C7 The Three Key Points of a Face Slap

"Xiao Yan, take aim and fire!"

"Uh, if you're going to shoot, could you not do it so quickly?"

"Hold that pose for three minutes."

"Ha! Did you get distracted by Xiao Xuner and shoot again? Try to keep it professional, will you?"

Thanks to the Xiao family's reputation in Wutan City, Chiang Xie had successfully recruited a number of extras. So, he brought Xiao Yan to the courtyard that very day to start filming.

The courtyard was now filled with young women swooning over him. Xiao Yan, with a mighty bow in hand, stood imposingly before a target emblazoned with a sun symbol.

Being at Level 3 of Foundation Establishment, Xiao Yan didn't find it difficult to draw the bow. However, Chiang Xie had him drawing the bow all morning without letting him shoot a single arrow!

Now he realized that Chiang Xie wasn't really interested in his archery skills, but rather in having him strike a pose to impress... The courtyard was indeed encircled by the family's young ladies.

"Mr. Chiang, my shooting wasn't because I saw Xiao Xuner. I've been at this bow for ages and I'm a bit worn out. It was just an accidental shot..." Xiao Yan explained to Chiang Xie, who was lounging on a wooden chair, snacking on fruit.

"You're supposed to portray a descendant! How can a man capable of shooting the sun be so careless with his arrows? Do you think that's fair to the sun?"

Chiang Xie, the Dirty Joke King back on Earth, lacked any sense of shame, especially since no one around could understand his innuendos.

"Brother Chiang Xie, perhaps we should give Xiao Yan a break?" Xiao Xuner suggested, seeing Xiao Yan drenched in sweat and feeling a pang of sympathy for him.

Xiao Yan might not have grasped the suggestive undertone of Chiang Xie's comment, but he did understand the gravity of the role he was about to play.

According to Chiang Xie, the descendant was a great expert who had once shot down nine suns consecutively! To not take the portrayal seriously would be an affront to such a character.

Shaking off the soreness in his arms, Xiao Yan declared with resolve, "Xuner, it's just that my determination isn't strong enough. Mr. Chiang is correct. The descendant is a great expert capable of shooting down the sun. How can I be worthy of playing him if I don't give it my all? Mr. Chiang, let's keep going!"

Unexpectedly, Chiang Xie pursed his lips and said, "Your sister... Xiao Xuner is right, it's time to call it a day."

"…"

It wasn't that Chiang Xie felt sorry for Xiao Yan; he had simply run out of fruit and was too embarrassed to ask for more... so, indeed, it was time to wrap up.

However, Chiang Xie did harbor some concerns about Xiao Yan's portrayal of the descendant. While the tale of the descendant shooting down the sun was captivating, it lacked a certain emotional depth.

For instance, a dramatic love story would add to the intrigue. It seemed necessary to bring in Xiao Xuner as well. Adding a Moonbound Chang'e would make it perfect.

"When did the Xiao family turn into a troupe of performers?"

Just as Chiang Xie and the others were about to pack up, an ill-timed voice rang out.

A handsome man approached them, casting an unfriendly glance at Xiao Yan.

Chiang Xie inquired of Xiao Yan, "Is he someone important? He speaks with such arrogance."

Xiao Yan whispered back, "His name is Xiao Ning, the First Elder's grandson, and he's my cousin, though we're not particularly close. He's reached Foundation Stage Level 8 in his cultivation."

At this, Chiang Xie's mouth twitched. If he wasn't mistaken, this was the very cousin who had been a thorn in Xiao Yan's side!

For Chiang Xie, such an opportunity to put Xiao Yan in his place couldn't be passed up. If Xiao Yan took the spotlight, what would happen then?

The privilege of delivering a figurative slap and showing off was reserved for the main character, and as the Strongest Villain, he had to seize the moment!

"This has been approved by the Patriarch. Cousin, aren't you overstepping your bounds?" Xiao Xuner said coolly, addressing Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning's expression darkened further. He had previously dismissed his cousin, who had tumbled from grace.

But this upstart spent all his time with Xiao Xuner. Did he still think he was the prodigy he once was? Xiao Xuner, a woman of such caliber, was meant for Xiao Ning alone!

That aside, what he found utterly intolerable was how this worthless cousin had suddenly become dashing and distinguished, reigniting the young women of the family's affection for him.

It seemed as though the cousin had reverted to his former glory from years past, when he was the darling of the Xiao family and its most brilliant prodigy. Xiao Ning found this resurgence intolerable, which is why he sought to stir up trouble with Xiao Yan.

"Haha, just as I thought, my cousin still prefers to cower behind women!" Xiao Ning sneered at Xiao Yan with a mocking laugh.

Xiao Yan's fists tightened, and though he opened his mouth, he held back any retort. After all, if a dog bites you, do you bite back?

Chiang Xie's eyes, on the other hand, sparkled with mischief. This was an excellent chance to turn the tables, one he couldn't let slip by. He immediately addressed Xiao Yan, "Xiao Yan! Do you know the three essentials of delivering a slap?"

Caught off guard, Xiao Yan wasn't sure why Chiang Xie brought this up and simply shook his head in confusion.

Xiao Xuner was equally intrigued by what Chiang Xie might say next, so she watched him intently, waiting.

"The essentials are: a stylish stance, swift action, and scathing words!" Chiang Xie declared.

Without waiting for anyone to digest his words, he leapt over ten meters into the air, executing several flips before landing effortlessly back on the ground.

Xiao Ning, still not comprehending what had just happened, was caught off guard as Chiang Xie vanished and then reappeared right in front of him. In a flash, Chiang Xie delivered a barrage of slaps to Xiao Ning's face and sent him flying with a powerful kick.

"Puff!" Xiao Ning hit the ground, utterly bewildered, coughing up blood. His face swelled up like a pig's, and he was seething with the desire to retaliate against Chiang Xie.

But then he saw Chiang Xie's menacing glare as he spat out, "You're like a pig! Can't you dodge when I hit you? Damn it! My hands are aching from hitting you! You realize you've got yourself into a real mess, right?"

A hush fell over the crowd. It seemed the victim was somehow at fault... And with such a flamboyant display, how could anyone dodge? His hands were sore, sure, but Xiao Ning's face was swollen beyond recognition. And now he's in big trouble? After all, he's the grandson of the First Elder! It looks like Chiang Xie is the one who's really in trouble...

Xiao Ning had never encountered someone so utterly shameless. Overcome with rage, he coughed up another mouthful of blood and passed out.

Meanwhile, Chiang Xie clapped his hands and earnestly said to Xiao Yan, "See that? That's how you slap someone metaphorically. You should learn from me."

Xiao Yan's mouth twitched involuntarily. Learning from Chiang Xie seemed like a surefire way to an early grave...

"Brother Chiang Xie, that was uncalled for. Xiao Ning is the grandson of the Xiao family's First Elder!" Xiao Xuner cautioned.

Chiang Xie just smiled nonchalantly and replied, "What's there to worry about? Xiao Yan's father is the Patriarch. He'll protect you."

Xiao Yan was at a loss for words, caught between laughter and disbelief. "Mr. Chiang, the Xiao family isn't under my father's sole control. You've attacked the First Elder's grandson; my father probably won't be able to shield you."

Chiang Xie looked incredulously at Xiao Xuner, who shook her head, confirming that Xiao Zhan indeed couldn't offer protection.

Holding onto a sliver of hope, Chiang Xie turned to the onlookers, but they too silently shook their heads in agreement.

If Xiao Zhan had absolute control over the family, Xiao Yan wouldn't be facing exile over a family rule. It was clear Chiang Xie had landed himself in hot water.

Yet Chiang Xie remained composed, cursing inwardly before addressing the crowd with a nonchalant air, "Even if his grandfather shows up, I won't hesitate to fight."

He had already decided to lay low for a while, so he wasn't concerned about being a bit too bold with his words.

"Well, I'm here. Go ahead, fight!" The First Elder emerged from the crowd, fixing a cold gaze on Chiang Xie.

"Damn it!" Chiang Xie couldn't help but exclaim. This was a serious setback. So much for trying to maintain a cool facade.