34 The Stadium (1/2)

”Reborn?” A calm voice asked.

Mingxia immediately turned around to see a dark shadow under the shadows of the forest.

Mingxia pointed her sword at the shadow. ”Who are you? Come out.”

Very confidently, out of the shadows walked out a young man. Mingxia's eyes widened as she recognized who this man was.

”Zong Qiu?” Her hand lowered a bit as he walked closer to her.

Very slowly, he walked closer and stopped until they were about a foot away from each other.

Zong Qiu raised his eyebrows before speaking. ”Well? Mingxia do you plan on answering my question?”

Mingxia lowered her sword and bit her lips.

'Why does it has to be him? Of all the people it's him?' Mingxia let out a sigh.

'Wait. Why am I getting so worked up? I may look 15 but I'm actually 25, I'm older than him. Mingxia get yourself together, you have a goal to accomplish.'

Mingxia looked up at Zong Qiu and spoke loud and clear, ”No.”

Zong Qiu smiled. The little kitten in front of him is pretending to be a tiger.

”I see. Well then I shall head back to my tent.” He turned around to leave.

”Wait.” Zong Qiu turned around.

”Zong Qiu you know martial arts right?” Zong Qiu nodded.

”Do you excel at shooting arrows?” He nodded again.

”Horse riding?” Another nod.

”The sword?” Another nod.

”Why do you ask?”

Mingxia thought for a moment before answering. ”Train me.”

Now, this response surprised Zong Qiu. ”You will have to give me a reason.”

”The games. I want to win.” Mingxia answered.

Zong Qiu stayed silent for a while before stepping closer to her again. This time he did not stop and continued to walk towards her until they were only about 8 inches apart. Mingxia took a step back but what she did not realize was that she was going to step into the pond. Zong Qiu immediately wrapped his arm around her waist which pulled them together again.

”I'll do it but there is a price.”

”A price? Is everything about money to you.” Mingxia fidgeted a bit but Zong Qiu did not budge.

He sighed and flicked her forehead with his other hand. ”Does it look like I need anymore.”

”That is true. You could probably build your own army with thousands of men with the amount of money you have.” Zong Qiu chuckled at her comment.