417: Xi Ting is here!

Xi Ting is here!

The shooting site was about 1500 square feet in size and there were two standard multipurpose shooting ranges, each of them equipped with nine professionally designed targets.  2

It was well-lit with bright overhead lights that eliminated any shadows. The air was slightly tinged with the scent of gunpowder, a distinct reminder of the purpose of this space.

At the center of the range was a series of shooting lanes, each separated by reinforced safety partitions. The floor was paved with rubberized material to absorb the impact of spent bullets, reducing noise and minimizing ricochets. Each lane was equipped with a shooting booth, consisting of a sturdy table, adjustable chair, and a stand for the shooter's targets.

Safety was paramount here, and the strict adherence to rules was evident. Instructors and range officers circulated among the shooters, wearing earmuffs and safety glasses themselves, offering guidance and ensuring compliance with the protocols. Vibrant posters displaying safety guidelines, firearm handling instructions, and shooting stances adorned the walls.

Their collection of guns was also incredibly complete. There was even a weapon exhibition on display with a myriad of handguns, rifles, machine guns, and more. Some soldiers also went there often for target practice.

The people present here were mostly young. A few men and women were here to join in the fun. From time to time, people who seemed very impressive took a turn and shocked the people around them with their skills.

Yan Jingheng, Yan Ziqi, Nei Zhaoyang, Yan Miao and Nei Mianmain were impeccably dressed in tailored shooting attire. Yan Miao was Yan Ziqi's cousin and she often hung up with their group. Along with them were some other people always ready to butter up these rich heirs and heiresses. The youngsters stood at their individual booths, each equipped with a state-of-the-art firearm. Their firearms are not merely tools but exquisite works of art, customized to match their personalities and preferences. Gleaming barrels and hand-carved stocks showcase the perfect marriage of craftsmanship and technology. 

Yan Jingheng's bunch of friends were balanced in terms of gender. While the guys were had a strong interest in firearms, the girls were not completely clueless about them either. There were only two of them who were asking around for advice on which gun to choose.

The air was crisp and laden with anticipation as the group prepared to engage their targets. They soon finished selecting their guns, then they put on their protective glasses and earmuffs, ready to start shooting.

Bang bang bang! Shots were fired and each of their scores appeared on the tally counter. The maximum points one could achieve was 10 points and the counter would calculate up to one decimal place.

Most people get around 8 points while the experienced guys got about 9.

Yan Miao got a 9.2 and she was really happy. "I actually got above 9! How lucky!"

As she turned around, she gaped at Yan Jingheng's and Nei Mianmian's scores. They both got the same score of 9.9 points. What a remarkable achievement!

"Wow! Bro Heng, Sis Mianmian, you both are so good at this!"

Finally, the scores for their set of three attempts were out. Yan Jingheng came in at 9.9, 9.7, and 9.8 while Nei Mianmian got two 9.9's and one 9.7. She had beaten Yan Jingheng by a mere 0.1-point difference.

Of course, Nei Mianmian's score was the highest among everyone's. Some of them were thoroughly impressed.

"As expected of her! Marvelous!"

"Mianmian, you're really making us men feel ashamed!"

Yan Jingheng complained, "Damn! I lost again! This doesn't count, let's do it again!"

Everyone was laughing, "Hahaha! Yan Jingheng, stop struggling! Among us probably only Xi Ting has a chance at beating Mianmian!"

As the group of friends focused on their shooting, Yan Jingheng's keen eye caught a familiar figure in his peripheral vision. He lowered his firearm and turned his head, spotting Xi Ting walking onto the shooting range with his girlfriend, Qin Yan, and Xi Xiaobao.

"Wow! Xi Ting!"

"What? Yan Jingheng, who did you just mention?"

"Ah! It really is Xi Ting!"

Yan Jingheng's yell was followed by the gaze of the bunch of people, all turning to look at Xi Ting, Qin Yan and the little bun. 

Xi Ting, tall and distinguished, had his arm protectively around Qin Yan as they strolled hand in hand. Qin Yan's radiant smile seemed to illuminate the surroundings as she occasionally bent down to chat with young Xi Xiaobao, a lively and curious child who looked up at the shooting booths with wide-eyed fascination.

The range's lively atmosphere seemed to soften around Xi Ting's family, as if acknowledging their presence. A sense of camaraderie and genuine affection permeated the air, transcending the meticulously crafted shooting range's exclusive veneer.

"How come Xi Ting is here today? What a rare occasion!"

Nobody remembered that it was Xi Xiaobao's birthday today.

Nei Mianmian's concentration was shattered by the unexpected appearance of Xi Ting's family. Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted Xi Ting, Qin Yan, and Xi Xiaobao, walking onto the shooting range. A mix of emotions surged within her, and her face darkened with a complex blend of longing, disappointment, and envy.

Her fingers tightened around the grip of her firearm, and she lowered it, struggling to regain her focus. Her mind raced as she saw how everyone was admiring the family of three.

"Let's go over there," Yan Ziqi exclaimed.

*

On the other hand, when the club coach saw that Xi Ting was here, he immediately went up to him.

"Are you here to shoot? But our humble shop definitely doesn't have a coach to match up to you. No coach will be a match for your shooting skills."

Xi Ting looked at the little guy and said, "No. I'm here today to let my child take a look."

The shop owner looked at the child in surprise. He was still so small in size. This child… he could not even reach the shooting platform. Why was he here to shoot…But he was the Xi family's little Young Master. Of course, the way he played was also different from the way ordinary children did.

Children of his age in ordinary families only knew to watch cartoons and play games. However, at such a young age, a child of the Xi family was brought to a shooting club.

The shooting range was made up of multiple lanes. Between two lanes, there was a piece of protective glass. Everyone could see each other but could not attack. This allowed people to enjoy watching others shoot and at the same time guaranteeing their safety.

The little bun looked in excitement at the gun that the coach brought over. Then, he looked at Xi Ting, "Dad..."

Xi Ting said, "Alright, Coach. Thank you. I'll teach him."

Of course, the coach did not dare to say otherwise. He quickly smiled and nodded. Then, he put the gun down and watched quietly from the side.

Xi Ting nimbly assembled the pistol while explaining to the little one, "Start learning from something small like this. This small pistol is easy to aim. One thing though. The recoil is very strong. You must be careful. The recoil will affect the accuracy of your shooting. You might think that you aimed correctly, but in actual fact, the recoil will cause your aim to drift unpredictably when you shoot. Understand? I'll show you once. Watch clearly."

"Okay," At this moment, the little bun really looked very obedient and sensible.

Qin Yan was wearing protective glasses while watching from behind. As she looked at the two of them in their shooting attire, The little one looked the part despite his small stature. It was even more so for Xi Ting. It was rare for him to wear a uniform. He really looked clean-cut and handsome. People would be stunned upon looking at him.

Qin Yan was delighted just by standing there and looking at the adult and the child when a voice came from beside her.

"Brother Xi, how come you are here?" Yan Jingheng put his hand on Xi Ting's shoulder.

He then turned to Qin Yan and greeted her, "Sister-in-law!"

As he saw the man and the bunch of people, Xi Ting was put in an awkward position. He did not expect Yan Jingheng and others to be here. On the other hand, Qin Yan nodded while smiling.

"Today is Xiaobao's birthday and it was his wish to come here and try shooting," Xi Ting replied with his usual stoic face.

The initial reaction from the group was a mixture of surprise and intrigue. They exchanged curious glances, intrigued by Xi Ting's unexpected revelation, still everyone gave their good wishes to the little guy. 

After wishing the little one, Yan Jingheng stepped forward, "Brother Xi, you brought Xiaobao here to learn shooting? He's quite young, isn't he?"

Hearing Uncle Yan discourage his father, the little guy's face turned cold. He turned his little devil mode on and looked at Yan Jingheng coldly. Although Yan Jingheng's focus was on Xi Ting, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

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