Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: You’re Not Bad As A Newbie
Lariette shifted her eyes to the bat in her grip, trying not to bother herself too much with Ruediger’s towering figure behind. His broad palms still lay gently on the back of her hands.

“Keep your grip like this. Now, spread your feet a little. Feet shoulder-width apart,” said Ruediger while taking a step back from Lariette, “Also, bend your knees slightly. Relax your shoulders.”

Lariette exhaled, silently thankful for the distance. Ruediger’s warmth still lingered, encasing her frame. She swore she had unintentionally held her breath for a moment earlier.

“Like this?”

Lariette followed Ruediger’s instructions, her grip comfortable on the handle. He gave her a thoughtful nod, satisfied with her posture.

“Keep your eye on the ball, Lettie. Don’t swing too early when the ball comes. Your hand-eye coordination is good, but this is still different from throwing knives at your cheating ex.”

Ruediger spoke with much belief. Thinking back on the accuracy Lariette possessed with her archery and dart-throwing skills, he knew she could handle her swing.

Lariette playfully glared at Ruediger, earning chuckles from him. He was clearly referring to the time when she aimed her cutlery knife at Damien[01].

“Teach me the differences, then,” said Lariette, suddenly eager to show Ruediger her best shot. She couldn’t help but imagine the sleazy Damien at the pitching machine ahead.

Liking the determined look on Lariette’s face, Ruediger calmly explained, “With archery, you’re aiming at a fixed target unless it’s the horseback one. You draw the string at your own pace.”

Lariette silently watched Ruediger walking closer to her, reaching for the bat. She straightened up. He gave the bat a small twirl before holding it out to her again.

“With baseball, it’s all about timing, stance and swing mechanics. Of course, precision also matters. Just, it works differently. The ball comes whether you’re ready or not.”

Tilting her head, Lariette let Ruediger’s words sink into her mind. She had caught the full picture of his explanation, including imagining how a baseball player usually acted.

“I can’t rely solely on my precision, right?”

“Yes. You need to react fast, but also watch your timing,” Ruediger smiled, happy to know that Lariette understood what he meant, “Don’t worry, Lettie. You’ll get used to it.”

“Sounds like a challenge,” Lariette hummed. She gripped the bat more firmly as she adjusted her stance once again.

“Should I put the coins now? Let’s do three rounds.”

Ruediger pointed to the pitching machine. Lariette nodded, her gaze resolute. Her determination rose higher the more she heard the cracking sound of bats hitting the balls from the other tracks.

After inserting the coins needed, Ruediger took a few steps away from the machine. He gave Lariette a thumbs-up, referring to her stance.

The machine whirred, launching the first ball. Lariette’s eyes followed the ball’s fast movement, swinging the bat and…

“Ah!”

Lariette scowled, watching the ball zip past her head, hitting the tall fence. She missed it because she swung a second late.

“Not bad,” Ruediger chuckled, his face beaming despite Lariette failing to hit the ball, “But, you hesitated.”

Lariette huffed. She adjusted her stance, “I wasn’t ready.”

The next ball came. Lariette swung too early this time, missing her target completely.

“Patience is a virtue, Lettie,” Ruediger teased, his tone amused, “The ball won’t run away from you.”

Lariette pursed her lips, thinking how annoying the little ball could be. Shaking her head, she declared, “One more. I won’t give up yet.”

The machine whirred, once again shooting a ball toward Lariette. Her gaze was focused, just like aiming an arrow or throwing a dart. She swung smoothly the second the ball entered her strike zone.

Crack!

The bat met the ball with a sharp, satisfying sound, sending it flying down the lane.

“Aaa! I did it! I did it!”

Lariette was stunned for a second before she excitedly jumped up and down. Her finger kept pointing to the ball.

Ruediger let out a whistle, a sense of pride flooding his heart. Nodding with a contented smile, he said, “See? You’re not bad for a newbie.”

Lariette blinked, shifting her gaze from where the ball had gone to Ruediger. She smiled, her lips curving into a victorious smile, “Hehe, thanks for the best coach.”

Ruediger chuckled, shrugging. He walked away from the machine, heading to Lariette, “My turn now, I guess.”

Laughter rolled from Lariette’s mouth, amused by Ruediger’s eagerness. She handed the bat to him, also excited to watch him in action.

“I’ll put the coins!”

Lariette ran toward the pitching machine, exchanging places with Ruediger. She quickly tossed the required coins before turning around, her eyes returning to him.

Ruediger had stepped onto the market spot. He rolled his shoulders, gripping the bat with practiced ease.

The pitching machine whirred, its mechanical hum filling the air. Lariette stood not far from the machine, watching the man intently.

Whoosh!

The machine expelled the ball, a blur of white speeding toward Ruediger. He swung the bat in one fluid motion. His crimson locks shifted with the movement.

Crack!

The ball shot through the air, striking the ceiling of the solo track.

“…”

Lariette blinked, momentarily forgetting to breathe. Ruediger’s sheer precision and effortless strength mesmerized her.

Ruediger smirked as he returned to his stance. Glancing at Lariette before focusing on the machine again, he said, “You’re staring, Lettie. Amazed, en?”

The clear teasing in Ruediger’s voice emanated the heat on Lariette’s cheeks. Gripping her palms into fists, she responded, “You make it look so easy. Of course, I’m amazed.”

Lariette initially wanted to deny her staring at Ruediger, but she quickly changed her mind. What she said was the truth. She shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

Right?

“I’ve played baseball years before you,” Ruediger narrowed his eyes. The second ball charged toward him, “Your first time isn’t bad. You’ll do better than me soon.”

Crack!

Once again, the ball hit the ceiling before it fell, bouncing on the ground. Lariette quietly drifted her eyes from Ruediger to the ball, finding it rolling near her feet.

His voice was full of confidence and encouragement, and she couldn’t help but believe in herself.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 34