Sitting on the high platform, watching the countdown on the screen—3, 2, 1—Long Aotian let out a sharp whistle!
As the whistle echoed, the competing students by the pool dove into the water one after another. The event was divided into male and female groups.
After finishing his duties, Long Aotian returned backstage to shower and change.
Before long, Huang Fei and the other two arrived as well.
After a full day of activities, even Long Aotian was exhausted, let alone the three who had participated in the swimming competition till the end.
Dragging their feet, they walked like defeated soldiers, their heads hanging low.
"You lucky bastard, just sitting up there whistling!"
"Ugh, my legs are jelly after today."
"Old Ao, come help me up—I think I threw out my back!"
Seeing their sorry state, Long Aotian couldn’t help but mock them.Before the sports meet, they’d all boasted about being indestructible, acting like unbeatable titans.
Too bad no one had recorded their bravado back then—he’d love to replay it for them now.
The school would evaluate the students based on their performance.
For sports students like them, these scores mattered a lot, which was why they’d pushed themselves so hard.
But right now, they weren’t waiting around for the results—they could check them on their phones tomorrow.
All they wanted was to go out, feast, and have some fun to unwind.
The relentless training lately had practically killed them!
"Let’s go, let’s go! Call Shen Mengjie—meet at the usual spot," Li Longlong said, pulling out his phone to contact his senior.
At first, the senior had been hesitant, but after Li Longlong’s persistent persuasion, she’d finally agreed.
This was the first time she’d properly meet his friends, and Li Longlong was buzzing with excitement.
"What’s there to be excited about? You got any energy left for tonight?" Xu Shuai smacked Li Longlong’s forehead in annoyance.
"Damn it! One ‘White Crane Spreads Its Wings,’ and I’ll break your legs—believe it or not!"
......
The usual hotpot spot—they’d been here many times, but today’s atmosphere was special.
By the window, snowflakes drifted outside while meat sizzled in the pot inside.
"The KTV’s right next door. After this, we’re heading there for round two!" Huang Fei raised his glass.
"Cheers!"
"Wait, wait, wait..." Li Longlong gestured to the girl beside him. "Before we drink, let me introduce my senior, Su Ting."
Xu Shuai, Huang Fei, and Long Aotian exchanged glances.
Then, clearing his throat, Long Aotian stood up. "Nice to meet you, Senior. I’m Li Longlong’s roommate, Long Aotian. He talks about you all the time. Since it’s our first meeting, let me toast to you."
"Thank you." It was Su Ting’s first time hanging out with the juniors, and the lively vibe made her feel at ease. Without hesitation, she downed her drink.
Long Aotian rubbed his nose and sat back down.
Taking the cue, Huang Fei stood next. "Senior, I’m Huang Fei, another one of Li Longlong’s roommates. First time meeting you—let me toast too."
Realizing what was happening, Li Longlong jumped up to intervene for his senior.
"No need, no need! It’s my first time with everyone, so let’s just enjoy ourselves," Su Ting said with a laugh.
Huang Fei coughed awkwardly and sat down.
When Xu Shuai got up next, Wang Lijuan yanked him back by the ear. "Senior, just ignore these guys."
The scene drew laughter from the group.
Despite being new to their gatherings, Su Ting quickly blended into the cheerful atmosphere.
......
"Laugh all you want. You won’t be laughing soon." Outside the private room, Ye Liangchen smirked confidently.
Just then, Gao Quan arrived, dressed as a waiter. "Brother Chen, sh-should we deliver it now?"
"Not yet." He’d overheard their plans to go to KTV afterward—that would be the perfect place to strike.
Peeking into the room again, his eyes narrowed. "Look at that disgusting grin. Soon, you’ll learn what true cruelty feels like."
"Hope you won’t cry in pain—because I won’t hold back."
His gaze then shifted to Shen Mengjie. "You betrayed me, and now you’re laughing it off? Hah, I’m laughing too—laughing at how naive you are..."
Ye Liangchen had already imagined how he’d punish the disloyal Shen Mengjie.
Sure, he was kind-hearted—but that didn’t mean anyone could betray him!
"Tonight is the night of Ye Liangchen’s revenge. Hahaha—"
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Xu Shuai stuck his head out. "Hey, waiter? We’re having a gathering here. Can you go laugh somewhere else?"
The abrupt interruption startled Ye Liangchen. But realizing it wasn’t Long Aotian, he relaxed slightly.
Yet his brows furrowed. This guy had just called him a waiter? Told him to leave?
Hah. Now he was really laughing.
With his dashing, noble demeanor, how dare this fool mistake him for a waiter? If those eyes were useless, they might as well be thrown away!
Gao Quan tugged at his sleeve. "Brother Chen, stop laughing—we’ll get caught!"
Taking a deep breath, Ye Liangchen let himself be dragged away.
"Weirdo." Xu Shuai muttered before returning to the room.
"What was that about?" Huang Fei asked.
The party had been lively, with Su Ting warming up to everyone—until that eerie burst of laughter outside killed the mood.
"Some waiter, cracking up over something. Looked pretty funny, honestly." Xu Shuai chuckled. "Sorry, just remembering his pose—it was hilarious."
Curious, Li Longlong asked, "What pose?"
"Like this—watch." Xu Shuai flipped his hair, then struck a pose—hands in pockets, head tilted at a 45-degree angle.
Silence fell over the room for a second.
Then everyone burst out laughing.
Only Long Aotian frowned. For some reason, that pose felt familiar—like he’d seen it before, but he couldn’t place it.
Another person who didn’t laugh was Shen Mengjie.
From Xu Shuai’s description, she already knew who’d been outside.
So he’s still fixated, huh?
Her eyes flicked to Long Aotian. Should she tell him outright? Or play the heroine saving the fool?