Qi. A smile played on her lips as she removed her remaining glove and tossed it directly onto his chest.

“Alright, you’ve successfully angered me. Let’s duel!”