Chapter 7: A 10.9 Score? A 10.9 Score. Still a 10.9 Score!
With the two Chinese contenders who had hopes of winning the championship now completely disqualified, it wasn’t just about losing eligibility—they had even lost the chance to win any medal.
Because the top three had already been decided.
Many Chinese competitors began to leave the arena, knowing that this time, there was truly no hope left.
As for Wang Xiaoming, he had long been forgotten by them.
However, a certain spectator got into a confrontation with the audience from Sakura Nation.
Ding Hao, a shooting enthusiast, was naturally full of passion and motivation for the Chinese air pistol shooting competition.
He was the loudest cheerer at every match.
When Zhao An’s results came out, he briefly thought China still had a chance to win the championship.
He even took out the national flag, ready to wave it.
But when Sakura Nation’s results were announced, his heart sank a little—but it was okay!
If the gold was gone, there was still silver!
However, after the third group finished and the fourth group’s scores from Liberty Nation came in, his heart completely dropped in an instant.
Not to mention silver, there wasn’t even a bronze!
No hope at all!
Without hope, staying here was meaningless.
Just as he was disheartened and preparing to leave, an ill-mannered spectator from Sakura Nation began mocking them.
“Hahaha, you Chinese actually still think you can take gold? Stop dreaming and go home!”
“That’s right, that’s right! Let’s go!”
“Oh, the gold’s ours again! Hahaha!”
These Sakura Nation spectators spoke flawless Chinese, clearly here to mess with the morale.
Otherwise, how could their Chinese be so good?
But Ding Hao, already full of frustration, couldn’t hold back.
He charged at the ringleader from Sakura Nation.
“Damn it!”
Immediately, the two were grappling, and security quickly appeared to separate them and promptly escorted both out of the venue.
Just as they were halfway out, the crowd inside suddenly gasped.
Both looked down, stunned.
Everyone else wore full gear, their goggles neatly in place.
But Wang Xiaoming?
He was walking toward the competition platform wearing nothing but a simple short-sleeved team shirt, without any equipment.
His demeanor was more like he was on vacation than competing.
Halfway there, he even yawned.
His teammates were shocked: “Hey, Xiaoming, you forgot your goggles!”
Wang Xiaoming just waved his hand: “Don’t need that stuff; it messes with my rhythm.”
At that moment, the livestream exploded.
“Is this our athlete? Even if we had no expectations, can you be so lazy?”
“Come on, can you really perform well like this?”
“Players who rise by luck just won’t cut it! Such a poor mindset!”
“Exactly! Falling behind a little and already giving up!”
“Is this a competition or a vacation?”
“The national funding must have been wasted on these people, damn it!”
“Feels like we’re going to embarrass ourselves, not even a bronze medal—sigh.”
Seeing his casual attitude, no one had expectations.
Instead, criticism poured in.
Meanwhile, the head of the National Security team stood beside a high-ranking official watching the screen.
The official said, “Is this the person you picked? Are you sure he can do it?”
Chen Xiao smiled: “Commander, rest assured. Shooting is definitely his strong suit.”
The official just shook his head: “Let’s hope so...”
In the finest Kyoto Hospital, inside a quiet ward, a little girl with an IV line watched Wang Xiaoming on TV, murmuring softly, “Brother, you have to do your best...”
Perhaps some rooted for Wang Xiaoming, but they were few.
Most were just watching for entertainment.
Sakura Nation’s spectators had already begun their early celebration, waving their flags and shouting words no one else could understand.
It was probably their unique cheers.
They acted as if the gold medal was already in their hands.
Moreover, Sakura Nation’s fans on stage started a wave of cheering.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoming strolled leisurely onto the competition platform.
His relaxed pace became another subject of criticism among online viewers.
“Bro, hurry up! Are you trying to get married or something?”
“Seriously, why waste time like this?”
“Everyone else’s done, I’m done watching!”
“Can you even perform?”
“Even if you can’t win a medal, there’s no need to give up so easily!”
“Exactly, you represent the nation. Can’t you show some spirit and not embarrass us?”
By the time half the Chinese spectators had left, Wang Xiaoming reached the platform.
He casually raised his pistol without even aiming.
One hand in his pocket, a smile playing at his lips, a small dimple slowly appeared.
His demeanor was as if eating or drinking—totally relaxed.
But where no one was paying attention, Wang Xiaoming’s eyes were fixed on the center of the target.
A perfect 10.9!
Bang!
The shot rang out—10.9!
Instantly, the noisy crowd quieted by half.
Sakura Nation’s spectators thought it was just luck.
Another shot—again 10.9!
The flag-waving Sakura fans stopped their motions.
Chinese spectators’ hope ignited.
Another shot—10.9 once more!
Those preparing to leave halted.
Standing spectators sat down.
Viewers at home stopped typing in the chat.
Another shot—still 10.9!
The security officers who had been restraining Ding Hao stopped, while Ding neatly adjusted his clothes, eyes fixed intently on Wang Xiaoming.
The Sakura Nation flag-wavers’ palms grew sweaty as they silently prayed, “Miss the target! Miss the target!”
Chinese fans retrieved their stowed national flags, their trembling hands betraying their emotions.
Wang Xiaoming’s friend, chubby and about to transfer money, paused at the last digit of the password.
The coaching staff and teammates packing up turned back to watch.
The arena fell silent—not only the spectators and referees, but even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Bang!
The final shot!
Everyone’s eyes locked on the big screen’s target.
No one dared blink, afraid to miss a moment.
The bullet pierced the target.
A number flashed.
The entire arena erupted in cheers!