Chapter 20: I Follow Su Nian

“Is Mr. Li angry?”
“Surely not. Is Mr. Li so petty that he can’t take a joke?”
Song Wang wore an innocent smile, his eyes filled with a playful glint.
Li Ming’en was about to explode on the spot, but the last shred of reason kept his impulse in check.
He stared daggers at Song Wang, his expression a forced smile. “Of course not. When it comes to beach volleyball, I won’t hold back.”
Li Ming’en had played for his university’s volleyball team.
Not to mention, he’d been praised by professional coaches on the variety show “Celebrity Sports Meet.”
Song Wang, a pampered young master, clearly had no experience with such sports.
When the match started, Li Ming’en was determined to show Song Wang what he was made of.
Faced with Li Ming’en’s provocation, Song Wang simply smiled, unconcerned. “Whoever goes easy is a coward.”
After Li Ming’en stormed off in a huff, Su Nian walked over to where the two had just stood.
“What did you say to Li Ming’en?”
Su Nian had seen Li Ming’en approach, fuming, clearly ready to confront her. But halfway there, Song Wang said something to him, and he left, still seething.
With Su Nian, Song Wang was always patient and gentle.
“He said he’s grateful for your contribution to environmental protection—helping him deal with unwanted rubbish.”
Su Nian: “……”
She’d never believe such nonsense.
But whether Li Ming’en was happy or not had little to do with her.
As long as he didn’t bother her, she wouldn’t drive him mad.
Xia Xingkong and her team suffered a crushing defeat in their volleyball match, losing one to seven.
Not competitive by nature, Xia Xingkong still found it hard to accept losing to Cui Mengya, the sly one.
“Zeng Zifan, before the match you promised me you’d played on your university team. Is this your level?”
“My dog Fatty could play better with his mouth than you.”
Feeling rejected by his goddess, Zeng Zifan was nearly in tears.
“Senior, I really was on the volleyball team in college. I can give you my advisor’s number for proof. It’s just… I didn’t expect Teacher Chu to be so strong—”
He glanced resentfully at Chu Tianhe.
They were fellow disciples; why couldn’t Teacher Chu go easy?
“Enough, enough. Let’s face it: we’re both hopeless. Next time, let’s stay away from this sport.”

Xia Xingkong left, depressed, to change in the cabin, not interested in watching the next matches.
Zeng Zifan drooped behind her, looking like a scolded schoolboy, trailing after Xia Xingkong.
[Seriously, Xia Xingkong is so domineering. Our Zifan gave it his all. We haven’t even called her a useless teammate.]
[Xingjie’s always been straightforward. Zeng Zifan insisted on partnering with her. If she’d teamed up with Emperor Chu, she’d have won.]
[Oh please, now you’re blaming our Zifan? With Xia Xingkong’s temper, what man would dare want her!]
Because of this volleyball match, fans of Xia Xingkong and Zeng Zifan were at each other’s throats.
The live stream screen was flooded with their quarrels.
[If Xia Xingkong and Zeng Zifan’s fans want to fight, can you open a separate stream? Don’t block our view of the other guests’ matches.]
[With Sister Ex’s attitude, I just hope it won’t affect Song Wang’s performance—]
[I only wish there won’t be any new quarrels later. I’m here for sweet romance, not to watch fans bicker.]
Soon, the next round of beach volleyball began.
Competing: Su Nian and Song Wang versus Yi Linglin and Li Ming’en.
Before the match, Yi Linglin meekly pleaded with Song Wang, “Mr. Song, please go easy on us—”
“We can’t go easy. We’re aiming for first place!”
Yi Linglin’s soft plea was immediately overridden by Su Nian’s firm voice.
There’s no room for mercy on the field, especially when the winning team would earn 100 Heartbeat Points.
Heartbeat Points could be exchanged for special privileges later.
Su Nian was determined to win.
Yi Linglin pouted, dissatisfied.
She hadn’t spoken to Su Nian, so why did Su Nian always intrude? Annoying woman.
Yi Linglin ignored Su Nian and turned her hopeful gaze to Song Wang.
“Mr. Song, is that alright?”
Yi Linglin clasped her hands, striking a cute “please, please” pose.
Though it was Yi Linglin speaking, Song Wang’s gaze was clearly fixed on Su Nian.
His deep, magnetic voice carried a gentle smile: “I’ll listen to my…”
“Partner.”
The simple word “partner” was spoken by Song Wang with a lingering intimacy.
Fans watching, already captivated by Song Wang’s looks, were completely enamored by his gestures.
[Wow, are we sure Song Wang’s never dated? With moves like that, I don’t believe it!]

[Wait, what? Song Wang’s never had a girlfriend? Impossible—he looks like he’d have a truckload of exes.]
[There are early interview screenshots for proof. If you don’t believe it, check the videos.]
[Oh my, it’s true. What a rare man—he could win over any woman, yet he keeps himself pure. I want to date Song Wang—]
[Too bad, such a gem is falling for another gem. Doesn’t anyone think Song Wang paused intentionally before saying “partner”?]
[I think he meant “wife,” or maybe “girlfriend.” I wish I could swap souls with Sister Ex for just a minute!]
Yi Linglin was left awkward by Song Wang’s response.
Li Ming’en seized the moment to reassure her, “Don’t worry, with me here, we’ll crush them.”
Though they were teammates, Yi Linglin wasn’t interested in Li Ming’en.
But to maintain her gracious image, she played along: “Then I’ll leave it to you, Mr. Li—”
Being trusted by a girl, and with Cui Mengya watching from the audience, Li Ming’en’s desire to show off was at its peak.
He raised his arms, flexing his muscles for the crowd.
The whistle blew, and the match officially began.
Li Ming’en’s team served first, launching a high ball with professional-level difficulty.
The higher the ball, the harder it was for the receiving team.
Given Su Nian and Song Wang’s positions, catching the ball would be a challenge.
Li Ming’en’s lips curled in a smug smile after serving.
Yet in the next moment, Su Nian dashed forward at sprint speed, slid low, and caught the ball, bumping it upward.
“Song Wang—”
Hearing Su Nian’s call, Song Wang caught the ball as it rebounded and sent it toward Li Ming’en.
Li Ming’en hadn’t expected them to receive his serve, and was stunned when Song Wang’s ball came at him.
He didn’t even have time to react before a powerful shot slammed into his abdomen.
He curled up on the sand, writhing in pain.
“Su Nian, are you alright?”
While Li Ming’en lay on the ground, Song Wang’s concerned voice reached Su Nian.
He gently lifted her wrist, which was bruised from catching the ball, his eyes full of worry and care.