“Is your ex-ex-girlfriend really that pretty?”

“Mm.” Lin An took a sip of water.

“Did you sleep with her?”

Lin An nearly choked on the water.

“We were in middle school! Come on, Miss Su Yuejin, can’t you be a *little* more innocent?”

“Innocent? Did you use protection?”

“…” Lin An realized they were on completely different wavelengths. He gave her a resigned look. “Of course not. What *are* you thinking?”

“Then… you didn’t sleep with Luo Shuishui, did you?”

“No.” Lin An had zero interest in answering. What *was* going on in this girl’s head?

“So who was that other girl you mentioned?”

“A secret.”

Lin An clearly wanted to drop the topic, so Su Yuejin let it go. But a thought flickered—could Lin An’s ex be someone *she* knew?

Impossible. Their circles barely overlapped. Still, when he said the girl was beautiful, Su Yuejin believed it. She wouldn’t be shocked no matter how stunning she was.

Because in Su Yuejin’s eyes, Lin An was the perfect romantic match—sincere, gentle. Too bad it was just her own rose-tinted filter.

Her fingertips tapped lightly on her thigh as she watched the playground crowd. “Don’t you have friends? You look so alone.”

“Don’t you?”

“I don’t *need* friends. Or… none in my current circle feel genuine. Girls think I’m flippant; guys like me, but it’s all laced with desire—conquest, possession. So I skip it. You? Why no friends?”

“Me? It’s fine. Luo Shuishui barely counts. I get along with everyone—nothing too warm, nothing cold. Ordinary is enough.”

“Ordinary? Why settle? You *could* stand out. I feel like… if you tried, you’d be seriously cool.”

“Stop. That’s textbook setup-for-failure.” Lin An shook his head. “My life’s good like this. Drifting quietly. No wild highs, no restless lows. Just… peace.”

Lin An loved autumn sunlight—warm, gentle, never too hot or cold. As he thought this, Luo Shuishui walked toward him.

Step by step, light and lively, utterly harmless. A badminton racket in hand, cheeks faintly flushed from exercise.

Today: a loose white knit sweater, surprisingly paired with shorts. Slender legs, white canvas shoes. She stopped before him.

“They’re tired. Wanna play? Keep me company, Lin An?”

She’d already extended the racket. All he had to do was stand and take it. Refusing felt awkward.

But Su Yuejin’s fingers gently tugged the hem of his shirt from behind.

Luo Shuishui noticed. Her eyes held not a flicker of worry—only a subtle, confident glint, like she already held the winning hand.

She didn’t believe Lin An loved Su Yuejin. She was sure he’d say yes. It’d even make things easier for *him*. But…

Lin An shook his head firmly, as if he hadn’t seen her hand.

“No. I’m tired. Can’t play.”

Su Yuejin froze, glancing at him. For a second, she wanted to kiss his cheek—but he’d hate it. So she didn’t.

Instead, she shot Luo Shuishui a triumphant, gloating smirk.

Luo Shuishui just smiled faintly. “Mm. Rest well then. I’ll skip it too.”

She smoothly withdrew the racket. But Su Yuejin stood. “I’ll play! No opponent? I’m in.”

“Oh?” Luo Shuishui chuckled, handing her a racket.

Lin An rose too, planning to watch. He already knew the outcome.

They took position. Su Yuejin served. Eyes across the field drifted their way—who doesn’t enjoy watching pretty girls play badminton? Especially Luo Shuishui today, shorts swaying with every move, legs a graceful blur.

Minutes later, exactly as Lin An predicted, Su Yuejin lost. She pouted slightly, frustration flickering—but she knew it. Taller, fitter… still utterly defeated.

“Bathroom.” She turned and left.

Luo Shuishui walked to Lin An, stowed her racket. No anger showed. She even patted his shoulder lightly.

“I just gave you a chance to show Su Yuejin your devotion. Shouldn’t you thank me?”

Her smile, eyes, tone—flawless. Zero trace of irritation. But Lin An’s gut screamed: *She was furious when I refused.*

Yes. She’d been angry. He saw it. Then she smoothed her expression, rewrote the script—impeccable.

“Ah? Thanks.” Lin An played along, genuinely thanking her.

Luo Shuishui stepped closer.

Lin An didn’t move.

Another step.

So close half a step more would press her to his chest. She tilted her head up, searching his face. His expression? Stone.

Like he truly meant “thank you.”

Then—

Lin An winced sharply.

She’d stomped his foot. Clear eyes shot him a glare, yet her lips still curved in a smile.

“Lin An… you’re welcome. You did great.”

“Thank you. Really, Shuishui.” Lin An kept his tone even. She withdrew her foot, turned, and walked off. He watched her slender legs—undeniably lovely. Worth a second glance.

Su Yuejin returned to the tree minutes later, frustration still clinging to her like mist.

“You can’t beat her. She was citywide high school girls’ singles badminton champion.”

Su Yuejin’s eyes widened.

“Her mom loved badminton. She’s played since childhood. Losing’s nothing. Don’t dwell on it.” Lin An softened his voice—he knew her pride stung.

“Hehe, *I* didn’t lose. *She* did.” Su Yuejin bounced back instantly. *He chose me. Because I tugged his shirt. He picked me over her.*

That girl’s probably fuming right now, huh?

“Is Luo Shuishui mad?” Su Yuejin chirped, grinning at him.

“A little. But mostly confused—about what I’m thinking. She’s losing the thread. And before that… curiosity sparked. That’s dangerous.”

“Huh? Wait—you never said. What’s Luo Shuishui *really* like? I only remember ‘gentle’.”

“She *is* gentle. But also sharp. An… interesting girl.”

Su Yuejin pinched his waist—subtly.

“Interesting? *Her*… or *me*?”

“Mmm… oh… uh… definitely you.” Lin An half-mumbled. Su Yuejin didn’t mind. Even half-hearted, he’d chosen *her*.

“But Lin An… why *did* you pick me? Weren’t you pushing me away? Or… are you starting to like me? Hmm?”

“Truth? You won’t like it. Might pinch me again.”

“Say it. I promise.”

Lin An paused, voice low and measured.

“Because I saw through Luo Shuishui. Today, she *let* you learn she blocked your transfer—so you’d confront her. Normally, she walks the playground after lunch. Doesn’t rush back. *I* do.

Today? She returned *immediately*. Knew you’d come. Knew *I’d* be there. Wanted me to witness your talk. Guessed curiosity would make me ask—since she knew I’d connect it to me.

Her whole play? To guide me into asking *why* she blocked you.

To make me think she’s jealous. That she still likes me. But she doesn’t. Not really. So she acted out of character—*playing* me. Waiting to see me smug about my ‘brilliant deduction’.

So I didn’t ask. Made *her* anxious. Exposed the flaw. That’s why she rushed over—*specifically* with you watching. If she truly wanted to play? She’d have woken me at PE start.

I chose you… to get under *her* skin. She doesn’t like me. I suspect she wants me to *think* I like her—can’t accept being fooled before. But… I *hate* being controlled. Restrained. My patience is for *one* person. Only one.

So I chose you.”

That’s why, when Lin An feigned cluelessness and thanked her for the “help,” Luo Shuishui stomped his foot.

Because she knew he *knew*. And she knew… she’d lost.

Su Yuejin sat silent a full minute, processing. Her eyes lit up—sparkling with delight. *So cool.* No wonder he was the man she liked!

“What’s next? Tell me! If she strikes again, crush her harder?”

Lin An pinched her cheek, sighing. “What’s *your* rush? There is no ‘next’. She’s angry now. Her trait? Non-contention. Basically… lazy. Once she sees she can’t outplay me? She’ll retreat. So… probably no friendship left after this.”

“What a pity. Lost a good friend.”

Lin An lowered his head slightly. His voice carried a faint, quiet sadness.