Old Liu chuckled, deliberately raising his voice:
"Everyone be a witness! This esteemed person says they'll win the grand prize without missing a single throw!"
A wave of good-natured laughter rippled through the onlookers.
The Treasure-Seeking Weasel was notoriously elusive, and no one expected Qin Yu to succeed.
But still, it was just a small game, meant for fun.
They were all just here for the spectacle.
Old Liu's shout piqued the interest of passersby, drawing more people to gather.
The boisterous atmosphere caused Shi Qianli to tug at Qin Yu's sleeve.
"Xiao Yu, it's okay if we don't get that plushie."
Qin Yu glanced at Old Liu.
This cunning fellow was deliberately blocking his exit.
Since that was the case, there was no need for him to be polite.
"It's fine, just watch me perform."
With that, Qin Yu threw another ring.
However, this time, his movements were slow, and the ring wobbled as it flew out.
It traced a large arc through the air.
Shi Qianli blinked in confusion. Did Xiao Yu miss?
At this speed, even she could do it.
The Treasure-Seeking Weasel perked up its ears, seemingly catching a sound.
Qin Yu's gaze was calm.
Old Liu grinned, about to taunt Qin Yu.
"Ahem, don't be discouraged. Failing isn't shameful..."
Old Liu, feigning generosity, patted Qin Yu's shoulder.
He put on a show of concern.
But in reality, he was making all sorts of faces at Qin Yu behind his back.
"How about that? You fell for it, didn't you!"
Old Liu inwardly rejoiced, feeling a surge of vindication.
"Take that, for hitting me before!"
But his smile soon began to fade.
The ring drifted slowly, and in a blink, it was above the Treasure-Seeking Weasel.
It even hovered, descending slowly.
"Damn it, why isn't it reacting! Why is it just standing there!"
Old Liu's eyes widened in disbelief, looking as if he had seen a ghost.
"Dodge! Why aren't you dodging!"
The ring finally landed steadily.
Only then did the Treasure-Seeking Weasel react, but it was too late.
Old Liu's smug expression froze, and he looked utterly stunned.
"How is this possible?!"
[Wuhū Flow · Breath-Holding Secret Art: When approaching certain creatures, such as Crystal Butterflies, you will not startle them.]
"Yay, I got it!"
"Xiao Yu, you're the best!"
Shi Qianli jumped up excitedly, her face beaming with pride and joy.
Qin Yu looked at Old Liu, holding up a whole stack of rings.
"There's still this many. You better watch closely."
"This, this is...!"
Old Liu's face fell.
Although he didn't know how Qin Yu had managed it,
he knew he had messed up.
If Qin Yu threw them all, he'd have to pay up all his undergarments.
But with more and more people gathering, he couldn't just go back on his word!
Outside the bustling crowd.
Under the moonlight, Kamisato Ayaka noticed the commotion in the distance and quickened her steps.
Her silver hair fluttered, appearing even more ethereal and beautiful in the moonlight.
"Ayaka—! Wait for me!"
Yoimiya called out plaintively, like a child left behind.
But Kamisato Ayaka could no longer hear other voices.
Her gentle gaze was filled with remembrance.
Recalling the past...
It was her Master who had personally handed her the wooden sword.
"Ayaka wants to become stronger and protect the Kamisato Clan!"
"Alright, I'll teach you the Kamisato Style."
"Thank you, Master!"
...
Kamisato Ayaka stopped, her chest heaving slightly.
She saw Qin Yu in the crowd.
Her gentle voice murmured softly,
"Master, could it be you?"
Since you are unwilling to reveal your identity,
then don't blame Ayaka for actively seeking you out.
At that time, I will have you stay with the Kamisato Clan, by Ayaka's side...
Yoimiya chased after her, holding her side.
"Ayaka, what's wrong?"
Kamisato Ayaka looked at Yoimiya with a serious expression.
Yoimiya shivered and instinctively crossed her arms.
"Ayaka, what is that expression."
"My apologies, I lost my composure."
Kamisato Ayaka calmed down, her slightly dim eyes regaining their sparkle.
She was still the perfect and noble Princess of the White Heron.
"Yoimiya, didn't you want to play the ring toss game?"
"That's right... no, no!"
Yoimiya puffed out her cheeks. Didn't you want to explain?
Kamisato Ayaka averted her gaze and looked into the distance.
Suddenly, her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.
Yoimiya leaned closer and let out a soft exclamation.
"Who is that girl next to Qin Yu?"
"She's quite pretty."
Kamisato Ayaka's gaze was calm as she said softly,
"She's the eldest daughter of the Commission."
Yoimiya nodded, half-understanding.
She somehow felt that Ayaka had changed in some way.
It was a sense of seriousness when facing an opponent.
Strange, where was the opponent?
Shaking her head, she continued to observe.
"Ayaka, look quickly, he got it!"
Yoimiya was itching to try.
"Do you think he can get the final prize?"
Kamisato Ayaka thought for a moment and gently shook her head.
Although there was no conclusive evidence, she subconsciously recalled her Master.
He had never shown any ability to suppress his aura.
"That's a creature with keen senses. It's extremely difficult to catch."
"Perhaps only Sayu could have a chance to catch it multiple times."
As she analyzed, Yoimiya suddenly tugged at her excitedly.
"Wow, Ayaka, look, look!"
Kamisato Ayaka blinked her beautiful eyes and instinctively looked.
Her small mouth fell open.
...
In front of the stall.
Qin Yu raised the ring again.
Suddenly, he looked at Shi Qianli beside him.
The gentle girl was looking at him with eager eyes.
A form of desire was shining brightly.
"Xiao Yu, I want it."
"..."
Qin Yu handed the ring in his hand to Shi Qianli.
She accepted it with joy, her smile sweet.
"Thank you, Xiao Yu."
"This should... Ah!"
Just as Shi Qianli hesitated on how to throw it, her face blushed.
She instinctively let out a cute cry.
A warmth spread from her hand, as if filled with infinite energy.
Oh heavens, Xiao Yu actually held her hand!
Shi Qianli's brain overloaded, rendering her incapable of thought.
Qin Yu's expression was calm as he said softly,
"You don't have enough strength. Let's take the big plushie together."
"O-Okay!"
And so, Qin Yu took Shi Qianli's hand.
Small, soft, and very comfortable.
The distance between them closed unconsciously.
Shi Qianli bit her lip, her earlobes turning red.
But her heart was filled with warmth.
Xiao Yu's aura... felt so safe.
So happy, so loved.
Just as Qin Yu was about to throw the next ring.
[Ding, Emotional Points from Yoimiya +1.]
[Ding, Emotional Points from Kamisato Ayaka +1.]
"???"
Qin Yu's raised hand froze.
What was this sudden influx of points?
And what was this awkward feeling of being caught red-handed!