Chapter 043: Because It’s Addictive

Xia Chiyi wanted to cry but had no tears. Waking up repeatedly like this made him wonder if he should be taking traditional Chinese medicine pills.

Before he could lift his covers, Zhou Zhexiao in the opposite bed suddenly sat up. Xia Chiyi was so startled he hurriedly closed his eyes, so nervous that a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.

Xia Chiyi comforted himself: Zhou Zhexiao is going to the bathroom, he’s definitely going to the bathroom…

But Zhou Zhexiao’s footsteps clearly weren’t heading for the bathroom; instead, they were getting closer and closer to Xia Chiyi.

Feeling the mattress beside him dip, Xia Chiyi’s nervousness rivaled checking his college entrance exam scores. The covers were yanked by a force. Seeing his secret about to be exposed, Xia Chiyi grabbed the covers tightly.

“Zhou… Zhou…”

That handsome and sexy face appeared right in front of Xia Chiyi.

“How many times are you going to do this before you fall asleep?”

So every time I went to the bathroom, Zhou Zhexiao was awake?

Not only that, this guy knows exactly what I was doing in the bathroom?

“I don’t know either…” Xia Chiyi suddenly felt incredibly sad.

He felt too guilty, because he had been thinking of Zhou Zhexiao in such a messy way.

“You’re not going to cry, are you?” Zhou Zhexiao frowned, but his voice softened a lot.

“Go to sleep, don’t mind me… If it really doesn’t work, just get another room.” Xia Chiyi pushed him.

Right now, what he needed most was for Zhou Zhexiao to stay away from him.

The only thing Xia Chiyi was thankful for was that he wasn’t sleeping with Ling Huanzhen. Otherwise, if the person in his mind turned into Ling Huanzhen… Xia Chiyi felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over him; any flame would be extinguished.

“Don’t eat so many oysters next time.” Zhou Zhexiao lowered his eyes and glanced at Xia Chiyi’s covers.

Xia Chiyi hugged his knees, turned his face away, and gave a muffled “Mn.”

So, was this really the power of 24 oysters?

Zhou Zhexiao’s palm pressed firmly on the top of his head. “You should be happy.”

“I can’t even sleep, how can I be happy?”

“It shows you are very healthy. Many people don’t have this effect even after eating twenty-four oysters.”

As Zhou Zhexiao’s voice fell, Xia Chiyi suddenly felt both amused and helpless.

Zhou Zhexiao got up, opened the small refrigerator in the hotel room, found a can of Coke, sat back down, and handed it to Xia Chiyi.

“Take it.”

“Thanks.”

See, Zhou Zhexiao was like this. He could keep a cold face for twenty-four hours, but he actually took good care of the people around him.

Just as Xia Chiyi’s finger hooked onto the pull tab, Zhou Zhexiao stopped him.

“What are you doing?” Zhou Zhexiao asked.

“Drinking… Coke…” Xia Chiyi looked confused.

“Who said it was for you to drink?”

Zhou Zhexiao took the Coke back, lifted a corner of Xia Chiyi’s covers, and mercilessly put the Coke inside.

When the ice-cold aluminum can touched Xia Chiyi’s abdomen, he almost ascended on the spot.

There was no more barbaric way to cool down than this.

“Holy crap—”

Xia Chiyi leaned forward and hugged Zhou Zhexiao’s shoulders.

He thought the other party would push him away, but unexpectedly, Zhou Zhexiao extended his other hand, half-embracing Xia Chiyi and patting his back gently.

“Alright, you didn’t do anything wrong, and there’s nothing wrong with your body, so don’t be sad.”

“Mn.”

“There will be many situations like this in the future. For example, if a physiotherapist gives you muscle care after a game, will you be shy too? After winning against a strong opponent, when changing clothes in the locker room, maybe three out of ten teammates will be like this. Are you going to hide in the bathroom forever?”

Xia Chiyi’s restless heart calmed down bit by bit.

Feeling his body temperature drop, Zhou Zhexiao very carefully took the Coke out, giving him the utmost dignity by not touching Xia Chiyi.

“There’s Sprite in the fridge too, help yourself if needed.”

“We’ll have to buy two new cans to put back tomorrow,” Xia Chiyi said glumly.

“Then just drink it.”

After speaking, Zhou Zhexiao carried that can of Coke back to his own bed.

Crack. He actually opened it. The “glug glug” sound in the silence had a powerful magic; every sound hammered on Xia Chiyi’s heart.

The blood that had cooled down was seduced and began to stir again.

Xia Chiyi silently lifted the covers, took out that can of Sprite from the fridge, and put it under the covers.

The result of sleeping too late was that the next morning, when the two sat opposite Ling Huanzhen for breakfast, they both looked like they hadn’t woken up.

Xia Chiyi was listless, yawning from time to time.

Zhou Zhexiao was even more direct. Ling Huanzhen had just grabbed some fruit and sat down when he found Zhou Zhexiao opposite him lying down directly to sleep.

“What did you two do behind my back last night?” Ling Huanzhen’s brows were furrowed enough to crush a fly.

Didn’t these two brats go back to their room around nine o’clock?

Zhou Zhexiao said in a muffled voice, “He kept getting up at night.”

Ling Huanzhen took a deep breath. Fortunately, it was just getting up at night.

However, the Great Demon King had always been domineering. In previous competitions, he would demand to stay in places with good soundproofing.

If Xia Chiyi kept making small movements at night, maybe he would be strangled by the Great Demon King.

“Xia Chiyi, how about you sleep with me tonight. I sleep like the dead; even if you set off firecrackers in the room, I won’t wake up.” Ling Huanzhen patted Xia Chiyi’s shoulder, sincerely wanting to save his life.

Just as Xia Chiyi was about to say something, the prone Zhou Zhexiao suddenly sat up, crossed his arms, looked at Ling Huanzhen, and said, “No.”

“Ah? Why not? Or do you want to play with his phone?”

“Although you wouldn’t wake up even if he set off firecrackers, the sound of your snoring is like a high-speed train entering the station. He wouldn’t be able to sleep either.”

Hearing this, Xia Chiyi instantly sobered up. “I… I’ll stick with sleeping with Zhou Zhexiao! I’ll try hard not to get up at night!”

And today he definitely wouldn’t eat oysters again!

“I don’t snore!” Ling Huanzhen clarified for himself.

“Oh? That’s not what your Jiao Jiao said.”

“Jiao Jiao… he dislikes me?”

Zhou Zhexiao rolled his eyes at him and went back to sleep.

After breakfast, Ling Huanzhen took them to Qincheng University.

As soon as they entered the school gate, Xia Chiyi kept exclaiming “Wow—”.

The greenery at Qincheng University was too beautiful, just like a city park.

Because of the warm climate, it was like spring all year round, with birds singing and flowers fragrant everywhere on campus.

Ling Huanzhen couldn’t help sighing, “What a great place for dating.”

Whether it was the artificial lake skimmed by flying birds or the library covered in green plants, there was a leisurely and lazy beauty.

It formed a sharp contrast with Qincheng University’s playstyle, which excelled in fast breaks.

They walked for almost a quarter of an hour before arriving at Qincheng University’s basketball arena.

There was a practice match today, so it wasn’t open to visitors, but as soon as Ling Huanzhen appeared, the arena manager enthusiastically ushered them in.

The floor material of Qincheng University’s basketball arena made Xia Chiyi afraid to step on it.

Ling Huanzhen’s appearance attracted everyone’s attention in the arena.

“Look, that’s Ling Huanzhen!”

“It really is Ling Huanzhen!”

Ling Huanzhen rubbed the back of his head. He was just a retired athlete, not a giant panda.

There were quite a lot of people on Qincheng University’s basketball team. Xia Chiyi roughly counted about thirty, and every one of them had very good physical conditions.

Unlike his looking around, Zhou Zhexiao looked straight ahead from the moment he entered, hands in his pockets. This indifferent expression looked more like a coach than Ling Huanzhen.

Qincheng University’s assistant coach welcomed them enthusiastically, saying polite words like “welcome,” and then explained that their Coach Ren and Shenghai University’s Coach Guan were chatting in the office and would be out shortly.

A boy with a side-parted undercut hairstyle ran up to them, revealing a bright smile.

“Hello Coach Ling, I’m Ke Yan, I play…”

Ling Huanzhen revealed a very mature and steady smile: “You play point guard. You are the famous organizing guard in our Southeast Division.”

After speaking, Ling Huanzhen looked back at Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao and said earnestly, “You guys have to learn well from him. Ke Yan’s ability to mobilize the game rhythm is very strong!”

Of course Xia Chiyi knew. He had seen the game broadcast online last year. At that time, Ke Yan was only a freshman and only played half the time, but whenever Qincheng University fell behind and the rhythm collapsed, Ke Yan had a way to pull up the fast break rhythm.

He looked at Ke Yan with adoring eyes, giving Ke Yan great psychological satisfaction.

“This is…”

Ling Huanzhen patted Xia Chiyi’s shoulder. “This is our newly recruited freshman. He mainly plays shooting guard, occasionally point guard too.”

“That’s a pity. Our shooting guard Li Shunchuan isn’t feeling well physically, otherwise you two could have exchanged pointers.”

“Ah? Can’t see Li Shunchuan play today.”

Seeing the light in Xia Chiyi’s eyes dim, Ke Yan rarely felt a bit guilty.

“It’s okay. He’s not here today, maybe you can see him tomorrow?”

Although Ke Yan kept smiling at Xia Chiyi, his peripheral vision was observing Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao’s shoulder width and wingspan were excellent among basketball players, and his aura was very powerful.

Ke Yan had only felt such an aura from players like Yang Huaiyu, Lu Yingnan, and Liu Shuchen.

“Then what about this cool guy?” Ke Yan tilted his head.

Ling Huanzhen introduced, “This kid is called Zhou Zhexiao, also a freshman. He looks cold, but he’s actually just shy when meeting strangers.”

“Mn.” Zhou Zhexiao nodded like a leader inspecting.

Xia Chiyi immediately tugged at him.

Zhou Zhexiao looked at Ke Yan and obediently said, “Hello.”

Ke Yan found the interaction between these two freshmen a bit amusing. This Zhou Zhexiao had such a powerful aura, but as soon as Xia Chiyi next to him gave a hint, he immediately restrained it. They seemed to have great tacit understanding.

Sigh, if only our ace Yang Huaiyu could be this well-behaved!

Moreover, with so many sophomore and junior players, Ling Huanzhen didn’t choose them but brought these two. Their strength was definitely not ordinary.

At this time, Qincheng University’s Coach Ren and Shenghai University’s Coach Guan walked out, along with over a dozen players from Shenghai University, making the basketball arena lively.

After another round of mutual commercial flattery between coaches, both teams warmed up. Coach Ren came over smiling to shake hands with Ling Huanzhen.

“Welcome, welcome! With you, the strongest power forward in the CBA, watching the battle, the players will definitely play harder.”

“Haha, Coach Ren says welcome, but only let me bring two people to watch the game. A bit stingy, aren’t you?” Ling Huanzhen said half-jokingly.

Coach Ren wasn’t angry at all and sat shoulder to shoulder with Ling Huanzhen.

“Being able to make a team like Ningchang University the champion of Jin Province shows you have ability in coaching, not like what others say—all brawn and no brains.”

Ling Huanzhen had black lines all over his head. He finally knew what kind of image he had in other coaches’ minds.

“But being a coach sometimes means facing difficult choices. When the situation falls into a predicament, when one’s own team becomes rigid, who to send on court to be the game-changer?” Coach Ren looked into Ling Huanzhen’s eyes and said.

Ling Huanzhen froze for a moment, suddenly realizing Coach Ren’s deeper meaning.

This senior was actually giving pointers to Ling Huanzhen in his own way, which made a few points of gratitude surge in Ling Huanzhen’s heart.

“Thank you.”

Coach Ren smiled and looked at Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao sitting on the sideline. “It seems these two are the core players in your mind, the ones most likely to reverse the situation for the team.”

Hearing this, Ling Huanzhen scratched the back of his head embarrassedly. “Saying it out loud will make Coach Ren laugh. Bringing them here is purely because freshmen have a lighter course load, and I arranged some technical training for the others. Also… inequality is feared more than scarcity. Whether I brought sophomores or juniors, there would be complaints in the team. Might as well bring these two freshmen, saying they haven’t seen the strong teams of the Southeast Division, which keeps my ears cleaner.”

“Hahaha, I don’t believe you.” Coach Ren smilingly exposed Ling Huanzhen.

Ling Huanzhen had always been thick-skinned. He looked left and right, asking curiously, “Why don’t I see your ace—Yang Huaiyu?”

Hearing this, Coach Ren started teasing Ling Huanzhen again: “Coach Ling, are you scouting the enemy so directly?”

“No no no, the kids on our side chatter in my ear all day long, saying Yang Huaiyu is the ‘King of Double-Clutch’ of the Southeast Division. My ears are getting calluses.” Ling Huanzhen sighed melancholily. “Actually, in real games, for most people, it’s better to stick to honest layups. Without that waist and abdominal strength, what double-clutch.”

“I can hear a bit of sourness.” Coach Ren asked again, “So does Ningchang University have any recruitment plans this year?”

“Recruitment? I just broke out of the grassroots competition; recruitment hasn’t been put on the agenda yet. After going back this time, maybe I really need to take a good look. Thanks for reminding me, otherwise I wouldn’t have thought of this.”

Coach Ren’s gaze had a penetrative quality. This old fox could easily see whether Ling Huanzhen was talking nonsense or telling the truth.

“With Ma Hongming, the local emperor, sitting in Jin Province, who knows how many talents have been buried. Coach Ling must choose carefully this time, give those missed gold nuggets a chance to shine.”

“I will do my best.” Ling Huanzhen answered him seriously.

The game was finally about to start. Xia Chiyi took a deep breath. Qincheng University only had three regular starters in position: point guard Ke Yan, power forward He Zhan, and center Meng Ting. The remaining two positions were filled by freshmen.

Yang Huaiyu didn’t come; it was said he was at the hospital taking care of the injured Li Shunchuan.

As for Shenghai University, all the starters were on for the practice match.

From the jump ball, Qincheng University’s center Meng Ting showed powerful explosive force. The ball was slapped towards Ke Yan with force comparable to a volleyball spike, making Xia Chiyi’s heart tremble. Whoever got hit by it would be in trouble.

But Ke Yan caught the ball accurately and charged single-handedly into Shenghai University’s camp. His speed carried a hint of fierceness, making Xia Chiyi’s blood boil.

Ke Yan scored directly with a mid-range shot. Sudden stop, quick release—the shooting motion was beautiful.

Ling Huanzhen frowned. It seemed that even without the sharpshooter Li Shunchuan, Qincheng University’s perimeter scoring ability remained strong.

Xia Chiyi’s mouth was half open. Looking at that ball, calculating Ke Yan’s sudden stop and shoot time in his mind—probably similar to his own—plus such strong ball-handling ability, admiration was written all over his face.

When Ke Yan retreated, he glimpsed the expression on Xia Chiyi’s face. Being admired created a desire to perform.

People on the team took Ke Yan’s ability for granted long ago; there wasn’t even anyone cheering. Xia Chiyi’s look gave Ke Yan a sense of satisfaction.

He constantly demonstrated various passing methods and means to break through enemy blockades. Not only did he let the starting players score, but even the two freshmen honing their skills on the court shone brightly.

Shenghai University’s Coach Guan shouted at the top of his lungs, “Block him! Don’t leave the basket! Where did zone defense go!”

And Ke Yan just dragged the entire Shenghai University around again and again. After only one quarter, the Shenghai University players showed signs of fatigue.

Guan Qian subbed out three main players to give other newcomers a chance to exercise. As a result, the point difference in the second quarter became larger and more brutal.

Xia Chiyi understood that Shenghai University wasn’t weak; on the contrary, Shenghai University’s forward line was very strong. But they lacked guards with speed and judgment. This weakness became increasingly obvious under Ke Yan’s impact.

Shenghai University’s coach Guan Qian crossed his arms, his heels tapping constantly. It was obvious the fragile guard line gave him a headache.

Just like that, the third quarter arrived. Ke Yan was finally subbed out. Qincheng University also had the idea of training new guards. Although the freshman subbed in was far less experienced in ball handling than Ke Yan, he won by being bold and careful, maintaining Qincheng University’s offensive rhythm.

Gradually, as Shenghai University got used to the rhythm, their forward line began to play a role, frequently cutting into Qincheng University’s basket, scoring fiercely.

But Guan Qian’s frown never relaxed.

Ling Huanzhen understood his worry at this moment very well. That was, Qincheng University hadn’t sent out an ace like Yang Huaiyu, nor a scoring powerhouse like Li Shunchuan, yet Shenghai University could no longer hold up.

After Ke Yan came off, he went to Xia Chiyi’s side. Seeing this freshman with hands on his knees watching the game seriously, as if this wasn’t a practice match but the Southeast Division quarterfinals, his focus was cute.

Ke Yan deliberately bent down beside him.

“Do you think Shenghai University still has a chance to win against us?” Ke Yan asked softly.

Xia Chiyi didn’t realize who was standing next to him. Since someone asked, he answered honestly, “Shenghai University needs at least one formidable point guard. If the whole team’s mid-range shooting level doesn’t improve, then they need a specialized shooting guard.”

“Mn… just that and they can win?”

“This shooting guard must also have breakthrough and stealing abilities, and can’t rely too much on pick-and-rolls.”

“Mn.” Ke Yan nodded.

“Also, Yang Huaiyu has to keep staying off the court.”

Hearing this sentence, Ke Yan smiled more obviously.

“Luckily Yang Huaiyu didn’t come, otherwise hearing your words, his tail would have curled up to the sky.”

Xia Chiyi realized something, turned his face, and met Ke Yan’s eyes.

“Your coach says you play shooting guard. Want to go up and play for a while?” Ke Yan asked with a smile.

Xia Chiyi glanced at Coach Guan Qian’s expression; he probably really wanted to train his own guards.

Looking at Qincheng University’s side again, so many of them hadn’t been able to play. If he went to snatch their opportunity, it would provoke public anger, right?

“I don’t seem suitable to play for either side.”

“If it really doesn’t work, we have an intra-team practice match tonight. We can call you two.” Ke Yan said.

“Really? That’s great!”

“Wonder if Yang Huaiyu’s ‘first love’ is as cute as you.” Ke Yan directly pulled a chair and sat down next to Xia Chiyi.

“Yang Huaiyu? First love?”

“‘First love’ is just what we call him jokingly. That guy has always been arrogant to the sky; besides Qing University’s Liu Shuchen, he probably looks down on everyone. But yesterday, he played basketball with a high school student for ten minutes at the open-air court, and actively told the coach he wanted to recruit that kid into the team. Our Coach Ren made many phone calls but couldn’t find that high school student.”

Hearing this, Xia Chiyi suddenly felt this story was a little familiar.

“And… then?”

“Then? That guy was supposed to come to the game. At least let Ling Huanzhen see Qincheng University’s ace, right? Who knew that guy wandered off to the Cultural Street again.” Ke Yan’s face was full of disdain.

Xia Chiyi felt very guilty.

“What did he go to the Cultural Street for?”

“camping out. He said that high school student is likely to go to the Cultural Street again, or he lives near there. Wandering around, maybe he’ll meet him by chance.”

The guilt in Xia Chiyi’s heart multiplied.

If he had known earlier, when Yang Huaiyu asked if he was a high school student, he should have just told the truth. Even if the other party said a male college student wearing a high school uniform was acting young, it didn’t matter.

Sitting next to Xia Chiyi, Zhou Zhexiao let out a very light “Heh.”

“Mn?” Ke Yan looked over following the sound.

“The unforgettable ‘first love’ might also be a pig-butchering scam.” Zhou Zhexiao replied.

Xia Chiyi glared at him fiercely. Did this guy forget that he was the one who said I was from Ningchang No. 3 High School!

“Where did you learn the term ‘pig-butchering scam’?” Xia Chiyi asked grumpily.

“You told me to look at anti-fraud knowledge. So I looked.” Zhou Zhexiao replied.

So you didn’t learn anything else, just the term ‘pig-butchering scam’?

Next to them, Ke Yan actually nodded in agreement, stroking his chin and saying, “Putting it that way, maybe it really is a pig-butchering scam. Handsome, a bit cocky personality, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs, excellent wingspan, amazing dribbling speed, maxed out breakthrough ability, high accuracy in sudden stop jump shots, seasoned passing… Is this a high school student? This is a pig-butchering scam! Yang Huaiyu…”

Yang Huaiyu was deceived. Amitabha, goodness gracious.

“Yang Huaiyu just made up a ‘Cinderella,’ pretending to hold a crystal slipper, searching all over the streets! Leaving us here to play practice matches while he wanders around Cultural Street! He’s a liar!” The more Ke Yan thought about it, the more he gritted his teeth.

Zhou Zhexiao said calmly, “Maybe he really was deceived by a scumbag.”

Xia Chiyi: “…”

“Hey, not watching the game properly, what are you two doing?” Ling Huanzhen’s warning gaze glanced over.

Xia Chiyi hurriedly sat up straight. Continued watching the game.

When the game reached the end of the fourth quarter, the basketball arena door opened. A tall figure walked in, head slightly lowered, hands in pockets, sighing as he entered.

“Holy crap, isn’t this our ace? Didn’t find his first love, finally remembered us old lovers?” Ke Yan pulled the corner of his mouth and smiled.

Xia Chiyi immediately lowered his head, like cheating in an exam and about to be caught, betting on his heartbeat.

When Coach Ren saw Yang Huaiyu, he crooked his finger at him.

Yang Huaiyu walked over obediently and stood quite docilely beside Coach Ren.

“Found your Cinderella?” Coach Ren asked half-jokingly.

“Didn’t find him, but that wasn’t Cinderella, it was a little liar.” Yang Huaiyu gritted his molars.

“Little liar? What did he lie to you about?”

“He’s probably not a high school student. That school uniform was rented from a photo studio on Cultural Street.”

“How do you know?” Coach Ren froze for a moment.

“Photos of him and his friend were hung outside the window. Two handsome guys, the boss used them for advertising. I went in and asked, the boss said they were tourists. The photographer chatted with them; those two graduated from high school long ago.”

The whole team noticed the expression on their ace’s face was very foul.

Coach Ren also sighed. “Seems you can’t be teammates, only opponents. If he really has ability, you will eventually meet on the court.”

“Yeah.” Yang Huaiyu sneered. “When the time comes, I’ll knock that little liar’s teeth out.”

Actually, compared to Yang Huaiyu, Head Coach Ren Xin was more disappointed. He knew Yang Huaiyu didn’t praise people easily. Once he praised someone, it must be a good seedling.

But now the good seedling belonged to someone else.

“Alright, since you’re here, come with me to greet Shenghai University’s Coach Guan and Ningchang University’s Coach Ling. There’s another game in the afternoon. Logically neither team plays their main force, letting the second teams train each other. But you didn’t come in the morning; don’t let the two coaches think you’re too arrogant. Play at least one quarter in the afternoon game.”

“Got it.”

Coach Ren stood up and took Yang Huaiyu to Guan Qian, making an excuse for Yang Huaiyu’s absence, saying Yang Huaiyu would lead their first-years in the afternoon practice match.

Xia Chiyi could feel the gloomy aura emanating from Yang Huaiyu, like a lion who failed to claim territory, completely different from the gentle big brother who struck up a conversation on the court.

He was a little worried that if Yang Huaiyu saw him later and shouted “Liar” in front of the coaches, he would become famous.

Better to hide first and explain clearly when no one is around.

Xia Chiyi made an excuse to go to the bathroom, moving backward bit by bit, back against the wall, inching to the door, turning around, and slipping away.

But even the side profile at the corner of the wall at the last moment was captured by Yang Huaiyu, who had excellent dynamic vision.

His gaze shook. He absolutely wouldn’t mistake the little liar’s cheeks and nose tip.

This guy actually came to Qincheng University?

Then he was either from Shenghai University or Ningchang University… Ningchang No. 3 High School? So he most likely came with Ling Huanzhen!

Just after exchanging pleasantries with Coach Guan Qian, Yang Huaiyu put on a humble expression and said to Coach Guan Qian, “Sorry, I drank a cup of coffee on the way here. I’ll go relieve myself first, be right back.”

Coach Ren nodded. Yang Huaiyu immediately walked toward the bathroom, the warm spring breeze expression on his face instantly cooling down.

Truly performing a face change faster than flipping a book.

Xia Chiyi was rubbing soap on his hands in the bathroom, muttering softly, “Really didn’t expect Qincheng University’s bathroom to be so clean and bright.”

“Then why didn’t you choose Qincheng University?”

The voice, clearly tolerant, carried a trace of sharp coldness.

Xia Chiyi’s breathing paused. He knew Yang Huaiyu was standing right behind him.

What must come will come. Anyway, he had to apologize to Yang Huaiyu.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to choose Qincheng University, it’s that Qincheng University didn’t choose me.”

Now it was Yang Huaiyu’s turn to open his mouth, not knowing what to say.

“Ah?”

Little liar, what nonsense are you talking about? If you had taken your travel time to come to Qincheng University’s basketball arena and performed a fancy shooting routine in front of Coach Ren, half your leg would have already stepped into Qincheng University’s gate.

“The cutoff score difference between Ningchang University and Qincheng University was twelve points. 565 points was my upper limit; I really couldn’t score higher.”

Xia Chiyi stared with round eyes, trying to make Yang Huaiyu understand that 12 points was an insurmountable chasm for him. Even if he repeated for another two or three years, he might not be able to cross it.

Yang Huaiyu was a special sports recruit; the college entrance exam wasn’t much pressure for him. But after hearing Xia Chiyi’s exam score, his eyes opened wide.

“Ah… you are the person with the highest college entrance exam score among everyone I know.”

Xia Chiyi turned around and spread his hands regretfully. “So, I have no fate with Qincheng University.”

Yang Huaiyu revealed an amiable yet dangerous smile, walking towards Xia Chiyi.

Xia Chiyi’s lower back was already pressed against the sink. His instinct to seek luck and avoid calamity told him a bloody case might occur in the bathroom.

He moved to the side, but Yang Huaiyu suddenly accelerated to in front of him, hands directly supporting himself on the sink, completely blocking Xia Chiyi’s direction of movement.

“Then let’s talk about… why you lied to me saying you were from Ningchang No. 3 High School? Already a freshman, yet pretending to be a high school student?”

Because they were too close, Xia Chiyi could clearly feel the oppression brought by the other’s height and body shape.

So envious. Will I have a chance to grow past 190 in this life?

“Um, recall for a moment, I never said I was a high school student.” Xia Chiyi half-raised his head, looking at the other with extremely sincere eyes.

Yang Huaiyu froze for a moment, searching his mind. Crap… the little liar really never said he was a high school student.

“I know your second question must be—since I’m not a high school student, why didn’t I explain to you. Think about it, at that time, not only you were there, but also people from Mining University! If I explained that I was a college student traveling, wearing a high school uniform to take photos on Cultural Street… wouldn’t you guys laugh at me? Anyway, I might not meet the Mining University people again. As for you… I planned to tell you when we met at the practice match.”

“So losing face in front of me is okay, but you can’t let the Mining University people know?” Yang Huaiyu asked.

Xia Chiyi nodded. “That’s basically the meaning.”

Yang Huaiyu looked up and exhaled. He felt he must be done for; he actually bought the little liar’s explanation.

After all, in the little liar’s heart, he, Yang Huaiyu, was different from the “strangers” of Mining University.

And thinking that Ma Tao still thought the little liar was from Ningchang No. 3 High School and was digging three feet deep unable to find him, Yang Huaiyu suddenly felt very satisfied. What to do?

“Then what about Ningchang No. 3 High School?”

“That was said by my teammate. And… I really did graduate from Ningchang No. 3 High School.”

Xia Chiyi lowered his eyes, looking at Yang Huaiyu’s arm propped beside his waist. The lines were smooth and powerful; dunks would definitely bang. He poked the back of Yang Huaiyu’s hand, signaling the other to let him go.

But Yang Huaiyu’s fingers curled up. The sense of strength transmitted by the knuckles made Xia Chiyi’s heartstrings taut.

He seemed to lean closer.

“If you don’t have a guilty conscience, why hide?” Yang Huaiyu lifted his chin.

“I do have a guilty conscience, that’s why I hid. I was afraid you would blurt out ‘that liar who rented a high school uniform to stroll on Cultural Street’ in front of my coach.” Xia Chiyi continued on the route of truth-telling.

He was just afraid the world would suddenly go quiet.

Xia Chiyi regretted not wearing a mouthguard. What if Yang Huaiyu punched him?

Unexpectedly, Yang Huaiyu lowered his head and laughed.

His shoulders trembled slightly. After a while, he let out a low laugh. Layer upon layer of sound waves gently hit Xia Chiyi’s eardrums, making Xia Chiyi wonder for no reason: Yang Huaiyu is only one year older than me, how can he appear so much more mature?

“Then do you know what to do now?” Yang Huaiyu leaned close, wanting to see Xia Chiyi at a loss.

Ah, turns out he was so convinced this guy was a high school student because his eyes were round and bright, carrying a childish air.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lied to you. I won’t do it again. Please don’t be angry with me.”

Xia Chiyi looked into Yang Huaiyu’s eyes and said very sincerely.

Yang Huaiyu looked at him motionless. The serious Xia Chiyi made it impossible to be angry with him.

“Alright, add me on WeChat.” Yang Huaiyu took out his phone from his pocket.

Xia Chiyi was flattered. He actually had the chance to add a big shot’s WeChat?

Yang Huaiyu scanned his QR code, and Xia Chiyi hurriedly accepted.

“Let’s go, the game should be over.” Yang Huaiyu pressed gently on the back of Xia Chiyi’s head.

The feel was really interesting; wanted to ruffle it again.

Just as the two walked out of the bathroom, they found Zhou Zhexiao leaning against the wall with arms crossed. Zhou Zhexiao should have heard their conversation.

Yang Huaiyu knew this was the boy who called Xia Chiyi away last night. The other party had a handsome face. The key was this aura of alienation; as a man himself, Yang Huaiyu had to admit this guy was handsome.

“Thanks for telling me he was from Ningchang No. 3 High School.” Yang Huaiyu put his hands in his pockets and smiled breezily.

As if that sentence from Zhou Zhexiao making him ask his coach to turn Ningchang No. 3 High School upside down was no big deal.

“You’re welcome.” Zhou Zhexiao nodded.

Xia Chiyi felt like he was in the first English lesson.

How are you

I’m fine, thank you, and you

Even when their eyes met, that subtle provocation and clash of auras seemed just Xia Chiyi’s illusion.

“Um… talk later.” Xia Chiyi hurriedly went to Zhou Zhexiao’s side, pushing him forward.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhexiao… wouldn’t budge.

“Hey, hurry back. Otherwise Coach Ling will come looking for us.” Xia Chiyi reminded him in a whisper.

Zhou Zhexiao still maintained eye contact with Yang Huaiyu and slowly opened his mouth: “He is a very powerful ‘Bro Harvester.’ Your ranking on his harvest list is probably outside the top ten.”

Yang Huaiyu remained silent, actually because he hadn’t reacted to what “harvester” meant.

“Your teammate Ke Yan ranks higher than you.”

After speaking, Zhou Zhexiao turned and walked forward.

Xia Chiyi walked alongside him and whispered, “Why did you come over?”

“You didn’t wear a mouthguard. I was afraid your teeth would be knocked out by him.”

“Then… really thank you.”

Don’t know who said I was from Ningchang No. 3 High School.

“But thinking about it now, my concern was superfluous.”

Here it goes, started again. That very awkward tone needing coaxing.

Only this time Xia Chiyi couldn’t find the reason for the other’s awkwardness.

“Where was your concern superfluous? I was prepared to be beaten by him, and he might have punched my face…”

“He won’t. As long as you look at him seriously, he will be defeated by you.”

“Ah? Am I Superman? Do I have laser eyes?”

“No, you make him feel full admiration and appreciation, inflating his self-confidence, taking you under his wing. When he feels needed, his desire to protect multiplies.”

“What… the hell?” Xia Chiyi scratched the back of his head.

Zhou Zhexiao said coolly, “Because I fell for your trick like this too.”

“Zhou Zhexiao, it’s not right for you to say that. My admiration and appreciation for you aren’t to exchange for your protection. I want to become as powerful as you. No, we are going to dominate the court together, okay?”

“So you admit you have admiration and appreciation for me?” Zhou Zhexiao glanced at Xia Chiyi.

Xia Chiyi immediately got the point, nodding like a groundhog. “That is certain, definite, and inevitable!”

“I’m already immune to your bamboozling.”

Zhou Zhexiao continued walking forward.

Xia Chiyi looked at the other’s back and sighed in his heart.

The truth is, you are the only person who appeared frequently in my brain after I ate twenty-four oysters.

I also hope I don’t rely on you so much, but I can’t seem to do it.

Because it’s addictive.