Lin Wanxia watched his expressionless silence and finally couldn’t hold back. “Is this the dead fish face you make when you’re eating with her?”
Lin Yingzhou looked at her.
“What I mean is, could you try smiling? Girls like guys who smile nicely.”
Guys who smile nicely?
Lin Yingzhou’s first thought went to Qi Yue and Xia Xifan.
They smiled a lot.
Ha.
“I don’t care what she likes.”
Lin Wanxia was stunned speechless by this. She looked at him incredulously. “My god, Lin Yingzhou, you’re hopeless.”
No, she absolutely had to win over Shen Yusi, or else her brother would definitely end up alone forever.
Lin Wanxia quickly pulled out her phone. The rhinestones on her manicured nails caught the light as she swiped the screen. “But since we’re siblings, I’ll help you out. I’ll make a group chat right now and get a few people to discuss this. We’ll definitely figure out why she’s angry.”
Lin Yingzhou reached out to stop her, but it was too late.
She’d already created the group. The name was straightforward: Why Is Shen Yusi Angry?
There were four members in the group: the two of them, plus Tang Suhe and Xu Huaichuan.
Desperate times called for desperate measures. Coming to her today had been a mistake from the start.
Lin Yingzhou’s voice was cold. “Delete the group.”
“Don’t be like that. Everyone sees things from a different perspective. Maybe they’ll figure it out. Aren’t you worried Shen Yusi will keep ignoring you?” Lin Wanxia was convinced that among the four of them, someone would have the answer.
Lin Yingzhou took a deep breath. “I’m leaving.”
“Sit for a while longer. You haven’t been to our south building in ages. Paipai says he misses his uncle.”
Lin Yingzhou ignored her.
Meanwhile, inside the group chat, the members were initially confused. After Lin Wanxia explained, a heated discussion erupted.
Xu Huaichuan: [It must be because Lin Yingzhou said something wrong]
Lin Wanxia: [Lin Yingzhou says he didn’t]
Xu Huaichuan: [Then he wasn’t gentlemanly enough. Girls notice the details.]
Lin Wanxia: [I don’t think so. He’s actually quite considerate.]
They went back and forth without getting anywhere.
Then Tang Suhe made her grand entrance: [You guys are useless. Let me cast a divination and I’ll know.]
Lin Wanxia: [You can calculate that?]
Tang Suhe: [Not the specifics, but a general direction is enough to analyze.]
She quickly sent over a time disk from the Qimen Dunjia divination system.
Knowing no one else in the group understood the jargon, Tang Suhe explained in plain language: [This disk shows the woman felt deceived. The reason for her anger should be this.]
Tang Suhe: [Did you lie to the poor girl again? Watch out for lightning strikes. @Lin Yingzhou]
Lin Wanxia: [Again? Then you deserve it. Your sister can’t help you anymore.]
Xu Huaichuan: [Tsk tsk tsk. I, Xu Huaichuan, would never do something like deceiving a woman. I never thought you, Lin Yingzhou, would.]
Lin Yingzhou glanced at the messages and then left the group chat.
Deception?
Shen Yusi’s attitude had changed after seeing that screenshot.
So, her anger must have something to do with Qi Yue.
Lin Yingzhou replayed everything that had happened that day in his mind, recalling and dissecting every expression, every movement, and every word Shen Yusi had said.
He stayed in the study for a long time. Finally, he came to a conclusion.
The next morning, Lin Yingzhou called Lin Yunzhi. “Grandfather.”
Lin Yunzhi’s deep voice came through the receiver. “So you finally remembered to call me.”
“I’ve been busy. Was your business trip smooth?”
“This old bones can still handle it.” Lin Yunzhi had just finished his morning exercises and was resting in a traditional armchair. “I’ll be back in a few days. I heard the calligraphy class is going well?”
As the chairman of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, Lin Yunzhi saw the transmission of calligraphy as his life’s mission. The last public welfare calligraphy class was a huge success, praised by officials and the media. Many students in the school had developed an interest in calligraphy.
The first session had set a high standard, so the second was naturally under the spotlight. Even while on his business trip, Lin Yunzhi paid close attention.
Lin Yingzhou didn’t take credit. “It was all Fang Chuning’s effort.”
“Tell me, what’s the matter?” Lin Yunzhi blew on the foam from his tea. He had long figured out his grandson’s nature: he never came knocking without a reason.
“Some time ago, Chief Editor Yu specifically booked a table, wanting to thank you in person. Since you were on a business trip, she invited me alone. I had something to do at the time and couldn’t go, and I forgot to tell you.”
The sound of the celadon teacup clicking against the rim echoed. “Ah, you’ve reminded me. Chief Editor Yu is more thoughtful than you. She said we’ll discuss it again after I return from the trip.”
Lin Yingzhou didn’t say more. “You two can discuss it. Take care of yourself, Grandfather. I’ll hang up if there’s nothing else.”
—
On Tuesday, they had PE class. Ever since Shen Yusi had managed to snag a spot in the shooting class, her feelings for PE had transformed from pure hatred to daily anticipation.
Before class, Shen Yusi tied her hair into a high ponytail and changed into a special black yoga outfit. The cut was exquisite, hugging her flexible waistline and fitting perfectly over her straight legs.
She looked sharp and cool, the kind of look that promised a good grade in shooting class.
Shen Yusi took a photo of herself in the mirror and posted it on her Moments: [I’m definitely getting an eight-ring today!]
Xie Sheng commented: [Losers have the most gear.]
Shen Yusi replied: [Pure jealousy.]
Yun University was the only comprehensive university in the country to offer a shooting class. Because of this, it had become the most popular elective, jokingly called ‘first come, first served.’
Considering the students’ love for shooting, Yun University was very considerate and occasionally opened up experience events on the school’s official WeChat account. Of course, you still had to be quick to snag a spot.
On the day she got into the shooting class, Shen Yusi bragged to everyone around her. She only felt satisfied after receiving a full ten minutes of cursing from Xie Sheng.
Shen Yusi, with her lightning-fast reflexes, was now riding her electric scooter, humming a tune as she happily headed to PE class.
Little eight-ring, I’m coming for you, coming for you.
The shooting range was in the basement, the school’s most mysterious venue. It was strictly controlled and only open to students. Security guards and teachers stood at the entrance, checking student IDs before allowing entry.
Remembering Xie Sheng had said the shooting team also trained here, Shen Yusi instinctively looked towards the dividing door.
To prevent the shooting team’s training from being disturbed, a partition door was set up in the middle of the shooting range. It was always locked during their regular training.
Shen Yusi wondered if Xia Xifan might be over there right now.
The coach called for assembly and the training began.
The venue was a ten-meter range. From a distance, the target looked like just a tiny blob.
After collecting her bullets, Shen Yusi picked up the pistol from the table. It weighed a full kilogram. She could only hold it with one hand, aiming and firing quickly.
After firing ten shots, the target was brought back. She’d missed the target twice, and not one of the remaining eight shots was an eight-ring.
She didn’t believe it and tried another ten shots. Still no eight-ring.
Shen Yusi’s arm was numb from the recoil. Defeated, she sat on the sidelines scrolling through her phone.
There were a few more comments on her Moments post. Some friends praised her figure.
Then came one from Xia Xifan: [Still at the shooting range?]
Shen Yusi directly opened his chat: [Yeah, class isn’t over yet.]
She sent a crying emoji: [Another day without a single eight-ring.]
Xia Xifan replied instantly: [Want to come over to our side and try the air rifle?]
According to the coach’s curriculum, the first four weeks were for air pistols. They wouldn’t get to the air rifles for another two weeks.
Shen Yusi was half-puzzled about how he could reply instantly during training, and half-eager as she asked: [Can I?!]
Xia Xifan mimicked her tone: [Of course you can!]
Fan X: [I’ve already talked to your coach. Just come on over. I’ll be waiting for you at the door.]
Shen Yusi looked around. Seeing no one was paying attention, she snuck over with a quick, furtive jog.
She gently pushed the door open.
Xia Xifan was standing right there waiting for her. Under his black t-shirt, his shoulders were broad. Even the way the ends of his hair lifted carried a vibrant, youthful energy.
Shen Yusi curiously looked past him. The shooting team’s space looked the same as theirs. But why were there so few people?
Seeing her confusion, Xia Xifan explained, “Today’s extra training is over. Most people have already left.”
Shen Yusi thought to herself, So that’s why he could reply instantly. Was he waiting here for my message all this time?
She followed Xia Xifan further inside. On the gun rack, air rifles were displayed. He picked one up with one hand, the veins on his forearm tensing slightly.
“This is the air rifle. It’s one or two kilograms heavier than the pistol you’re learning now, but you can use both hands. The recoil is also smaller, and it’s equipped with an optical scope and a gun rest.”
Xia Xifan handed her the air rifle. “Try it.”
Shen Yusi took it. She staggered a step, feeling like the whole world had just gotten heavier.
Her elbow was caught firmly.
A soft laugh came from above her head. “It is a bit heavy. Let me demonstrate first.”
The boy expertly pressed the stock into his shoulder. In an instant, his whole demeanor turned sharp and formidable.
The fabric of his sleeve tightened, outlining the bulging muscles of his arm. The tungsten alloy barrel that had wobbled in Shen Yusi’s hands was now a docile silver dragon under his control.
“Watch closely.” Xia Xifan’s eyelashes lowered, his profile a sharp line of focus.
His finger rested on the metal trigger. He aimed. He squeezed.
Bang!
The electronic screen instantly flashed the number 10.9.
Shen Yusi stood nearby, a bit dazed. In that moment, she truly understood why Xia Xifan’s popularity was on a completely different level from other athletes.
Aside from the halo of being a champion and his superior looks, there was a filter around him when he shot.
Confidence, determination, decisiveness, reliability. You only had to look at him once to know he would win.
Shen Yusi was struck by this fatal attraction. Her eyes sparkled as she sincerely praised, “Xia Xifan, you’re so handsome.”
Hearing this, Xia Xifan snapped his head around. His previous steady demeanor vanished. His ears instantly turned bright red, and his speech became strangely stammering.
“It’s, it’s, it’s alright. The others on our team can also…”
He bit his tongue.
Xia Xifan, what are you saying? Can’t you just be cool about it?
This reaction almost made Shen Yusi laugh out loud. She took half a step closer and asked, “Why do you get shy when I compliment you?”
He’s way too easy to tease. Doesn’t he get flustered by his fans all the time?
Her scent drifted over with her movement. Xia Xifan instinctively held his breath, hastily turning his head away. “No, I don’t.”
He had experienced passionate confessions under the flashing lights. He had received praise from strict coaches on the field. He had also gotten many love letters from girls in private.
He was grateful for it all, but he never felt embarrassed.
It seemed only when Shen Yusi praised him did he become flustered.
Xia Xifan quickly changed the subject. “Did you remember all the key points? It’s your turn now.”
Shen Yusi took the gun from him, still warm from his body heat, and set it up. With the gun rest’s help, it was much easier.
“Relax your wrist.” Xia Xifan reminded her. His thumb, with its thin calluses, brushed across Shen Yusi’s wrist. The dull pain from the stock pressing into her shoulder instantly turned into a fine, ticklish sensation.
Xia Xifan had returned to his professional, calm demeanor. “Three points in one line. Focus on the target. Regulate your breathing.”
Shen Yusi slowed her breathing, squeezed the trigger, and the bullet left the chamber, hitting the target.
The big screen showed: Eight Rings!
“Wow!”
If she weren’t still holding a three-kilogram chunk of metal, Shen Yusi would have jumped up and down on the spot. Her voice was filled with an indescribable joy. “It’s an eight-ring! My first eight-ring!”
Xia Xifan rarely saw her this happy and couldn’t help but smile. “That’s really impressive.”
Shen Yusi, now brimming with confidence, decided to try again. She muttered quietly to herself, encouraging herself, “What if I hit a ten-ring today!”
Xia Xifan responded, “Alright, let’s try again.”
Shen Yusi followed the feel of her last shot and squeezed the trigger again.
The bullet barely grazed the seven-ring.
Shen Yusi’s bravado instantly vanished. She slumped in defeat.
This is what happens when you brag. Ten-ring? I can’t even hold on to an eight-ring.
Xia Xifan looked down at the soft, fuzzy top of her head. The girl’s lowered head revealed a childlike cowlick on her crown, with a few stray hairs sticking up defiantly.
His Adam’s apple moved subtly. By the time he realized what he was doing, his palm was already resting on her head.
The pad of his thumb brushed across her temple. Xia Xifan could clearly feel how impossibly soft her hair was. He wanted to touch it, but then startled himself, realizing he had overstepped, and quickly withdrew his hand.
“Cough…” He curled his burning fingertips behind his back, a short, breathy sound escaping his throat. “You’re already… amazing. Getting an eight-ring on your first try with an air rifle. With more practice, I’m sure you’ll get a ten-ring.”
Shen Yusi felt encouraged. He’s right. I just picked up this air rifle.
“Mm!”
Shen Yusi then fired a few more rounds, her scores fluctuating between seven and eight rings. When her arm muscles began to ache and it was almost time for class to end, she finally waved her hand, saying she was done.
As she was leaving, Xia Xifan suddenly called out to her. “Want to go to the cafeteria together after school lets out?”
Shen Yusi turned around, her hair flying in the air, her eyes curving into crescents. “Of course.”
After PE class, they had an English lesson.
By the time school ended that evening, she saw a message Xia Xifan had sent over ten minutes ago: [We’ve got a sudden meeting. Go to the cafeteria after your class ends.]
Island: [Okay]
When Shen Yusi arrived at the cafeteria, she stood in front of the window, overwhelmed by the dazzling array of options on the menu.
Whenever she ate with Xia Xifan, he always ordered what she liked.
Shen Yusi honestly didn’t know what Xia Xifan liked to eat.
Forget it. Guessing is too annoying. I’ll just order what I want.
She ordered her food and waited for about ten minutes before she saw Xia Xifan rushing in through the cafeteria aisle.
He sat down opposite Shen Yusi, breathing slightly heavily, with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. It was clear he had run all the way here.
There was a faint moisture in his eyes. “How long have you been waiting?”
“Not long, just a bit.” Shen Yusi handed him a tissue. “Wipe yourself off. Don’t catch a cold.”
Xia Xifan felt a pang of guilt. “Sorry about that. I didn’t expect today’s meeting to run so long.”
Making a girl wait was rude enough, especially since he was the one who had invited her today.
“It’s fine.” Shen Yusi shrugged nonchalantly. In the month or so she’d known him, Xia Xifan had never made her wait before. This was a special circumstance.
“I didn’t know what you liked, so I just ordered whatever.”
Shen Yusi felt a bit guilty. It seemed like she always did this when eating with people.
Xia Xifan picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork rib from his plate and took a bite. “Then you’re amazing. Out of everything you could have ordered, you accidentally picked my favorite.”
Shen Yusi couldn’t help but laugh. “Is this also ‘amazing’?”
“Of course it is.”
Their conversation slowly drifted to other topics.
Shen Yusi was curious. “What else do you usually do besides training?”
“Besides training and competitions, everything else is pretty much the same as any normal student. We also have to attend classes and take exams.”
“So, are you constantly asked for autographs and photos at school?” Even though many of the audience at that basketball game were from other schools, it wasn’t hard to tell he was popular on campus.
“Not every day. Usually, it’s more during the start of the school year, because there are new students.” Xia Xifan usually stayed at the shooting range and didn’t go out much. Apart from playing basketball, he rarely wandered around.
Wow.
That’s a sweet burden.
Thinking about it carefully, Shen Yusi still found it amazing. An Olympic champion from TV was sitting across from her, eating together.
She felt like she could brag about this for a long time.