Chapter 119 - The Training

Outside the dormitory, the light had dimmed and the day was soon going to turn dark. Meng Ran and Shi Ai were quietly eating some instant ramyeon noodles. The atmosphere was awkward yet peaceful. Both the girls were lost in their thoughts even as they sat side by side. Meng Ran kept stealing glances at Shi Ai as she wondered where this girl got so much courage. Nobody who knew Shi Ai could have guessed that she had such an explosive past. Shi Ai, on the other hand, felt unburdened and even a little hopeful. This was because Meng Ran was a self-acclaimed relationship expert and Shi Ai felt that she would be able to discuss some things with her. She could not discuss those things with Zhang Min!

To change the seriousness of the atmosphere, Meng Ran decided to bring back the focus on the most interesting subject. Placing her cup of Ramyeon on the table, she tilted her head in Shi Ai's direction and asked seriously, "Shi Ai!there is one thing I am not clear on. Why were you blushing this morning? Brother in law only dropped you off at school so why did it look like he ate you for breakfast before that? Also, when are you meeting him next?" 

Shi Ai was not expecting this question and she had just swallowed a mouthful of noodles which then got stuck in her throat leading her to cough loudly. Meng Ran slapped Shi Ai on the back while Shi Ai breathed deeply.

After a few minutes, Shi Ai said, "I am going to meet him today. Meng Ran!you have to cover up for me for today also! Please! I will apply for a leave tomorrow but can you handle tonight? "

Meng Ran gleefully nodded her head but then added a condition, "Your own personal cupid is always here to help you overcome all the obstacles! But I have a condition! I want to see him! So tonight you have to show me his face at least! Tell me what time is he coming and I will be there waiting at the gate!"

Shi Ai shook her head at Meng Ran and said, "He is coming at 6 pm." That said, Shi Ai turned back to eating her noodles while Meng Ran was left dumbstruck. Meng Ran glanced at the clock on the opposite wall and then the top of Shi Ai's head before going to get her trusted binoculars. Shi Ai looked up at the sudden silence and was amused at Meng Ran who was peeling outside. Meng Ran turned back and then coming to Shi Ai said in a low tone, "Xiao Ai. I hate to break it to you but your hunk of a prince charming is already here and must have been waiting for half an hour at least.

Shi Ai stopped mid-bite and looked at the time. It showed 6.30. Throwing her chopsticks on the table, Shi Ai once again sprinted down the dorm stairs and towards the gate. Meng Ran wanted to shout out again to at least pack a few clothes but knew it was of no use. Shrugging, she went back to the window to observe the beautiful 'flower ' that had bloomed outside. Though Shi Ai was late, the man did not seem to be impatient or irritated. This showed that he was indeed a gentleman. 

Downstairs, Ah Hai once again saw Shi Ai running towards him and this time he almost opened his arms to catch her. But instead of running to him she stopped a few feet away and said, " Wait for me, please. I will be here soon."

Ah Hai: "..." He was already waiting So there was no reason to run all the way here and tell him that. By the time he understood Shi Ai's faulty logic, she had already run back towards her room. Seeing Shi Ai come back, Meng Ran rushed to her own closet and taking out a packed parcel, put it in an overnight bag. She then grabbed a pair of denim shorts, a top and a few other accessories of Shi Ai. By the time Shi Ai had reached back, her helpful roommate had already packed a bag for her. Shi Ai ran back the way she had come thanking Meng Ran over her shoulders.

This time Shi Ai slowed down a bit and pretending that the past few minutes had not happened, walked slowly to the man who stood leaning casually against his car. Seeing her walking down like a lady, he smirked a bit but saying nothing held the car door open for her. Thanking him, Shi Ai sat inside the car primly and composed herself as she watched him walk towards the driver's side. The car had only just started when Shi Ai interrupted suddenly, " stop." Ah, Hai stepped on the brakes immediately and looked around Shi Ai in question. Maybe she had forgotten something and needed to go back..?"

But Shi Ai leaned forward towards him and shocked him. In a complaining tone, she said, "You are not wearing the seat belt!" 

Ah, Hai could feel the heat of Shi Ai's body as she leaned across him while her unique flowery fragrance invaded all his senses. Of on yet another side town accord, Ah Hai's hands started to move to span the small waist but Shi Ai had already moved back with the belt in her hand and clicked it into the lock. She then turned around to her own seat felt and waited for Ah Hai to start the car.

This time Ah Hai did not take Shi Ai to the terrace but rather the big grounds that overlooked the terrace.

Shi Ai followed the man at a close distance even as her eyes went round and her mind absorbed the gravity of her future training. There were ladders and multiple ropes on one corner while a big shooting range was situated in the middle. 

There were many other equipment that Shi Ai had not even heard the names of forget knowing about them. Shi Ai looked at the place in awed silence before she turned to Ah Hai and questioned him, "What is all this?"

Ah, Hai took hold of Shi Ai's wrist and walked towards the shooting range where a table had been set up with various guns. Picking up a small gun from the table, Ah Hai c.a.r.e.s.sed it lovingly. For a moment, Shi Ai was mesmerized with the movement of his fingers as the glided on the handle, that she almost missed what he was saying, "This pistol is called FN five-seven. It is one of a kind and one of the most powerful pistols in existence. It can penetrate the hardest of surfaces in a few seconds. This is what you will learn to use Shi Ai. These pistols are soon going to become a part of you. An extension of your own hand. You know the enemy is powerful so to defeat him you need to become even more powerful." Placing the gun carefully back on the table, Ah Hai picked up another simple grey pistol and handed it to Shi Ai. "This is going to be your beginner pistol. This is how you load the bullets and this is how you remove the safety. Now take aim." 

All business, Ah Hai had completed the actions of loading the gun and handed it to Shi Ai to hit a target at fifty meters. Shi Ai had almost expected to receive this kind of training when they returned last year but Ah Hai had not said anything. And now suddenly. She wanted to ask but she knew that there would be no answer until she had fired. Lifting up her arms and mimicking what she had seen in movies, Shi Ai held the gun in both hands and tried to aim. She pulled the trigger but not expecting the recoil from the gun she was also thrown back while the gun fell to the ground far away with a clanging sound. Shi Ai would have fallen on her b.u.t.t though she was saved as Ah Hai had moved to stand by her and this Shi Ai collided into a warm c.h.e.s.t at her back. Ah Hai placed another gun in the girl's hand and this time holding her hand around the handle brought her back into position. Ah Hai's other hand was on Shi Ai's waist as he made her take aim. This time the hand that was clutching did not move and remained steady while the bullet went through the bull's eye. After this Ah Hai did not let go of Shi Ai's hand but fired successive shots while using her hands. Shi Ai winced at every loud sound that these shots made and was tempted to close her eyes but she knew she could not do that. So she persisted and tries to understand the correct posture and how to adjust the aim so that she would not fall back from the recoil.