"Is there really such a creature? I thought they were extinct," Scarlett exclaimed, standing up. Her excitement made her lose her ladylike demeanor.
Lucas Luo chuckled, finding Scarlett's reaction endearing. She really only had the potential to be a little sister, he thought to himself. Out loud, he said, "That's what I've heard. Several hunters claim to have seen the gyrfalcon. It's truly a divine bird. Apparently, even experienced hunters go weak at the knees when they see it."
"Then I want to go too," Scarlett declared excitedly.
"A little girl like you in such a dangerous place?" Lucas teased, glancing at Leon.
Scarlett looked at Leon and said, "Leon, let's go back."
"Alright, Scarlett, if you want to go, then go. Just behave yourself," Lucas said. With a large team accompanying them, he wasn't worried about a little girl.
"When are we leaving?"
"Later. Since Leon is here in the capital, I should show him around a bit first," Lucas smiled. "Scarlett, how about we go to the Crimson Soul Club?"
Leon found it odd that Lucas would leave this decision to Scarlett.
Scarlett shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, but you guys will just embarrass yourselves again."
...
The Crimson Soul Club was not among the top high-end clubs in Beijing. Compared to Chang'an Club and Beijing Club, the Crimson Soul Club's members were neither wealthy merchants nor noble aristocrats. But it wasn't shabby either. In this city of power and privilege, the Crimson Soul Club mainly catered to military personnel. Many young officers like Lucas Luo considered it a leisurely hangout and a networking platform.
The parking lot outside was filled with vehicles sporting various military district plates, a sight that was quite striking. Just pulling someone out of there, and they could easily be a regiment commander.
Despite its leisurely nature, the club had no need for formalities.
A server led them directly to the club's central area.
The interior was not what Leon had expected. It was a blend of soft and hard lines, giving off a feeling of a gentle yet iron-blooded retreat. The founder of the club clearly put a lot of thought into it.
Leon and Scarlett sat casually on a quiet sofa.
Since it was a club meant for relaxation and entertainment, most people, like Lucas, were not in uniform. Despite this, the military air was palpable, a stark contrast to the playboys.
When people saw Leon, their steely gazes were curious. Given their positions, they weren't too nosy. After learning that Leon was Scarlett's friend, they didn't say much more.
Scarlett seemed to be a well-known figure here. When they arrived, many eyes lit up. Leon noticed that the admiration wasn't just for Scarlett's beauty; there was also a sense of envy.
"Scarlett, it's rare for you to bring a friend," a group of people approached them, glancing at Leon before laughing. "I heard you're going on a date with Lucas."
Lucas was often called "Lucas the Eagle" because of his love for eagles. "You're not really into this bird-playing maniac, are you?" A bald man laughed. "And who's this guy? Doesn't look like he plays with birds."
"Bald Eagle," Lucas snapped, "stop calling me that. Scarlett's my sister now." He signaled towards Leon. "That's Scarlett's boyfriend! Watch your mouth..."
Leon, listening on the side, was speechless. Bird maniac and Bald Eagle—these nicknames were full of "manly charm."
Boyfriend??
The club fell silent, everyone staring incredulously at Leon.
Scarlett glared at Lucas, blaming him for his big mouth.
Lucas, being straightforward, said, "Scarlett, since he's your boyfriend, he should show himself. No point hiding." Lucas had another motive: since Leon was now his brother, he didn't want him to feel neglected. Lucas couldn't stand to see his brother feeling slighted.
"Right, Leon?" Lucas patted Leon's shoulder.
Leon could only smile awkwardly.
"Scarlett, are you joking? Did you get this guy to be your boyfriend just to annoy Lucas?" the bald man laughed.
Scarlett snorted, "Leon is my boyfriend, got it?"
Hearing Scarlett's confirmation, the club members exchanged glances, tongues wagging.
"Scarlett wouldn't go for a scholarly type," the bald man laughed. "Leon, no offense, but Scarlett is popular here. You don't quite fit our image of her partner. You're not exactly manly."
"I understand," Leon replied calmly.
"You're too noisy. Go play with your gun, Bald Eagle. I'm waiting for you macho men to break records," Scarlett huffed.
Although these men were straightforward, their words made Scarlett unhappy. They couldn't hide their feelings, but hearing them talk about her choice still irritated her.
Others noticed Scarlett's displeasure, and Lucas raised his eyebrows, signaling that the jokes were over.
The men backed off, feeling embarrassed.
Initially, Leon was an unnoticed figure in this military club. But with the title of Scarlett's boyfriend, he attracted more attention, making him uncomfortable under the gaze of these tough men.
After a while, Lucas was pulled away by some peers for a chat. Before leaving, he said, "Scarlett, since you're taken, talk to the club manager about canceling that rule."
"Shut up, okay?" Scarlett glared at him.
Now it was just Leon and Scarlett. Given that this was a military circle, the conversation topics were all within the same circle.
Leon, an outsider, couldn't join in. He idly browsed some internal military magazines.
"Aren't you curious about the rule Lucas mentioned?" Scarlett broke the silence after a while.
"I won't interfere in your private life," Leon said calmly. He wouldn't let the envious stares make him think he was really Scarlett's boyfriend.
Scarlett smiled, almost amused.
"Forget it, I won't tell you then. Let's go shoot," Scarlett suggested.
"Shoot?" Leon was puzzled.
"Come on," Scarlett didn't explain, dragging Leon away under envious gazes.
Since the Crimson Soul Club was a military club, its leisure facilities didn't include the usual decadent pleasures. The club's focus was on relaxation activities.
Leon had almost forgotten this in the casual atmosphere. When Scarlett led him to a shooting range in the club's backyard, he realized his mistake. The range used the most advanced global targeting training system, costing at least tens of thousands per session.
Even members had to pay.
"Scarlett, let's not. It's too expensive."
Money wasn't the issue. Leon had never shot a gun before.
"For me, everything here is free!" Scarlett didn't explain, walking ahead. A portly middle-aged man rushed over.
"Manager Xiao, this is my friend Leon. I want to train him in shooting," Scarlett said cheerfully, as if it was the most natural thing.
"Of course, Miss Scarlett's friends are always welcome," Manager Xiao said with a smile.
Leon looked at Scarlett suspiciously, recalling the looks from earlier. "Don't tell me you invested in this place?"
"Ha, you don't know?" Manager Xiao introduced proudly. "Miss Scarlett holds five shooting records here." He added mysteriously, "Miss Scarlett is our top-tier member. Most people here are trying to break her records."
Breaking records—Leon had heard her mention it before. Those officers had a mix of admiration and determination on their faces.
"Please don't mention that to my friend. I'm just teaching him how to shoot," Scarlett said.
Movies and TV had misled Leon into thinking shooting was easy. But when Scarlett taught him the steps and precautions, he realized nothing was as easy as it seemed.
"Control your breathing. It's best to hold your breath while aiming and shooting. Breathing affects the gun's movement and dispersion," Scarlett explained. "Focus on the aiming point. The eye takes 3 to 7 seconds to adapt and see clearly. This is the best shooting time. If the gun is too high, move forward; too low, move back; to the right, move right; and vice versa. Keeping your body relaxed helps with accuracy."
"For beginners, just remember these points. First-time shooters will be nervous, muscles will tense up. Relax!" Scarlett observed Leon and, seeing him relatively calm, added with some praise, "Now let me demonstrate."
Scarlett raised the gun, loaded the magazine, aimed at a fixed target twenty-five meters away, and fired smoothly.
Her movements were light and graceful, clearly a pro.
After twelve shots, all hit the bullseye.
"Scarlett, how long have you been practicing?" Leon asked, impressed.
"Over ten years," Scarlett said proudly. "Don't be surprised. Once you master the balance between 'movement and stillness,' you'll handle shooting accurately anytime."
"Your turn now."
Leon raised his arm, closed his right eye.