SBAB Chapter 32

After a grueling month and a half of practice, the day of the campus broadcast gymnastics competition had finally arrived.

“They march in unison, under the fiery morning sun, sweating and pouring their hearts into every movement…” Such phrases were staples in any sports-related report. Lin Xin, even as he plagiarized from the internet, couldn’t help but roll his eyes at how the content was just a rearrangement of these same clichés. Still, copying was far easier than coming up with something original.

Every freshman required to participate in the gymnastics competition was also obligated to write self-praising reports for their formation—at least ten per person.

As an ordinary freshman, Lin Xin had no special privileges. Unlike Shan Xiaoxia, who’d managed to bypass the activity entirely through connections, Lin Xin sat on cold steps like everyone else, furiously copying one generic report after another from online sources. His laziness even led to reports unrelated to gymnastics, featuring phrases about sweat on the track that were meant for athletic events.

Lin Xin’s phone buzzed in his pocket, the vibrations making it hard to continue scribbling his barely legible handwriting on his lap. Reluctantly, he pulled his hand out of his warm pocket to check.

“Where are you? I can’t find you,” read a message from Cheng Shiyin.

Why is she here? Is she planning to surprise me?!

Excited, Lin Xin jumped up, his radiant smile so bright that nearby classmates shielded their eyes dramatically. He quickly maxed out his phone camera’s zoom, focusing on the section designated for non-freshmen observers who weren’t required to attend.

Despite his phone’s terrible resolution, Lin Xin immediately spotted Cheng Shiyin among the indistinct figures and snapped a screenshot. Within seconds, he sent her the photo and his location.

Cheng Shiyin, puzzled at how Lin Xin could recognize her from such a blurry image, asked, “How did you find me? You didn’t even know what I was wearing today.”

Lin Xin responded smugly with a cheeky emoji. “Impressive, huh?”

Amused, Cheng Shiyin sent back a string of clapping emojis. Meanwhile, Lin Xin, unconsciously scribbling on his report paper, wrote: Because only you shine in my eyes like stars in a galaxy…

After the playful exchange, Cheng Shiyin tried to spot Lin Xin in his class. However, the uniform outfits and everyone’s heads bent down over their assignments made it nearly impossible. The only clues she could use were hair length to distinguish boys from girls. Sighing, she muttered, “This game of ‘Where’s Waldo’ is on expert mode.”

But Cheng Shiyin wasn’t too worried. After all, Lin Xin was the lead performer for their group. Once the performance began, he’d be easy to spot.

“Next up is us. Gotta go prep,” Lin Xin texted her before being ushered to the staging area. The promotional team head, Ying Lun, followed, collecting completed reports to hand over to the broadcast team for review.

The broadcasters’ usual process involved filtering out repetitive submissions and selecting a few decent ones. But this group’s entries were so generic that only one stood out as original. Liu Ni, tasked with reading them on-air, decided to save the unique one for the fourth segment.

Meanwhile, Cheng Shiyin readied her phone, adjusting filters and angles to capture Lin Xin in his most flattering light. She chuckled, realizing that “breathtaking” and “broadcast gymnastics” seemed worlds apart.

The opening procession was more lively, with each formation presenting unique routines. For example, the early education students performed a vibrant dance, while the sports department showcased a dazzling array of skills. However, Lin Xin’s group only managed a disorganized military-style boxing routine.

“National Elementary School Broadcast Gymnastics – Set Seven: Sunshine! Begin! Ready position, one, two, three, four…” The announcer’s call echoed through the venue. While Cheng Shiyin had already heard the routine several times, hearing “elementary school” in a university setting still felt odd. The oversized uniforms didn’t help, making everyone look like kids waiting to grow into their clothes.

Cheng Shiyin snapped several photos of Lin Xin as he led the routine. His precise movements and expressionless face matched her expectations: adorably awkward yet endearing. She switched to burst mode, determined to capture every gesture.

Unbeknownst to her, Lin Xin’s face flushed red under her camera’s focus, even though his movements remained flawless.

Meanwhile, Liu Ni, the broadcaster, started reading the lone report. At first, it contained standard motivational phrases, but suddenly turned into a love letter:

“Because only you shine in my eyes like stars in a galaxy…”

The line immediately drew puzzled looks from those around her. Even the teachers in the front row turned to ask, “What’s going on?”

Liu Ni hesitated but continued, throwing a silent plea to Ying Lun for support. She read on: “Even if I can’t see the sun, the flowers, or even myself in the mirror, I’ll always find you. Only you bring me warmth…”

The room erupted in collective groans. “So cheesy!”

Lin Xin, however, cared only about one person’s reaction. He stole glances at Cheng Shiyin, relieved that she was too engrossed in her camera to hear the broadcast.

Just as Lin Xin thought the ordeal was over, the dreaded announcement blared through the speakers.

“Lin Xin, please report to the broadcasting station now,” the vice principal’s voice announced.

Hearing her name, Lin Xin lowered her head, covered her face, and sprinted toward the broadcasting station. Around her, whispers erupted: “So it’s her! It was her all along!” By the time she stood in front of the vice principal, her face was brighter than the sun, radiating a vivid hue that betrayed a mix of embarrassment and the effects of her frantic dash.

But her humiliation wasn’t over yet. The vice principal sternly scolded her, oblivious to the fact that the broadcasting microphone was still live.

After enduring the vice principal’s lecture about the sanctity of sportsmanship and the importance of appropriate timing and venues for confessions, Lin Xin wasted no time. She bolted back toward Cheng Shiyin, her heart pounding.

When Lin Xin was just a step away from her, her momentum made it impossible to stop in time. To avoid knocking Cheng Shiyin over, Lin Xin made a split-second decision: she extended her arms and caught Cheng Shiyin in an impromptu embrace. Before Cheng Shiyin could process the sudden contact, Lin Xin pivoted gracefully, adjusting her grip so Cheng Shiyin was now being cradled princess-style.

Cheng Shiyin, recognizing her “rescuer,” instantly calmed down. Instead of fear, her thoughts shifted to amazement. Since when does Lin Xin have this kind of strength?

Lin Xin carried her for about five meters before stopping, intending to set her down and apologize for the impulsive move. But to her surprise, Cheng Shiyin clung tightly to her, flashing a playful grin that revealed a row of pearly teeth. “Let me feel it.”

“Feel what?” Lin Xin froze, alarmed. Her mind raced to all the inappropriate places.

Cheng Shiyin, still nestled in Lin Xin’s arms, ran her fingers along Lin Xin’s toned upper arm. With a satisfied nod, she remarked, “Wow, I didn’t know you were packing some serious muscle!” Her eyes sparkled with genuine admiration.

Lin Xin blushed furiously but, deep down, resolved to ditch her dieting plans. If Cheng Shiyin liked muscles, she’d make sure her body was nothing but pure muscle from now on.

After her playful exploration, Cheng Shiyin decided it was time to let Lin Xin off the hook. She patted Lin Xin’s arm and said, “You can put me down now.”

But Lin Xin didn’t comply. Instead, she flashed a mischievous grin, and like a horse spurred into action, began running. Cheng Shiyin squealed and clung to her tighter, laughing. Lin Xin, emboldened by her reaction, ran even faster—until they were stopped by Gu Nian and a group of cheerleaders in short skirts.

Gu Nian, once a restrained campus heartthrob, had recently transformed into a flirtatious charmer. Now surrounded by admirers, she basked in their attention, seemingly unbothered by the shift in her reputation.

The scene was absurd: Lin Xin carrying Cheng Shiyin, both laughing, while Gu Nian stood enveloped by a sea of cheerleaders, each vying for her attention. Their awkward gazes met, and for a moment, all three froze, smiles evaporating.

Gu Nian broke the silence with a polite “Excuse me, please,” and gracefully led her entourage around them, leaving Lin Xin and Cheng Shiyin behind, the air thick with perfume and awkwardness.

“Ah… ah-choo!” Lin Xin sneezed, clearly not a fan of the lingering fragrance. Cheng Shiyin, also bothered, quickly jumped out of her arms.

The moment she landed, Cheng Shiyin grabbed Lin Xin’s hands and looked deeply into her eyes. “No matter who you like, be cautious and take care of yourself.”

Lin Xin’s heart sank. So she knew. She scrambled to deny it, raising three fingers in a hasty pledge. “I don’t like anyone!”

But Cheng Shiyin wasn’t buying it. She had overheard the vice principal’s tirade over the speakers. Her mind raced with questions about Lin Xin’s secret crush. Could it be a forbidden love? A scandalous affair?

Cheng Shiyin’s doubts only fueled her compassion. She gently patted Lin Xin’s head and said with conviction, “Whoever you like, I’ll support you with everything I’ve got!”

The sincerity in her voice crushed Lin Xin. Any flicker of joy she’d felt moments earlier was extinguished.

If you knew it was you, would you still say that?

Seeing Lin Xin’s dejected expression, Cheng Shiyin felt a pang of guilt. She decided to deploy her ultimate mood-lifting weapon: tickling.

“Ahahaha! Stop! Mercy!” Lin Xin collapsed onto the grass, laughing uncontrollably as Cheng Shiyin attacked her sides. Cheng Shiyin didn’t relent until Lin Xin was a giggling mess, ensuring there was no trace of her earlier sadness.

Lin Xin, still catching her breath, suddenly blurted, “The date! Don’t forget about the date!”

“Oh, right!” Cheng Shiyin grinned and let Lin Xin lead her to arrange the details of Shang Xiaxia and Wu Lian’s upcoming date.

The two made their way to a gated area. Lin Xin, grinning like a tour guide, pointed to random landmarks with hilariously mundane commentary. “This is Shangxue Road—great for getting to class. And these cherry trees? Never seen the blossoms, but the trunks are super sturdy.”

Cheng Shiyin stifled a laugh at Lin Xin’s absurd narration. They arrived at the gate, which Lin Xin promptly opened after calling Shang Xiaxia.

Inside was a serene, unfinished lakeside area. Beside the lake sat Shang Xiaxia and Wu Lian, fishing rods in hand. The pair looked up, startled by the intrusion.

Shang Xiaxia shot Lin Xin a conflicted look—grateful for breaking the awkwardness but annoyed at having their privacy invaded. Before Lin Xin could say anything, Wu Lian gave a thumbs-up, signaling his agreement to the Saturday date, and returned to his fishing. Shang Xiaxia nodded, exchanged a few words with Wu Lian, and promptly shut the gate behind Lin Xin and Cheng Shiyin.

“Unbelievable!” Lin Xin muttered, stomping away with Cheng Shiyin in tow.