Lin Jiang and Xu Yingjun walked in, and the girls in the activity room started whispering among themselves.
"I remember now. Isn’t he the one who played basketball against Cheng Shukai before?"
"I think you’re right. He ran circles around Cheng Shukai, who didn’t even stand a chance."
"Our senior’s boyfriend is pretty impressive. Not only is he handsome, but he’s great at basketball, too. He and our senior look so good together."
The whispering didn’t stop for a long time. Xu Yingjun’s face flushed slightly, but she didn’t try to deny anything.
"How’s practice going?"
"It’s okay, I guess. We keep practicing, but it feels like something’s still missing."
"Take your time. As long as the technique is solid, you just need to find the right feeling."
Just as the three of them were talking, one of Wang Zixuan’s classmates let out a gasp.
"Stop, stop! Quiet, everyone! Cheng Shukai is here!"
"Why is Zhao Shengda here too?"
"Isn’t it obvious? He’s definitely here to bring Zixuan milk tea."
The whispering stopped abruptly as the cheerleading squad members all turned to look at the door.
Lin Jiang and the others also turned to see Cheng Shukai and another guy standing at the entrance
This other guy was the Zhao Shengda the girls had been talking about.
Zhao Shengda was a bit thinner, his skin tanned dark from the sun. He was wearing a basketball uniform and holding a cup of milk tea.
Both of them looked relaxed, but when Cheng Shukai saw Lin Jiang, his expression turned cold and unnatural.
"What are you doing here!"
"There’s no sign saying outsiders are prohibited from entering. Why can’t I be here?"
"Even if there isn’t one, we don’t welcome outsiders. Get out of here," Cheng Shukai said with a grim face.
"Go report it to campus security then. Otherwise, stop barking at me."
"You..."
"Old Cheng, who is this guy?" Zhao Shengda asked.
"Yingjun’s boyfriend," Cheng Shukai said reluctantly.
"Oh, so he’s the one who beat you at basketball." Zhao Shengda sounded as if he’d just had an epiphany.
"Yeah." Cheng Shukai’s voice was quiet; he clearly felt humiliated.
"Basketball isn’t your strong suit, so of course you were at a disadvantage against him. You should have called me for something like this."
"I thought he was just average, but it turns out he’s actually got some skills."
"It’s in the past, no point dwelling on it. When I get the chance, I’ll play against him and win your honor back for you."
With that, Zhao Shengda walked over to Wang Zixuan with the milk tea.
"Zixuan, you must be tired from practice. I bought you a milk tea."
"I’m on a diet and cutting out sugar, so I’m not drinking this stuff. You can take it back."
"You’re practicing every day. You won’t have enough stamina if you’re on a diet. You should drink some."
"I ate lunch, so you don’t need to worry about me. Just take it back."
The atmosphere in the activity room grew a little awkward. It was obvious Wang Zixuan had no interest in Zhao Shengda; her rejection was completely emotionless.
Just then, a voice called out from nearby.
"Hello, are you the ones who ordered the coffee?"
A delivery guy came hurrying over, huffing and puffing while carrying four large bags.
"That’s my order."
Lin Jiang walked over, took the coffee, and placed it inside the room.
"It’s pretty hot today, so I bought you all some iced coffee. I got a few different flavors, so just grab whatever you want."
He looked at the Starbucks Lin Jiang had bought, then at the milk tea in his own hand.
Two cups of his milk tea weren’t even worth one cup of that coffee, and Lin Jiang had bought so many. Zhao Shengda felt thoroughly embarrassed.
"Come on, everyone, don’t just stand there! Our senior’s boyfriend is treating us to coffee. We’re all friends here, no need to be shy."
"Hehe, then we won’t hold back!"
A dozen or so girls crowded around, picking out the flavors they liked.
"Thank you, Senior! Thank you, brother-in-law!"
Xu Yingjun looked completely satisfied. That term, "brother-in-law," was music to her ears.
"Zixuan, I thought you were on a diet and not drinking this stuff," Zhao Shengda said.
"Coffee gives you energy. Dancing is exhausting, how could I not have some coffee?"
Wang Zixuan sipped her coffee loudly, while the others took on the stance of a curious audience.
It had nothing to do with them; they were just there to watch the show.
"If you two have nothing else, you should head back. Don’t hold up our practice."
"What about them!" Zhao Shengda said, pointing at Lin Jiang.
"Our senior took third place in the national cheerleading competition. She’s here to coach us. If she leaves, are you going to coach us?"
Zhao Shengda was speechless.
"Hurry up and go. We need to practice."
Wang Zixuan shooed the two of them out and shut the door to the activity room.
"So annoying."
"He is our upperclassman, after all. You should have given him a little face," someone chimed in.
"It’s because he’s an upperclassman that I even bothered talking to him that much. Otherwise, I would’ve kicked him out ages ago."
With that, Wang Zixuan walked over to Xu Yingjun.
"Senior, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your date. Why don’t you two go ahead? You can come back when you have more time."
"He’s actually the one who has something to discuss with you, so we came together."
"With me?" Wang Zixuan asked, surprised.
Lin Jiang nodded. "My thing isn’t urgent. You all can practice first."
"It’s fine. Let’s have our senior go coach them, and we can talk over on the side."
"Alright."
The two of them moved to a corner of the activity room by the window. Wang Zixuan was wearing a tank top, the chest area already soaked with sweat. It was clear she had been dancing with all her might.
"So, what did you need me for?"
"I’m thinking of organizing a national cheerleading competition. It would be structured by school, where the winner from each school goes on to compete at the provincial and municipal levels, and then nationally. The top three national teams will get to compete in exchange programs with international schools, and there might even be opportunities for live performances at NBA and CBA games."

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