Chapter One: Three Records

“It’s been more than half a month, hasn’t it? It’s Friday again—do you think that girl will come?” In the dimly lit Nightshade Bar, two bartenders whispered to each other.

“It’s Friday today, and she came on Friday the last two times. I bet she’ll show up again. Three records—she’s already broken two,” the other replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement, clearly eager for some entertainment.

“I think so too. I saw Ji, Shen, and Lin here—they’re probably hoping to catch a glimpse of her as well.”

Nightshade was an exclusive, members-only bar; without a personal introduction, entry was impossible. Privacy was paramount. The bar was run by a few wealthy heirs, drawing in the elite of their social circle.

Within the bar, there were three legendary records: the first, a three-ball clean sweep in billiards; the second, ten darts, each scoring fifty points for a perfect round; the third, a wine tasting challenge—identifying eight glasses by name and vintage.

All records belonged to Ji Jing.

Ji Jing was the central figure within their circle. Exceptional since childhood, he founded Hengxing Group as an adult. Despite many descendants in the Ji family, there was never any rivalry for succession. Ji Jing’s dominance made him the undisputed heir.

Yet now, with Hengxing Group flourishing, he had no intention of returning to inherit his family's vast fortune.

Ji Jing sat in a private suite, watching the large screen displaying footage of the girl breaking records.

She was young, dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt, her hair in a ponytail—a picture of pure university innocence. Her features were exquisite, especially her almond eyes: brilliant, clear, and resolute.

She bent over, sinking a ball into the pocket, her movements swift and decisive—displaying a maturity far beyond her years.

“She’s come three days in a row. Five balls the first day, three-ball clean sweep the second—that tied your record. Then, two-ball clean sweep on the third day. Her progress is phenomenal,” Shen Xinian remarked with playful interest, his face alight with curiosity.

Ji Jing had always been the leader of their group, undefeated since childhood. Now, suddenly, there was someone who could challenge him—a girl, no less. The others couldn’t help but revel in his moment of vulnerability.

Ji Jing watched the girl in the video, a clip he’d replayed several times. Hearing Shen’s words, he allowed a faint, amused curve of his lips. “Her skills are impressive, and her acting isn’t bad either. She could’ve done a two-ball clean sweep on her first day.”

Shen Xinian was taken aback. “Seriously? She’s that good? Why would she hold back?”

The high-definition footage captured every detail, even the pores on her face.

Her form was textbook perfection. As she leaned over the table, close to the surface, there was an inexplicable allure to her posture.

With a deft strike, balls scattered across the table. It seemed casual, but each ball followed the exact path she intended.

She was like a goddess, commanding the entire table.

She gazed imperiously at the balls, a few stopping just short of the pockets. She frowned slightly in dissatisfaction.

Then there was the video of her playing darts. The intensity of her focus carried a unique charm. She threw her dart—dead center.

Ten darts, each hitting the bullseye. From the second dart onward, every shot landed precisely atop the previous one. By the end, only one dart remained at the center.

It wasn’t the highest scoring method, but it was undeniably the most breathtaking.

As she began the dart challenge, people recognized her and gathered around, watching intently. Yet she paid no mind to the crowd, her focus unwavering on the dartboard. Even as cheers erupted with each throw, she remained unaffected.

Despite her youth, she possessed a concentration that belied her age.

Even through the screen, the impact she had on everyone present was palpable.

At that moment, she was the center of attention.

Suddenly, she seemed to sense the camera and met its gaze with her almond eyes. Ji Jing felt a jolt in his chest.

It was as if she was looking straight at him through the lens.

She quickly glanced away, her beautiful face fading from the screen.

Gu Ze chuckled. “Why else? Probably fishing for a rich target—she’s certainly put in the effort, and it’s quite unexpected.”

Shen Xinian’s interest was piqued. “Then let’s guess who her target might be.”

Ji Jing looked at the girl in the video, lips curling in proud amusement.

As the three conversed, another screen revealed a slender figure entering the bar. White t-shirt, jeans, ponytail bobbing with each step.

She had indeed returned.

Shen Xinian was the first to stand. “I’ll head out first—maybe I’m her chosen target.”

Gu Ze laughed. “Looks like someone’s ready to take the bait.” He glanced at Ji Jing, his gaze laden with meaning. “Care to join?”

Ji Jing, feigning disinterest, replied, “Let’s go have a look then.”

Gu Ze cursed inwardly at Ji Jing’s reserved demeanor—clearly interested, yet still pretending otherwise.

Yu Xiangsi, as usual, approached the bar counter. Her performance over the past two weeks had made her a recognizable figure; many had guessed she’d appear tonight, and now that she had, all eyes were on her.

The bartender asked, “Are you here to challenge the third record today?”

Yu Xiangsi’s lips curved, revealing a dimple. “Yes, the third record. Thank you.”

In a place like this, encountering someone so courteous was unexpected—the bartender was almost unprepared.

He turned to prepare; the wines had been set aside in advance, ready for any challenger.

Yu Xiangsi eyed the selection, arching her brows. “Just these?” Her tone was faintly bored. “This third challenge is simpler than I imagined.”

Such bravado made the bartender glance at her.

As Shen Xinian entered, he overheard her words. “You look delicate, but your attitude is anything but.”

Yu Xiangsi turned, scanning behind him for someone she hoped to see, but was disappointed.

She glanced at Shen Xinian nonchalantly, ignored him, and turned to the bartender. “Let’s begin.”

Shen Xinian laughed in disbelief; he’d never been so disregarded before. Born into wealth, he was used to pride and attention—not neglect.

He raised his voice, “Since this young lady finds it too easy, let’s make things more interesting.” He turned to the bartender, “Bring out our private collection.”

All the bar’s wines were famous, each bottle worth a fortune—after all, the bar’s clientele were the affluent elite. But those wines Shen Xinian referred to as their collection were something else entirely.

The bartender, happy to stir things up, went to prepare. Soon, he returned with a small tray.