Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Perfect Overtime Match and Award Ceremony

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The rules of the overtime round were slightly modified. Originally, all five bullets were fired in one go, and the total score was then read collectively. However, since the overtime round was a high-stakes match between two individuals with ample time, the format was changed to one bullet per person, alternating shots, with scores read after each cycle.

Additionally, the target distance was adjusted. Originally set at one hundred meters, it was increased by fifty meters to a total of one hundred and fifty meters.

For targets beyond one hundred and fifty meters, to the average eye, they appear as little more than a black dot, making it nearly impossible to see the target rings clearly.

Being able to score high at this distance is truly impressive.

At this stage, for the county leaders, this year’s county-wide competition had already been a tremendous success. The final overtime shoot-off was the cherry on top. It was akin to the extra question on a test paper. Since it was a bonus round, it naturally needed to be a bit different, adding some entertainment value and difficulty.

Ling Chengyan and the sharpshooter from Fujiao Commune exchanged a glance, neither opposed, and silently moved to the shooting position to prepare for the match.

“First round of shooting, ready!” the announcer shouted the command.

Ling Chengyan and the second contestant each took a prone position, raised their firearms, and prepared.

Tweet—— the whistle blew!

Ling Chengyan decisively pulled the trigger—— bang!

She put down her firearm and loosened her neck and fingers.

Beside her, the other competitor remained silent, and it took a good ten seconds before finally pulling the trigger—— bang!

“First round of shooting complete, report the targets!” the announcer shouted loudly, raising a small red flag in hand.

The target markers jogged over to check the scores at both positions.

Everyone, including some leaders and spectators, held their breath at that moment, their eyes fixed intently on every subtle move of the target markers, eager to be the first to see the scores of the two shooting experts.

But, the distance was too far, and the targets were just small black dots, let alone discern the rings on the target.

Finally, the target marker announced the scores:

Position one—— ten rings!

Position two—— eight rings!

Position one belonged to Ling Chengyan, while position two, naturally, was the sharpshooter from Fujiao Commune, who had won the county-wide competition for two consecutive years.

Wow… as the scores were announced, a buzz of discussion surged like waves, with countless people marveling at Ling Chengyan’s outstanding marksmanship. Of course, some lamented the mistake at position two, and even some savvy analysts began to dissect the reasons for the second position’s lapse: the target moving back fifty meters significantly increased the difficulty more than just by 1.5 times. Furthermore, having been the champion for two consecutive years, the mental pressure would be especially heavy.

No matter the reasons, the match wasn’t over; this was just the first round.

The second round began, and once again, following the whistle, Ling Chengyan quickly completed her shot. Position two took even more time aiming this time, delaying half a minute before finally pulling the trigger.

The announcer raised the small red flag: “Report the targets!”

The target markers ran up to check and then reported the scores:

Position one—— 9 rings!

With this score, everyone was stunned; some looked at Ling Chengyan with more scrutiny and uncertainty: Could it be that the first shot was just good luck, and the second shot showed her true colors? After all, with the target pushed back fifty meters, the difficulty had increased a lot. If she could hit all ten rings with five bullets, it would be unbelievable.

In the midst of the discussions, the target report continued:

Position two—— 7 rings!

The whole place fell silent, and after a full ten seconds, the chatter rose like a tide once again.

It seemed the difficulty indeed increased significantly with the target moving back fifty meters. Position one being able to hit a ten, a nine, was quite an achievement.

The third round began.

After the whistle sounded, Ling Chengyan still did not hesitate much and decisively pulled the trigger, firing the third bullet—— bang!

This time, the competitor at position two still hesitated and delayed for half a minute before pulling the trigger.

Target report——

Position one—— ten rings!

Position two—— seven rings!

With another ten rings, audiences no longer attributed it to luck. With three bullets, two tens, and one nine, even considering the target moved back fifty meters, such a score could indeed be called that of a ’sharpshooter’.

The fourth round began, with Ling Chengyan proceeding with the same decisive speed.

The second contestant seemed more decisive this time, or perhaps just resigned to whatever came.

Just as Ling Chengyan’s shot settled, position two also pulled the trigger.

Fourth round, target report——

Position one—— ten rings!

Position two—— three rings!

After four rounds, Ling Chengyan’s position one scored thirty-nine rings. Position two scored twenty-five rings.

With this, Ling Chengyan at position one had effectively secured the victory for the overtime match in advance!

But the match rules stated that the fifth round had to be completed.

Ling Chengyan seriously fired her fifth bullet, scoring—— ten rings!

Position two also shot earnestly, and judging by the time taken, they no longer rushed but aimed seriously for twenty seconds before pulling the trigger. The final score—— eight rings!

Indeed, their shooting skill was not in vain; a sharpshooter indeed lived up to their name.

Upon standing, Ling Chengyan walked over to shake hands with the second contestant: “Thank you for the match.”

The second contestant, Zheng Hongwei, had a stiff expression, trying to smile but failing, yet still extended his hand for a brief handshake with Ling Chengyan, whispering: “Impressive, I lost.”

Ling Chengyan did not say much, as County Leader Director Jin and Team Leader Zhang Hanchao were already walking towards them, each wearing a big smile and clapping earnestly.

Director Jin stepped forward to shake hands with the two competitors: “Congratulations to both of you on your achievements. Whether it’s Comrade Ling Chengyan or Comrade Zheng Hongwei, your shooting skills are top-notch, worthy of the title ’sharpshooter’. Therefore, representing the County Committee and the County Military Department, I decide to award both of you the ’sharpshooter’ title.”

Team Leader Zhang Hanchao followed, delivering good news: “The top five in this competition will represent the county and participate in next week’s district competition. Comrades, carry forward the spirit of not fearing difficulties, keep pushing forward, and strive for even better results.”

This statement invigorated both Ling Chengyan and Zheng Hongwei, especially Zheng Hongwei, who instantly turned his gaze towards Ling Chengyan, coinciding with Ling Chengyan’s glance, and they exchanged a slight smile.

This smile contained mutual appreciation and a strong desire for battle again.

Next, there was the awards ceremony for this county-wide competition, along with a few small performances as entertainment, one of which featured Ling Chengyan’s participation in a mounted archery event, scheduled last as the closing act.

The award ceremony was not cumbersome, as the top five could all go on stage to receive prizes. Each received a certificate, with the first, second and third places being the champions, while the fourth and fifth places received excellence awards.

Apart from certificates, the champion also received a grand prize. Originally, each champion’s prize was a radio—a Jinxing brand semiconductor radio worth over sixty yuan, which still required a ticket and an Industrial Coupon.

However, all three championships in this edition were swept by Ling Chengyan alone, so giving her three radios wasn’t feasible.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep