Chapter 27: Basketball Game and a Hidden Truth
“Fu Guanxian, there's a beautiful girl looking at you!”
Hearing this, Fu Guanxian looked in the direction the boy pointed. He saw Xiang Yang looking at him with an incredulous expression. His eyes flashed slightly, then he stretched out his index finger and tapped the ash off his cigarette in a dignified manner. His voice was cool, “She's indeed beautiful. Are you blind?”
Xiang Yang could hear every word he said clearly.
She couldn't describe what she felt, she only knew that she had to leave this place quickly.
Thinking this, she immediately turned around and walked without looking back, even forgetting to buy mineral water.
Fu Guanxian watched her hurriedly fleeing figure, lost in thought.
The boy who had just spoken, laughing, put his hand on Fu Guanxian's shoulder and said jokingly, “As expected of the heartthrob of Qinglin High School, your standards are high! I think this girl is pretty, and she looks familiar.”
Fu Guanxian dropped the cigarette he had been smoking onto the ground and stepped on it. He asked, “Are you a hooligan?”
“What do you mean?” The senior high school boy stared at him, slightly displeased.
Fu Guanxian slapped away the hand that was on his shoulder and took a step forward. Then he said in a deep voice, “Stay away from her, it's best not to provoke her.”
The boy laughed, “Hey, bro, you're really going head-to-head with me? If you like her, just say it, I'll let you have her!”
Fu Guanxian turned his head, his eyes sharp, “Your cigarettes are really low-quality, and, of course, different people smoke different cigarettes.”
“Fu Guanxian!”
“Don't forget, last time, I saved you from them. I can also choose not to repay you for that favor. In the future, just keep your mouth clean when you see her.” Fu Guanxian said this sternly. He saw that the guy was clenching his fists and remained silent, and then he turned around and walked towards the direction Xiang Yang had just left.
He was very uncomfortable.
Is it gonna kill you to say hello when you see me?
Was she running away from a ghost?
After Fu Guanxian went back, he still couldn't get over his anger. Even a few days later, when Zheng Jie told him that the school's basketball competition was about to start, and that their class's first round opponent was so-and-so, Fu Guanxian didn't really listen. He wasn't very interested.
After a few games, half the classes were eliminated.
The high school athletic tournament is happening! It's a battle of the top students!
The high school is abuzz with excitement. It's the second round of the competition, and the big match-up everyone's talking about is between the two top classes: Fu Guanxian's class (Year 2, Class 1) and Xiang Yang's class (Year 1, Class 1).
Fu Guanxian's reaction to the match is lackluster. But Zheng Jie is excited: “Apparently, the other class is pretty good. During the first round, they totally dominated their opponents!”
Fu Guanxian is just scrolling through his phone, not answering.
For him, the other class being good is nothing special.
Zheng Jie, observing his lack of enthusiasm, presses the matter: This time, we must not underestimate them. I've heard that the class monitor is exceptionally skilled, the individual you tasked me to investigate, Xing Zhaoyan. He has assumed the role of team captain on this occasion!”
Fu Guanxian stops his fingers from flying across the screen. He squints and looks at Zheng Jie, confirming: “Xing Zhaoyan?”
“Yes! It's him!”
Fu Guanxian pulls at the corner of his mouth and smiles. Heh, good! It's the perfect opportunity for a match!
The competition between the two classes will take place after school the next day. Since it's a clash of top students, and Fu Guanxian is playing, news has spread like wildfire.
The physical education teacher for Year 1, Class 1, is a young man. When he heard about the news, he specially gave his class a pep talk during their physical education class: “Even if we can't win, we can't lose too badly! Of course, that's the worst case scenario. But I think since our class has a chance to play, we should give it our all and try to win! Classmates, give it your all, work hard to beat them!”
The students echoed their teacher's words, shouting in unison: “Beat them!”
The teacher went on to say that confidence is key. So, he asked the girls to form a cheerleading squad to cheer the boys on.
Apparently, this is a moment to show the unity of the class.
Xiang Yang, as vice class monitor, was entrusted with this task by the teacher.
“Xiang Yang, you're the class monitor. Organize the girls, and good luck!”
The boys are all united in their determination. At first, Xiang Yang thinks this is a nuisance, but she's eventually inspired by their enthusiasm. After school, she and the girls in her class go to the basketball court to cheer on Xing Zhaoyan and the others.
But after she's been at the court for a while and sees the late arrival of the opposing team, her eyes are drawn to the tall and handsome boy in the white short-sleeved shirt. He stands out from the crowd, and she hears cheers ringing in her ears: “Fu Guanxian! Fu Guanxian! Fu Guanxian!”
She realizes, with a jolt, and asks the class entertainment committee member, “Is that them, the team playing against our class?”
“Yeah! The top class in Year 2. Why do you think the girls in our class are so united and self-motivated this time? They were all excited about this game without any persuasion!”
Xiang Yang is speechless.
The entertainment committee member continues, laughing: “To be honest, I guess it's mostly because of Fu Guanxian!”
Xiang Yang's chest feels heavy. She doesn't want to watch this basketball game at all. Can she leave now? But reason tells her: No.
What will she say to her classmates tomorrow if she leaves without reason? What will she say to Xing Zhaoyan if he asks?
But…
Her heart heavy, she looks at Fu Guanxian. He's just putting down his backpack and looking up, in the direction she's standing.
She's suddenly a little relieved, at least they are far apart.
Zheng Jie is getting ready to do some warm-up exercises, but he notices that Fu Guanxian is staring at the audience and says to him, “What are you looking at so intently?”
Fu Guanxian coldly snorts and then says in a displeased tone, “Nothing!”
“Hey!”
Fu Guanxian ignores him, but with a dark expression, puts on his wristband.
Xing Zhaoyan is discussing strategy with the other guys. After finishing, he looks up at Fu Guanxian and sees him staring at him with a dark expression, full of hostility.
Xing Zhaoyan grins warmly at him before gracefully making his way towards the audience. With all eyes fixed on him, he addresses Xiang Yang, “Xiang Yang, I seem to have overlooked purchasing water earlier. Would you kindly venture to the store and procure a few bottles for us? Xie Yu, perhaps you could assist her?”
Xie Yu is a member of the class entertainment committee. She responds with a bright smile, “As the class monitor has expressed their wish, I am committed to fulfilling it.”With a cheerful demeanor, she links arms with Xiang Yang and exclaims, “Xiang Yang, let's go!”
“Oh, okay.”
As Xiang Yang departs, her gaze instinctively shifts towards Fu Guanxian's location. He is casually inclined, engrossed in conversation with the guys from his class.
She thinks there are so many people here, he is unlikely to take notice of her. This form of self-assurance appears to alleviate some of her anxiety.
Zheng Jie and the others are attentively listening to Fu Guanxian's instructions, yet their intense focus causes them to overlook his words. Zheng Jie gazes up at him and notices his gaze fixed upon the first year students. Perplexed, he inquires, “Guanxian, what are you looking at?”
Fu Guanxian retracts his gaze and finally says, “Anyway, no matter what, if you're confident, take the shot. If you're not, pass it to me.”
“Okay!”
When Xiang Yang returns with the water, she discovers that the game has already started.
“Fu Guanxian! Go! Fu Guanxian! Go!
“Year 2, Class 1, Go!”
These two chants ring out through the air, and their class's cheers are almost drowned out.
Xiang Yang squeezes into the crowd and realizes that the situation on the court is intense. The two teams are tied.
Xie Yu, along with the other students, shouts loudly, “Go! Go! Go!”
Xiang Yang observes the situation and understands that the main force of their class is Xing Zhaoyan. Whenever the boys in their class get the ball, they basically pass it to him. He dribbles skillfully and his three-point shots are amazing!
“Bang!” He scores three points!
The girls in their class cheer excitedly! Xiang Yang joins in.
Xing Zhaoyan turns around, looks at her, and gives her a thumbs-up.
Xiang Yang shouts out spontaneously, “Go!”
Xing Zhaoyan smiles and nods, then continues playing.
Zheng Jie sees that Fu Guanxian isn't moving and pats him on the shoulder. “What's wrong with you? You seem distracted.”
Fu Guanxian hums in response, but his expression is even darker. Then Zheng Jie notices that something is off about Fu Guanxian. He's grabbing the ball, dribbling, shooting hoops... every move has an edge of ferocity.
In less than ten minutes, their score is over twenty points ahead of their opponent.
“Wow!” One of the boys on his team says joyfully. “Guanxian is awesome! He's on fire!”
But Zheng Jie frowns as he looks at him. “Something's not right.” Fu Guanxian's face and aura don't look right.
The other boy replies, “What's wrong with that? Winning is good!”
The first half of the game ends, and Year 2, Class 1, is ahead by nearly fifty points.
The cheers for Fu Guanxian are nonstop.
The girls in Xiang Yang's class have gone silent now. They look at Fu Guanxian's class, then at their own class, and the fighting power is vastly different.
Xing Zhaoyan only now realizes that Fu Guanxian's basketball skills are even better than he imagined.
During halftime, he runs over to Xiang Yang, sweating profusely. He takes the water from her and Xie Yu and smiles. “Thanks!”
Xie Yu says, “Class monitor, fighting!”
“Okay, I will!” He looks at Xiang Yang.
Xiang Yang is taken aback, but she feels like she should encourage them too, so she follows suit, “Fighting!”
“If we try hard and win, will you treat us to drinks after?”
Xiang Yang is taken aback, then immediately realizes. “Okay!”
Xing Zhaoyan smiles, “Okay, everyone is a witness. You're treating us to drinks after the game.”
Xiang Yang smiles slightly and nods, “Okay!”
Xing Zhaoyan's action actually attract the attention of many boys and girls present. After all, his name is well known.
Xiang Yang also receives a lot of attention in private.
So, these two who are laughing and talking, are completely unaware of the pairs of bright eyes watching them from behind.
Zheng Jie also sees this. When Xing Zhaoyan takes the water and goes back to distribute it to his teammates, he casually says, “The girls in their class even bought water? Why don't we have that treatment?”
“Even if we did, it's because she's giving the water to Guanxian. It's not for you.” The guy next to him says sharply.
Zheng Jie rolls his eyes at him and retorts, “It's not for you either!”
“I didn't even think about it.”
As soon as he finishes speaking, Fu Guanxian, who is wiping sweat with his towel, throws the towel forcefully onto his backpack, twists a bottle of mineral water and drinks most of it in a few gulps. He pours the rest over his face.
The few guys on his team are stunned. The girls outside the court are also taken aback, then their screams become even louder.
Fu Guanxian wipes his face with his hand and returns to the court with a ferocious air.
Zheng Jie, behind him, gets goosebumps and secretly thinks, “Is this guy possessed? Why is he so out of character today?”
Anyone with eyes can see that in the second half, Fu Guanxian is absolutely crushing his opponent. He catches the ball and scores three-pointer after three-pointer, and he's spot-on every time. In the first ten minutes, he's scored quite a few points on his own.
Xing Zhaoyan finally steals the ball, and Fu Guanxian intercepts him.
Xing Zhaoyan dribbles the ball while trying to prevent him from stealing it. He purposely taunts him, “Fu Guanxian, are you so angry because of me?”
Fu Guanxian laughs coldly at him, “You're too self-important.”
Xing Zhaoyan doesn't think much of it and continues to be oblivious, “Then it's because of Yangyang?”
Fu Guanxian hesitates for a moment.
Xing Zhaoyan whispers again, “It's obviously because of her. But I think she's pretty good to me. She even cheered me on just now, and after it's over, she's going to go with me...”
“Bang!” The ball in Xing Zhaoyan's hand is knocked away.
Fu Guanxian doesn't even look at the ball, but glares fiercely at Xing Zhaoyan, “Shut up!”
Xing Zhaoyan smiles and then runs with his teammates to get the ball.
In less than a few minutes, the ball falls into his hands again. Fu Guanxian seizes the opportunity to steal the ball. Because of his force, Xing Zhaoyan stumbles, and he trips over Zheng Jie's foot behind him, losing his balance and falling to the ground.
It happens so suddenly, and by the time everyone comes to their senses, Xing Zhaoyan is lying on the ground, his right hand protecting his left arm, with a pained expression.
Everyone on the court stops moving.
Fu Guanxian looks at him lying on the ground, expressionless.
“Class monitor, are you okay?” His teammate sees this and immediately helps Xing Zhaoyan to his feet.
Xing Zhaoyan moves his arm, takes a cold breath and grits his teeth, “I think my arm might be broken!”
Is the nurse still in the infirmary at this time?
Everyone hurriedly takes him to the infirmary.
The game has to stop because of this unexpected incident.
Xiang Yang sees that Xing Zhaoyan is injured and freezes. Xie Yu wakes her up, “Xiang Yang, don't space out! Let's go over and take a look.”
But the nurse is not there today because she has something to do. Fortunately, there are other teachers and the principal at the school. When they know about the situation, they immediately drive Xing Zhaoyan to the hospital.
Xiang Yang and the others can't follow to the hospital, so they can only go home first.
When Xiang Yang gets to the school gate, she sees Fu Guanxian and Zheng Jie standing together. One of the guys wipes his sweat and says, “How can you get hurt playing basketball?”
Zheng Jie knows that he fell because he tripped over his foot, so he says, “Nobody expected this to happen. But I wonder how he is now?”
Fu Guanxian's face has been grim. Hearing this question, he replies, “He won't die.”
The guys look at each other and don't dare to say anything.
Xiang Yang clearly hears these inhumane words and immediately gets angry. She stares fiercely at his back for a long time, then angrily turns and walks in the other direction.
Zheng Jie looks at Fu Guanxian, seeing his expression the worst he's ever seen, he can't help but be puzzled. He looks behind him again, and inadvertently catches a glimpse of Xiang Yang's resentful expression as she turns around.
Zheng Jie is straightforward and points Fu Guanxian's attention behind him, asking, “I just saw the school flower looking at you with a lot of hostility. Did you offend her?”
Fu Guanxian turns around and sees her small figure walking away. He suppresses his anger and hurries to say, “I'm going now.” Then, he walks away with his long legs, following Xiang Yang.
Zheng Jie is astonished, “Hey, don't you usually take a different route?” If his family driver wasn't there to pick him up and he took the bus, the direction would have been the opposite.
Xiang Yang didn't expect Fu Guanxian to have the nerve to follow her.
She isn't walking fast. He has long legs and walks quickly. In a while, he catches up.
Xiang Yang senses someone behind her and turns around cautiously. She finds that it's him, with a dark expression.
Seeing her looking at him, Fu Guanxian also stares at her directly. Then, he suddenly smiles, purposely saying, “This look, this expression, are you filled with righteous indignation?”
Xiang Yang turns around and doesn't want to deal with him.
She doesn't want to talk to him right now.
Fu Guanxian can see that, so he grabs her arm, forcefully forcing her to look at him. “What does this mean? You don't want to talk to me? Is talking to me so unpleasant for you? When you talk to that despicable Xing, you don't even smile like a flower.”
Xiang Yang tries to pull away from him, but she finds it's useless. The place where her arm is pinched is slightly painful. Her expression changes slightly, but she still impulsively says, “Even if he's despicable, he's not as despicable as you! If you weren't constantly chasing after him, he wouldn't have gotten hurt!”
Fu Guanxian's eyes turn cold. He releases her arm and questions, “So, you're angry with me because of someone like him? Xiang Yang, you've grown bolder! Consider it my own doing!” After saying this, he hums in response and turns around, filled with anger, and leaves. He secretly curses in his heart: An ungrateful wretch!
Translators Note:
Merry Christmas!
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