Chapter 69: Qin Yichi Strikes Her Heart

The Luocheng scenic area was packed with people. After one round of sightseeing, Qiao Zhen accompanied Qin Yichi to try archery.

The rules were simple: the closer to the bullseye, the higher the score; the farther out, the lower. Each person shot ten arrows, and the total score could be exchanged for prizes of varying levels.

A few young men ahead of them sighed and held their heads, exhausted after all their effort, only able to exchange for a few trinkets.

After Qin Yichi paid, he stepped forward, drew the bowstring to its full length, aimed for the center, his deep eyes narrowing—sharp as an eagle’s.

Qiao Zhen watched from the side, her fists clenched, silently cheering him on.

He raised his arm, nocked the arrow, and aimed at the target—his stance was textbook perfect.

Yet his demeanor was lazy, almost indifferent. Dressed in flamboyant red, he exuded a carefree confidence.

He looked like an ancient, free-spirited swordsman—every move inadvertently stirred the heart.

Whoosh—

The arrow sliced through the air like a flash of silver lightning.

Eight rings!

The crowd’s eyes widened.

But Qin Yichi frowned slightly, his gaze settling on the bow. It had been a while since he played; his hands were stiff, not to mention this bow and arrow…

There was something off about them.

He drew again, eyes narrowing, shooting arrow after arrow with swift, precise force:

Nine rings, ten rings, ten rings, ten rings…

With each shot, Qiao Zhen’s eyes grew rounder.

Heaven help her—Qin Yichi truly had a remarkable gift for archery!

The onlookers were dumbfounded; Niu Yifeng and Zhang Ning, standing by, were equally stunned.

Qiao Zhen blinked, tilting her small face up, a proud little smile on her lips. “Qin Yichi, you’re amazing! When did you learn to do this?”

Her face was sincere, filled with admiration. Her soft, gentle voice was like honey, each word a hook that pulled at his soul.

The words “you’re amazing” crashed into his heart. Qin Yichi glanced sideways at Qiao Zhen’s radiant smile, his chest growing hot,

As if a volcano were erupting, molten lava surging forth.

He coughed lightly and replied offhandedly, “I played a bit during team-building with the racing crew.”

It wasn’t so impressive, really.

But Qiao Zhen’s eyes were full of him.

Meanwhile, the proprietor beside them forced a smile, his heart slowly crumbling.

Damn, this guy isn’t just putting on a show—he’s really that good. What a loss for me…

Only one arrow remained.

Qin Yichi didn’t rush. Instead, he lazily set the bow aside and looked down to ask, “Want to give it a try?”

Qiao Zhen pressed her lips together and shook her head softly. “I don’t know how…”

It was a points-for-prizes game: ten rings, ten points—the higher the total, the better the prize. If she missed, wouldn’t that ten points be wasted? She didn’t want to drag him down.

Sunlight broke through the thin clouds, casting a warm glow on Qin Yichi’s angular features.

He smiled, a hint of indulgence in his deep black eyes. “I’ll teach you.”

Perhaps the sun was too dazzling, but the striking red of his clothing burned into her vision, making her nod without thinking. She stepped up beside him.

Taking the heavy bow, she turned, nearly standing with her back to him, a wave of nervousness rising inside her.

Until—

A faint scent of fresh grass enveloped her as Qin Yichi moved behind, wrapping his arms around her and guiding her hands.

Their distance closed to nothing—his heated breath fell softly on her ear, tickling like a feather.

It was as if he wanted to fuse her into himself, never to part.

Qiao Zhen tensed, her whole body going rigid, even her breath held tight.

Heavens…

Her mind felt as though it might short-circuit again.

“Qiao Zhen,” Qin Yichi’s voice was low, rough, tinged with wild temptation, curling around her ear, “Don’t be nervous. Relax.”

She felt intoxicated by his presence, her own voice trembling. “…Okay.”

With his hands over hers, he gently drew the bow, aiming at the heart of the target.

For some reason, her pulse quickened. She couldn’t focus on the shot—all her attention was on the man behind her.

Though they weren’t pressed together, her hands and back burned, her body pinned in place, unable to move.

So hot—far too hot.

Qiao Zhen’s lashes fluttered, the tips of her ears flushing pink.

She heard her heartbeat, loud and clear.

Snap!

In the next moment, the arrow shot forth like a silver dragon, striking the center dead-on!

Qiao Zhen’s heart seemed to skip a beat.

“Damn!” Niu Yifeng pumped his fist, shouting, eyes alight. “Chi-ge, you’re incredible! Can you teach me too? My best is five rings!”

Qin Yichi glanced up, grinning as he told him to get lost.

Niu Yifeng: …Damn, I’m going to draw circles and curse you.

Beside them, the proprietor was doing the same in silence.

He’d had enough of this couple—not only were they brilliant at archery, they were even shoving affection down his throat!

Only when Qin Yichi stepped back to exchange their prize, breaking the lingering tension, did Qiao Zhen finally gulp for air, her chest heaving.

Zhang Ning tugged at her skirt, holding up her phone with childlike pride. “Big sister, look! I took a picture of you two shooting together!”

Qiao Zhen: “…Thanks so much.”

Taking the phone, she stared at the screen. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

The angle was just right. Though they’d left a gap, the photo made it look as if Qin Yichi was pressed close behind her, holding her in his arms. His gaze was intensely possessive, his posture intimate, radiating raw allure.

And her expression… Her fair cheeks flushed with pink, her eyes dewy, the corners tinged red—a picture of helpless innocence.

Qiao Zhen stared, dumbfounded. What was this? How did she end up looking so bewitched?

Suddenly, a shadow loomed overhead.

She quickly locked her phone, trying to appear nonchalant as she looked up, guilt written all over her face. “Wh…What is it?”

Qin Yichi stood before her, naturally taking her hand and placing a lantern handle in her palm. His voice was hoarse but earnest.

“A return for the folding fan.”

“Qiao Zhen, may the lucky koi bring you good fortune.”

It was a lantern with a red koi leaping over a lotus blossom—exquisitely crafted, vivid as dancing flames.

It was also the most beautiful, most precious of all the prizes.

Qiao Zhen came back to herself, holding the lantern in a daze, her gaze meeting Qin Yichi’s endless eyes, an unexplainable emotion rising within her.

In the bustling, noisy crowd, her world had narrowed to a single person, the only sound in her ears his low, magnetic voice.

In that instant, Qiao Zhen suddenly realized that her heart was the true bullseye.

And Qin Yichi—had already struck it with perfect precision.