"The three of us have long since become one!" Yu Qing bellowed, earning himself a fair share of strange looks from those around them.
Fei Cheng covered his eyes. "Brother Cheng, aren't you going to do something about him?"
Cheng Yifei looked up at Yu Qing. "There’s an English pop quiz later. Have you memorized all the vocabulary and short sentences?"
Yu Qing clutched his head and made a zipping motion across his lips. He scurried back to his seat, muttering under his breath about how "kindness is never rewarded."
Just before the evening self-study bell rang, Liu Yucong and his gang finally slunk in through the back door, their faces covered in bruises. After being spotted by "Big Eyes," they were subjected to another round of scolding and ordered to write a three-thousand-word self-reflection each.
Fei Cheng didn't even need to turn around to feel the blade-like glares directed at his back. He felt quite innocent; it wasn't like they were the ones who had beaten them up. Besides, he was clearly the one being bullied—why did they look more aggrieved than him?
Putting that matter aside for the moment, the most important thing at hand was the upcoming New Year's Day basketball tournament.
Liu Yucong loved to fight, but he also loved basketball. There were thirty or forty boys in the class, but only five could be chosen for the team, plus two substitutes. Excluding the boys who weren't interested or lacked the necessary "hardware," there were still about twenty people vying for a spot. The competition was fierce.
Starting in December, Cheng Yifei and Yu Qing would head to the basketball court with the other boys every day after school for a game.
Fei Cheng would occasionally sit under a tree to watch. Watching made his hands itch to play, but since he couldn't actually touch the ball, he spent most of his time in the library reading extracurricular books while waiting for them.
The library was right next to the sports field, so close that he could see everything outside from the window.
Winter had arrived, and the weather was mostly dry and cold. While most people were bundled up in sweaters and gloves, the guys on the basketball court were incredibly tough. They shed their heavy coats, wearing either short or long sleeves, and ran until they were drenched in sweat.
When Fei Cheng stepped out of the library, he could almost see the steam rising off Cheng Yifei and the others.
"Impressive, impressive." He gave the two of them a thumbs-up.
Yu Qing stepped forward, intending to sling an arm around his shoulder as usual, but Fei Cheng nimbly dodged him. Yu Qing let out a "Heh!" and asked, "What are you dodging for?"
"You're covered in sweat. Stay away from me. If you get my clothes dirty, are you going to wash them?" Fei Cheng shot him a look and tightened his light blue athletic jacket. Even with a sweater underneath, the cold wind still made him shiver occasionally.
Instead of listening, Yu Qing leaned in even closer. "I'll wash them, I'll wash them! Cheng Yifei and I just beat Liu Yucong’s team. Hehehe, I really did you proud. Aren't you going to give me a hug?"
"No. Get lost." Fei Cheng ducked behind Cheng Yifei. Seeing that Yu Qing still dared to pounce, he didn't bother asking for help from Cheng Yifei—whose hair was also damp with sweat—and simply took off running.
Yu Qing chased after him wildly. "Cheng-cheng, I LOVE YOU! Don't run~"
Fei Cheng was running down the steps when he heard Yu Qing’s cheesy nonsense. A wave of revulsion hit him, and he nearly twisted his ankle. He might not be as strong as Yu Qing, but his running speed was top-tier.
Cheng Yifei descended the steps calmly, watching his two friends chase each other across the field. His expression remained unchanged, as if he were burdened by some sort of "idol baggage" that required him to stay cool.
As he ran, Yu Qing looked back for Cheng Yifei. Once he spotted him, he waved and shouted, "Brother, keep up!"
Cheng Yifei’s face remained stoic: "..."
Fei Cheng had already run to the soccer field next to the basketball court. Of course, the soccer field was just for show; no one ever actually played soccer there.
Seeing that Yu Qing was no longer behind him, he stopped, slightly out of breath, and waited for them.
Cheng Yifei gradually picked up his pace from a walk to a jog, passing right by Yu Qing and heading straight for Fei Cheng.
"Damn!" Yu Qing lifted his feet and gave chase.
Once the three of them met up, they stopped fooling around and walked toward the cafeteria in a relaxed manner, discussing which dishes to eat for dinner.
Groups like theirs could be seen everywhere across the campus. Most faces were bright with the colors of youth and happiness.
On the pull-up bars under a banyan tree, Liu Yucong sat alone, staring gloomily at the backs of the three boys. He had also just finished playing; his bangs were wet, and the sleeves of his black long-sleeved shirt were rolled up to his elbows, revealing sturdy arms with prominent veins.
He hated Cheng Yifei, but he also admired him. Therefore, he could overlook Cheng Yifei's actions. What he couldn't understand was how that spineless weakling, "Fei-dog," had become like this. Shouldn't he be humbly obeying them, doing whatever he was told?
Did he really think he could turn his life around just by hanging out with Cheng Yifei?
Pah!
He jumped down from the bar and walked toward the cafeteria alone.
"Brother Cong!"
Suddenly, someone caught up from behind. Liu Yucong glanced back and saw it was Yang Kaikai. He didn't have much of an opinion of this classmate and asked impatiently, "What is it?"
Yang Kaikai gave a cheeky grin, keeping a distance of a step or two beside Liu Yucong. "Nothing. I just saw you playing basketball. That last three-pointer was super accurate! You're amazing, Brother Cong."
No one disliked being praised. Although Liu Yucong had lost to Cheng Yifei's team, he was quite confident in his shooting. He huffed, not hiding his teenage bravado. "As long as I touch the ball, the moment I leap, the points are as good as mine."
Yang Kaikai agreed wholeheartedly. "I saw it all. Out of twenty baskets, you made thirteen. It's a pity my jumping ability is no good; I can only watch you guys play. Brother Cong, the New Year's basketball tournament depends on you!"
Liu Yucong didn't speak, but his slightly raised chin betrayed his pride.
At the cafeteria, Liu Yucong ordered his food only to realize he didn't have his meal tickets on him. The cafeteria lady tapped her ladle and reached out her hand for the ticket.
Liu Yucong froze in embarrassment. "..."
Without a word, Yang Kaikai stepped in to pay. "Brother Cong, use mine. I happened to bring extra."
Liu Yucong’s lips moved, but the word "thanks" was still too difficult for him to say. He simply pretended nothing had happened, picked up his tray, and walked away.
The cafeteria was crowded at this hour. By the time Yang Kaikai got his food, Liu Yucong was nowhere to be seen. He sighed inwardly—what a waste! He hadn't even finished what he wanted to say, and he'd wasted a meal ticket for nothing!
He went to grab his utensils, and Liu Yucong walked over carrying his soup. "The seats are over there."
Yang Kaikai was a bit surprised and quickly followed behind him.
As it happened, when it was crowded, there was no choice in seating. They ended up at the table next to Fei Cheng’s group.
Yu Qing’s voice carried over clearly.
"Seriously, our class is definitely going to win the championship. Liu Yucong’s three-pointers are accurate, Yifei’s forward play is powerful, and as for me, as long as I defend properly, we’re basically set. That 'Giant Legion' from Class 7 is all show and no substance, hehe~"
Fei Cheng swallowed his food. "Don't get too cocky. Our class is strong, but the people in Class 7 aren't pushovers either. You can tell just by watching their practice games. Actually, I think by playing against each other like this, your tactics are being seen by the other classes. They'll definitely target you when the time comes."
Cheng Yifei added, "They're also practicing in front of everyone. We're in the same boat. Besides, it's unlikely anyone really understands things like 'tactics.'"
Fei Cheng smiled. "Brother Cheng, are you kidding me? Without tactics, would they just chase the ball around like a swarm of headless flies? The captains will surely make arrangements."
Yu Qing didn't like the feeling of not understanding the conversation. "What are you guys talking about? What tactics?"
Fei Cheng explained casually, "It's the various ways you and your teammates coordinate while playing."
Yu Qing scoffed. "It's all about chemistry! Tactics my ass."
Fei Cheng: "..."
Cheng Yifei took a sip of soup. "See? There's an example right in front of you."
Fei Cheng was speechless for a moment before he couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, chemistry it is. Chemistry."
They finished eating, cleared their trays, and left. Once they were outside the cafeteria doors, Yu Qing said with great regret, "I actually praised Liu Yucong just now. Damn. I didn't know he was at the next table when I said his three-pointers were accurate. If I'd known, I wouldn't have said it. He must be feeling so smug right now!"
Fei Cheng patted his shoulder. "What you said was the truth. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Yu Qing: "..."
Inside the cafeteria, Yang Kaikai glanced at Liu Yucong and asked cautiously, "Brother Cong, have you and Fei Cheng... reconciled?"
"Reconciled my ass! Impossible!" Liu Yucong spat out a curse, his mood plummeting.
Yang Kaikai let out an "Uh." "Then... he's pretty bold. He sought out Cheng Yifei right at the start of the semester. Who knows how much money he gave Cheng Yifei to be his friend? Now he acts like he's fearless because someone's covering for him."
"Shut your damn mouth. Cheng Yifei’s family is richer than that brat's. Why would he need to take money to make friends?"
Yang Kaikai was caught off guard. Cheng Yifei’s family was richer than Fei Cheng’s? He hadn't seen any sign of it at all; he’d never even seen Cheng Yifei buy snacks.
Liu Yucong lowered his head and shoveled food into his mouth. After finishing in two or three minutes, he finally spoke. "Just wait. After the basketball tournament is over, Fei-dog’s good days will be at an end. I don't believe Cheng Yifei can protect him twenty-four hours a day."
Yang Kaikai gave a couple of dry laughs, maintaining an attitude of not wanting to get involved in their grudge.
Liu Yucong suddenly remembered something. "Doesn't Fei-dog like that girl from Class 3?"
Yang Kaikai froze, his expression turning strange. "Who? Qiu... Qiu Minmin?"
"Yes, her!"
Yang Kaikai said in shock, "Brother Cong, Minmin doesn't even know Fei Cheng! Don't... don't go after her, okay?"
Liu Yucong let out a triumphant laugh. "Who cares if she knows Fei-dog or not? It's enough that Fei-dog likes her. Once I get her for myself..."
Yang Kaikai’s face went stiff. He had watched her for so long without daring to disturb her, yet Liu Yucong decided to pursue her just like that?!
"Brother Cong, her grades are very good. She's not like us. And doesn't Fei Cheng only have a secret crush on her? Why don't you find another way to teach him a lesson?"
Liu Yucong seemed to pick up on something. He looked at Yang Kaikai with a teasing smile. "You're so nervous, speaking up for her... you wouldn't happen to like her too, would you?"
Yang Kaikai laughed awkwardly. "No, no. She's a friend of a friend. For my friend's sake, I'm just saying a few words, that's all."
Liu Yucong sized him up for a moment, then lost interest. "I'm leaving. I'll pay you back for the meal ticket later."
Yang Kaikai nodded with a smile.
After Liu Yucong left, Yang Kaikai poked at the rice on his tray absentmindedly, thinking with deep worry: *That idiot Liu Yucong isn't actually going to look for Qiu Minmin, is he?!*
