With a sudden, explosive burst of energy, Shen Xun'er lunged.
She didn't just step forward; she launched herself, her shoulder slamming into Haoran's chest in a desperate attempt to tackle him to the dirt.
For a split second, it looked like she had the upper hand, her momentum driving him backward.
But Haoran was faster.
As she collided with him, he didn't fight the force but redirected it, and with a fluid, practiced motion, he pivoted his hips and whipped his leg around in a sharp, precise sweep.
His foot caught her ankles perfectly, knocking the wind out of her balance.
In a blur of motion, the tables turned.
Xun'er felt the world tilt, and before she could even gasp, she hit the ground with a soft thud, the breath leaving her lungs in a sharp oomph.
Haoran didn't let up. He dropped his weight instantly, pinning her wrists above her head and pressing his chest firmly against hers.
He looked down at her, a triumphant, predatory grin dancing on his lips.
