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Her hand was steady, the muscles in her arm taut.

Xie Zhiyu stood beside her, watching Shen Baili quietly. She learned quickly and understood his instructions well, reproducing every step he had taught her.

Meng Xiu and the other two came over. Just as they were about to speak, Xie Zhiyu stopped them so they wouldn't disturb Shen Baili's concentration.

Meng Xiu understood and followed his gaze to the girl's back.

Shen Baili looked like a cheetah poised to spring.

Bang.

Shen Baili fixed on the target and fired her first shot.

Shooting alone felt completely different from shooting with someone else. Xie Zhiyu had absorbed most of the recoil for her, taking the strain off her hand and shoulder.

Now the recoil left the web of her hand tingling, but she could bear it. That year of training hadn't been for nothing.

"One point."

Shen Baili raised her delicate brows. "At least I hit the target."

It couldn't compare to the ten-point shot she had made earlier, but for her first shot on her own, she was satisfied.

Instead of stopping, Shen Baili adjusted her stance based on how the shot had felt.

I can do this.

If I did this well on my first try, I can do better.

With that encouragement, Shen Baili took aim again.

The four behind her watched as Meng Xiu spoke quietly.

"Your sister's stance is pretty good. How long has she practiced?"

Gu Yue looked at Shen Baili as she prepared to fire again, keeping her expression composed.

"She looks like she knows what she's doing."

The corners of Xie Zhiyu's mouth lifted. "Half an hour."

"She's talented. She hit the target on her first shot alone."

Meng Xiu was astonished. "Your sister's a Sharpshooter!"

Shen Baili's bright, harmless air was deceptive.