Jiang Fengcheng didn't talk much during meals, and he ate incredibly fast.
By the time Song Xilai had only eaten a third of her bowl, Jiang Fengcheng had already finished his first.
When she was still gnawing on a chicken claw, he had completed his second.
As Song Xilai rubbed her full belly and slowly sipped her soup, Jiang Fengcheng was polishing off his third bowl.
Song Xilai: "…"
Despite his appetite, his eating style was refreshingly clean and elegant, making it oddly pleasant to watch. Eating opposite him somehow even improved her own appetite.
Meanwhile, Liu Tuo, sitting nearby, also wolfed down three bowls, silently grumbling to himself. The portions at this restaurant were tiny, focusing on presentation rather than sustenance—completely unsuitable for athletes who needed high-intensity training. It was clearly a place catered to girls.
Liu Tuo sneered inwardly. Who would've thought their usually stoic team captain could act like this when smitten? So… undignified.
Song Xilai, feeling overly stuffed, sipped her tea in small gulps to aid digestion. Her delicate brows furrowed.
"Aren't you guys training later? Can you really eat this much and be fine?"
Liu Tuo was just about to educate her on the swim team's insane calorie intake and rigorous training schedule when Jiang Fengcheng cut in.
"I accidentally overate today. I'm usually not like this."
To cap it off, Jiang Fengcheng even sipped some digestion tea.
Liu Tuo: "…"
Captain, you're not just the tallest and most handsome guy on the swim team—you're also the one who eats the most. Lying to this poor girl isn't very nice.
Song Xilai smiled understandingly. "This place really is good. I overate too."
After finishing the meal, it was time to leave.
Song Xilai, looking for an excuse to slip away, decided to freshen up her lip tint first. She stood and pulled out her chair just as a waiter with a tray passed by.
Caught off guard by her sudden movement, the waiter stumbled slightly. In the blink of an eye, a strong arm wrapped around Song Xilai's waist, pulling her into a firm chest.
Her nose bumped against Jiang Fengcheng's solid muscles. His warm lemon-mint scent invaded her senses, spreading heat from her nose to her cheeks and ears.
Her heart started pounding as her face grew hot.
Jiang Fengcheng released her. "Are you alright?"
Song Xilai blushed furiously, lowering her head. "I'm… I'm fine."
The waiter behind her apologized profusely. "Miss, I'm so sorry! I accidentally spilled some tomato soup on your dress. Let me get you a wet wipe."
Though the tray hadn't toppled, a small splash of soup had landed—right on her skirt.
Turning to look, Song Xilai froze.
The stain wasn't big, just a small patch of dark red, but its location was extremely awkward.
Right on her butt!
If anyone saw, they might think… Well, she didn't even want to go there. And a wet wipe definitely wouldn't fix it. Mortified, she considered calling Chen Qingyan to bring her a pair of pants.
Before she could act, a warm jacket draped over her shoulders, covering the offending spot perfectly.
Looking up, she saw Jiang Fengcheng had taken off his jacket, leaving him in a black T-shirt that revealed his muscular arms and prominent veins.
Expressionless, he simply said, "Here. Wear this."
Wrapped in Jiang Fengcheng's jacket, Song Xilai felt enveloped by its sturdy yet warm fabric and his lingering scent. The oversized fit made her look like a kid playing dress-up.
She fiddled with the hem nervously. "Won't you be cold with just a T-shirt?"
Jiang Fengcheng chuckled, as if she'd said something ridiculous. "Of course not."
"Oh," she murmured, biting her lip. "Thanks. I'll wash it and return it to you."
"Alright."
Without further conversation, Jiang Fengcheng left with Liu Tuo for practice.
Outside the restaurant, Song Xilai noticed Jiang Fengcheng's transparent umbrella still by the door. She pulled out her phone to message him but saw he'd already texted her three minutes ago.
Jiang Fengcheng: [I left my umbrella by the door. Could you bring it for me?]
The rain outside showed no signs of stopping. Holding the umbrella, Song Xilai watched raindrops patter against the ground.
Who forgets their umbrella in weather like this?
Smirking, she sent a playful voice note: [Wow, Jiang Fengcheng! Did you leave it for me on purpose? You're so considerate!]
Two minutes later, his reply came in.
Jiang Fengcheng: [Yes, I did.]
Staring at her phone, Song Xilai felt the jacket's warmth intensify, her heart racing faster and faster.
For the first time, a strange, uncontrollable joy sparked inside her—like a tiny beam of light piercing her heart.
Saturday afternoon, Song Xilai went to get her nails done with her roommates.
"Song! Xi! Lai!" Chen Qingyan's voice snapped her out of her daze.
"Huh?"
"I was asking why you've been so distracted lately!"
Fidgeting, Song Xilai bit her lip. "I just… feel like…"
"Feel like what?" Fang Xiaoting prompted.
Song Xilai fell silent.
Frustrated, her roommates cornered her until she caved and showed them her chat history with Jiang Fengcheng.
Her big, dark eyes blinked in confusion. "I feel like he's acting… strange."
Chen Qingyan gaped. "Oh my god, he's so hitting on you! Song Xilai, you lucky girl!"
Having more dating experience, Fang Xiaoting analyzed, "He's definitely into you. Look—morning greetings at 6:30, goodnight messages at 11, sharing photos and songs daily, always starting conversations. If this isn't flirting, what is?"
Song Xilai twirled her fingers nervously. "Maybe he just finds me funny and wants to chat… Or maybe he's a player casting a wide net!"
Chen Qingyan crossed her arms, smirking. "If he's a player, you're doomed."
Fang Xiaoting nodded. "You can't afford to mess this up again. Remember how things ended with Xu Huai?"
"Wahhh…" Song Xilai whined.
Back in her dorm, Song Xilai stared at Jiang Fengcheng's jacket hanging in her closet. His scent and warmth seemed to fill the whole space.
Avoiding him wasn't an option. She opened her phone and sent him a message.
Rich Aunt: [Captain Jiang, I still have your jacket and umbrella. Are you free now?]
Jiang Fengcheng: [I'm working on a project.]
Rich Aunt: [Busy, huh? Guess I'll have to return them another time.]
Jiang Fengcheng: [I am busy.]
Rich Aunt: [/Left on read isn't worth replying.jpg/]
Jiang Fengcheng: [But if you need me, I can make time.]