SW - 67

Fang Minghe glanced toward the basketball court, recognizing everyone from both teams.

Of course, his sharp eyes caught an unfamiliar girl from the neighboring school—likely the “small-faced junior” his classmates had mentioned earlier.

Indeed, her face was tiny, palm-sized, with delicate and beautiful features.

From the corner of his eye, Lu Chi noticed Fang Minghe looking in Tang Yin’s direction. His expression darkened, exuding an unmistakable air of displeasure.

Fang Minghe remained oblivious.

When the game began, cheers erupted throughout the stadium.

Lu Chi had never watched a basketball game before and didn’t know much about it. His roommate occasionally mentioned a few things, giving him a basic understanding of the rules.

After the referee blew the whistle, the girls on the court sprang into action.

Tang Yin sat on the bench, leaning her arms on her knees as she watched them play. The ball moved smoothly between dribbling and shooting—it was all fluid.

As time passed, the score gradually increased.

By the end of the first quarter, their team was only one point ahead—a tense situation.

Tang Yin handed out water bottles while carefully listening to Zhang Yuan’s analysis.

The break ended quickly.

Lu Chi wasn’t sure what happened on the court, but he saw a dark-skinned girl collapse, her expression pained.

The referee blew the whistle, pausing the game.

Teammates rushed onto the court. The audience fell silent for a moment before erupting into chatter.

Behind Lu Chi, someone asked, “What happened? Lin Lu is usually so energetic.”

“She had issues last time—her knee injury hasn’t fully healed,” Fang Minghe offered, his voice neither too loud nor too soft. “It looks like they’ll need to make a substitution next round.”

Clearly, she couldn’t continue playing. And knowing Zhang Yuan’s personality, she wouldn’t let Lin Lu persist with an injury. A replacement was inevitable.

Friendly matches between S University and G University weren’t uncommon.

Since the schools were close, sometimes they played at each other’s courts. When they met, they’d organize a game.

Both boys’ and girls’ teams had participated, so they were familiar with each other.

In S University’s rest area, Lin Lu looked regretful. “I went to the hospital last time, and the doctor said everything was fine.”

The injury was from a recent bike accident. After visiting the hospital, she was told her bones just needed rest and that it wouldn’t affect the game.

But when she tried to jump earlier, her knee suddenly throbbed painfully, causing her to collapse.

Her injury clearly hadn’t healed yet, though the pain had subsided. Still, she was shaken, fearing she might never be able to compete again.

Zhang Yuan inwardly gasped. “The coach isn’t here today. If they knew, they definitely wouldn’t have let you play. Don’t go back on the court.”

Neither school’s coach was present—they had arranged this friendly match before leaving.

Lin Lu didn’t insist. “I know. I’ll be careful.”

“In fact, it’s fine,” Zhang Yuan confidently stated. “G University hasn’t faced Tang Yin yet. They’ll be caught off guard initially, and that’s when we’ll score.”

They hadn’t played against the other team in the past two months. Though Tang Yin’s presence wasn’t hidden, few knew her playing style.

Mentioning this, Zhang Yuan thought Tang Yin’s brother must have excellent skills to train such a formidable sister—especially an aggressive offensive player.

She resolved to meet him someday.

Lin Lu squeezed her knee and volunteered, “I know. I’ll stay here and watch you win. Tang Yin, do your best!”

She wanted to see what kind of performance Tang Yin could deliver.

Tang Yin patted her shoulder and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll perform well. Lin Lu, rest up.”

The group cheered each other on.

The newcomer was substituted onto the court. Many in the stands didn’t recognize her.

The neighboring school’s students knew most players since they had competed multiple times. Sometimes, they even visited each other’s courts.

This newcomer was unfamiliar. Some wondered if she was a secret weapon. The thought made them slightly apprehensive.

“Who is she? She looks younger than Lin Lu—this year’s freshman or a new teammate?”

“Will she play better than Lin Lu? Honestly, that fall scared me, but thankfully, she seems fine.”

“I wonder what kind of plays she’ll make. I love watching offensive players—it’s thrilling. Defense is great too.”

“Looking at them, they seem confident. This game might surprise us. Our school doesn’t know her or her style.”

“…”

Lu Chi took a sip of water, noticing Tang Yin making a “Y” gesture toward him. She was clearly confident.

As expected, the two chatty guys behind him resumed their discussion. “The small-faced junior replaced Lin Lu. Looking forward to it.”

“She looked at Fang Minghe again. Hahaha, is that ‘Y’ gesture a sign of victory? So cute.”

Lu Chi pursed his lips.

He wanted to shut them up, but rationality stopped him. He merely grunted softly and tuned them out.

Fang Minghe glanced at his seatmate.

He had sensed hostility from this person from the start, especially when classmates mentioned the new junior behind him. Clearly, he disliked him.

Could there be a connection between the two?

The second half began.

S University had been trailing G University slightly. Lin Lu’s missed dunk cost them points.

The score favored G University, and several players looked serious.

The stands remained lively, with spectators waving sticks and blowing whistles. Many girls didn’t understand the game—they came either with boyfriends or to support their school.

However, after the jump ball, several G University girls felt they were about to go blind.

After some dribbling, the ball disappeared. They realized it was in the hands of the newly substituted junior, already passed to teammates nearing their goal.

Their forward was doing well until suddenly blocked by the opponent—it nearly infuriated her.

Constant interruptions—the newcomer moved with agility unbecoming of a novice. Eventually, she scored a three-pointer amidst their offense.

The game’s momentum shifted entirely.

S University’s score steadily climbed, catching up within a short time and surpassing G University by ten points. The audience held their breath.

By the fourth quarter, G University’s girls huddled together, panting, glaring at Tang Yin clapping with her teammates.

Why didn’t she come to their school!

Initially, they thought it was due to unfamiliarity. By halfway through the third quarter, they understood her unexpected prowess. By the fourth quarter, the entire team held her in high regard.

Clearly, many of her techniques weren’t from S University—they were learned elsewhere—but still impressive.

Though slightly inexperienced, she was already sufficient.

With remaining time, the gap narrowed as they adapted to her style and countered accordingly.

Unfortunately, by game’s end, S University won by two points.

Male spectators who came for the girls didn’t care which team won—they cheered for both.

“The small-faced junior is formidable. Who would’ve thought such a frail body hid so much energy... That sounded weird.”

“I love her smile—it’s so radiant.”

“She looked over here several times. Could she really be interested in Fang Minghe? It’d be great if she transferred to our school. Hahaha.”

“…”

Endless chatter reached Lu Chi’s ears.

Lu Chi glanced at Fang Minghe again. He was raising his mineral water bottle, signaling to G University’s girls below.

On S University’s side, several girls sat drinking and chatting.

Suddenly, Lu Chi stood up, picked up his bag and umbrella, descended the nearby stairs, and headed toward them.

Surely Tang Yin would want some yogurt.

Several girls lounged on the bench, drinking water.

Lin Lu relaxed. “Ah, Tang Yin shocked them. Back home, they’ll definitely need more training. Hahaha.”

Thinking of the one-sided situation earlier, she felt exhilarated, as if she were still on the court playing alongside them.

Zhang Yuan wiped sweat from her face with a towel. “You focus on healing your injury. Tang Yin performed exceptionally well today—thanks to you.”

She hadn’t misjudged Tang Yin—her personality and other aspects were very likable.

Tang Yin guzzled half a bottle of water.

She bumped fists with Zhang Yuan, saying simply, “I’m from S University too.”

The girls quietly cheered—it was such a thrilling game.

The stands were bustling, though only a few left. Most stayed, awaiting further arrangements as the cheerleaders danced.

Zhang Yuan scanned the field, spotting someone approaching. She immediately looked at Tang Yin. “Our Tang girl’s handsome guy is here.”

“Woah, woah, woah.”

“Where? Where? Let me take a look.”

“That tall-legged one over there!”

The girls removed their towels and gathered to peek. After two months, they’d only seen his back.

Hearing this, Tang Yin instantly turned her head.

A few meters away, Lu Chi was walking toward her, step by step, like a knight coming to greet her.

Tang Yin licked her lips. “I’ll go first. I’ll be back later.”

The girls pushed her. “Go, go, go. Otherwise, he might kill us.”

Though teasing, Tang Yin was happy. She set down her towel and jogged over.

As the distance closed, Tang Yin slowed her pace.

Unexpectedly, Lu Chi stepped forward, reaching out and pulling her into his arms, wrapping his hand around her waist.

Though fireworks exploded in her heart, it differed from her initial expectation.

Shouldn’t he have swept her into a 360° spin for a thrilling moment?

She opened her mouth to ask, “Lu Chi, you...”

Before she could finish, Lu Chi tilted his head, his lips nearing her ear.

Then, he gently bit her earlobe.

Tang Yin reflexively shivered, clutching Lu Chi’s shirt, her breathing quickening.

This wasn’t right. Why was Lu Chi suddenly seducing her?

Lu Chi returned to face her directly.

Tang Yin tilted her head slightly, scanning the stands before turning back.

Lu Chi’s gaze was intense as he covered her eyes with his hand.

Blinking under his palm, her long lashes brushed against his hand, causing an involuntary tickle. His throat tightened instinctively.

Tang Yin reached to pull his hand away but trembled upon touching it.

The tingling in her ear had turned into a slight pain.

Lu Chi bit her again!

Unable to resist, Tang Yin asked, “Lu Chi, what are you doing?”

Amidst the heated breath near her ear, Lu Chi’s muffled voice reached her. “Don’t look at others.”

Tang Yin pulled his hand down, meeting his lowered gaze. “Are you jealous again? I only looked at you.”

No one compared to him.

She tilted her head slightly, her slender neck exposed beneath the dark red jersey—smooth, fair, and swan-like, captivating attention.

Lu Chi’s nose lightly brushed hers.

He tightened his grip around her slim waist, sighing inwardly as he pulled her closer, lowering his head to kiss her.

Her body was soft, as if boneless.

From gentle to forceful in an instant, their tongues met, sending waves of tingles down her throat to her heart. Moments later, Lu Chi captured her lips.

Long afterward, Tang Yin’s face was flushed red.

Lu Chi pressed her head against his chest, glancing at his original seat, narrowing his eyes slightly.

After a long pause, his voice deepened. “Only look at me.”