"See, grip it a bit further forward here to save effort. Keep it level for aiming. Brace your shoulder against the stock to reduce recoil. You don't always have to aim for the head—the neck works too, and it's more accurate..."
Duan Heng wrapped his arms around Bai Ling from behind, whispering gently. His tone was soft, yet every word carried serious intent. Clearly, he was teaching her with genuine care.
Bai Ling, however, had flushed crimson with embarrassment. Her body trembled slightly from inner turmoil. A wisp of steam rose slowly from her head, making her look like a character straight out of a steampunk manga.
*AAAAH! Why is he so close?!*
Bai Ling screamed inwardly, her panicked expression adorably flustered.
Last time she’d been carried princess-style, she hadn’t reacted this strongly—it had been sudden, and she’d feared being tossed into a zombie pile. No room for shyness then.
But this time...
*Duan Heng, what are you doing! Why grab my arm! Why hold so tight!*
*I know he’s teaching me to shoot, but he doesn’t have to press this close... Leg! His leg’s touching my waist! Don’t be so rough!*
*Don’t lean on my back! Your breath is on my face! I... I can’t take it anymore...*
His strong hand gripped her arm. She felt every contour of his fingers, his rough skin, and warmth like a heated stove. She tried to block these thoughts, but the more she resisted, the sharper the sensations grew.
His warm breath brushed her cheek, refreshing as a summer breeze. When he spoke, it quickened, making her left cheek itch and burn.
His overnight scent mingled with his clothes, forming a gentle, clean aroma. Each breath deepened it, as if she were trapped in his palm, toyed with at will.
*Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?*
Bai Ling’s eyes glazed into dizzy spirals. Her mind went blank, lightheaded.
Duan Heng, oblivious to her turmoil, stared intently ahead. "Alright," he commanded firmly, "fire!"
Thwip—
Bai Ling had lost all reason. At his order, she instantly pulled the trigger.
The silenced shot echoed. A zombie a hundred meters away dropped, head exploding like fireworks—blood and brain matter painting brilliant streaks, as if celebrating their bond.
The headshot zombie: Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.
"See? Hit the mark." Duan Heng smiled as the headless zombie crumpled. He turned proudly to Bai Ling.
But his nose brushed her cheek. Her flushed face deepened to near-bleeding crimson.
Bai Ling clung to her last shred of sanity. Legs trembling, body shaking, she flung the gun down and bolted to the sofa.
Under Duan Heng’s bewildered gaze, she collapsed face-first, clutching her head.
*No! This can’t happen!*
*Why are my thoughts so weird! I’ll break down like this!*
She screamed inwardly, desperate echoes tearing through her mind. Since his embrace, strange scenes haunted her—unshakable. Like:
Duan Heng kneeling, gazing up. He held her delicate hand, slipping a shiny ring onto her finger. "Bai Ling," he whispered tenderly, "you’ve finally accepted me. Be my wife. I’ll cherish you for life..."
*For life...*
*For life!*
*Get out! Banish those thoughts!*
*It’s Duan Heng’s fault! No personal space! At this rate, I’ll turn girly inside and out! No way!*
Overwhelmed, Bai Ling crumbled. She couldn’t erase the images—or the urge to pounce on him.
Duan Heng, watching her unravel, stayed calm. His lips even twitched.
He studied her on the sofa, hesitating. Finally, he spoke reluctantly: "Bai Ling... after you unlock the System Store, get proper combat gear first."
"Hmm? Why?" Bai Ling mumbled, calmer but still face-down, flustered.
"Your leg movement ripped your pants’ seam," he explained quietly.
"Ahhh!!!"
—
Ten minutes later.
Bai Ling stood in the living room, new pants on, a dark line across her forehead. She glared at Duan Heng like a vengeful ghost, eyes sharp with wariness.
The usually joking Duan Heng grew nervous. Scratching his head uneasily, he ventured: "Come on—it wasn’t me who ripped them. Why glare?"
"You bastard... stay back... I’ll practice alone." Bai Ling gritted her teeth, ferocious.
Duan Heng stepped forward anxiously. "That won’t work! You’ll learn too slow alone. I admit I was harsh earlier, but—"
"What harshness! Get lost!" Seeing him approach, that impulse surged again. Bai Ling shouted, forcing it down: "I’ll level up to five today! None of your business! Go cool off somewhere!"
"Alright, I get it—don’t push!" Duan Heng protested as she shoved him into the bedroom. Before he could speak, she slammed the door.
Slam—
The heavy bang left Duan Heng stunned, frozen in place...
*What now! Does she hate me? Just because I was strict while teaching? Nooo—*
A normal guy might panic over his girlfriend’s anger.
But Duan Heng wasn’t normal.
After the shock, he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
*Why is Bai Ling so arrogant compared to my past life? No humility. Won’t even let me teach her.*
*Too few crises this life? Have I spoiled her?*
*No. I need to find a chance to discipline her properly.*
