Chapter 82: All Bark, No Bite

Jiang Miaomiao sighed helplessly. She could only say she was used to scenes like this, but each time she couldn’t help wanting to comment. Qin Sheng, on the other hand, was indifferent. In her view, only those with true strength would receive respect; relying on others’ abilities was nothing but a fleeting alliance, never lasting.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll get used to these things,” she said. What difference did the apocalypse make? Even in a wonderful world, inequality was everywhere. As long as people existed, regardless of whether it was the end of days or not, someone would always stand at the summit, looking down and scorning those beneath them.

Guo Ting was undoubtedly the best example. Her only advantage was her uncle’s position in the safe zone. That’s why people there feared and respected her, but such respect was only superficial. Everyone whispered behind her back, “If not for her uncle…”

Qin Sheng neither wanted nor intended to depend on others. What she hoped for—and had always striven toward—was a beautiful life with her family, loved ones, and friends. Striving toward the pinnacle was simply the path she had to take, a necessary compromise.

“I should have gotten used to it long ago, but every time I can’t help voicing my complaints. Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of fortune,” Jiang Miaomiao said, shaking her head in resignation. She knew full well that luck like that would never fall to her. Her complaints eased the bitterness in her heart, proving she refused to accept reality and giving her a direction and goal to work toward.

Qin Sheng understood all of this. “Rather than resenting your fate, why not give it your all and change it?”

No sooner had Qin Sheng spoken than Guo Ting approached, standing near Jiang Miaomiao. It was obvious only Jiang Miaomiao had heard Qin Sheng’s words; Guo Ting hadn’t caught them at all. Her curiosity lay instead in what method Qin Sheng had used to defeat Qin Mengchun’s boyfriend, Li Chengbin.

“What’s the point of winning? It was only a warm-up selection match. And you know perfectly well what tricks you used to beat Li Chengbin,” Guo Ting sneered, arms folded, casting a scornful glance at Qin Sheng, her tone dripping with disdain.

Jiang Miaomiao could tolerate almost anything, but she absolutely couldn’t stand people slandering Qin Sheng so casually!

What did she mean by “tricks”? Qin Sheng had kicked Li Chengbin off the stage with her own foot—everyone had seen it. Yet in Guo Ting’s mouth, it sounded as if Shengsheng had really used some underhanded tactic!

“I advise you to be responsible for your words, Miss Guo. If you don’t believe me, feel free to report me to the staff. Why bother slandering me here?” Qin Sheng stopped Jiang Miaomiao, who was about to stand and argue with Guo Ting, smiling calmly as she spoke to Guo Ting.

A moment ago, Guo Ting’s words had already stirred some doubts among the audience, but Qin Sheng’s reply quickly reduced their suspicions. After all, Qin Sheng had kicked Li Chengbin off the stage herself—everyone had witnessed it. Instead of seeking confirmation from the staff about any cheating, Guo Ting was trying to malign someone with nothing but words.

Discontent toward Guo Ting was already rumbling in the crowd below.

Guo Ting heard it all clearly, glaring fiercely at Qin Sheng. “Just you wait!”

After her sharp words, Guo Ting strode onto the stage in her expensive shoes. “You’ve worked so hard. I’ll be sure to let my uncle know about your efforts—he’ll surely understand how hard you’ve worked,” she said, sidling up to the staff with deliberate sweetness, flaunting her supposed good manners and obedience.

The staff were growing nervous. Others might not know, but they had received advance word that the district chief was watching the bouts. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been this cautious.

Miss Guo kept reminding them that her uncle was the old captain of the first security team—wasn’t this just pushing them into a pit?

“Hope you’ll look after me…” Guo Ting whispered to the staff before leaving.

“Miss Guo, the match is starting. You’d better head back,” the staff replied, unable to refuse or accept, so they hurried her to the stage. Once the match began, everything would be easier to handle.

No matter how bold they were, they wouldn’t dare cheat for Guo Ting right under the district chief’s nose. The captain of the first team was formidable, but compared to the district chief, he was nothing—so they couldn’t be blamed for not honoring Guo Jun’s favor, especially since the district chief’s presence at the matches was news they’d just received. If anything, Guo Ting had only herself to blame for her misfortune.

“Match is about to start—are you two ready?” The staff, though nervous, kept their composure. Aji nodded obediently, indicating she was ready.

Guo Ting, less composed than Aji, signaled that she needed a drink to moisten her throat or wanted to do some warm-ups, fearing injury.

The crowd’s impatience was about to erupt, so Guo Ting finally signaled her readiness. Facing someone she’d sparred with that morning, Aji feared Guo Ting might seek revenge, but it turned out her princess syndrome was so severe that Aji’s tension was scrubbed away—she just wanted to finish the match and get off the stage, where she felt sick but still had to feign composure and smile.

Compared to this torment, getting kicked off the stage like Li Chengbin would be much more satisfying.

“Miss Guo, are you sure you’re ready to start?” The staff, growing impatient, still asked politely. Such courtesy was tiresome but acceptable.

Guo Ting smiled sweetly. “We can begin. Number ninety-eight looks impatient already.”

Aji, suddenly singled out, could only lament her bad luck.

“Alright, the match officially begins now! Five, four, three, two, one—start!”

The moment the staff finished counting, Aji clenched her fist. Following Qin Sheng’s advice, she held back from attacking first, waiting for her opponent to strike so she could gauge her strength.

But this tactic only worked for Qin Sheng herself. Aji knew that even if she observed her opponent’s strength, it wouldn’t change her fate—she’d still be eliminated, so she might as well attack outright and save time.

With this thought, she rushed at Guo Ting, who instinctively ducked to dodge the first punch.

The sudden crouch confused Aji—it was a surprisingly simple dodge.

Aji quickly moved aside, wary of Guo Ting’s possible sneak attack. When Guo Ting stood up, Aji launched a swift side kick, landing it squarely on Guo Ting.

Guo Ting cried out in pain, “What are you doing!”

Aji was stunned. Wasn’t she in a tournament? Why was her opponent yelling at her for attacking?

She began to doubt the rules of the match, casting a bewildered glance toward Qin Sheng.

Seeing Qin Sheng smiling, Aji confirmed her suspicions.

So this young lady could only bluster—she had no real skill at all?

That made things easy. A sly smile flashed across Aji’s face as she lowered her raised fist and walked slowly toward Guo Ting, who was rubbing her arm.

Guo Ting, noticing Aji approach, lowered her arm and realized Aji was right in front of her.

“What are you doing?” Guo Ting was scared now; her arm was still red and hurting from the kick. She glanced at the staff, eyes wide, shouting, “Didn’t my uncle already talk to you? Why aren’t you stopping her and telling her she’s lost?!”

The staff, shouted at twice by Guo Ting, couldn’t be bothered anymore and simply ignored her, waiting for Aji to eliminate her.

“Sorry, Miss Guo, but the match requires your understanding…” Aji grinned mischievously, flexing her fists as she approached Guo Ting again.

Guo Ting sensed trouble. Hadn’t her uncle said everything was taken care of and she only needed to step onto the stage? Why was everything so different from what he’d promised?

Before she could react, pain wracked her body—so intense she nearly fainted. Struggling to stay conscious, Guo Ting heard the staff announce Aji as the winner.

Guo Ting fainted from anger.

No one cared about the unconscious Guo Ting; everyone’s attention was on the lucky victor, Aji. It was a relief for them—background didn’t guarantee success unless you had the ability to truly buy off the staff.

Now look at her, so unlucky.

Qin Sheng glanced briefly at the spot where Guo Ting had collapsed, the corner of her mouth curving up before she turned her gaze to the jubilant Aji running back.

“Master! I’m awake!” Aji hugged Qin Sheng, as happy as a child.

Jiang Miaomiao, Chu Xingyu, and Shen Mei watched Aji with pride.

This time, Qin Sheng didn’t dodge, letting Aji hug her, and even reached out to pat her head, praising gently, “Well done.”

With Qin Sheng’s praise, Aji was even more elated, sitting contentedly in her seat, savoring her first victory.

It was the best comfort for her nerves.

Everyone eagerly awaited the start of the third match, while no one noticed Qin Mengchun and Guo Ting’s henchmen supporting Guo Ting out of the corner.

Coincidentally, everyone drawn that morning had been from Qin Sheng’s group.

The third match featured two other contestants.

The fourth match was Jiang Miaomiao against a girl who’d only studied Taekwondo for two semesters—unsurprisingly, Jiang Miaomiao won.

The fifth match was Chu Xingyu against a male classmate—also eliminated by Chu Xingyu.

Four matches, four victories in one morning.

“Only Shen Mei’s match remains.”