Chapter 8: Her Water, Slightly Sweet

With a loud "bang," fireworks burst in Qin Yichi’s heart, dazzling and brilliant, making his pulse stop for an instant as he stood frozen in place.

For a moment, it felt as though the entire world had solidified.

Every gesture of Qiao Zhen seemed to strike him like a heavy stone dropped into his heart, sending up splashes that would not settle for a long time.

His heart thudded wildly, as if it might leap from his chest at any moment.

Qin Yichi’s Adam’s apple bobbed; a flush crept up his earlobes, burning hotly.

He coughed softly, nodded, ran a hand through his messy hair, and pretended to look around casually, putting on a show of nonchalance.

He made about eight hundred little gestures in a second, all to disguise the chaos raging inside him.

That silent encouragement, that unspoken “You can do it,” instantly recharged Qin Yichi’s spirit.

Beside him, Niu Yifeng stared in astonishment.

What was going on?

Just a moment ago, Qin Yichi had looked dejected and downcast, and now he was wearing the faintest of smiles as if his mood was sky-high?

Insane. Everyone went mad after starting college…

At the sound of the referee’s whistle, the match began. Everyone looked up, fully focused.

Qin Yichi moved with the speed of a cheetah, eyes locked on his prey. He seized the ball in a flash, nimble and agile.

The young man, tall and striking, darted across the court like an eagle who had plotted its flight long in advance; every move radiated a wild, rakish charm.

The basketball seemed glued to his hand, obediently tracing a beautiful arc through the air before dropping neatly through the hoop.

A three-pointer on his first shot!

It was as if every inch of the surrounding air was ablaze with the fire of youth, instantly igniting excitement throughout the crowd.

Qiao Zhen watched the ball with rapt attention, but it danced mischievously, flying into the arms of other boys, weaving through the air, only to return obediently to Qin Yichi’s hands.

He threw the ball with calculated precision and bold decisiveness.

Once again, the basketball traced a meteor-like arc and landed in the net with flawless accuracy!

The game was fiercely contested, both sides evenly matched. After each basket, applause and cheers erupted from all around.

The pace was dizzying, and no one really knew who they were cheering for—whenever anyone scored, the crowd would whoop, striving to keep their support equal.

In contrast to Qin Yichi’s burning passion and drive, Ji Xian seemed out of place.

His expression was calm, almost emotionless, as if the outcome didn’t matter to him at all, as though he cared about something else entirely.

Ji Xian scored with ease, his form textbook-perfect, his slender posture upright, his eyes cool and aloof, exuding the air of a rare orchid.

“He scored!” The crowd erupted. A few girls blushed.

They’d seen Ji Xian play piano and give speeches, but never play basketball. Why did he have to be so elegant and untouchable even when playing sports?

Ji Xian glanced impassively at the lovestruck girls, then let his gaze rest slowly on Qiao Zhen.

She sat in a beige dress, chin propped up, sweet and pure, a gentle smile on her lips, watching with focused intent.

But her gaze was not on him.

Ji Xian’s brow furrowed faintly, a shadow passing through his eyes. A thin layer of frost settled on his typically unruffled face.

Nearby, Yu Wenjian suddenly let out a furious roar. “Damn it!”

He was at his wits’ end! Since the opening, Qin Yichi had been targeting him, and he hadn’t even touched the ball!

Yu Wenjian’s eyes were dark and menacing as he glanced at the boy next to him.

That teammate narrowed his eyes, immediately catching on and working with Yu Wenjian to covertly block Qin Yichi, pressing up against him, using their hands, feet, and shoulders to restrict his offense and deliberately impede him, but always just barely skirting the line of a foul.

These were their usual dirty tricks.

Not far away, Niu Yifeng’s eyes went wide in disbelief.

What kind of people were these, pulling such underhanded moves?

Playing basketball this dirty—did these jerks even have any sportsmanship at all?

He was so angry he could spit blood. He shouted, “Chi, watch out!”

Qin Yichi dribbled between his legs, scoffing disdainfully, “Relax.”

He’d already noticed their sneaky tactics and shook them off with ease.

Narrowing his eyes, his sharp features intent, Qin Yichi moved with lightning speed, radiating an aura of wild confidence.

The afternoon sunlight poured over him in golden splendor, making him impossible to look away from.

Every eye in the crowd focused on the ball.

But as the ball soared toward the hoop, it seemed to throw a tantrum, spinning around the rim two or three times, refusing to drop in!

Qiao Zhen’s heart pounded nervously, and she found herself silently praying for the basket.

A second later, the ball finally dropped through the hoop.

The game was decided. The court exploded with cheers!

The School of Information Science won by two points!

The weight in Qiao Zhen’s heart finally lifted. She exhaled in relief, her eyes sparkling.

But perhaps it was her imagination—she felt as though two gazes were focused on her, like X-rays.

One gaze burned hot, the other was icy cold.

Yet when she looked up, there was nothing. No one seemed to be watching her…

Defeated, Yu Wenjian and his crew hung their heads, their faces an ugly shade of green.

Sheng Lulu was thrilled; she’d always disliked those guys and now felt thoroughly vindicated.

“Oh, right, Zhenzhen,” Sheng Lulu suddenly thrust an unopened bottle of water into Qiao Zhen’s arms. “Here, take this.”

Qiao Zhen looked up in confusion. “?”

Such a small head, such a big question.

Sheng Lulu grinned mischievously. “Go give your childhood sweetheart some water! And don’t you dare give it to that ice-cube guy!”

With that, she clutched her stomach and rushed off to the restroom. “Oh man, Zhenzhen, I feel it coming—I’m about to drop a big one, so don’t wait for me!”

“Okay, okay.” Qiao Zhen, looking adorably dazed, stared at the bottle of water in her hand, then glanced at the boy dribbling not far away, quietly making up her mind…

After the win, the boys crowded together. A few second-year seniors clapped Qin Yichi on the shoulder.

“Bro, you’re incredible. You were born to be in the athletics department!”

After a few words, Qin Yichi realized he was a bit thirsty. His gaze wandered, again and again, to a certain little rabbit.

The little rabbit was holding a bottle of water, slowly making her way over to him.

She was so cute…

His earlobes reddened again, his Adam’s apple bobbing, his heart a tangle of feelings.

“Chi!” Niu Yifeng, drenched in sweat and exhausted, bellowed, “Let me get your water bottle! I’m dying of thirst!”

Qin Yichi refused at once. “No need. I’m good.”

Niu Yifeng paused, scratched his head, and walked off, muttering, “Weird…”

A group of nearby girls, seeing Qin Yichi without water, straightened their bangs and approached him, smiling sweetly as they offered bottles.

“Hey, you played amazingly—want some water?”

“Can I add you on social media? I’m in the Info Science department too~”

Qin Yichi refused them all without hesitation. “Sorry, I’m not thirsty.”

He didn’t even glance at their faces. Instead, he strolled nonchalantly in Qiao Zhen’s direction, passing by her with studied casualness.

The next second, a clear, sweet voice called out, “Qin Yichi!”

Qiao Zhen stopped him, pressing the bottle of Nongfu Spring into his hands like a squirrel offering up her prized pinecone.

“Here, drink some water!”

Her voice was soft, like a refreshing spring breeze, or a delicate white feather tickling his ear.

Qin Yichi’s heart raced wildly, but outwardly he remained calm and composed, his throat parched, his voice low and hoarse. “Thank you.”

Now, he too had water from her.

No longer did he have to stand by and watch as Qiao Zhen ran off to give water to Ji Xian and the others.

He smiled slightly, twisted open the cap, and drank, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each gulp.

The cool water soothed his parched throat, like pouring a cup of water into a barren desert, where a seed slowly sprouted and bloomed into a tiny white flower.

A moment later, a bright flame flickered in Qin Yichi’s gaze.

Her water tasted a little sweet.