Chapter 120: A Proposal, A Bold Kiss from Lei Ji?

"One afternoon, in the secluded balcony of the sniping department, Lei Ji, a girl of few words, suddenly approached me," Zhang Fan narrated with wonder. It was indeed a rarity, almost a miracle, for the reticent Lei Ji to seek him out. Could she have encountered an insurmountable task?

"Please... marry me," she whispered, her low voice striking Zhang Fan with the force of a thunderclap. Marry? What could this stoic girl be pondering?

"Lei Ji, are you certain this isn't a jest?" Zhang Fan asked, incredulously. Had she fallen ill?

"No, I'm quite serious. I'm proposing to you," she replied, her perpetually expressionless face making the statement all the more earth-shattering. A marriage proposal, from a girl of such reticence, to him? Was the world turning mad?

"Alright, Lei Ji, perhaps you should rest. Have you been overburdened lately?" Concerned, Zhang Fan stepped forward to feel her forehead, which was unexpectedly cool to the touch.

"Marriage... it means becoming my partner," Lei Ji stated without hindrance, maintaining her resolute demeanor.

"A partner? I see... But partnership doesn't necessarily equate to marriage. Moreover, I already have partners. Of course, if you wish to join our team, I'm sure Arya would welcome you," Zhang Fan reasoned, thinking Lei Ji had confused the concepts of marriage and team partnership. However, before he could finish, Lei Ji pointed her SVD sniper rifle at him.

"Arya... isn't suitable for you. So, marry me, or I will shoot you."

Shoot him? Since when had Lei Ji adopted Arya's lines? And why did such words feel so discordant coming from her? Zhang Fan was bewildered.

"Alright, Lei Ji, let's calm down. First, tell me why Arya isn't suitable for me and what led you to consider marriage?" Zhang Fan gestured in surrender, unable to comprehend Lei Ji's sudden change in behavior.

"By marrying me, you will become a part of the 'Wu Lu Si,'" Lei Ji explained.

"'Wu Lu Si'?" This was the first time Zhang Fan had heard the term.

"It means 'family.' I must unite with you; the wind told me so."

Zhang Fan felt overwhelmed. Lei Ji, this enigmatic girl, was not only reticent but also seemingly delusional. The wind told her they must marry? Was it the wind of her homeland, or the whispers in her headphones?

"Lei Ji, I think we need to talk. You should understand that we are just friends. Regarding marriage, it's an elevation of love between a man and a woman. Without feelings, without love, how can marriage..." Zhang Fan intended to educate her on the difference, but Lei Ji interrupted him.

"You cannot negotiate with the opposite sex; you must conquer it."

Was she living in a feudal world? And even if one were to conquer the opposite sex, that wasn't something a girl like her should be doing. Still, now wasn't the time for such thoughts; handling Lei Ji was the priority.

"Zhang Fan, I'll give you time to think," Lei Ji finally relented, allowing him some breathing room.

"I'll give you a maximum of seven minutes..."

Seven minutes? Zhang Fan almost wanted to retract his gratitude; Lei Ji was giving no quarter.

"In the seven minutes from leaving this building, I will attack you seven times. If you can evade even one attack for more than a minute, I will withdraw my proposal."

An interesting proposition, indeed. Zhang Fan agreed, but on one condition: if he evaded her, she would join his and Arya's team, believing an S-class sniper like her would greatly aid their squad.

"Agreed. If you escape, I will be your slave for life. But beware, my absolute radius is 2,051 meters. If you can leave this range in seven minutes, you win. I trust my rifle will not betray me." A confident declaration indeed.

"Then let's begin," Zhang Fan said, turning to leave the balcony. This game was an opportunity; he had long set his sights on Lei Ji, and now was his chance.

"Wait, Zhang Fan," Lei Ji called out just as he turned. In an unexpected move, she leaned forward and kissed him. Her mint-scented lips, usually so expressionless, took him by surprise. A bold kiss from the typically stoic girl?

"Lei Ji, you..." The kiss was brief, yet enough to shock Zhang Fan. Lei Ji's daring was astounding.

"This battle has two outcomes: you become mine, or I become yours." Despite the kiss, her expression remained unchanged. A declaration that amused Zhang Fan, though he was slightly guilty of taking advantage of the situation.

"In that case, I look forward to it," Zhang Fan understood her meaning. Regardless of the game's victor, a deep bond would form between them; the question was merely who would take the lead. But lose? Zhang Fan had faith in his strength; Lei Ji, prepare to join my ranks.