Yichen and Shiyue had an agreement: every Saturday afternoon, he’d accompany her to practice tennis at school. Yichen’s athletic talent wasn’t just for basketball—he was equally outstanding at tennis.
During freshman club recruitment, all first-years could try different activities. Back then, Yichen joined Shiyue for the tennis club trial. After just a little guidance from a senior and some quick practice, he was already rallying smoothly. Unsurprisingly, the club tried recruiting him, but Yichen declined while Shiyue joined. Later, she used the excuse of needing a practice partner to have him accompany her every Saturday. Last week, he couldn’t make it because Zixuan had returned.
On Saturday afternoon, Shiyue first came to Yichen’s house. They headed to school together. Yichen wore gray sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt. Shiyue was in her school tennis uniform, her slender figure accentuated, her long dark hair tied back in a ponytail.
Shiyue had reached the semifinals of the national high school tennis tournament as a freshman. This year, she aimed for the championship. It was now sophomore first semester, and the tournament was held in second semester—plenty of time to hone her skills.
They arrived at the courts to find two girls locked in an intense match. One had shoulder-length auburn hair, a confident smile, and a tall, reliable build—Lingfei, the tennis club president. The other had black hair in twin ponytails, a petite frame, and a youthful face: Xiaoyi, who’d accompanied Shiyue at last week’s basketball game.
Lingfei dominated the rally, but Xiaoyi fought back fiercely, occasionally landing a threatening shot.
“Xiaoyi’s skills are impressive against the president,” Yichen remarked.
“You know Xiaoyi?” Shiyue looked at him in surprise.
“Met her by chance. I basically only know her name.”
Shiyue gave him a slightly suspicious glance. “She’s a freshman this year—the only new member qualified for the national girls’ tournament.”
“Qualified as a freshman like you? That’s amazing.” Yichen watched Xiaoyi admiringly.
School quotas usually limited the tournament to sophomores and seniors. Yichen knew Shiyue was the first freshman in five years to qualify—now another had emerged the very next year. He noticed Shiyue’s gaze on Xiaoyi turn serious.
“What do you think of Xiaoyi’s level?”
“She can’t beat the president yet, nowhere near my level. But she’s improving fast.”
Yichen was surprised—Shiyue had been the club’s fastest-improving freshman.
“Faster than you were?”
Shiyue paused, then shook her head. “I don’t know. She was already skilled when she enrolled. By this year’s tournament, she might be a force to reckon with.”
“Then we can’t slack off. I’m betting on you for champion this year.”
“Mm.” Shiyue hugged her racket to her chest and nodded firmly.
They moved to an empty court beside Lingfei and Xiaoyi’s and began warming up. Yichen relied on raw talent and improvisation, lacking formal training. Shiyue had natural ability too, but years of hard work made her technique mature and far superior. Their matches were evenly matched only because she was a girl and he a boy.
After 30 minutes, Xiaoyi and Lingfei took a break. They sat on benches watching Yichen and Shiyue.
“Haaah~ Moving feels so good!” Xiaoyi gulped her sports drink, smiling contentedly.
Lingfei nodded, drinking heartily too. She grabbed two towels from nearby and handed one to Xiaoyi. “Here, wipe your sweat.”
“Thanks, Senior Lingfei. Hey, what’s the relationship between the chairman’s brother and Senior Shiyue?” Xiaoyi eyed Yichen and Shiyue curiously.
“Oh? You know him?”
“Hehe, of course! He’s Chairman Zixuan’s brother but has an impure relationship with her—Lin Yichen.”
Lingfei’s lips twitched, then relaxed. Rumors about Yichen and Zixuan had spread school-wide.
“Yichen and Shiyue have known each other since freshman club trials. They came together, were quite close—but only Shiyue joined later.”
“So what’s their real relationship?” Xiaoyi pressed excitedly, eyes sparkling.
“Hmm… probably just friends. I see them together often, but not like a couple. He practices with Shiyue here almost every Saturday. You’ll see him if you come on Saturdays too.”
“C-could it be a secret affair behind the chairman’s back? Though Senior Yichen is pretty handsome~”
“I-I wouldn’t know.”
“Eep~ Does Senior Shiyue sneak out to meet him when the chairman’s away? What a pitiful couple~” Xiaoyi swayed excitedly, lost in wild imagination.
Lingfei sighed, feeling out of sync with her junior.
“Maybe they’re just ordinary friends.”
“Hehe, let me test it.” Xiaoyi flashed a mischievous grin.
After 40 minutes, Shiyue and Yichen rested on a bench near Xiaoyi and Lingfei. As they reached for water bottles, Xiaoyi darted over and sat beside Yichen.
“Senior, you looked so cool playing tennis!” She gazed adoringly, both hands grabbing his.
Yichen startled. “Ah, hello, junior Xiaoyi.”
“Eh?! You remember me? I’m so happy!”
“Xiaoyi! Why’d you run over?” Shiyue snapped.
“Hehe, Senior Shiyue, I just want Senior Yichen’s guidance. Senior, could you teach me?” Xiaoyi stared at him with big, watery eyes.
Shiyue’s face darkened. She slammed her water bottle down. “You asked Lingfei to accompany you. Why bother Yichen now?”
Xiaoyi remained unfazed. “They say learn from many masters. Is Senior Shiyue strong because Senior Yichen practices with her?”
“No! I have a prior arrangement with Yichen today!” Shiyue glared, uncharacteristically angry. Xiaoyi met her gaze, then smirked.
“Eh? Why so angry? Jealous?”
Shiyue’s face flushed crimson. “I-I’m not…” She shrank back, eyes darting to the ground, voice barely a whisper.
Yichen wasn’t slow—he felt his heart skip a beat seeing her blush.
Xiaoyi clapped her hands. “How about this: Senior Yichen practices with me, Senior Shiyue with Senior Lingfei.”
“Well, junior Xiaoyi, I lack formal training—I can’t guide you.”
“It’s fine! Just rally with me. I really want to try.” She swung his arm playfully.
Yichen glanced at Shiyue for approval.
“Th-then… fine.” Shiyue forced out the words. She turned and strode toward Lingfei without looking back.
Lingfei, still resting, saw Shiyue approach with a strange expression.
“Shiyue? What’s wrong?”
“Come. Practice with me.” Shiyue grabbed her hand and yanked her toward the court.
“W-wait, Shiyue!” Lingfei dropped her drink, snatched her racket, and was dragged away.
