The basketball arena, which had erupted moments ago in wild cheers for a spectacular dunk, had now settled into calm anticipation.
On the court, the two teams continued their fierce battle. However, it was evident even to the casual observer that the team in white jerseys was at a significant disadvantage, their skill level paling in comparison to the formidable team clad in red.
The beads of sweat glistening on the brows of the white team's players betrayed the intensity of their struggle, while the red team exuded effortless ease, clearly holding reserves of energy in store.
Among the red team, player number 10 stood out as the undeniable star. His figure was a constant presence on the court, whether making baskets, assisting teammates, stealing the ball, or delivering yet another jaw-dropping dunk. Just as Xiang Ri entered the arena, he witnessed the player soar gracefully through the air, his movements as taut and precise as a drawn bow, before slamming the ball forcefully into the hoop.
Xiang Ri scoffed, curling his lip in disdain. His assessment of the player remained unchanged: trash.
Ironically, the same player drew unreserved admiration from Tie Wan, who lavished praise without hesitation, much to Xiang Ri's irritation.
"That's hardly impressive," Xiang Ri muttered dismissively. "It's just a dunk—children can do that."
"But it's a slam dunk! You rarely see those. Oh, look! He's stolen the ball again. Amazing!" Tie Wan, entirely oblivious to Xiang Ri's increasingly dark expression, remained engrossed in the match, exclaiming excitedly at every highlight.
"Dear..." Xiang Ri's voice was laden with jealousy.
"What is it—" Tie Wan turned, only to find herself abruptly kissed. The sudden closeness caught her off guard, and by the time she realized what had happened, it was too late to pull away.
"Mmph..." Her lips were firmly claimed. Stunned for a moment, she quickly regained her composure, shoving the culprit away. Flushed with embarrassment and anger, she demanded, "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Heh, just felt like stealing a kiss," Xiang Ri replied smugly, clearly relishing his mischief.
"You...!" Tie Wan glanced nervously around, relieved to see that no one had noticed in their relatively secluded spot. Nonetheless, she pinched his arm fiercely and warned in a stern tone, "Do that again, and I won't let you off lightly!"
Xiang Ri chuckled, unfazed by the threat, and was about to tease her further when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
Cursing his luck, he guessed it was likely Miss Chu, with whom he had arranged to meet. Casting a quick glance at Tie Wan, who was still engrossed in the game, he discreetly stepped aside to take the call.
"We've arrived," Chu Chu's cheerful voice came through the line.
"Huh? Where are you? Do you need me to come get you?" Xiang Ri asked, uneasy at the thought of another awkward encounter between the women in his life. Secretly, he hoped Miss Chu had found something else to occupy her attention.
"No need; we're already in the basketball arena," Chu Chu replied excitedly.
"What?!" Xiang Ri's heart skipped a beat. His eyes darted across the crowd. "I don't see you."
"Are you in the stands? Look down by the court. I'm with our school's team and Qing Jie."
"You're not a player—how'd you get down there?" Relieved but still on edge, Xiang Ri scanned the court and quickly spotted a few strikingly graceful figures standing out amidst the sea of white jerseys. One of them held a phone to her ear, speaking animatedly.
"It's Qing Jie's friend who brought us here—she's the team manager."
"I see. Anything else?"
"Nope, just letting you know you don't need to pick us up. We'll head back together after the game."
"Alright."
"Bye-bye!"
"Bye."
As Xiang Ri ended the call and turned, he found Tie Wan watching him with a knowing smile. "So," she remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "another chat with your *girlfriend*?" She emphasized the last word with unmistakable acidity, the jealousy in the air palpable.
"Well..." Xiang Ri was at a loss for words, knowing that whatever he said would only make things worse, so he chose to remain silent.
"Hmph!" Seeing his hesitant expression, Tie Wan's face darkened. She shot him a resentful glance before turning her attention back to the game.
By the side of the court, in the rest area of the towering school team,
Ren Jun, the team manager, appeared notably slender, yet her figure was well-proportioned, with a delicate oval face. Her expression was one of deep dejection as she watched the one-sided game, sighing heavily. Her frustration mounted, especially when a certain arrogant player from the opposing team flashed a smug smile in her direction. The urge to rush over and give that smug face a good beating was nearly overwhelming.
Her eyes fixed on the timer hanging at the top of the gym. She silently cursed; only a few minutes remained until halftime, but she dared not even glance at the score. Yet the glaring red digital display was unavoidable—30:61. Her team was trailing by a staggering 31 points, and it was clear the gap might widen further. What had once seemed like a boast from the opposing team—threatening to defeat them by 80 points—was no longer a joke. It was about to become reality.
This was a crushing blow to her, but what was even harder to bear was the prospect of facing that detestable woman after the game. The thought of the humiliation she was about to endure stirred an urge to commit murder. If there were anyone who could help her win this game, she would not hesitate to offer her first kiss in gratitude.
But alas, it seemed there was no such savior. Every time her gaze fell on her own players, all she saw were downcast faces, defeated and listless.
"Useless!" Ren Jun cursed venomously in her mind. Under normal circumstances, she would have given them a good thrashing, but this was the opponent's home court. If such a farce were to happen, she would never be able to face that woman again.
Was it just about Lei Wei? What was so special about that guy? With his effeminate looks, no wonder he'd be attracted to that woman—truly blind!
"Jun Jun, what's wrong?" Seeing her friend seething with hatred, Shi Qing asked with concern.
"I'm fine," Ren Jun shook her head. Despite her growing worry about how to handle the consequences of this crushing defeat, her friend's concern warmed her heart.
"It doesn't matter if we lose this time; we can win next time," Shi Qing said, offering comfort despite Ren Jun's forced smile.
"Sigh." Ren Jun furrowed her brow even more tightly. Winning next time? Easier said than done! And she would have to wait an entire year. In the meantime, would she not be living in that woman's shadow?
"Jun Jie, it's just a game. Why are you..." Chu Chu, who couldn't understand Ren Jun's behavior, asked.
"Chu Chu, you don't understand. The consequences of losing are severe, and it's a matter of our school's honor. Tell me, as the team manager, can I just let it go?"
"But there's nothing you can do."
"I know. If only there were a skilled expert right now..." Ren Jun's words trailed off, but it was clear she was fantasizing about some way to trample her opponents.
"An expert?" Chu Chu's eyes brightened. "Jun Jie, I can find you one."
"Really?" Ren Jun's eyes widened as she grabbed her by the shoulders, her face alight with excitement. "Chu Chu, you're amazing! Where is he now? Bring him here immediately!" It seemed she was placing all her hope on this younger student, desperate for any chance to turn the tide.
"He's in the gym right now. I just need to make a call, but someone will need to go and get him." Chu Chu winced as Ren Jun squeezed her shoulders, but seeing her senior so eager, she didn't want to spoil the moment.
"That's easy! You just call him, and I'll send someone to pick him up. Actually, I'll go and get him myself!"