Tao Zhiyan really wasn't any good at ring toss.
He had tried it before: thirty throws, thirty misses. His record spoke for itself. His aim was terrible.
"You can do it, mister!" The little boy bounced up and down. "You're going to win!"
Tao Zhiyan quietly gave himself a word of encouragement, then moved a little closer and carefully lined up his aim several times.
The box of Colored Crayons was quite far away. Hitting it really would take some accuracy.
After a few tentative motions, Tao Zhiyan finally threw the ring hard.
The plastic ring traced an arc through the air.
It sailed past the Colored Crayons.
And headed straight for the stall owner!
"!?" The owner shot to his feet and dodged to the side.
But the plastic ring mercilessly struck his right shoulder before bouncing away.
"Wow!" The little boy clapped. "Your aim is so good!"
Rubbing his shoulder, the owner looked over in astonishment. "?"
Was he aiming at me?
Tao Zhiyan waved his hands frantically. "Sorry, sorry!"
With that first throw under his belt, Tao Zhiyan had a little more experience for his second attempt.
He had used too much force last time, sending it right past the target.
This time, as long as I use a little less force, it should-
Tao Zhiyan centered himself and gently lifted his hand. The plastic ring left his fingers, flew less than half a meter, and fell.
It actually landed right in front of his feet.
Tao Zhiyan: "..."
The little boy: "..."
The two looked at each other, both somewhat speechless.
The owner couldn't take it anymore. "That won't work."
"You have to throw harder! Harder!"
Tao Zhiyan silently loosened his wrist.
I refuse to believe this!
Surely I can conquer a measly ring toss?
Tao