Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Tian Ruan quickly stepped two paces away from Yu Jingmo. Temptation? What kind of nonsense is this? Speaking such words in broad daylight, in front of so many people—how embarrassing.

Yu Jingmo watched impassively as faint pink slowly spread across his cheeks, the corners of his lips curling slightly. "Principal Li invited me to visit. The Four-School Tournament is considered a big deal in Su City."

What kind of big deal could a high school tournament be? It wasn’t even as important as some new condo development. There were only two reporters present.

Tian Ruan nodded without calling him out, though it'd be wishful thinking to assume Yu Jingmo had come just to see him. Socializing was likely the main purpose.

"Go on," Yu Jingmo said, gazing at him. "Stay out of the crowds."

"Mm." Tian Ruan waved. "Bye."

Yu Jingmo smiled faintly.

Tian Ruan hurried to catch up with the student council team and kept things under control.

As luck would have it, Class 8 of the second year was the closest to the podium on the stands. A short-haired girl’s eyes sparkled as she witnessed the scene, jotting down in her little notebook: *A CEO's 18 steamy moves; A genius student's daily ravishment; A beauty using his looks to make his brother-in-law lose control…*

"Giggle giggle~" Zhu Zhizhi snickered deviously.

Not far from her, Nan Mengyao inadvertently glanced at the notebook and immediately felt her eyes polluted, giving Zhu Zhizhi the side-eye.

Zhu Zhizhi noticed and snapped the notebook shut. "Keep staring and you'll end up in my smut fic."

Nan Mengyao: "..."

Nan Mengyao rolled her eyes and turned away.

Zhu Zhizhi, however, studied Nan Mengyao, sighing inwardly. Total babe, but such an attitude—though it was oddly appealing. Too bad she was only interested in BL content.

The student council kept things under control, and despite the discontent from students of other schools, the crowd gradually quieted down. Principal Li gave a speech at the podium, followed by leaders from other schools. Nobody was really listening, their eyes fixed on those tall drink-of-water basketball players on the court.

Then Principal Li announced, "Today, we are honored to have Mr. Yu Jingmo, Chairman of the Wintergreen Group, here to witness this grand event. Let’s welcome him to say a few words."

At the mention of Yu Jingmo’s name, the students of Deyin immediately turned their heads. Students from other schools, unfamiliar with the name, showed little reaction—probably just another balding, short, and unimpressive leader.

Until a smooth, deep voice like melted chocolate echoed through the stadium’s speakers: "Welcome, all bright young minds, to Deyin High School for the Four-School Tournament. Friendship first, competition second. I hope everyone enjoys the event."

The entire venue fell silent—

Especially the girls immersed in anime culture, who were instantly captivated. Was this a voice handcrafted by angels? So mesmerizing.

Why didn’t he say more?

Those close enough could see Yu Jingmo’s stupidly handsome face, while those farther away could still admire his tall, imposing figure. In an instant, a million crushes were born.

"I heard Yu Jingmo is married."

Broken hearts everywhere, with actual whimpers heard.

Yu Jingmo made only this one appearance, sitting loftily on the high platform like some untouchable god.

Assistant Xu busied himself pouring tea while sneakily scoping out the crowd for the CEO’s spouse—after all, Yu Jingmo’s lofty demeanor was built upon his assistant running his ass off.

Assistant Xu’s sharp gaze circled like an eagle’s before suddenly pointing. "Your husband's right there."

Yu Jingmo followed his gaze. Amid the crowd, Tian Ruan seemed to be looking their way. He flashed a small smile back.

Tian Ruan whispered to Yu Shang, "Your dad totally owned the spotlight—what a show-off."

Yu Shang replied expressionlessly, "I’ll relay that for you."

Tian Ruan: "No, don’t! I know he’s not faking it—he’s got those born leader vibes."

Yu Shang: "Then say that to him yourself."

Tian Ruan: "..." So you’ll only pass on my trash talk, huh?

Principal Li’s cultured voice echoed through the speakers: "Congratulations to Nan High for yesterday’s head-to-head victory against Affiliated High. Now, we invite Affiliated and Second High to play an exhibition game."

The inter-school tournament consisted of Deyin, Affiliated, Nan High, and Second High.

Yesterday was Nan High vs. Affiliated—Nan High won.

Today, Affiliated would first face Second High in a friendly match. If they won, they’d advance; otherwise, they’d be eliminated.

Afterward, Second High would take on Deyin.

Affiliated's team stepped onto the court with low spirits, while Second High looked hungry for a win. The other basketball players cleared the court to make space. Press snapped shots from the front row.

Tian Ruan stood on the bleachers, squinting into the distance. "Yo, is that Hai Chao?"

Yu Shang shot a glance. "Yeah."

"He’s on Affiliated’s team and still lost?"

"Is he good at basketball?"

"...Not really." Tian Ruan just thought that, as a backup love-interest rival, he shouldn’t lose so easily.

"Even if he’s skilled individually, it doesn’t mean he can carry a whole team. Basketball is about chemistry."

"Oh." Tian Ruan headed toward the locker room. "I’m going to find Lu Qiuyan."

Yu Shang informed the student council and went with Tian Ruan to Class 6’s boys’ locker room.

Unexpectedly, they didn’t find anyone. Tian Ruan stopped a boy and asked, "Where’s the basketball team?"

The boy, clutching his stomach miserably and wearing a team jersey, groaned, "All in the bathroom."

"??"

"Shit, someone must’ve slipped laxatives into the team’s water bottles. They’re wrecking the bathrooms one by one."

"..." TMI... "Wrecking" was way too vivid.

Yu Shang scowled. "Everyone drank the water?"

The boy: "Only Lu Qiuyan didn’t, but he’s useless alone. Looks like we’ll have to forfeit."

No wonder Deyin’s basketball team was the only one not warming up—they weren’t being too cool to warm up, just stuck in the bathroom.

The boy sighed, then suddenly paled. "Gotta drop a bomb—here it comes again—" He clenched and ran straight for the restroom.

Tian Ruan stared toward the bathroom. A few boys from other schools tried to go in but fled in terror within seconds, apparently scared off by the chaos.

"...".

Yu Shang stayed silent today—there was absolutely no way he was getting near that restroom.

Tian Ruan couldn’t bring himself to approach the feces-flinging battlefield either, and even took a couple of steps back. "Lu Qiuyan probably isn’t in there, right?"

Yu Shang: "No way. Let’s check somewhere else."

The two quickly retreated, only for Tian Ruan to turn and bump into a guy, their faces suddenly way too close. Tian Ruan lost his balance and nearly toppled onto him, almost locking lips by accident—until the guy was abruptly yanked away. Stumbling, Tian Ruan narrowly avoided eating dirt.

Glancing back, he saw Lu Qiuyan sprawled over Yu Shang. "Wow~" Of course, the male lead (shou) wouldn’t let a side character like him steal a kiss.

Lu Qiuyan shoved Yu Shang away. "The hell?"

Yu Shang casually pulled out an ointment. "Putting on your meds. Three times a day. Do another round yourself tonight."

"No need, I’m fine."

Yu Shang grabbed his wrist. "Locker room. Now."

Dragged along reluctantly, Lu Qiuyan shot Tian Ruan a look. "What are you standing around for?"

Tian Ruan grinned cheerfully. "I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone."

"...Scram."

Tian Ruan wouldn’t interrupt, but he also wouldn’t scram. Instead, he sneaked into the locker room and hid behind a cabinet to spy—only to find the protagonist pair’s "alone time" ruined by Wang Weiqi, who had popped up out of nowhere, outshining even Tian Ruan.

Tian Ruan: "..."

Wang Weiqi: "Those assholes are total scum, pulling such a cheap shot. Relax, Lu Qiuyan—with me on the team, we’ve got this."

Lu Qiuyan: "We’re still a few players short."

Wang Weiqi: "We’ve got the prez, right?"

Yu Shang calmly applied burn ointment to Lu Qiuyan, watching him swap his uniform for a basketball jersey. "Not many in the student council play ball."

Wang Weiqi, completely oblivious, eyed Lu Qiuyan. "Damn, dude, you’re ripped."

Lu Qiuyan shrugged. "I’m into brawling."

"Sick." The moment Wang Weiqi said that, a white blur—like a damn rabbit—seemed to leap over his head, leaving him dizzy. Blinking hard, he realized it wasn’t a rabbit but a person. "Tian Ruan? Why’d you hit me??"

Tian Ruan: "Who gave you permission to eye Lu Qiuyan? That’s *his* view to enjoy!"

Wang Weiqi: "Huh? His view?"

Tian Ruan: "Damn right. That’s Yu Shang’s privilege."

Wang Weiqi, baffled: "President, only you can see Lu Qiuyan’s body? Why?"

Yu Shang: "..."

Lu Qiuyan: "...Don’t listen to his nonsense."

Tian Ruan switched gears, praising him: "Wang Weiqi, you’re awesome. I’ll learn from you—let’s save our team’s rep and compete!"

Wang Weiqi, pumped: "Fuck yeah, bro!"

Lu Qiuyan: "Even if you didn’t volunteer, I’d toss you onto the court myself."

Tian Ruan: "..."

Tian Ruan pointed at Yu Shang, "You come too, and have Lu Qiuyan’s back."

Yu Shang walked toward Class 1's changing room on his own, "Didn’t need you to tell me. I’ll notify the student council—we’ll definitely gather enough people."

Over ten minutes later, the newly thrown-together Deyin basketball team, led by Lu Qiuyan, assembled. Since most were student council members, everyone was relatively united.

Qian Lailai raised his hand, "Just to clarify, the last time I played basketball was in kindergarten."

Yu Shang: "Let’s practice on the court first."

As it turned out, though this ragtag team was united in spirit, their skills weren’t up to par—balls either flew away or went to the wrong player.

"..."

Yu Shang stayed calm, "Let’s switch up positions for forwards, centers, and guards."

With five main players and two substitutes, no matter how they rearranged, everyone except Lu Qiuyan and Tian Ruan looked out of place.

Lu Qiuyan was locked in as forward, Yu Shang as center, Tian Ruan as guard, and the remaining two were assigned as passers.

Tian Ruan was thoroughly tortured by Wang Weiqi’s passing skills, "What the hell? Why do you keep passing straight at their crotches?"

Wang Weiqi: "Catch 'em off guard."

Tian Ruan: "How brilliant. Just take out your own team’s nuts, and victory is yours."

Wang Weiqi finally realized something was off, "..."

Cheers erupted from the field as the girls from the affiliated high school chanted, "Affiliated High, never say die!"

The host congratulated, "Congratulations to the Affiliated High for taking this game."

Wang Weiqi gave the finger to No. 2 Middle School’s direction, "Total dumbasses."

The host: "Next, players from No. 2 Middle School, please take a short break before returning to the court to compete against Deyin’s team."

Yu Shang said, "Go warm up on the field."

Fired up, Wang Weiqi slung his arms around Lu Qiuyan and Tian Ruan, pulling them along gleefully, "Brothers, let’s go!"

Tian Ruan dodged behind him and kicked him in the butt, "Go on, Miracle Wang!"

Wang Weiqi slid across the grass like a projectile, tumbling halfway before rolling straight into the court, becoming the center of attention.

"?" The crowd were confused but it looked fun, so thunderous applause followed.

Wang Weiqi, riding the applause, struck a pose he thought was slick and winked toward Class 8—right at Nan Mengyao.

Nan Mengyao: "..."

The applause grew even louder. Wang Weiqi thought he’d become the star of the show, but upon closer listening, the cheers were for "Yu Shang," "Lu Qiuyan," "Xi Qin," and "Tian Ruan"—not a single "Wang Weiqi."

Wang Weiqi exploded, "I’m Wang Weiqi! No. 2 Moron Middle, remember who’s boss! Today, I’ll kick your asses!"

The Principal of No. 2 Middle School maintained an awkward smile, "Kids these days love to talk big."

Principal Li: "Friendship first, competition second.* After the match, I’ll definitely chew this kid out—what’s with him calling No. 2 Middle School ‘morons’?" *Chinese idiom meaning that sportsmanship is more important than winning.

"......"

The principal of the affiliated middle school beamed. "Yes, yes. Even if our school beats yours once, we shouldn’t call yours ‘Second High Idiots.’"

The principal of South High also smiled cheerfully. "I’m really looking forward to our school competing against Deyin Academy. As for the ‘Second High Idiots’... well, never mind."

Principal of No. 2 Middle School: "..."

Principal Li chuckled. Where there are people, there's drama. She turned to Mr. Yu. "These kids are just fooling around. Are you enjoying this, Mr. Yu?"

Yu Jingmo’s gaze remained fixed on Tian Ruan, who was stretching on the court. He replied absentmindedly, "Mm."

Principal Li followed his line of sight. "I’m not worried about Lu Qiuyan. He often leads the basketball team."

Yu Jingmo: "The others aren’t a concern either. Aside from a couple, they’re fairly steady."

Principal Li knew exactly who he meant by "a couple" and laughed. "I believe Tian Ruan will surely surprise us."

Yu Jingmo: "You said the same thing at the opera last time."

Principal Li: "..."

Now that he mentioned it, it was true.

Those memories were best left forgotten. Principal Li barely kept a straight face before finally relenting. "As long as we win, it’s fine."

Yu Jingmo curled his lips. "We're going to win."

Principal Li didn’t even dare to guarantee that, especially since the basketball team was thrown together. "Mr. Yu sounds very confident?"

Yu Jingmo: "Mm."

After all, the main players in this world were all on the court.

But his eyes followed only Tian Ruan - all hip swings, bouncing, and boundless energy.