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Join the ServerThe road to N University’s basketball court felt endlessly long to Su Mian.
Even though she kept her head lowered as much as possible, half-hiding her face behind the collar of her trench coat in an attempt to reduce her presence, her striking appearance, graceful figure, and especially that air of refined nobility in her attire still made her the absolute center of attention.
Wherever she passed, heads turned nearly one hundred percent of the time. Whispers and admiring gazes trailed after her like shadows.
“My god, who is that girl? Which department is she from? I’ve never seen her before!”
“She can’t be from our school, right? With that face and that aura—if she were really a campus belle, could Shen Zhixia even compare?”
“You’re right… but she’s seriously so beautiful! That cool-yet-gentle vibe—even as a girl, my heart’s racing. It’s like she stepped straight out of an idol drama as some wealthy heiress!”
“Should we go ask for her contact info?”
Feeling the unabashed stares and discussions all around her, Su Mian’s cheeks grew hotter and hotter; her head dipped lower and lower.
What flustered her even more was that a few bold guys and girls actually came up to her, trying to get her WeChat or strike up a conversation.
“Classmate, can we get to know each other? Which major are you in?”
“Senior (junior), you’re so pretty! Can we be friends?”
Su Mian could only shake her head desperately, using a deliberately lowered, panicked voice to repeatedly say “Sorry,” “Excuse me,” before practically fleeing in embarrassment, speeding up her steps and almost running toward the basketball court.
Meanwhile, on the basketball court, the atmosphere was far from friendly toward the N University team.
The scoreboard clearly showed them trailing. Lu Yang was in especially bad shape—missing shot after shot, even making mistakes on passes.
It wasn’t entirely his fault. The “mental attack” from Wang Liang’s side was simply too intense.
Behind Wang Liang stood not only the girls he’d brought from other schools, but also several from N University who were drawn to his looks or family background, forming quite a sizable “cheer squad.”
They shouted energetically:
“Wang Liang-gege is so handsome!”
“Wang Liang, go for it! Win and we’ll give you a reward!”
“Liang-ge is the best!”
Every time Wang Liang scored, he would deliberately turn toward Lu Yang with a provocative grin, even mouthing silently: “Just this?”
Lu Yang was already irritated from earlier mockery; now, combined with this mental bombardment and Wang Liang’s arrogance, his mentality was on the verge of exploding.
The halftime whistle sounded.
Lu Yang panted as he walked to the sidelines, grabbed a towel, and roughly wiped his sweat, a deep sense of powerlessness rising in his chest.
“Sigh…”
He let out a breath, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward the entrance.
“I wonder how Mian-zi is doing over there…”
By this point, he no longer held much hope that Su Mian would come to save the day.
Even if Su Mian really mustered the courage to show up here in women’s clothing—no matter how well she disguised herself—could she possibly outshine the gaggle of chattering girls behind Wang Liang?
If that happened, not only would he fail to salvage his dignity, he might even drag Su Mian down with him to be mocked. That would make him truly guilty.
Sure enough, speak of the devil.
Wang Liang swaggered over with his “cheer squad.”
“Yo, Lu Yang, the game’s almost over. Where’s that little fangirl of yours? Don’t tell me she’s some heavenly fairy who needs extra time to descend?”
The sarcasm in Wang Liang’s tone was practically tangible.
As he spoke, one of the girls beside him considerately stepped forward to wipe his sweat with a towel; another even picked up pre-cut fruit and attentively fed it to him.
Lu Yang felt a sour pang in his heart, but he forced out, “What? The match isn’t over yet, is it?”
“Still playing dead duck with a hard mouth?”
Wang Liang sneered, adopting a condescending tone.
“Tell you what—if you call me ‘Daddy’ right now, I might be in a good enough mood to introduce these two beauties next to me to you.”
The two girls beside him immediately put on exaggerated looks of disgust and whined coquettishly:
“No way! Wang Liang-gege, you’re so mean—how could you bear to push me onto someone else?”
“Exactly! And he reeks of sweat—it’s disgusting. Wang Liang-gege, you smell so nice!”
Lu Yang’s mouth twitched; he couldn’t help cursing inwardly, his face turning as ugly as it could get.
At that moment, a noticeable commotion and wave of gasps erupted from the court entrance.
Everyone’s attention was involuntarily drawn over.
A figure with head slightly bowed hurried toward them at a small run.
The hem of her creamy beige trench coat fluttered lightly with her movements. Even without a clear view of her delicate profile, it was enough to make people hold their breath.
The instant Wang Liang saw the newcomer, his eyes lit up fiercely—he practically stared.
He subconsciously straightened his already neat collar, a confident, winning smile spreading across his face.
Meanwhile, Lu Yang’s heart sank, a complex mix of bitterness and envy surging up.
“A beauty of this caliber—obviously here for Wang Liang, right?”
He had truly lost all face today.
“Tsk tsk, see that?”
Wang Liang smugly elbowed Lu Yang, lowering his voice to boast.
“A girl like this—you probably won’t get the chance to get close to one in your entire life. Today you’re borrowing my light.”
As he watched the beauty draw nearer, holding an energy drink in her hand, he became even more certain.
Before she could fully stop, he proactively extended his hand, flashing what he thought was a charming smile, and said in a flirty tone:
“Thanks, classmate! So considerate—bringing water specially for me? Thank you!”
However—to his shock, and to the astonishment of everyone watching—the aloof beauty seemed to not see his outstretched hand at all, completely ignoring his words.
Her steps didn’t pause for a second. She walked straight past Wang Liang, whose expression had frozen on his face, and finally stopped in front of Lu Yang, who had been standing there with his head down in a daze.
Lu Yang felt his vision darken for a moment. A pair of slender, perfectly straight legs in delicate little leather shoes came into view.
He dazedly lifted his head and met a pair of clear eyes that carried a faint sense of familiarity.
The barefaced beauty took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her outward calm. She held out the energy drink and, using the soft, sweet falsetto she had painstakingly practiced, said gently:
“Lu… Lu-ge, have you been waiting long? This is for you.”
Lu Yang’s entire mind went blank.
This… this stunning beauty was really here for him? Bringing him a drink?
The enormous surprise hit him like a hammer. Almost reflexively, he shot to his feet, accepted the bottle with overwhelming gratitude, and stammered in excitement:
“Thank you—thank you so much! Really, thank you, classmate! Um… could we maybe…”
The words “add WeChat” hadn’t even left his mouth before her next sentence completely blocked them.
“Lu-ge, you have to do your best in the game!”
The moment she spoke, Lu Yang’s head felt as though it had been struck by a heavy hammer—buzzing.
That voice…
“Lu-ge, do your best!”
“Lu-ge, fighting!”
He jerked his head up, staring fixedly at the girl in front of him. How could he possibly forget this voice?!
In his previous life, during university—aside from playing games—Lu Yang had done only two things. One was secretly in love with the campus belle Lin Shu for four years. The other was joining an esports training team called “Youth Squad” because of gaming.
And the captain of that “Youth Squad” was precisely the girl standing before him now—Chen Qing.
She had also been his only friend throughout university.
Almost every game-related memory from his past life was inextricably tied to her.
For her, he had practiced on the sports field until his legs cramped.
For her, he had delivered snacks and drinks to the downstairs of her dorm.
For her, when others mocked him as trash, he had said nothing and silently become stronger.
For her, after lights-out in the dorm, he had sneaked into the bathroom to practice mechanics.
For her, he had given up the chance to go to the best internet café in the university town.
For her, when Lin Shu rejected him, he had still smiled and comforted her.
For her, when the team lost and everyone blamed him, he had shouldered all the blame and resigned as captain.
For her, he had given up every possible future…
Until she decisively quit the Youth Squad for that wealthy, talented senior.
The reason she gave for leaving was a sentence he could never forget:
“Lu-ge, do your best in the game!”
At that time, Chen Qing’s face had worn the exact same clear, familiar smile as now.
But back then, he could no longer feel any kindness or encouragement in that smile.
He had only felt his chest being brutally torn open by immense pain.
His entire world had plunged into darkness.
And now, that same voice, that same smile, appeared before him once again.
“Chen Qing!”
Lu Yang practically gritted his teeth to force out the name.
The girl in front of him seemed momentarily stunned. A flicker of confusion passed through her clear eyes.
“Lu-ge, what’s wrong? Are you too tired from training?”
He stared silently at the girl with her refined features and outstanding aura, his throat working, before finally managing only:
“You… why are you here looking for me?”
Chen Qing’s clear eyes flashed with surprise at his words.
She clearly hadn’t expected Lu Yang to ask something like that.
The clear, familiar smile on her face slowly faded.
“Lu-ge, what’s gotten into you today?”
Her gaze toward him carried a trace of scrutiny and probing.
Lu Yang’s heart thudded.
He knew Chen Qing was smart.
If he acted too abnormally, she would definitely grow suspicious.
He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the turmoil inside, and forced a smile, trying to sound casual:
“Nothing. I was just surprised to suddenly see you.”
“Weren’t you abroad for a tournament? How did you come back so suddenly?”
Chen Qing’s expression eased slightly at his words.
“I wanted to give you a surprise, didn’t I?”
She walked to his side, reached out, and hooked her arm through his, swinging it playfully with a hint of coquetry in her tone.
“I came back especially for you. How is it? Surprised?”
Lu Yang’s body stiffened instantly. A wave of nausea surged in his chest.
He instinctively wanted to shake off her hand.
But his movement was tightly caught by Chen Qing.
“Lu-ge, what’s wrong?”
Confusion filled her eyes.
Lu Yang forced another smile.
“Nothing. Just a bit tired.”
“Let go of me first. I still have to play.”
Chen Qing finally released him at his words.
Her gaze toward him carried a trace of concern.
“Lu-ge, are you okay? Should I go rest with you for a bit?”
“No need.”
Lu Yang shook his head. He didn’t want any more contact with Chen Qing.
He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to hold back and would punch her in the face.
A flash of disappointment crossed Chen Qing’s face.
She pursed her lips, looking at him with a trace of grievance.
“Lu-ge, are you mad at me?”
“I messaged you a few days ago, but you never replied.”
Lu Yang sneered coldly inside.
How could he be mad? He just felt sick.
He didn’t want to entangle with her anymore.
He only said coldly,
“I’m not mad. I’ve just been too busy lately—no time to check my phone.”
“Go back. I have a match today.”
A hurt look flashed across Chen Qing’s face.
Her gaze toward him carried sadness.
“Lu-ge, are you really okay?”
“You never used to treat me like this.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
Lu Yang sneered inwardly.
Did she do something wrong?
She had done far too much wrong.
He only said coldly,
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just not feeling well.”
“Go back. I don’t want to talk to you.”
Despair flickered across Chen Qing’s face.
Her gaze toward him carried pleading.
“Lu-ge, don’t be like this, okay?”
“I really don’t know what I did wrong.”
“Tell me—I’ll change, alright?”
Lu Yang sneered again inside.
Change?
What could she change?
He only said coldly,
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not mad.”
“Leave.”
Unwillingness flashed across Chen Qing’s face.
Her gaze toward him carried resentment.
“Lu-ge, don’t regret this!”
“You’ll definitely regret it later!”
Lu Yang sneered inwardly.
Regret?
The one thing he regretted least in this life was staying away from her.
He only said coldly,
“I won’t regret it.”
Chen Qing’s body trembled sharply.
Her gaze toward him carried venom.
“Lu Yang, just you wait!”
“I’ll make you regret this!”
With that, she turned and left without looking back.
Lu Yang watched her retreating figure with no ripple in his heart.
He only felt that he had finally rid himself of this nauseating woman.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm the surging emotions inside.
He knew—from today onward, his life would change completely.
He would never again abandon his dreams for anyone.
He would become strong—stronger!
He would make everyone who looked down on him pay the price!
He would make those who once hurt him regret it bitterly!
He would make those who once mocked him kneel before him and beg for forgiveness!
He would make those who once betrayed him live worse than death!
He would make those who once scorned him unable to even reach him!
He would make those who once belittled him forever chase his dust!
He would make everyone know that Lu Yang was not trash!
Lu Yang was a king!
Lu Yang was a god!
Lu Yang was a legend!
Lu Yang was an existence that could not be surpassed!
Lu Yang was the ruler of the world!
Lu Yang was…
“Lu-ge, what are you spacing out for? It’s your turn.”
A teammate’s voice snapped Lu Yang out of his thoughts.
He came back to himself, looking at the computer screen in front of him, his eyes blazing with unprecedented light.
He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
He knew—from this moment on, he would no longer be the Lu Yang of his previous life.
He would be the Lu Yang of a new era!
He would be the ruler of the world!
He would be a king!
He would be a god!
He would be a legend!
He would be an existence that could not be surpassed!
He would be the ruler of the world!
He would be…
That one clear, sweet “Lu-ge” carried obvious encouragement and completely confirmed Lu Yang’s suspicion.
Lu Yang: “!!!”
His eyes widened as he examined that peerlessly beautiful face almost nose-to-nose.
Setting aside the meticulous makeup—the facial contours, the look in her eyes, the occasional tiny expressions that slipped through…
“You—you’re Su Mian…”
He nearly shouted it out loud but managed to stop himself in time. Still, the shock on his face was beyond words.
Su Mian hurriedly shot him a fierce warning glance, signaling him to shut up.
In that instant, Lu Yang’s emotions were indescribably complicated.
Good news: A beauty whose looks and aura crushed the entire scene had taken the initiative to approach him and bring him a drink.
Bad news: This stunning beauty was his roommate Su Mian—the one he had coaxed, persuaded, and practically begged to cross-dress and come save the day!!!
Shock, absurdity, wry amusement, and a bizarre sense of pride—“my roommate is actually this badass”—all tangled together.
For a moment, strange thoughts even popped into his head uncontrollably.
If Shen Zhixia found out that the childhood friend she had always looked down on could outshine her, the campus belle, when cross-dressed—what would her face look like?
But now wasn’t the time to think about that. The moment for counterattack had arrived!
Beside them, Wang Liang’s expression had gone from confident certainty to complete disbelief and ghostly shock.
He pointed at Su Mian, then at Lu Yang, his voice cracking:
“Lu Yang, she… she’s the little fangirl you mentioned earlier?!”
How was this possible?!
What right did a guy like Lu Yang have?!
Before Lu Yang could answer, Su Mian had already turned slightly, responding in her sweet voice—clear yet coolly distant:
“Yes. I came to cheer for Lu-ge.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “Lu-ge.”
Lu Yang’s heart practically burst with joy!
Su Mian was too amazing!
Calling him “Lu-ge” so sweetly and naturally!
Wait… he suddenly realized—why did Su Mian’s voice sound like this?
It was exactly like a girl’s.
Su Mian seemed to notice his surprise. While Wang Liang was still stunned, she quickly leaned close to his ear and whispered in a breathy voice:
“I’ve practiced falsetto. Don’t freak out and give us away!”
Lu Yang suddenly understood! No wonder lately he kept hearing faint, girl-like phone voices in the dorm—he had thought they were from next door. So it was actually…
Wang Liang’s gaze remained glued to Su Mian’s face. The girls beside him, whom he had previously thought were decent, now seemed utterly dull in comparison.
Unwilling to give up, he forced what he believed was a graceful smile and spoke again:
“Classmate, may I know your name? I’m Wang Liang, from the Economics Department.”
Lu Yang immediately stepped in front of Su Mian, snapping:
“Too much!”
Wang Liang gave a fake smile. “What’s wrong with getting acquainted? Just making friends. Besides, didn’t I kindly offer to introduce girls to you earlier?”
Su Mian shot him an unmasked eye-roll, her tone distant and cold:
“Sorry, but I’m not interested in getting to know you.”
With that, she turned back to Lu Yang, completely ignoring Wang Liang’s instantly livid face, and encouraged:
“Lu-ge, the second half is about to start. Do your best! I believe you can win!”
Those simple words of encouragement seemed to carry magical power, instantly igniting all of Lu Yang’s fighting spirit and bloodlust!
All the pent-up frustration, anger, and unwillingness transformed into surging battle intent!
The second half began.
Wang Liang—who had originally planned to thoroughly humiliate Lu Yang with skill—discovered in horror that his opponent seemed like an entirely different person!
Lu Yang charged left and right like he had been injected with chicken blood—precise shots, tricky passes, airtight defense!
Under his lead, the N University team’s morale soared. They clawed back the score bit by bit and ultimately pulled off a heart-stopping comeback from behind!
Seeing the mission accomplished, Su Mian let out a huge sigh of relief. She only wanted to escape this trouble spot immediately.
While everyone was still celebrating, she quietly approached the sweat-drenched but beaming Lu Yang and whispered:
“Lu-ge, I’m leaving first.”
Lu Yang was practically overflowing with gratitude toward her. He quickly whispered back:
“Mian-zi! No words can express my thanks! Thanks to you today! I’ll treat you to a big meal later—order whatever you want!”
Su Mian nodded, not daring to linger. She pulled her trench coat tighter, lowered her head again, and hurried back the way she came toward the drama club, desperate to change back into the male clothes that gave her a sense of security.
By now the sky had gradually darkened. The campus festival was nearing its end; the noisy crowds began to disperse. Street lamps lit up one after another, spreading circles of dim yellow halos in the twilight.
Su Mian had only walked a short distance from the basketball court and was secretly relieved that everything had gone smoothly when her gaze casually swept ahead—and she froze as if struck by lightning. Cold sweat instantly poured down her back.
Not far ahead, beneath a street lamp, a tall, upright figure leaned casually against the pole.
Who else could it be but Xiao Moyuan?
Hadn’t he said he was staying home?!
Su Mian’s mind went completely blank. Her only thought was: Run!
She instinctively spun around, about to flee in the opposite direction.
But she was still one step too slow.
Xiao Moyuan seemed to have noticed her long ago.
Just as Su Mian’s heart pounded wildly and her mind raced for an explanation, a voice she loathed came from behind.
“Hey! Beauty! Don’t walk so fast!”
It was actually the persistent Wang Liang chasing after her. Clearly still unwilling to give up, he wore what he thought was a charming smile and caught up to her in a few strides.
“I really want to get to know you—be friends. I’m not bad myself. Free tonight? Want to grab a couple drinks?”
Su Mian’s alarm bells rang. She only wanted to shake off this nuisance. Ignoring Wang Liang completely, she quickened her pace.
Seeing her refuse to acknowledge him, Wang Liang’s face couldn’t take the humiliation—especially after losing face on the court earlier. A surge of malice rose in him. He actually reached out directly, trying to grab Su Mian’s arm:
“Hey! I’m talking to you! Did you hear me?!”
The instant his fingers were about to touch the sleeve of Su Mian’s trench coat—
“Bang!”
A muffled thud, followed by Wang Liang’s short, pained cry.
Su Mian felt a slight breeze pass by her side. She subconsciously turned—and saw Wang Liang, for some reason, kneeling on one knee in an extremely pathetic posture, clutching the back of his calf, his face full of pain and shock.
And Xiao Moyuan—without her noticing when—had already appeared like a phantom between her and Wang Liang.
He didn’t even glance at the man on the ground, as though he had merely swatted away an annoying mosquito.
Those deep eyes were now locked unwaveringly on the panicked Su Mian.
The dim yellow streetlight cast ambiguous shadows across the sharp lines of his profile. The corner of his lips seemed to curve in an extremely faint arc. His low, magnetic voice carried clearly through the rising evening breeze into Su Mian’s ears:
“Having fun?”
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, The Moon Reflected In The Water is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : The Moon Reflected In The Water
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