Chapter 045: Long Island Iced Tea is Not Tea (Second Update)

There was a loud bang. Someone jumped half a step later than Zhou Zhexiao. This time difference allowed him to perfectly slap away the ball Yang Huaiyu was about to pass!

Xia Chiyi’s cold side profile appeared from behind Zhou Zhexiao, like an assassin delivering the final blow—decisive and ruthless.

The whole arena erupted in shouts.

“Is this a second-stage defense specifically targeting Yang Huaiyu?”

“Too much tacit understanding!”

“Yang Huaiyu has been blocked twice today!”

On the sideline, Guan Qian bumped Ling Huanzhen hard. “You guy are definitely a liar! These two are freshmen? Freshmen can think of defending Yang Huaiyu like this?”

Ling Huanzhen swayed a bit. He also hadn’t expected Xia Chiyi’s help defense to be so precise. It should be said that from the moment Yang Huaiyu cut in with the ball, Xia Chiyi had been waiting for him.

Zhou Zhexiao’s jumping defense was just a feint. Who would have thought the one truly aiming to block Yang Huaiyu was Xia Chiyi?

“Wow! I blocked it! I blocked it!” Xia Chiyi jumped up happily on the spot, ran to Zhou Zhexiao, and bumped him several times. “I told you we should defend like this! Hahaha! How am I so smart!”

Yang Huaiyu stood rooted to the spot, still somewhat unable to recover.

Ke Yan was also stunned by this block. To be fair, Xia Chiyi’s jump height definitely couldn’t compare to Yang Huaiyu’s, but the timing was perfect. After Yang Huaiyu broke past Zhou Zhexiao, he had already passed the highest point of his jump. Xia Chiyi’s block was superb in both timing and positioning.

“Hey, my bad. I didn’t keep an eye on that little monster.” Ke Yan exhaled.

Yang Huaiyu patted Ke Yan’s shoulder, brushing away the sweat on his forehead with his knuckles. “Don’t you feel lucky?”

“Lucky about what?”

“Meeting such a second-stage defense in a practice match is better than meeting it in the quarterfinals.”

“Mn, true.”

“Even luckier is that we know earlier than other teams that Ningchang University will be a dark horse.”

“Do you know what I want to do now?” Ke Yan raised an eyebrow.

“Slap that idiot Li Shunchuan’s face swollen, wake him up, and tell him to drag his ass over here for the practice match tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Ke Yan exhaled. “I wonder how the others from Ningchang University play.”

“Just these two are enough to enter the division’s top four.”

At this time, Guan Qian could no longer hold back. He bumped Ling Huanzhen. “Alright, stop pretending. Tell me if you have time this month, let’s arrange a practice match between our two teams.”

Ling Huanzhen was blooming with joy inside. Although Shenghai University didn’t have any individual “ace” players with devastating power, their overall performance was stable, their playstyle pragmatic, and their forward line very strong. And Coach Guan Qian was indeed more experienced than him.

“Then you better hurry up and cultivate a few powerful guards. My team has quite a few powerful guards.” Ling Huanzhen looked sideways. If not boasting now, then when?

Moreover, Ye Zhaoying and He Bin were both undergoing special training. When Shenghai University came, they would definitely be envious enough to cry.

“What about your forward line then? Don’t tell me only Zhou Zhexiao is worth watching, and it turns out to be a paper tiger in the end.” Guan Qian retorted, unwilling to show weakness.

“Are you kidding? When our center taps the ball during the jump ball, whoever catches it gets their hand shaken numb, okay?”

There was one last quarter left in the practice match.

Yang Huaiyu touched his wristband. As the team’s ace, powerful scoring ability was a must, and mentality was an even bigger part of it.

Whether getting blocked, having the ball stolen, or even being intimidated by the opponent’s timing and technique in a second-stage defense, he would stabilize and continue to score.

Next, Yang Huaiyu and Ke Yan displayed superb scoring coordination, frequently cutting into Shenghai University’s camp. When they were 100% focused, their lethality was immense. Their switching and help defense were very precise, basically collapsing Shenghai’s defense line. Most importantly, the players’ stamina was constantly declining.

But Ke Yan discovered that Xia Chiyi, who did the most off-ball running, hadn’t lost any focus, aside from sweating a bit more.

Ke Yan burned with fighting spirit. It took two consecutive fakes to shake off Xia Chiyi and pass to Yang Huaiyu.

Facing Zhou Zhexiao, Yang Huaiyu actually jumped straight up to shoot.

Sure enough, it didn’t go in!

But this wasn’t Yang Huaiyu’s goal. He sprinted to the basket and powerfully slammed the rebound in.

Their gazes met, and Yang Huaiyu sneered.

Zhou Zhexiao, seemingly unprovoked by any goal, said indifferently, “Come again if you have the ability.”

Both sides went back and forth. Even in the last quarter, the pace remained fast, initiating fast breaks against each other from time to time.

Here, Xia Chiyi shot from the three-point line; there, Yang Huaiyu returned the favor.

Zhou Zhexiao did a crossover layup; Ke Yan suddenly shot a cold arrow for three points.

The score rose alternately until the final whistle blew.

Qincheng University won against the mixed team of Shenghai University and Ningchang University by a 5-point advantage.

But Qincheng University showed no joy. When Yang Huaiyu walked off the court, Meng Ting covered his head with a towel.

“Hard work.”

“Of course it was hard work. Without effort, how could I drag out all the abilities of those two freshmen?” Yang Huaiyu said grumpily.

Coach Ren walked over and patted Yang Huaiyu and Ke Yan on the back: “Good job. Now we can analyze those two first-years properly.”

Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao came to Ling Huanzhen.

Ling Huanzhen picked up a towel and covered Xia Chiyi’s head, rubbing it messily, but his eyes looked at Zhou Zhexiao and said, “This game should have been interesting, right?”

Zhou Zhexiao lowered his eyes. After two or three seconds, he gave a “Mn.”

Ling Huanzhen added, “Even if you have world-class competition experience and reaction speed, don’t forget your body is only 18 years old.”

Meaning, at the age of eighteen, an opponent like Yang Huaiyu is top-tier.

And Zhou Zhexiao admitted, Yang Huaiyu was indeed top-tier.

Because this guy’s skills were mature and his mind meticulous. After knowing Zhou Zhexiao and Xia Chiyi would perform a second-stage defense on his layup, he immediately adapted, never getting blocked by them again. Moreover, each shot was fiercer than the last, constantly refreshing the technical difficulty.

He originally thought he would only encounter opponents of this level in the NCAA, but didn’t expect such masters in the domestic University First Division League.

Zhou Zhexiao was in a good mood. He raised his hand, looking at his fingertips. Ahead, there were still high mountains to climb and even more magnificent scenery.

At this time, another hand covered the back of his hand, and Xia Chiyi’s voice sounded in his ear.

“What’s wrong with your hand?”

“You have to become even more amazing.” After speaking, Zhou Zhexiao turned his hand over and gently hooked Xia Chiyi’s finger.

“Of course.” Xia Chiyi nodded as if it were natural.

After this game ended, Shenghai University and Qincheng University started a second practice match, only this time it was with bench players from both sides.

Xia Chiyi was reluctant to go shower, standing on the sideline with a towel draped over him. It was Ling Huanzhen who grabbed his head and pushed him towards the locker room.

“Go quickly, don’t dawdle! There’s another practice match tomorrow!”

Not only that, Ke Yan on the opposite side also waved to Xia Chiyi: “Let’s go, I’ll take you to shower!”

Xia Chiyi immediately got up and ran towards Ke Yan: “Coming!”

Ke Yan froze for a moment, then said to Yang Huaiyu next to him, “See that? He likes me better.”

Yang Huaiyu smiled. “He’s known as the ‘Bro Harvester’ of Ningchang University. Wait until Coach Ling takes them on a tour of universities nationwide; this kid will probably have someone looking out for him wherever he goes.”

Zhou Zhexiao picked up his bag, his pace seeming unhurried, yet he followed right behind Xia Chiyi.

Arriving at the basketball arena’s bathroom, Xia Chiyi sighed again.

“Wow, this tiled floor looks so high-end, the texture is very unique.”

Ke Yan explained patiently: “Because it’s special non-slip flooring. Even if you squeeze shower gel all over the floor, you won’t slip.”

“The air in your bathroom is so fresh, not a hint of mildew smell!”

“That’s because our exhaust function is powerful, and someone comes to dehumidify and deodorize every day after closing.” Yang Huaiyu stood in front of the locker and pulled off his sports jersey in one go.

Xia Chiyi stood not far away staring. Yang Huaiyu’s abdominal muscle texture was very clear, looking especially good from tension to relaxation. The core strength of this body type was very powerful, no wonder he could perform such large-scale double-clutches under the basket.

But before he could look for more than a second, a large hand reached over, covering Xia Chiyi’s face, completely blocking his line of sight and guiding him towards the showers.

“Looking every day, haven’t you seen enough?” Zhou Zhexiao’s cold voice sounded.

“Whose did I see? Even Shuai Bei and Du He’s I haven’t seen.” Xia Chiyi glanced at Zhou Zhexiao. “There are two locker doors between you and me! You dress neatly every time after showering, don’t know who you’re guarding against!”

Hearing Xia Chiyi’s complaint, the players coming in to shower all chuckled.

Yang Huaiyu passed Zhou Zhexiao with a bath towel draped over him, not forgetting to tease: “Can’t tell from your fierce playing, but you’re actually quite conservative.”

Zhou Zhexiao didn’t speak and went straight to the innermost shower.

Qincheng University’s shower partitions were taller than Ningchang University’s. Xia Chiyi could only see Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes next to him.

But even so, water flowed down from the top of his head, covering his forehead, his nose bridge, forming tiny waterfalls at his eyelashes… Xia Chiyi couldn’t look away.

Logically, changing to a place outside his familiar environment, he should be more restrained.

But Xia Chiyi found he just couldn’t help it.

Especially that beautiful double-clutch from Zhou Zhexiao, seeming to exist just to refresh the memory in Xia Chiyi’s brain. The lines extended from his arms and shoulders, his dominance in mid-air, all made Xia Chiyi genuinely feel his power.

Zhou Zhexiao slowly opened his eyes, avoiding the water flow to squeeze a little shampoo from the travel bottle. Foam surged out bit by bit, covering his fingers. He suddenly turned his face and met Xia Chiyi’s eyes.

It was too sudden; Xia Chiyi hadn’t had time to retract his gaze.

Zhou Zhexiao’s voice mixed with the sound of water came over, “What’s wrong? Dropped your towel in the water? or is the shampoo empty?”

Xia Chiyi leaned over, hands resting on the gap of the partition, whispering, “I think you can go shoot commercials. Like bathroom ads, toiletries ads, men’s cologne ads…”

“Oh, how to shoot?” Zhou Zhexiao asked indifferently.

Xia Chiyi raised his chin, looking at the other, fingers slowly stroking from cheek to jawline, then passing over his Adam’s apple. “Like this. The male models for these products basically move like this.”

Zhou Zhexiao looked at Xia Chiyi motionless, as if saying with his eyes: Is your brain broken?

“You’re really boring.” Xia Chiyi stopped looking at him, lowering his head into the water stream.

Zhou Zhexiao sighed slightly, closed his eyes, and returned under the water flow, but what surfaced in his mind was the image of Xia Chiyi’s fingertips passing over his Adam’s apple.

“So stupid.”

Zhou Zhexiao turned the blue tap, and the hot water gradually turned cold.

When they walked out, Yang Huaiyu was putting on a T-shirt, and Ke Yan had just pulled on his pants. They looked at Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao with surprised eyes.

“You guys don’t come out to dress? Changed inside the shower stall?”

“Hab… habit.” Xia Chiyi rubbed the back of his head, thinking isn’t it all because of Zhou Zhexiao, making him change before coming out every time.

For this, he had been mocked by Ye Zhaoying and Shuai Bei, saying he didn’t dare come out to compare abs.

When they came out, the second match was halfway through the second quarter.

Xia Chiyi still sat seriously on the chair, Ling Huanzhen tirelessly explaining the tactical deployment of both teams to him. Xia Chiyi’s frown deepened; he could feel the tactics and personnel usage of both coaches were very clever.

Ke Yan and Yang Huaiyu were chatting and observing Xia Chiyi from the opposite side.

“You know there are actually many talented people. Like you, like Liu Shuchen, Lu Yingnan… But having talent and being willing to calm down and observe opponents is scary.” Ke Yan whispered.

“Mn. He learned a lot from you.” Yang Huaiyu gave the other a look.

“I also learned a lot about him. If I really had to adapt to his dribbling rhythm and sudden stops on the court, I might waste a whole quarter.”

At this time, He Zhan came and sat next to Ke Yan, whispering, “Is there any way to learn more about them? Besides, the rest of us haven’t experienced them firsthand.”

Ke Yan smiled: “Tonight is free practice. Invite them for a two-on-two. Perfect for you two to go up.”

“Holy crap, they played a full four quarters, and high intensity at that. Two-on-two tonight? Wouldn’t that be our Qincheng Academy bullying guests?” Meng Ting felt this wasn’t good. “If we invite, invite for tomorrow.”

Unexpectedly, Yang Huaiyu spoke up: “No, if we invite, invite for today. Ke Yan and I both have things we want to confirm.”

“Confirm what?” He Zhan showed a puzzled expression.

Ke Yan frowned and analyzed: “Haven’t you noticed? Even in the fourth quarter, Xia Chiyi’s shooting percentage could still maintain 3 out of 4, and that Zhou Zhexiao could still rush back to the basket before Yang Huaiyu shot, with no discount in interception height. Where exactly are their physical limits? It seems the intensity of our game today wasn’t enough.”

“Seems really so.” Meng Ting looked across.

Zhou Zhexiao stood with arms crossed behind Xia Chiyi, while Xia Chiyi was still focused on watching the game on the court.

There was no fatigue on their faces.

“So tonight, swap you two in to test the depth of this freshman pair.” Ke Yan said.

“Even if we want to test, they have to agree. Maybe Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao want to go back to sleep?”

Head Coach Ren Xin’s voice sounded from behind them. “I thought you didn’t notice. Since you have such an idea, I’ll go invite them and see if they accept the challenge.”

Everyone turned their heads in unison.

“Coach Ren, how long have you been listening?” Ke Yan asked with a smile.

“Since you said there were things to confirm.” Ren Xin looked at Ling Huanzhen. “I’m glad now that I agreed to let him bring people to watch.”

Yang Huaiyu smiled. “And deliberately limited it to two, just to make Ling Huanzhen bring his core players.”

“Yes, do your best tonight.” Ren Xin put his hands in his pockets, put on a kind smile, and headed towards Ling Huanzhen.

Ling Huanzhen was finalizing the practice match time with Guan Qian. Seeing Ren Xin approaching, Guan Qian gently bumped Ling Huanzhen.

“The old fox is coming, be careful not to spill secrets.”

Ling Huanzhen immediately piled up a big smile.

“You two are arranging practice matches, probably excluding me, the host.”

“No, no, I heard you have a practice match with Shenghai Jiaotong University coming up, I was embarrassed to ask.”

Ren Xin said: “Our team has self-practice tonight. If interested, your players can stay and spar with each other. Don’t worry, as long as playing ball doesn’t turn into fighting, I as a coach absolutely won’t interfere. Wonder if you’re interested?”

Guan Qian smiled politely: “I’d better let my players rest well. After all, we have a practice match to play tomorrow.”

“True.” Ren Xin’s gaze glanced at Ling Huanzhen. Under that gentle smile, Ling Huanzhen felt a provocation.

As if saying: What? The two players you brought can’t handle it already?

Ling Huanzhen thought: Old fox, as if I’m afraid of you.

“Xia Chiyi, Zhou Zhexiao, come here for a moment.”

After the two came over, Ling Huanzhen told them about the self-practice tonight.

“See if you guys are interested? Act according to your ability.” Ling Huanzhen was hinting at them, meaning conserve strength, don’t let others see through you.

Xia Chiyi first showed a very happy expression, but he wasn’t stupid and immediately understood the other’s intention.

Zhou Zhexiao put his hands in his pockets and said lightly: “I have to accompany Xia Chiyi to the Bar Street tonight.”

Ling Huanzhen was choked unexpectedly, thinking: Old pal, why are you so direct!

Guan Qian also showed an expression of “never expected that,” and smoothed things over: “Young people, just got into college, will be interested in bars and such. One look and you’ll know it’s actually boring. Most importantly… pay attention… pay attention to safety, especially being so handsome, right.”

“We aren’t going to drink, I just want to see band performances.” Xia Chiyi hurriedly explained.

Probably because the expressions of their chat were too subtle, it piqued Yang Huaiyu’s curiosity. Hearing their itinerary tonight, he smiled and said, “How about we accompany you tonight? Better to have locals around.”

“Ah? Don’t you have self-practice?” Xia Chiyi asked.

“Since it’s called ‘self-practice,’ it means we can choose to participate or not participate.” Yang Huaiyu lowered his head and leaned into Xia Chiyi’s ear. “And if you want to see performances, Bar Street is too mediocre. I’ll take you to something more fun.”

This time it was Coach Ren’s turn to have veins popping on his forehead. “Yang Huaiyu, explain clearly, do you frequent the Bar Street?”

Yang Huaiyu immediately raised his hands. “Coach, you misunderstand me. It’s Liu Shuchen who likes visiting bars, looking everywhere to play drums. Whenever he comes, I accompany him to challenge the drummers of major bars. I’m just an innocent audience member clapping for him on the side.”

“I believe your ghost stories. Neither you nor Liu Shuchen are good eggs.”

Ren Xin waved to He Zhan and Meng Ting. These two Qincheng University giants came to Xia Chiyi.

“Bar Street is indeed a symbol of our Qincheng nightlife culture; it would be a pity not to see it. We coaches aren’t that pedantic. But indeed, the two students from Ningchang are too outstanding in appearance, easy to attract unwanted attention. I’ll let He Zhan and Meng Ting accompany you.”

Xia Chiyi never expected that for his night tour of bars with Zhou Zhexiao, the host Qincheng University would provide such attentive service, even sending two bodyguards!

“Sure, no problem. With us here, guarantee Yang Huaiyu won’t take them to any messy places.” He Zhan immediately patted his chest.

Oh, so not protecting us, but preventing Yang Huaiyu from messing around.

Xia Chiyi looked at Yang Huaiyu: Sure enough, your gentle appearance is just for deceiving people.

When Ren Xin left with the players, Guan Qian leaned into Ling Huanzhen’s ear and said, “The old fox wanted his players to test how good the stamina of your two freshmen is.”

“Oh, no wonder… then he let those two tall guys follow Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao, don’t tell me they have to duel tonight?” Ling Huanzhen didn’t expect the coaching world to be so deep.

“Not necessarily, probably truly safer to go together.”

Knowing he could go to Bar Street tonight, Xia Chiyi’s heart was about to fly away. Even when Coach Ren Xin praised him by name during the summary after the practice match, he didn’t react much.

Ling Huanzhen thought about it and felt that Xia Chiyi really had to go to this Bar Street.

Some temptations must be experienced properly to understand they are just so-so.

After a whole day of training ended, Xia Chiyi once again enjoyed the small cafeteria buffet of Qincheng University. The dishes tonight were still very delicious.

Coach Ren ate while observing the appetite of the players who played today.

His own players were fine, but the second team sent by Shenghai University was obviously listless and had no appetite due to huge physical loss.

Scanning around, his gaze stopped in front of Xia Chiyi. Various seafood and meats were piled as high as a small hill. His cheeks were bulging, looking like he was eating with relish. Most importantly, he was full of energy, constantly saying “this is good,” “that is also good” to Zhou Zhexiao next to him.

Coach Ren couldn’t help laughing.

It seemed Ke Yan’s guess was right; Xia Chiyi still retained a lot of stamina.

After eating their fill, Xia Chiyi agreed to meet Yang Huaiyu and the others at the northwest entrance of Bar Street.

They went back to drop off things. In the hotel elevator, Ling Huanzhen said to the two: “Yang Huaiyu and the others will definitely probe you and try to get information.”

“Mn, I know. I won’t blab everything.” Xia Chiyi made a zipping motion over his mouth.

Unexpectedly, Ling Huanzhen laughed. “It’s nothing. If they ask, just tell them straight. Like if they ask why you still have so much energy after four quarters. Isn’t the reason simple? 21-point shooting training under exhaustion.”

“Just tell them straight like that?”

Zhou Zhexiao said in a very calm tone: “Even if the training methods of most genius athletes are made public, the number of people who can emulate them is countable on one hand. Because that kind of training method is only suitable for the minority at the top of the pyramid. Otherwise, anyone could become a top athlete.”

“Oh, so I count as the minority too.” Xia Chiyi revealed a confident smile.

Ling Huanzhen was amused. “You’re a bit full of yourself today.”

“That’s right, I passed Ke Yan, scored under his defense, and even blocked Yang Huaiyu’s shot. They are national top eight, which means Zhou Zhexiao and I also have national top eight level. What’s wrong with being a bit full of myself?” Xia Chiyi looked up and thought for a moment. “Just have to increase the seduction intensity a bit.”

“Seduction.” Zhou Zhexiao snorted lightly. “Haven’t used enough of your beauty trap?”

“Is there any beauty in this elevator? Besides you, Zhou Zhexiao, none.” Xia Chiyi shook his head.

But still had to find a way to increase Qincheng University’s interest in them.

Xia Chiyi’s upper lip pouted slightly again. Zhou Zhexiao looked down, knowing this guy was thinking about how to fulfill Ye Zhaoying’s request to make Qincheng University actively send their full starting lineup for a match with Ningchang University.

“They will.” Zhou Zhexiao said softly.

“Ah? What?”

“Qincheng University will come to play a practice match with us.”

Xia Chiyi smiled. “Yeah, because we are really strong.”

When they arrived at the meeting point, Xia Chiyi was stunned—Yang Huaiyu looked like a completely different person from the one on the team.

Wonder if he also used the 380-yuan-a-jar hair wax; his hair was styled into a very natural and lazy texture, combed back but without any greasy feeling. On the contrary, those slightly messy upturned ends were all teasing the vision.

He wore an oversized black T-shirt, a silver chain around his neck, a skull ring on his finger, paired with ripped jeans. Standing at the alley entrance with hands in pockets, he smiled slightly when he saw Xia Chiyi.

Ke Yan happened to come from the same direction as Xia Chiyi and the others, spotting Yang Huaiyu at the traffic light together with Xia Chiyi.

“Holy crap, this guy is so flashy today.” Ke Yan sneered.

“Mn, would definitely be popular as a host. Just him alone could feed the whole team.” Xia Chiyi nodded, chin in hand.

Hearing this, Ke Yan couldn’t help holding his stomach and laughing. “Hahaha, I’m going to tell him what you said! He definitely wanted you to think he’s handsome and continue worshiping him beyond basketball skills, didn’t expect this effect, hahaha!”

“Our team has a trendy guy too. If he saw Yang Huaiyu, he would definitely praise him as explosively handsome.” Xia Chiyi paused. “He didn’t spray perfume too, did he?”

Ke Yan froze. “Oho, possible. Do you like the smell of men’s cologne?”

Xia Chiyi shook his head but gestured at Zhou Zhexiao with his thumb. “I like that simple smell on him.”

Ke Yan immediately turned back, intending to lean in for a sniff, but meeting Zhou Zhexiao’s frosty face, felt he couldn’t approach, changing to verbal inquiry: “Then Zhou Zhexiao, what smell is on you?”

Zhou Zhexiao lifted his arm and sniffed. “Orange-scented sports body wash.”

Ke Yan smiled. “Truly a simple and fresh smell.”

When Xia Chiyi walked up to greet Yang Huaiyu, Yang Huaiyu smiled gently.

“Xia Chiyi, looking like this…”

“I know you think we should be more trendy, but we only brought sportswear when we came.”

“No no no,” Yang Huaiyu pinched the corner of his eye, “sometimes the simpler the more attractive. Can only say, Coach Ren was wise to let us bring He Zhan and Meng Ting.”

At this time, He Zhan and Meng Ting came from the other side of the road. Both wore white T-shirts and black sweatpants, looking like they just came out of the gym.

The only difference was Meng Ting was actually wearing sunglasses.

Xia Chiyi laughed. “I say… aren’t you afraid of missing a step wearing sunglasses at night?”

“Uh-huh, maybe he wants to play erhu in the bar.” Yang Huaiyu mercilessly teased his teammate’s taste.

A group of young people, led by Yang Huaiyu, walked into Bar Street.

There were many outdoor seats on both sides of the road. Bars had singers of various styles; some crooning softly, some with strong rhythms making people sway along.

Various lights swept across Xia Chiyi’s face. This was another colorful world.

Yang Huaiyu led them into a small alley.

The alley was a world of its own; they met many glamorous fashionable men and women along the way.

But they were the most conspicuous, firstly because of their height.

Secondly, Yang Huaiyu walking in front was indeed handsome, the type that stunned at first glance and made hearts pound.

Passersby’s eyes passed Yang Huaiyu, then would pause on Xia Chiyi, feeling like having a cup of mint lemonade after a shot of strong liquor—refreshing all over.

Finally, passersby’s gaze would fix on Zhou Zhexiao. Despite exquisite and three-dimensional features, he had no expression; the mystery and alienation made people fall even deeper.

At the end of this small alley was a bar named “Stranger.”

A very small door, only enough for one person to pass at a time.

Inside was a staircase leading up.

“Ouch!”

A cry came from behind Xia Chiyi; the tallest Meng Ting bumped his head.

Yang Huaiyu’s airy voice drifted over: “Bro, be careful, the ceiling height here is probably less than two meters.”

Meng Ting’s disgruntled voice replied: “You only say it now? After the fact!”

Ke Yan touched the wall, feeling the passage wasn’t painted on either side and had dust.

“Yang Huaiyu, don’t take us to some unlicensed business premises!”

Yang Huaiyu’s light laughter came. “I’m going to sell you all. The two tallest ones, sell to mine coal.”

“Skin itching?” He Zhan sneered.

When they finished walking this narrow upward passage, before them was a retro iron gate carved with roses and vines, and a little girl looking down at the ground with fingers holding a flower branch.

On the walls on both sides of the iron gate were iron shelves with various small items: candlesticks carved with skulls, flickering oil lamps, wooden boat models, etc., quite atmospheric under the dim light.

Through the gaps in the iron gate, faint singing could be heard.

Yang Huaiyu put both hands on the iron gate and pushed hard inward. The space in front opened up suddenly; the world inside was like a private antique museum.

The walls were decorated with various strange small items: gramophones, music boxes, folding fans with secret codes, exquisite wooden dolls. These things emitted a faint light, becoming the only light source in the bar.

These decorations stacked layer upon layer, dividing the space into booths.

The whole space was like a mysterious other dimension.

“Wow—” Xia Chiyi exclaimed. This place was indeed more interesting than those internet-famous restaurants.

Teammates He Zhan and Meng Ting each punched Yang Huaiyu discontentedly.

“Been teammates for so long, why have you never brought us here?”

Yang Huaiyu smiled. “Bring you here, wouldn’t you report to Coach Ren immediately? Besides, Liu Shuchen found this place.”

Xia Chiyi had wanted to ask for a while: “Is the Liu Shuchen you mentioned the one from Qing University?”

Yang Huaiyu sighed: “Which other Liu Shuchen?”

“Liu Shuchen visits bars too?”

“He challenges drummers in major bars, undefeated so far.”

Ke Yan added from the side: “Luckily he was selected for the national youth team. Since then he hasn’t come to lead our ace astray.”

Yang Huaiyu nodded. “Yeah, look at the life Liu Shuchen lives now. The rebellious drumming youth back then turned into a resentful man sighing about lack of freedom. Not entering the provincial team was a wise choice for me.”

Xia Chiyi froze. The provincial team he and Ye Zhaoying tried so hard to enter was something Yang Huaiyu could reject with a wave of his hand.

People’s fates were indeed different…

But luckily Yang Huaiyu rejected the provincial team, otherwise Xia Chiyi wouldn’t have had the chance to experience his skills personally.

At this time, a band was already performing on stage. But unlike other places, the performance area in this bar was the darkest. Guests could only see the general silhouettes of band members and the metallic reflection of instruments.

When the female singer’s voice sounded, blending with the saxophone music, it gradually dragged the guests’ emotions, immersing them in the bar’s atmosphere.

Yang Huaiyu smiled seeing Xia Chiyi curious about everything yet resisting looking around. He took out his phone to scan the code, and the drink menu appeared.

“See what you guys want to drink, my treat.”

“Holy crap, so generous? I haven’t even had a bottle of mineral water from you.” Meng Ting was the first to take Yang Huaiyu’s phone.

Ke Yan reminded from the side: “No alcohol. The coach specifically instructed.”

Yang Huaiyu rested his chin on his hand and smiled. “Didn’t you say I haven’t treated you to mineral water? You can order mineral water.”

Meng Ting scrolled from top to bottom. “No, mineral water is too cheap, only twenty yuan. I want an expensive drink, just this one—Long Island Iced Tea, eighty-eight yuan, sounds auspicious too!”

Yang Huaiyu’s eyebrows raised, seemingly suppressing a laugh. “You sure?”

“Sure.” Meng Ting passed the phone to He Zhan next to him.

He Zhan also looked from start to finish. “Then maybe… I’ll have a Long Island Iced Tea too…”

After speaking, He Zhan passed the phone to Xia Chiyi, adding: “You two are guests, don’t be polite, fleece this poser hard for us.”

Xia Chiyi was about to say he’d choose the same, but Zhou Zhexiao spoke up: “Two Virgin Mojitos.”

“Isn’t Mojito alcohol?” Xia Chiyi asked.

“Low alcohol content [normally], and you can still shoot three-pointers after drinking.” Zhou Zhexiao paused and added, “Long Island Iced Tea’s base is vodka, rum, gin, and tequila.”

Hearing this, Meng Ting strangled Yang Huaiyu with his arm. “Good one, you poser. Coach told us to watch you, but you want to get us drunk. Speak, what do you want to do after we get drunk?”

“What else? Sell you to mine coal…” Yang Huaiyu looked like he was being strangled to death. His gaze swept over Xia Chiyi, finding the other’s round eyes full of anticipation watching him being strangled breathless.

Yang Huaiyu smiled helplessly. Little liar, you really have no heart.

In the end, everyone uniformly ordered Virgin Mojitos.

Yang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes, looking at Zhou Zhexiao who fell silent after those two sentences. “You must have frequented bars before. Otherwise how do you know these?”

Xia Chiyi was also curious, leaning towards Zhou Zhexiao and whispering: “Over in America, can you enter bars under eighteen?”

“No. And drinking age is 21.” Zhou Zhexiao answered.

“Then how do you know everything?” Xia Chiyi asked again.

“Haven’t eaten pork, but have seen pigs run.”

Hearing Zhou Zhexiao say this, everyone laughed.

A waiter in a leather jacket brought their cocktails, setting them down casually. Just as Xia Chiyi picked up a glass to look, that waiter suddenly backed up, leaning one hand on their table, looking at them.

“Yang Huaiyu, did you bring new friends to perform on stage? Just enough for a band today!”

Yang Huaiyu sighed. “These are all sent by the coach to supervise me. Look, all Mojitos, how sober.”

The waiter smiled, glancing at Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao. “Quite handsome. Our lead singer likes to bully handsome guys, protect them well.”

“Ah?” Meng Ting became nervous hearing this. “Bully handsome guys? How bully?”

Ke Yan sighed. “This is not a question you need to ponder.”

He Zhan stabbed from the side: “Because you have nothing to do with the term ‘handsome guy’!”

Yang Huaiyu waved his hand. “It’s fine, just some small games later to tease you guys.”

At this time, the originally dark Stage C suddenly flashed as if struck by lightning, and the surrounding guests cheered.