Chapter 57 – Clash of Romantic Rivals
There was a quick switch-up* from Class 6’s side and the game continued.
[*substitution]
This time, Class 6 changed their tactics. Instead of forcefully breaking through the defense line, the team centered around Xia Zhijun and focused on shooting from outside the line.
With Xia Zhijun scoring three-pointers one after another, the score gap quickly widened.
The cheers from the girls in Class 6 were deafening, while some of the girls in Class 8 remained silent on the surface but cheered for Xia Zhijun in their hearts.
Gu Siyi cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Xia Zhijun, come on—”
The girls in the class cheered with her, “Xia Zhijun, come on—”
As Xia Zhijun dribbled the ball, he turned his head and glanced at her. Their eyes met, and he slightly raised the corners of his lips.
“My God, I see Xia Zhijun smiling!”
“Ahhh, Xia Zhijun’s smile is so charming!”
“I want to capture that moment and make it my screensaver*…”
[*舔屏 tiǎn píng – Lit. lick the screen, referring to a metaphorical action of being so attracted or impressed that one wants to lick the screen, usually used in online contexts.]
Gu Siyi covered her mouth to hide the uncontrollable smile from creeping up. After a while, she continued to cheer, “Xia Zhijun, come on! Xia Zhijun, come on!”
The more she shouted, the more agitated and distracted Lu Ming became, his gaze repeatedly drifting in her direction.
Once again, Xia Zhijun stood outside the three-point line with the ball in hand. When he got into his shooting position, Lu Ming appeared in front of him and jumped up to intercept the basketball.
The entire court held its breath in anticipation.
Xia Zhijun made a backward jump shot and the basketball perfectly avoided Lu Ming’s fingers.
As the basketball flew out, the court erupted in excited screams, while Gu Siyi anxiously watched Xia Zhijun.
The backward jump shot* is a challenging technical move, Although it effectively avoids being blocked by the defender, maintaining balance in the air is crucial, and a slight misstep upon landing can lead to a fall or even an ankle twist.
[*“后仰式跳投”hòu yǎng shì tiào tóu – Lit. backwards jump shot, referring to a basketball shooting technique where the shooter jumps backward while releasing the ball.]
Xia Zhijun landed, his body swaying slightly before steadying himself. Gu Siyi breathed a sigh of relief, then grew even more excited.
Having played basketball for many years, she had always prided herself as a three-point god*. Unexpectedly, today she witnessed Xia Zhijun standing in the same position, playing the same role, and putting on such an impressive show with a three-point shot.
[*“三分球神射手”sān fēn qiú shén shè shǒu – Literally “three-point shooting god,” referring to someone who is exceptionally skilled at shooting three-pointers in basketball.]
Original translation only on WhimsicalReads.com, if reading elsewhere, know that it was plagiarised/taken without our consent. Please support us by reading on our site.
Gu Siyi covered her chest, trying to calm her wildly beating heart. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Xia Zhijun like a fan and sighed. How can someone be so amazing…
As the whistle blew, signaling the end of the game, Class 6 emerged victorious with an overwhelming advantage.
Gu Siyi grabbed a bottle of water and rushed to Xia Zhijun’s side, handing it to him.
Xia Zhijun chuckled softly and took the bottle of water from her.
Lan Xiaoqiu stood not far away, holding a bottle of water. She had originally intended to offer it again this time but ultimately didn’t get the chance.
On the other side, a dark cloud loomed over Class 8, and Lu Ming’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Losing the game was bad enough, but dammit, I still have to watch the two of them displaying their affection for each other throughout the match!
A surge of resentment* rose in his heart, and he suddenly grabbed a ball and hurled it toward the back of Xia Zhijun’s head.
[*心里一股邪火直往上冒 Xīnlǐ yī gǔ xié huǒ zhí wǎng shàng mào – A surge of evil fire rushes upward in the heart, metaphorically describing intense anger or frustration.]
Standing beside Xia Zhijun, Gu Siyi was the first to notice the basketball flying towards them. Her heart skipped a beat, and she reflexively pushed Xia Zhijun aside. The basketball, with tremendous force, struck her cheek and nose.
A sharp, intense throbbing pain hit Gu Siyi, causing her to stagger in place. A damp sensation spread across her nose.
Xia Zhujun supported Gu Siyi and saw blood gushing from her nose. He quickly took out a tissue from her pocket and pressed it against her nose.
“Does it hurt a lot?” he asked softly, his voice extremely restrained, suppressing his indescribable heartache and surging rage.
Gu Siyi shook her head, took the tissue, and lowered her head to wipe away the blood.
After the unexpected incident, several boys glared angrily at the other side.
When the ball hit Gu Siyi, a hint of panic and reluctance flashed in Lu Ming’s eyes. However, in the face of the hostile gazes, he remained calm, still wearing that insolent smirk. He shrugged and raised his hands, saying, “Sorry, my hand slipped.”
Xia Zhijun placed his hand on Gu Siyi’s shoulder and said, “Move aside.”
He then walked toward Lu Ming, and Lu Jiaye and the others followed him; their cold and fierce gaze* hinting at the imminent trouble.
[*虎视眈眈 (Hǔshìdāndān) – to eye someone closely like a tiger.]
Original translation only on WhimsicalReads.com, if reading elsewhere, know that it was plagiarised/taken without our consent. Please support us by reading on our site.
The two PE teachers quickly stepped in front of them, advising, “Don’t be impulsive; this was an accident.”
“I’ll have Lu Ming come over to apologize. Let’s talk things out calmly.”
Xia Zhijun’s face was stern as he said, word by word, “Teacher Zhang, step aside.”
“Xia Zhijun, don’t be impul—” Before the teacher could finish his sentence, he was pushed aside by Xia Zhijun.
The sudden and powerful force was overwhelming, the unsuspecting PE teacher was shoved to the side with great strength.
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