Chapter Seventeen: The Basketball League Begins

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Today was Friday, and because of the basketball league, everyone was excited. As soon as class ended, they grabbed their things and headed to the gymnasium. Ye Mengxia and Lin Manting changed into their uniforms and waited by the court for their turn.

The crowd was immense, nearly every seat packed. Ye Mengxia felt the excitement too; soon, she and her group would go up to energize the crowd before the game began.

The players quickly emerged from inside. The first person she saw was Ye Xingchen, standing at the front, with Su Yichen and Lu Chengze beside him. One had to admit, their looks were unmatched in the entire arena.

But Ye Xingchen seemed just a bit more handsome.

She glanced his way, only to see him gesturing to her, likely telling her to bring him water during halftime.

Ye Mengxia smiled and nodded to him. Then she and her group took the stage, their movements synchronized, their slogans booming.

"Seventh High, Seventh High, every ball goes in, every point is earned, invincible!"

With their shouts echoing, the match began. She sat in the reserved seats at the front, and watching from the front row certainly made everything clear.

Right at the start, Ye Xingchen made a three-pointer, winning a wave of applause. She clapped happily, when suddenly a voice sounded beside her.

"Why are you so happy?"

She turned and saw Lu Chengze, dressed in his jersey, sitting beside her. The seat was originally Lin Manting's, but she'd gone to buy water. Ye Mengxia glanced at him but said nothing.

Lu Chengze edged closer. She shifted away, uneasy, but he moved closer again. Ye Mengxia looked at him uncomfortably. "Do you need something?"

Lu Chengze was taken aback, apparently surprised by her cold tone. He raised an eyebrow. "There's nobody here, what's the problem? I'm here to tell you that during halftime, give this bottle of water to Ye Xingchen."

She stared at the bottle in her hand, first confused, then wary. "What's with this bottle?"

"I told you yesterday, didn't I? There's something added in it. Once you give it to Ye Xingchen, it'll take effect immediately, and then I'll substitute onto the court." Lu Chengze spoke almost directly into her ear.

She was completely stunned, unmoving.

Something in the water—she'd called Lu Chengze last night.

None of this was in her memory. She was changing again. What on earth was she doing?

"Mengxia, I'm leaving. Remember to give the water to Ye Xingchen."

Lin Manting had just returned with the water and saw Lu Chengze sitting close to Mengxia, whispering. She walked over, suspicious, just as Lu Chengze brushed past her without so much as a glance.

She glared at him. If not for Mengxia, she wouldn't want anything to do with someone like him—he was the type who wore a gentleman's facade but was rotten inside.

Lin Manting snorted, sat down, and tapped the still-stunned Mengxia, placing the water in her hand. She eyed the bottle curiously. "Mengxia, did Lu Chengze give you this water?"

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"Mengxia..." Lin Manting nudged her, seeing no response. "Mengxia, what's wrong? I'm talking to you."

Mengxia came back to herself, looked at Lin Manting, and gripped the water tightly. Her tone was indifferent. "It's nothing."

Lin Manting noticed her cold gaze and recalled the time on the street when a few thugs had blocked her path. In her memory, Ye Mengxia was always the cool goddess—rarely speaking, except for academics. Most stories she heard about her involved Ye Xingchen and Lu Chengze.

Though they hardly interacted outside of school, Lin Manting was a fellow student, so she called the police without hesitation.

When nothing stirred in the alley, she cautiously ventured forth, expecting to see Ye Mengxia bullied. Instead, the boys were sprawled on the ground, groaning.

Ye Mengxia stood, holding a knife to their throats. Lin Manting was so frightened she turned and fled, her heart pounding.

From then on, she knew Ye Mengxia was not someone to be trifled with.

Later, Ye Xingchen arrived, and Lin Manting learned they were cousins. Because she had called the police, she was allowed a little closer to their lives.

It felt wonderful to have someone looking out for you.

Lin Manting was still lost in thought when Ye Mengxia suddenly stood up and walked out, startling her. She didn’t dare ask.

Ye Mengxia went alone to the gym entrance. A girl, waiting outside, smiled sweetly at her, holding out a lollipop with squinted eyes.

"Classmate, a bit of sweetness can make you a hundred times happier."

Ye Mengxia took the candy, unwrapped it, and handed it to her. The girl pouted. "Hey, you eat it! I brought it just for you. This kind is unique and delicious."

Seeing Ye Mengxia eat it, the girl grinned. "Don't worry, leave it to me later."

"Thank you, Xiyue."

"Oh, but I charge for my services."

Ye Mengxia smiled lightly. "I've already transferred this month's payment."

"Ah, you're so bad at joking. But, is there any reward?" Liu Xiyue raised her brows and leaned closer.

"Yes, bring your little brother out in a few days. I'll treat you both to a feast."

"Deal, hehe."

Halftime arrived. Seventh High was leading by a wide margin. Lin Manting saw Ye Xingchen approaching, holding a bottle of water to hand to him. He didn't take it, looked around, and asked, "Where's Ye Mengxia? Where did she go?"

"She just went outside. I don’t know where," Lin Manting replied with a smile, offering the water again.

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"Ye Xingchen, here’s your water."

"Oh," Ye Xingchen took the water casually, and just then saw Ye Mengxia returning from outside. He hurried over, tapped her head, "What's going on? Where's my water?"

"Here you go."

Beside them, Yan Mu clicked his tongue. Why didn’t he get any water? The difference in treatment was clear. He grabbed two bottles from the back and tossed one to Su Yichen. "See? Ye Xingchen really is the star of the sea—shining bright, the stars in the sky. Unlike us, not a single fan to bring us water."

"The disparity is tragic..."

Su Yichen leaned against a pillar, drinking silently, his gaze fixed on Ye Xingchen and Ye Mengxia. His eyes grew darker.

Ye Mengxia, you're the brightest star in the sky. And I—what am I in your heart?

Ye Xingchen twisted open the bottle, about to drink, when suddenly a figure flashed by with a mop, knocking it from his hand so the water spilled everywhere.

Damn, he was furious. He grabbed the culprit. "What are you doing, spilling my water?" he nearly ground his teeth.

This was from Ye Mengxia. Their relationship had just softened, and he’d finally received a bottle of water—only for it to be spilled.

He was about to explode.

"Oh, sorry, it was an accident! It's just a bottle of water, I'll get you another. Here."

Ye Xingchen laughed bitterly, then tossed the bottle into the basket on the floor. "Who are you?"

Yan Mu exclaimed—wasn't that the girl with the mop from before? He ran over, excited. "Aren't you the girl from the other day? Are you working part-time as a janitor?"

"What are you saying? I'm not a janitor; I’m maintaining public hygiene."

Ye Xingchen pressed his anger down, watching Yan Mu act so foolishly he nearly facepalmed. He told himself: it's okay, he's my brother.

"Ye Mengxia, my water’s gone. Give me another."

"Here."

Ye Xingchen was finally satisfied, gulped down the water and shoved the bottle back in her hand. "Hold onto it. When I win, give it to me again."

Ye Mengxia took the bottle, her lips curving slightly. The problem was solved. Nothing else should happen this time. Her mood lifted, and she nodded.