Chapter 29 – New Record!

Gu Yiming only realized he had broken a record after returning to the athlete area.

“242.3 points, not bad!” Xie Qingyun enthusiastically patted his shoulder, excitement evident in his voice. “You just broke the world record for the finals!”

Gu Yiming let out a confused “Ah?” and after a moment of recollection, he was genuinely surprised to find it was true. “But my first scoring series… Did I really shoot that well?”

His new teammate nodded. “Extremely well. Except for the shot after the shoot-off in the elimination round, all the others were tens, and the last one was a 10.9. Damn impressive!”

“With the competition format just changed, breaking records is relatively easier,” Qin Shan added sternly, trying to prevent him from getting too proud, though the smile at the corners of his mouth couldn’t be suppressed for long.

Soon after, the awards ceremony for the gold, silver, and bronze medalists would take place. Qin Shan hurried him to put on his team jacket while taking the opportunity to brief him on the procedures and etiquette. Qin Shan rambled on for quite a while before finally asking routinely, “Any other questions?”

Gu Yiming’s mind was still a bit hazy. Three or four years ago, during his peak condition, he had once broken a domestic record in the junior category, but he had never broken a world record before. After some thought, he asked, “How much is the prize money for breaking a world record?”

Qin Shan was both amused and exasperated by his question.

Gu Yiming thought to himself, After all, I’m a man with a family now. Is it really that strange to care about livelihood issues?

The ISSF World Cup legs weren’t broadcast live, and videos were only uploaded online after editing, so “Gu Yiming’s family” still didn’t know about this achievement. After the match ended, Fang Xiao kept subtly probing him about the results, but Gu Yiming was determined to keep him in suspense—not only refusing to tell him but also forbidding Fang Xiao from checking sports news.

“Wait for the video to come out before watching it. No spoilers,” Gu Yiming said seriously, turning the tables on Fang Xiao. “I’m not ready yet, so you’ll have to be patient.”

Fang Xiao sighed helplessly. “Xiao Gu, how did I only just realize you’re so petty?”

Of course, it was because Gu Yiming himself had only recently discovered that occasional pettiness didn’t affect Fang Xiao’s fondness for him. Taking advantage of being spoiled—absolutely.

This year’s Munich leg scheduled the air pistol event last, and after the post-match drug test, the entire competition concluded. Team China’s return trip was also tightly scheduled. While waiting in the departure lounge, Gu Yiming browsed related news and saw that the official website had already updated the video, so he sent the link to Fang Xiao. Fang Xiao replied: [Already watching it. Made it to the finals—impressive! But your scoring series this time wasn’t great.]

Gu Yiming suppressed a smile. Fang Xiao really hadn’t looked for spoilers. He replied: [Keep watching.]

Afraid Fang Xiao would rush to share his thoughts after finishing, Gu Yiming added: [I’m about to board. I’ll arrive in Beijing tomorrow morning.]

Fang Xiao acknowledged and paused the video: [Then rest well when you arrive. When’s your day off? I’ll come to Tianjin to see you.]

But Gu Yiming replied: [I took leave. I’ll leave the team at Beijing Airport and come straight to you.]

Fang Xiao was surprised: [So eager?] After a moment’s thought, he added: [Fine, I’ll pick you up at the airport. Hmm… Let me finish watching the match first. If it’s truly impressive, I’ll treat you to dinner tomorrow.]

Gu Yiming thought to himself, Treating me to dinner isn’t enough. The clear female voice over the PA announced boarding. He removed his headphones, joined the queue, and imagined Fang Xiao’s reaction after watching the match, unable to suppress a smile.

Gu Yiming ranked third in the selection trials and secured spots in this year’s four World Cup legs—New Delhi, Munich, and the final leg in Gabala—with the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup Final if things went smoothly. In principle, Gu Yiming had to stay in Tianjin for training until these events concluded, but fortunately, there was a short break after international competitions. Qin Shan didn’t mind Gu Yiming leaving the team during his Beijing layover, only reminding him that after the rankings update, he might be added to WADA’s random testing list and needed to report his whereabouts daily. After a few more admonishments about prioritizing training, Qin Shan turned a blind eye and approved his leave.

Gu Yiming’s gun went back to Tianjin with the team, leaving him with just a backpack. Carrying it, he walked out of the arrivals gate and immediately spotted Fang Xiao standing at the edge of the crowd. His eyes lit up, and he hurried over, weaving through the throng.

Despite the joy he felt at the sight of Fang Xiao, all he did was softly call his name, as if those two syllables held immense power, materializing unspoken love into this mortal world. Fang Xiao had already seen him, his eyes and lips curling into a smile, though his dimples betrayed his suppressed delight.

Fang Xiao wasn’t in a rush to speak to Gu Yiming. Instead, he stepped slightly aside, revealing the tall woman beside him. Only then did Gu Yiming notice her. She wore a burgundy sleeveless maxi dress, carried a black crossbody bag, and had her hair elegantly pinned up, exuding grace and sophistication.

Fang Xiao introduced her first: “This is Gu Yiming.” Then he turned to Gu Yiming. “My sister, Fang Xing.”

Fang Xing stood at 171 cm, and with heels, she was nearly as tall as Fang Xiao. The long dress draped over her like a Valkyrie’s battle robe, her movements carrying the poise and presence of someone trained in dance.

This time, she had been invited abroad for a personal performance, but her husband couldn’t see her off due to last-minute obligations, so she called her brother to fill in. Fang Xiao had already been preparing to head to the airport when he received the call, so he picked up Fang Xing first before meeting Gu Yiming, planning to send her off afterward.

At first, Gu Yiming couldn’t understand why someone had to see her off—until he opened the car door and saw the pile of luggage that couldn’t fit in the trunk, with an extra suitcase stacked in the back seat. Finally, it made sense. He whispered to Fang Xiao, “How long is your sister going for?”

Fang Xing, sitting in the passenger seat, overheard and rolled down the window, flashing Gu Yiming a radiant smile. “Three weeks. Why?”

Gu Yiming froze, not daring to answer.

Fang Xing’s flight departed from another terminal. When they arrived, Gu Yiming and Fang Xiao each dragged two suitcases toward the departures level while Fang Xing strolled ahead, handbag in tow. Fang Xiao asked if Gu Yiming was tired after the long flight, but Gu Yiming wasn’t fatigued—just curious. “What will she do when she lands abroad and leaves the airport?”

“The host will pick her up,” Fang Xiao sighed. “Even if no one did, she’d manage. That’s just how she is. Don’t worry about her.”

Fang Xing had a first-class ticket, bypassing the queue, and checked in quickly. She picked a café to sit in but disliked the Western food, ordering Fang Xiao to fetch spring rolls from the other end of the hall. Fang Xiao glanced at Gu Yiming and refused. “Since when do you like spring rolls?” Gu Yiming, worried they might argue, volunteered, “I’ll go.” Fang Xing frowned. “Let Fang Xiao go. You—” She locked eyes with Gu Yiming for a moment and changed her mind. “Never mind, you go.”

Gu Yiming wanted to ask about her dietary preferences, but Fang Xing seemed to have suddenly lost interest in spring rolls, replying indifferently, “Whatever. You choose.”

Once Gu Yiming was out of earshot, she asked Fang Xiao, “Is that your new boyfriend?”

Gu Yiming’s figure gradually disappeared into the crowd. Fang Xiao watched for a while longer before turning back. “Yes.”

Fang Xing took in his expression and understood. She sighed. “That kid’s only in his teens, right? Too young. I couldn’t even bring myself to have a heart-to-heart with him just now.”

“You don’t need to,” Fang Xiao said, his tone slightly sharp.

“Xiao Xiao, you—” Fang Xing shook her head. “Never mind, I promised not to interfere. Just know we all love you.”

Fang Xiao softened his voice. “Sister, I know.”

Fang Xing crossed one leg, her foot flexed, toes tapping the floor lightly. “Are you settling down with him?”

Was he? Fang Xiao had some gradual thoughts in mind but didn’t want to share them with Fang Xing, lest it lower her opinion of Gu Yiming. Someone as decisive and capable as Fang Xing couldn’t fully grasp Fang Xiao’s life experiences or emotions. Like their parents, she loved him from a position of superiority.

Fang Xiao used to prefer mature, steady types, hoping they could serve as role models—a buffer between him and his high-pressure family. But now, he was gradually realizing that these were his own battles to fight. Through three long years of conflict and reconciliation, he had learned how to navigate family dynamics and finally understood how to handle such pressure: it all rested on him.

Ultimately, his family loved him—they didn’t have to love his partner.

Fang Xing wasn’t surprised by the lack of response and instead asked about Gu Yiming’s background. Their family was full of artists, carrying a certain intellectual pride—less concerned about financial status, more about personal character. When Fang Xing learned Gu Yiming was a current national team athlete in a niche sport, she reluctantly conceded: “At least that suggests a stable temperament.”

After a moment’s thought, she added, “Bring him home sometime—maybe during Mid-Autumn Festival.” Remembering Fang Xiao’s earlier reluctance to let her speak to Gu Yiming alone, she added, “Given how young he is, Dad won’t give him too hard a time.”

Fang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh, recalling how timid Gu Yiming had been around Fang Xing. His father was far more imposing—if he didn’t hold back, Gu Yiming would surely be terrified. That was a scene he wouldn’t mind witnessing.

Spotting Gu Yiming’s figure flickering in the distance through the crowd, Fang Xiao replied, “I will.”

Fang Xing headed to her gate, leaving the untouched spring rolls behind for Fang Xiao to have with coffee. Gu Yiming stared at the box, halfway through his milk, when he suddenly paused, brows furrowing in realization. Fang Xiao noticed. “Tired?”

Instead of answering, Gu Yiming asked, “Your sister… she didn’t actually want spring rolls, did she? I just figured it out…” He lowered his voice slightly. “Was she trying to send you away so she could write me a check?”

“…Where did you get that idea?” Fang Xiao asked, then immediately felt silly. “Never mind, I know—social media again.”

Gu Yiming scratched his nose sheepishly.

“She wasn’t going to write you a check. I’m already out to my family. They weren’t thrilled, but they’ve mostly accepted it.” Fang Xiao interlaced his fingers, resting them under his chin as he studied Gu Yiming, inexplicably nervous. “She wanted to invite you to my home for Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Gu Yiming didn’t quite grasp it. “Sure, I have leave during the festival.”

Fang Xiao clarified, “To my parents’ home.”

The straw slipped from Gu Yiming’s fingers with a plop. Milk spattered his neck, and he didn’t even register it.

“Can I…?” Gu Yiming whispered. “Meet your family—can I?” Then, regaining some composure, he added, “As a friend?”

“As my partner,” Fang Xiao said.

“…Oh.” Gu Yiming nodded. He still looked composed, but his face gradually reddened. His gaze fixed on Fang Xiao’s lips, the intensity making Fang Xiao feel as if he were burning. Unconsciously, Fang Xiao licked his lips. “You haven’t answered.”

“I’ll go,” Gu Yiming said resolutely.

Fang Xiao teased him. “My dad’s really strict, and my mom’s no pushover. Fang Xing—you’ve seen her. She’s the most easygoing in my family.”

Gu Yiming looked slightly intimidated but remained firm. “I’ll go.” He pursed his lips, quickly strategizing. “Tell me what they like. Take your time—I’ll figure out how to handle it.”

Fang Xiao was infected by his seriousness, pausing before laughing softly. “Alright, then.”

Gu Yiming’s face grew even redder.

Fang Xiao wondered if Gu Yiming had caught a fever—or if that fever had already spread to him. He reached out to wipe the milk stain from Gu Yiming’s neck. Gu Yiming watched him, swallowing once, and Fang Xiao’s fingers traced the movement of his Adam’s apple—the sensation too intimate, nearly indecent in public. Startled, he withdrew his hand.

“…Let’s go.” Fang Xiao stood abruptly, Gu Yiming following close behind. They walked so near that their fingers occasionally brushed, parting immediately—only linking together again once they reached a secluded spot.