CHAPTER 04 The First Technique of Pursuing a Woman: Entering the Tiger's Den

It has been a full week since I last saw him

He confidently replied, "Of course it counts. My credit has always been good"

I interjected slowly, saying: "I am not your girlfriend!"

The attention of the language group teachers was immediately diverted, followed by exclamations of surprise, and then regret and sighs.

The person who came for the blind date that day was you

Do not speak carelessly! I am blushing

Fusheng, today we might have to compete in a match! Don't be nervous!" Xia Changning whispered to me

Shooting range! said Xia Changning

A surge of grief and anger arose within me, and I finally erupted, "So what if I lied? I simply do not like you!"

I suddenly looked up and asked, "Does what you said count?"

From now on, he has no reason to come looking for me again Ha ha

Could you please not come looking for me? I pleaded with him in a humble manner, so anxious that sweat began to bead on my forehead. Does he not know how to write the four characters "the fear of public opinion"?

Xia Changning thought for a moment and said, "Interests and hobbies can be cultivated. I can also go with you to Shigu Zhai to have an insect feast. Let's go, I heard that the all-maggot banquet at Shigu Zhai is quite unique"

What kind of strong individuals are these

He laughed so hard that he gasped for breath, "Fusheng, are you feeling inferior?"

Finally, I feel somewhat relieved after expressing this.

I turned back and winked at the teachers from the Chinese language group who were leaving work together, smiling as I asked, "What is it?"

A vague voice came from behind him: "Ning Fusheng... remember this... you damn well remember it..."

Chen Shushuang laughed heartily, "Alright, considering that you brought your girlfriend, Miss Ning and Amin will compete. If Miss Ning loses, I will drink a bottle!"

As I followed Xia Changning inside, I recalled the duel, imagining the scene of elegantly shooting Xia Changning with a gun, and couldn't help but laugh happily

Amin turned back to look at Chen Shu and sighed, "If you get drunk, it's none of my business!"

Xia Changning sighed softly, "This is the first time I feel so inadequate."

Teachers should naturally comply, but who knows how it will be interpreted later

No need, the project is completed today, you and your brothers go eat. I emphasized the word 'brothers' particularly strongly, and I believe the teachers who heard this would smile knowingly.

I am angry; I do not have an astonishing appearance! I still possess this level of self-awareness. However, why do his words make me feel so uncomfortable? Even if I cannot make you fall in love at first sight, there is no need for you to use such a tone to belittle me! I forcibly suppressed the anger from being scorned by him, took a deep breath, and asked, "Why do you have to look for me?"

I suddenly thought of Shigu Zhai and was startled.

Is there something going on

I was trembling with anger, shouting in frustration: "Everyone has already said they don't like you, how can you be so shameless? Are you still a man?"

I was taken aback; could it be that he can read minds

I stood quietly to the side, observing, without saying a word

The next day, when I finished work, Xia Changning appeared at the school gate. I saw his figure from a distance and made an excuse to go back to the teaching building to take home students' assignments for grading. After the teachers had left, I slowly walked out.

There are still nine shots left. Xia Changning, just wait.

On the third day, I did not see him

The image of wriggling maggots suddenly appeared in my mind, and I squatted by the street and vomited as if it were a forgone conclusion

I am very afraid that he will call my name in front of other teachers and introduce me as his girlfriend

I stiffened my body and shook him off. What does he want to do

The house recedes, and the view gradually opens up

I was so scared that my legs went weak. Didn't I say this myself?

"What? My marksmanship is so good that even Chen Shu can't catch up!" Xia Changning raised her eyebrows

Amin chuckled and teased, "Xia Ge is doing it on purpose, wanting Fusheng to win so he can drink, and when he's drunk, someone will feel sorry for him!"

I was taken aback and rushed in front of him, shouting: "You are so shameless!"

Our school is a private institution, and it is quite normal to install surveillance cameras to reassure parents when paying the expensive tuition fees. What is unusual, however, is that Xia Changning often sits by Ginkgo Avenue, drinking tea while overseeing the work.

On the last day of the project completion, as I passed by Ginkgo Avenue, Xia Changning called out to me with a smile: "Fusheng!"

Chen Shu was provoked by him and said: "It's just two jin of white wine, if Amin gets drunk, it will be worth it!"

However, since the leaves began to turn yellow this year, I have not smiled again

"Tonight did not go as planned, it doesn't count! Tomorrow night..." He did not finish his sentence before leaning against the car door to vomit. After expelling a puddle, he casually wiped his mouth with his sleeve and said, "Tomorrow night, we will talk slowly!"

It was originally possible, but who made you think I am a homosexual? Only by seeking you can the rumors be dispelled without a fight, right?

Am I just overthinking this? He hasn't made a sound at all, how can I possibly say to him, "Xia Changning, you must not come looking for me, we are not suitable for each other"?

"Fusheng, the teachers at your school are looking at us with very strange eyes," he said softly

Oh? You heard that I am gay, so you have no feelings?

Teacher Zhao from the Chinese department said: "Teacher Ning, Director Xia treats you very well, his gaze is so gentle that it could drown a person!"

Ah! Ah! Ah! This rogue! This is my workplace, my school! He seeks me out, and I should just ignore him? How will my colleagues view me? My students will also look at me differently and then discuss it privately! How can this be!

"You really shouldn't speak carelessly; he is a homosexual! Otherwise, why has he not had a girlfriend all these years? Around Xia Changning, there are only men!" In a moment of inspiration, I blurted out this sentence

Xia Changning looked at me and, after a few seconds of silence, replied: "At first, it was like this. The more you understand me, the more willing you will be. After all, my conditions are much better than yours!"

Oh. I find myself at a loss for words, feeling quite anxious

Xia Changning has appeared

Upon arriving home, I checked the time and was startled to see it was already 10:30. I quickly sent a text message to Mei Zi. As long as I am not out on a date with a man, my mother should not blame me for coming home late

He reached out his hand, and I instinctively shrank back. Xia Changning chuckled, took a ginkgo leaf that had fallen on my shoulder, and appeared very amiable. What does he mean by that

Rest assured, I will not eat those disgusting things. I think it would be better if we talked about it.

Xia Changning seemed to have practiced some martial arts; her body twisted and turned in a way that I could not comprehend, and she was already behind me, gently resting her hand on my shoulder as she whispered, "If your parents agree, do you agree?"

Haha, I have noticed that the scenery along Ginkgo Avenue has become beautiful again

Xia Changning smiled, and his smile filled me with fear

The fire of my vengeance has steadied my hand, allowing me to adapt and skillfully aim and shoot

Xia Changning was drunk, and his legs went weak as he fell to the ground while holding onto me. I let out a scream, struggled to break free from him with punches and kicks, picked up my bag, and ran away as if flying.

Xia Changning stood before me, and I observed him carefully. His gaze was unwavering, glinting with a wicked light

I put down the gun, removed my ear protection, and turned around. In front of Xia Changning were eight bottles of Erguotou, and he stared at me intently, his face filled with astonishment

Ah...! He just threw up...! If he kisses me, I would too... throw up! I am trembling all over, my legs go weak and I slide down.

I have finally released a pent-up sigh from my heart

Everyone looked at me in astonishment

Xia Changning quietly looked at me, and I quickly turned around, linking arms with Teacher Zhao and leaving with laughter and conversation. My heart was racing; what would I do if Xia Changning found out?

Xia Changning smiled, "Did you all hear that? Who told you to call her 'sister-in-law'? Fusheng's face is pale. As soon as he hears the words 'girlfriend', he gets anxious with me"

The warm autumn sunlight shines upon the fields, where is this going

It is said by other teachers that Xia Changning helped the school install surveillance cameras at cost price, installing a circle of surveillance probes along the school wall

"Why not ten bottles of white liquor?" I instinctively replied.

Yes, you do not have it, but I am afraid! I can only retreat, forcing a laugh and saying: "No, goodbye"

Xia Changning disdainfully glared at him, "How can Fusheng compare to Amin? How about this: if Fusheng loses, you drink; if Amin loses, I drink"

Could you please not look for me

"Haha, Teacher Ning is shy!" The Chinese language group immediately burst into laughter

I cannot hear! The footsteps quicken, hoping to walk briskly back home

I said "thank you" to Xia Changning's friend, and without even looking at Xia Changning, I opened the car door and left

What is this answer? I was astonished as if I were looking at a monster, my lips trembling uncontrollably. He is a devil released by the fisherman, and at the moment he was set free, he was just about to kill!

Did you fall in love with me at first sight

Chen Shu waved his hand dismissively and said, "Ten bottles of beer won't get me drunk, just a bloated stomach. Don't go easy on Miss Ning, so as not to make General Manager Xia laugh at us"

Ning Fusheng! Xia Changning called my full name at an extremely loud volume

Xia Changning laughed heartily, "You seem to be someone who would make a person fall in love at first sight?"

"Is it because I didn't go last time that you absolutely have to take me this time? You are such a paranoid!" I can tell.

I opened my mouth, truly at a loss for words, glancing around but unable to utter a single sentence: "You must not randomly say at school that I am your girlfriend!"

Xia Changning couldn't help but laugh, glancing at me and saying: "Fusheng, you are really clever! I will definitely accomplish what I set out to do, and it won't do you any good to resent it. I don't believe you will jump out of the car!"

I felt extremely embarrassed by what they said, yet my heart soared. Chen Shu's remark, "Xia Changning, you dug a pit for yourself to jump into," delighted me greatly

Suddenly, I feel that Xia Changning is a very intelligent person. He sat under the ginkgo tree for five days without greeting me even once, which has already left me feeling alarmed and apprehensive

I asked him slowly, "Before the blind date, I had never seen you, right?"

Upon entering the shooting range, Xia Changning greeted a group of people who were playing. She certainly has many friends! There were about ten people, both men and women.

"For no particular reason, the person I was set up with that day was you."

Xia Changning sneered coldly, he was indeed sneering! "Fusheng, I'm looking for you for my own reasons, you can just ignore me!"

Damn, he is still an arrogant rogue! I was so infuriated that blood rushed to my head, and I couldn't say a word. I lifted my leg and kicked him hard; I really wanted to beat him up

I suddenly turned around and met the gazes of several teachers from the language department, who indeed looked both enlightened and astonished. My face instantly flushed crimson, my heart pounded like a drum, and I felt like a rat scurrying away.

On the second day after work, I quietly left the school gate only after the teachers had finished leaving. Not seeing Xia Changning's figure, I let out a long sigh of relief

The shooting range before us is no longer the simple house and the open space enclosed by walls; it has been transformed into a club-like establishment, also operating as a hotel, restaurant, sauna, and more. It serves as a dedicated shooting range for provincial and municipal shooting teams and has become a favored venue for the wealthy.

I want to jump, I just don't dare! It's a minor issue to fall to death, but a major issue to become disabled. Only someone with a troubled mind would choose to jump out of the car! I wish I could kick him out of the car! I sat there with a stern face, not saying a word for the rest of the journey

Emotions can also be cultivated; your parents had an arranged marriage, so you might as well consider yours as arranged too

"I assure you that I am not gay, but even my mother has her doubts, so I need to find a girlfriend," Xia Changning replied to me

He did it intentionally; he knows it was I who let it slip, and he is deliberately retaliating against me

"Teacher Ning, how do you know him?" There are always those who want to get to the bottom of things.

The next day at work, I understood the situation as seen by others the day before

Everyone was laughing and joking as they went to eat, and during the meal, they toasted to Xia Changning with laughter. He stared at me with the glass bottle of Erguotou, and with every sip he took, it felt as if he was taking a bite out of me. I smiled at him, watching his proud chin lift, feeling immensely at ease.

Good luck? Being harassed by a thug is called good luck? I have been so beaten down by him that I don't even know what to say

So, one day after work, as I passed by the school gate, I took the initiative to greet him: "Hello"

Everyone present laughed, and Amin walked over to me, took my hand, and shot a glance at Xia Changning and Chen Shuyi, saying: "Ignore them, a bunch of rascals!"

I cannot argue with him, I can only stubbornly say, "I am unwilling! I cannot be your girlfriend!"

I am utterly perplexed. I am a very simple person; after finishing my studies, I went straight to work. My circle of friends consists mainly of my classmates, and my closest friend is only my middle school classmate, Meizi. I have grown up without ever having a quarrel with anyone, let alone harboring any grudges. When exactly did I offend Xia Changning?

Xia Changning lowered her voice beside my ear and laughed maliciously, "If you win, you won't have to be my girlfriend"

Autumn is a season that I greatly enjoy. The path from the school gate to the teaching building is lined with ginkgo trees. When autumn arrives, the leaves turn a brilliant golden color, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky. As I walk by, the ginkgo leaves carried by the wind gently fall before my eyes

Whenever I see such a situation, I cannot help but laugh, and my mood becomes extremely cheerful

I was terrified, truly terrified. He is a soldier thug! He is a rogue! I struggled with all my might, only to receive an even more confusing response: "I just threw up, I don't want to kiss you!"

Xia Changning collapsed in the back seat, while I sat in the front passenger seat. His friend turned back to glance at him and said to me: "Be careful, he will come to settle the score with you tomorrow! Haha!"

I am not insecure; I simply do not accept his social circle and his way of dealing with the world. I responded to him word for word: "I have no feelings for you"

Haha! There's no other way, Xia Changning, you can just jump into the pit you dug for yourself!" Chen Shu was unexpectedly elated, embracing Amin and kissing her cheek

If this continues, I will suffer from nervous exhaustion

I sigh inwardly; if my words were effective, I would not have ended up in this situation with him

I have been to the shooting range on the outskirts of the city. At that time, I had an uncle in town who was a skilled hunter. Since I was young, I enjoyed following him to hunt with an air rifle. Besides sparrows, my favorite target was the rapeseed stalks. When I shot, the lead pellet would pass through the center of the rapeseed stalk, which was over one meter tall. Unable to bear the weight, it would slowly topple over, resembling a slow-motion scene from a movie, evoking a sense of leisurely melancholy in me

"Come on, it wasn't me who didn't look for you, it was you who came to find me, right?"

He finished drinking 8 bottles of wine, his face flushed. The meal is also finished, it is time for me to leave

Xia Changning chuckled, "No need to compete, just drink ten bottles by yourself! Consider it a celebration for my brother finding a girlfriend!"

Concerned that Xia Changning would be unable to drive after drinking, one of his friends drove his car to take us.

I truly feel like crying without tears, turning around to look at him, "Please don't come looking for me, okay? I'm begging you, alright?"

Due to work reasons, my parents can only reunite during the winter and summer vacations. I moved from the town to the city with my mother when I was ten years old. My parents were very happy, and on weekends or during winter and summer breaks, the three of us would explore the suburbs of the city. My father's student worked at a shooting range, and shooting was free, which I also enjoyed. However, after entering high school, the courses became intensive, and I never went back again

Xia Changning pulled me into his arms and said fiercely: "Once you start to like me and become attached to me, I will damn well throw you away!"

How important work is to me, and now it is difficult to find a job. Getting into this school is also due to my parents exhausting their connections. I do not want to become a prominent figure in the school because of Xia Changning, nor do I want to resign from this job just to avoid him. I am very worried and do not know what to do if Xia Changning appears as a teacher and pursues me in front of the students.

I apologize, the school teachers are making jokes at my expense... I will explain to them that you are not gay. Also, I have a boyfriend now, who is a doctor. We have known each other since childhood and have a very good relationship, sharing the same interests and hobbies. Therefore, I am truly sorry. I have said everything I could think of, and there is really no other way.

Fusheng, you don't have a boyfriend, and I don't have a girlfriend. Don't you think it's quite suitable?

He was taken aback, a look of confusion appearing in his eyes, "I am inviting you to dinner!"

I leisurely took a sip of tea, satisfied as I marked a check on the student's paper with a red pen, and said with a smile: "My best friend liked him, but unexpectedly, upon getting to know him, I found out he was gay, and I was quite sad for a long time. That's how I got to know him. Now we have all become good sisters! However, don't let this out, okay? Xia Changning is quite a well-known figure in this city. If it gets out that I was the one who leaked it, I would be in big trouble!" This explanation is unfounded, yet it is flawless and impeccable!

Brother Xia, you arrived late and didn't see how cool Amin is! Today's results are astonishingly good!" Someone said this

"Hehe, no." Xia Changning was very certain

Am I looking for you because I am afraid you will come looking for me? I can't take it anymore; I am so dizzy from all this back and forth that I couldn't help but exclaim: "Xia Changning, you are making me dislike you even more!"

I stopped in my tracks, as if I had caught hold of his little tail, finding an excuse. Angrily, I turned around and said, "I told you, we are not suitable for each other, do not come looking for me again"

I also laughed, as you, Xia Changning, said yourself, if I win, I won't have to be your girlfriend! I couldn't help but glance back at him.

Xia Changning pulled me into his arms and said fiercely: "Once you start to like me and cling to me, I will damn well throw you away! What are you pretending to be innocent for!"

A loud bang of a car door closing echoed behind me. Startled, I turned around to see Xia Changning stumbling out, loudly declaring: "Don't be too happy too soon; what I say doesn't count for you!"

I think that day when he got out of the car, he was speaking under the influence of alcohol. After sobering up, he should remember what he said. If I win, I will not be his girlfriend

Xia Changning took two steps back, thought for a moment, and said: "How about this, shall we eat while we chat?"

I looked up, and Xia Changning was smiling at me. He knew everything; how could I forget that his friend, who rented out the taxi, saw me retching that day? How could I possibly like eating maggots

Fusheng, your name has brought you good fortune! Meeting me is your blessing

I want to faint

Xia Changning said something that made me feel as if I had fallen into hell: "Are you lying?"

But I was forced by him! As a result, I didn't sleep well all night.

The first target returned, Amin won, and a bottle of Erguotou was pushed in front of Chen Shu. I looked at Chen Shu with a hint of apology. He had known the outcome all along and smiled gently at me. I returned his smile with gratitude

Xia Changning smiled, the golden yellow of the ginkgo tree contrasting sharply with the color of his black suit, and his smile was equally bright. He said with a smile, "There are still three days until completion"

The people around burst into laughter. Xia Changning laughed so hard that she leaned back in her chair, patting Chen Shu's shoulder, saying: "Look how protective my Fusheng is! Ten bottles of white liquor? Even two taels of Erguotou would suffice!"

Xia Changning was actually slightly opening his eyes, the collar button of his shirt undone, his sharp eyebrows raised as he fixed a steady sideways glance at me. I quickly turned back to sit properly, my heart racing. His gaze was as fierce as if it had been tempered by fire, and I scoffed inwardly, bringing trouble upon myself, who could I blame?

There was silence behind me. My fortune has finally returned. Xia Changning has finally miscalculated. In the next nine shots, I only lost one, with eight shots all above the ninth ring

Then let's talk, I also do not want to be bothered by him all day long

Xia Changning stood up, moving a step closer to me. I stared at him without flinching; if I did not eliminate him this time, he would become even more arrogant in the future! My courage was burning fiercely. I refuse to believe that he can do anything to me in broad daylight!

Xia Changning lazily said from behind: "I have always been clear about public and private matters; let's talk after completing this project"

I laughed in anger, "Hehe, there are so many beautiful girls on the street who don't have boyfriends, why don't you go charm one?"

No, no, no, your conditions are excellent; anyone you choose would be better than me! I have an average appearance and an average family background; we really are not suitable for each other! What I am saying is the absolute truth, and I hope the wise and formidable Comrade Xia can fully understand this

If I could walk like a crab, I think my current steps are quite similar. As soon as I leave the school gate, I move sideways, trying as much as possible to distance myself from him

You are truly interesting! The voice of Xia Changning echoed slowly and steadily behind.

Chen Shu, who was holding hands with Amin, looked at him meaningfully and suddenly said: "How about this, my drinking is a minor issue; today let Amin and Miss Ning have a competition? If they lose, we will drink?"

Teacher Chen said: "Indeed, the way General Xia and Teacher Ning converse resembles a picturesque landscape!"

I weighed the gun and compared it with Amin

Amin handed me a gun, and I haven't held a gun in many years; it feels a bit heavy

Xia Changning tilted her head in confusion and looked at me, "Did I mention it at school?"

The girl, known as Amin, is in her twenties, very fashionable and beautiful, smiling brightly as she looks at Xia Changning, with her arm linked with a young man. When her gaze fell on me, she suddenly stuck out her tongue and playfully said: "In love, one may succeed, but in gambling, one may fail. Brother Chen, don't worry, Brother Xia will definitely lose today"