Chapter Thirty-One
Zhao Yan was knocked to the ground by Wang Kui’s punch, cursing under his breath, “Damn it, you blockhead, you’ve even learned how to ambush me now. Looks like if I don’t take you seriously and have a proper fight with you, you’ll never understand how tough I am.”
Wang Kui, hearing Zhao Yan’s words, replied calmly, “Are you stupid? I’m a sniper, remember? A sniper’s specialty is seizing the right moment to strike. Don’t tell me you don’t know how to play anymore.”
Zhao Yan felt Wang Kui had a point and said, “Hmm. I suppose you’re not entirely wrong. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you, hmmph.”
With a grunt, Zhao Yan climbed back up, wiping his face with rainwater.
His expression grew serious as he addressed Wang Kui, “Come on then.”
Seeing Zhao Yan’s determined look, Wang Kui realized Zhao Yan was about to show his true skills and didn’t dare to be careless.
Both stood there, staring at each other, unmoving. They simply watched one another in silence.
After a while, Nian Yu grew impatient. “Are you two going to fight or not? Is standing in the rain that comfortable?”
Just then, Xiao Jie’s voice came from behind Nian Yu, “They’re both waiting for the other to make the first move, hoping to spot a flaw and deliver a decisive blow.”
Nian Yu looked back in confusion at Xiao Jie, who was holding a bowl of rice, and asked, “Isn’t it usually better to make the first move and seize the advantage?”
Xiao Jie replied, “You haven’t systematically learned these things, so it’s normal you don’t understand. It’s not always about striking first. Don’t forget, there’s also a saying about gaining the upper hand by reacting later.”
Nian Yu was even more puzzled, asking, “Aren’t those just two contradictory sayings? Besides, isn’t the point of fighting to seize the initiative? How else do you win?”
Xiao Jie said, “That only applies to people of equal strength. Take me and you, for example—even if I wanted to make the first move, I still wouldn’t stand a chance against you. At their level, making the first move isn’t always advantageous. Sometimes, the one who strikes first ends up losing. That’s why people at their skill level rarely act impulsively.”
Nian Yu was still confused. “Forget it. By the way, are you hungry again? Why did you get another bowl of rice?”
Xiao Jie looked at her and smiled, “Your husband woke up and said he was hungry. I can only play the servant and feed him.”
Nian Yu didn’t pay any attention to Xiao Jie’s teasing and asked, “Zhou Yu is awake?”
Xiao Jie answered, “Yes.”
Nian Yu called out to the others outside, “Take your time fighting, I’ll come watch later.”
After shouting, she ran inside.
Zhao Yan said to Wang Kui, “Let’s fight later, it’s pretty cold. Might as well see why Sister-in-law Nian Yu is so excited.”
Wang Kui was curious too. “Alright, let’s go inside first.”
With that, Wang Kui headed toward the house ahead.
Inside, Nian Yu rushed in and saw Zhou Yu sitting and looking at the doorway. Her cheeks flushed instantly.
She asked, “Why are you staring at me like that?”
Zhou Yu, a bit embarrassed, said, “Sorry, I thought it was Xiao Jie bringing me food.”
Nian Yu pouted, “All you care about is eating. Is there anything else you’re good at? Hmph.”
She sat down next to Zhou Yu, wrapped her arms around his, and said nothing more.
At that moment, Xiao Jie came in, “There’s only this much rice left. If it’s not enough, I can make more for you.”
Zhou Yu responded, “No need, this is enough. I just woke up, shouldn’t eat too much.”
“By the way, you two tell me what’s happened these past couple of days.” As he ate, Zhou Yu spoke to Nian Yu and Xiao Jie.
Nian Yu chattered away, recounting everything that had happened.
Zhou Yu remarked, “Oh? You two even practiced military boxing?”
Nian Yu immediately stood up and kicked Zhou Yu, saying, “You’re still bringing up useless things? You better tell me honestly, how many things have you kept from me?”