Oh no! I've only been a freshman and I've already been targeted by a mean upperclassman.

"Would you like to think about it?"

After Lin Feng left, Wang Qiang immediately buzzed over like a fly that had smelled fish.

"Old Li, what's there to consider?"

He winked and drooled, "That's Haidilao! Eat as much as you want!"

"For the sake of our brothers' stomachs, for the honor of our 302nd Division, you have to agree!"

Zhao Zixuan also came over and nudged Li Chen with his shoulder.

"Yeah, it's just playing a game of ball. It's like child's play for you."

"Besides, just think about it, in the school-wide competition, you dominated the game and led the team to victory... wouldn't that be incredibly cool!"

"At that time, your status at school will be absolutely legendary!"

Chen Mo adjusted his glasses and calmly analyzed, "According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, once physiological and safety needs are met, people will pursue social and esteem needs."

"This competition is an excellent opportunity to gain respect and recognition from the entire school, which will help build your personal brand."

Speak like a human.

Li Chen rolled his eyes at him.

"Go show off."

Chen Mo's words were concise and to the point.

Li Chen was getting a headache from the noise of these three clowns.

He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, but his mind was racing.

To go or not to go?

The benefits of going are obvious.

It can satisfy Wang Qiang and others' appetites, further enhance their reputation at school, and also dampen the arrogance of the neighboring university of science and technology.

Most importantly, as Zhao Zixuan said, it will be a stage that everyone will be watching.

He thought of Yan Xi.

That woman always stood at the top of the pyramid, radiating brilliance.

As for himself, although he has the title of "Yan Xi's boyfriend", in the eyes of many people, he is probably still a gigolo who lives off his looks.

Even that old man Yan Zhen, when he first met him, had a scrutinizing and contemptuous attitude.

If I hadn't shown off my skills, that "Feast at Hongmen" probably wouldn't have ended so easily.

Li Chen rubbed the cold watch on his wrist.

He didn't want to stay hidden in Yan Xi's shadow forever.

He wanted to show her, and everyone else, that he, Li Chen, was not anyone's appendage.

He has the ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with her, and even to shelter her from the wind and rain.

This basketball game might be a good opportunity.

An opportunity to declare to the entire school, "I, Li Chen, am worthy of Yan Xi."

Thinking of this, Li Chen opened his eyes.

A sharp glint flashed in those eyes that always carried a hint of laziness.

He took out his phone, opened WeChat, and found the friend Lin Feng had just added.

[Li Chen]: I've agreed to the competition.

My phone vibrated as soon as I sent the message.

It wasn't Raymond Lam's reply, but rather the one from the pinned profile picture.

[Xi]: I heard you were quite impressive at the gym today?

It was followed by a "watching the show" emoji.

Li Chen's lips curled up.

This woman's information network is always so efficient.

[Li Chen]: It's so-so, just something to play around with.

[Xi]: [Image]

Yan Xi sent me a photo.

It was at the very moment he was gliding through the air and making a layup that someone captured the shot from a perfect angle.

In the photo, he is poised and focused, exuding strength and youthful energy.

[Xi]: You call this just playing around?

[Li Chen]: The main problem is that the opponents are too weak, and there's not much of a challenge.

[Xi]: You're quite boastful.

[Xi]: The basketball team is looking for you?

Sure enough, nothing could be hidden from her.

[Li Chen]: Okay, let me play a friendly match next week.

[Li Chen]: I just agreed.

After sending that message, Li Chen felt a slight sense of nervousness.

He didn't know how Yan Xi would react.

Will she think he's not doing his job properly, or will she think he's too attention-seeking?

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the screen.

[Xi]: Go if you want to.

[Xi]: Don't act like you're sacrificing your hobbies for me.

Li Chen stared at the line of text, stunned.

This woman...

She can always see right through his little schemes.

[Li Chen]: How do you know I did this for you?

[Xi]: Your thoughts are written all over your face.

[Xi]: What, do you want to prove to the whole school that you're good enough for me?

Li Chen felt as if something had struck his heart heavily.

It's not a pleasant feeling to be completely seen through by someone.

But the feeling of being seen through by her warmed his heart.

[Li Chen]: Is that not allowed?

[曦]: Okay.

[Xi]: However, there's no need.

[Li Chen]: ?

[Xi]: You are the person I chose, who dares to say anything against you?

[Xi]: My people, I'll protect them.

A simple sentence, yet it exudes an undeniable air of dominance and protectiveness.

Li Chen stared at the screen, speechless for a long time.

The awkwardness and resentment in my heart caused by being "lived off a woman" were completely soothed by her words at this moment.

It turns out she knows everything.

She understood his pride, his concerns, and his ridiculous sense of self-esteem.

She didn't expose him, but instead told him in her own way: Don't be afraid, I'm here.

After a long silence, Li Chen took a deep breath and typed a line of text.

[Li Chen]: Senior, it takes strength to protect someone.

[Li Chen]: What if you get tired one day and can't handle it anymore?

[Xi]: Then you should work harder and grow stronger so you can protect me.

Upon seeing this sentence, Li Chen smiled.

I laughed from the bottom of my heart.

He put his phone back in his pocket and stood up from the chair.

The whistle for the second half just blew.

"Old Li, hurry up and get him!"

Wang Qiang waved to him from the field.

Li Chen stretched his wrists and strode onto the court.

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, falling on him and gilding his figure with a golden edge.

His eyes held an unprecedented firmness.

Protect you?

it is good.

It's a deal.