Chapter 46

Chapter 46

The new match began, and the cheers from the stands grew louder.

This no longer seemed like a mere contest between Jiang Songen and Zhang Chun; it had escalated into a rivalry between the students supporting each of them.

The names "Jiang Songen" and "Zhang Chun" echoed throughout the basketball court. You Nan listened, feeling his blood surge with the crowd's shouts, his eardrums thrumming with the noise.

The sound of his heartbeat was exceptionally clear in his ears at that moment.

Zhang Chun faced Jiang Songen, their eyes locked. Zhang Chun's heart pounded wildly. He raised a hand to his chest, bewildered as to why he already felt weak and unsteady even before the match had begun.

Jiang Songen's gaze was sharp. Having already played one game, he was slightly sweaty, with strands of hair clinging to his forehead, revealing his keen yet youthful brows and eyes.

He exuded a tough, unyielding aura.

Zhang Chun lowered his hand, straightened up, and smiled at Jiang Songen. His face radiated a bright, sunny disposition, his youthful looks naturally striking. His voice was low, audible only to Jiang Songen, who stood close by.

"Not bad. Let's see if you can beat me. If you lose, you owe me one. I’ll think later about what I’ll have you do."

Jiang Songen curled his lips. "Alright, a bet's a bet. If you lose, don’t bother You Nan and me ever again."

Zhang Chun’s bright expression instantly vanished. "Deal."

The word seemed to be squeezed from his throat.

The spectators in the stands couldn’t hear what the two were saying, only noticing their close proximity.

You Nan couldn’t help but grip his backpack strap tightly. Even before the match began, he was already nervous.

As You Nan was lost in thought, the situation on the court changed. The PE teacher stepped in, replacing a student to officiate the match himself.

As soon as the whistle blew, the ball was tossed high into the air. The two tall, long-legged boys leaped up, stretching their arms to reach it.

Jiang Songen secured the ball.

He immediately launched an attack. Zhang Chun, who had the ball snatched away with a forceful dunk, had no time to conceal his astonishment before swiftly scrambling back on defense.

This match was far more exciting than the previous one.

That was evident to everyone.

Jiang Songen and Zhang Chun were locked in a stalemate, while their teammates also showcased their skills. Nearly ten minutes passed without either side scoring, and neither team could even get near the opponent's hoop.

Cheng Mi sat in the stands, biting his hand, seething with jealousy toward Zhang Chun.

Just as he had suspected, there was constant, intense friction during the game, especially in such a tightly contested match.

His keen eyesight allowed him to catch several instances where the two boys physically jostled each other, refusing to let the other advance.

Cheng Mi’s eyes were nearly red with envy.

Normally, whenever he tried to talk to Jiang Songen, the other maintained a safe distance. Why did Zhang Chun get such special treatment?

Cheng Mi mentally noted "playing basketball" as something to take up himself, planning to start the very next day.

On the other side, Yi Jiahe remained calm. He had little interest in basketball and, despite the noisy environment, managed to pull out a notebook and a pen to work on some problems.

Cheng Mi found Yi Jiahe’s actions an eyesore.

Cheng Mi liked Jiang Songen. He wanted everyone to recognize Jiang Songen’s greatness and took pride in his prominence.

So Yi Jiahe’s behavior annoyed him.

Cheng Mi leaned over to look at the notebook. "What are you writing? You’re not even watching Zhang Chun’s match."

Cheng Mi was careful to hide his feelings for Jiang Songen, using his buddy as a wingman.

Upon closer inspection, Cheng Mi noticed that the writing in this notebook didn't look like Yi Jiahe's.

"Huh?" Cheng Mi asked instinctively, "Whose notebook is this?"

Yi Jiahe didn’t answer. "A classmate's. Just watch the game. I’m not really into basketball."

Cheng Mi found it dull.

Yi Jiahe spent all his time focused on studying, yet his grades were still mediocre, regularly outshone by Jiang Songen.

These petty thoughts of Cheng Mi’s were something he could never let his friends know about.

Putting down his friends while elevating the one he liked—Cheng Mi had chosen his crush over his bros.

Such behavior was utterly shameful.

The match between Jiang Songen and Zhang Chun was intense, with both sides having excellent teammates who never dragged them down.

For instance, one of Jiang Songen’s buddies scored a three-pointer, setting off cheers from the entire crowd.

Zhang Chun was just as skilled as Jiang Songen, but his teammates weren’t as strong as Jiang Songen’s. That was his shortfall.

The match remained stalemated for nearly an hour before the outcome was decided.

Jiang Songen’s team won by ten points, emerging victorious.

You Nan’s eyes shone. He stood up along with the other excited spectators, joining in chanting Jiang Songen’s name.

Jiang Songen seemed to hear his voice. The boy turned his head and caught You Nan’s direct gaze.

Jiang Songen’s heart leaped, then pounded with restless energy.

Seeing Jiang Songen defeat Zhang Chun, who was so good at basketball, Cheng Mi couldn’t help himself and let out a small cheer.

The moment the sound escaped, his heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively glanced at Yi Jiahe beside him.

Fortunately, Yi Jiahe didn’t seem to notice his betrayal—cheering for the rival—and continued holding onto that notebook.

Cheng Mi grew more curious. When Yi Jiahe went to the restroom, he searched through his packed backpack and found the notebook with a heart on the cover.

Cheng Mi’s face contorted in distaste. Since when did Yi Jiahe have such lame taste?

He took a closer look at the name on the cover.

You Nan.

Cheng Mi was shocked. Were Yi Jiahe and You Nan that close already?

Lost in thought, Cheng Mi put everything back as it was, pretending nothing had happened.

Jiang Songen won the match, and Zhang Chun was a good sport. After the other spectators had left the court, he trailed reluctantly behind Jiang Songen to meet You Nan.

You Nan was still waiting for them in the same spot.

Jiang Songen had told him to wait, and You Nan obediently listened.

When Jiang Songen saw him, his heart softened, and he quickly brushed past Zhang Chun to stand before You Nan.

Zhang Chun: "...?"

Zhang Chun gritted his teeth. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Jiang Songen shot him a look. "With legs that long, how are you walking so slowly? Not too eager to apologize, are we?"

Zhang Chun inhaled, exhaled, then inhaled again, trying to push aside the jumbled feelings swirling inside him.

He really didn’t want to apologize.

Zhang Chun came from a family with money and connections—he lacked nothing and had always been the one in charge. Aside from his own family, he had never backed down for anyone.

He had only tried to hit on someone, and Jiang Songen caught him. And then he was called out in front of everyone.

Zhang Chun was unhappy and You Nan really got on his nerves.

But Zhang Chun wouldn’t admit it was his own fault: "Who said that?"

Gritting his teeth, his voice tight, he spoke to You Nan while looking away. "I won’t give you any more trouble after this."

Jiang Songen coughed. "Try showing some respect, please."

You Nan instinctively grabbed Jiang Songen’s hand, wanting to diffuse the situation, but the moment he gripped the other’s sleeve, he suddenly realized the person beside him wasn’t Yao Xianqing.

Jiang Songen, suddenly grabbed by You Nan, immediately blocked out Zhang Chun’s voice. All his attention shifted to You Nan.

Jiang Songen pursed his lips and calmly used his other hand to pat the back of You Nan’s hand. Unfortunately, he only touched it briefly—the delicate sensation was gone before he could savor it, as You Nan quickly withdrew his hand.

Jiang Songen felt a little empty. As his gaze drifted, he noticed Zhang Chun staring intently at You Nan’s hand.

Jiang Songen’s eyes darkened. He waved a hand in front of Zhang Chun’s face, and Zhang Chun immediately reached out to grab it. Jiang Songen pulled back just in time, leaving Zhang Chun clutching empty air. Embarrassed, Zhang Chun retracted his hand.

Jiang Songen gave him a look, and this time, Zhang Chun got the message.

The young, handsome boy stood before You Nan, oozing youthful masculine energy. "I’m sorry."

Zhang Chun said, "I won’t give you a hard time in the future."

You Nan glanced at Jiang Songen. Seeing Jiang Songen nod at him, You Nan finally responded, "Okay."

He turned slightly and spoke quietly to Jiang Songen. Since Jiang Songen was taller, he immediately bent down to hear You Nan better.

But he leaned in too quickly—as You Nan turned, the tip of his upturned nose accidentally brushed against Jiang Songen’s earlobe. The unfamiliar touch startled them both, their eyes widening in surprise.

"You…"

"I…"

You Nan and Jiang Songen each uttered a single word before falling silent.

Zhang Chun narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists at his sides. That scene replayed in his mind over and over. For some reason, it felt particularly irritating—the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

You Nan checked the time on his phone. "I should go. I need to pick up my younger brother from school."

Jiang Songen, pretending to be calm, asked, "What time does he finish?"

You Nan told him the time, and Jiang Songen gave a nod. "It’s getting late. How about this—I’ll drive, and you can come with me."

You Nan shook his head in refusal. "No, no. My e-bike is still at school."

He couldn’t just leave it behind. How else would he take his brother and himself to school tomorrow?

Jiang Songen didn’t have anything else to do today and was more than willing to help.

He told You Nan it was no trouble. "I can have a friend ride it back for you. I’ll arrange a car to take him home afterward."

You Nan was still reluctant, but Jiang Songen grabbed his wrist. Jiang Songen’s expression softened. "You’ve been watching me play basketball for so long today—can’t you spend a little more time with me?"

Jiang Songen didn’t mention that he’d played because Zhang Chun had picked a fight.

He was a smooth talker.

Acting like Zhang Chun didn’t even exist.

As if he’d played just to make You Nan happy.

You Nan couldn’t say no to him and finally nodded in agreement. "Thank you. I’m really putting you out."

Hearing his consent, Jiang Songen smiled.

His smile was bright. "It’s no trouble. We’re friends now. I’m just giving a friend a ride and meeting his younger brother—what’s the problem?"

You Nan couldn’t argue and nodded again.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chun and Li Qiutian, who had been ignored, looked back and forth between the two.

Zhang Chun, feeling uncomfortable, didn’t hang around. He let out a cold snort and turned to leave.

Li Qiutian sidled over to another good friend and whispered, "Don’t you think they’re acting a little strange? Since when is Jiang Songen this chummy with someone?"

His friend thought the same.

They all knew what Jiang Songen was like—outwardly friendly and approachable, but actually more of a lone wolf.

This was the first time he’d seen Jiang Songen behave like this.

"Not sure," his friend said, shooting the breeze as usual. "But it seems familiar."

"Just like when Xiao Lü was trying to win over his girlfriend." His friend’s face was deadpan, making it hard to tell if he was serious or not.

What?!

Li Qiutian’s eyes went wide in disbelief at what he’d just heard.

No way—that’s completely different!

He urgently wanted to refute it, but he automatically looked at Jiang Songen and You Nan. Maybe it was because of what his friend had said, but the longer he watched them, the more he began to wonder if his friend had a point.