Chapter 39 – It Actually Hurts

“Qin Shi—”

“Miss He, if there’s nothing else, please leave. I’m waiting for my girlfriend.”

He stressed the last word.
The strapless‑gown socialite—the sponsor’s heiress who had pestered Star ever since falling for him on‑stage—blinked, wounded. Qin Shi had endured her several times for Coach Yang’s sake, but patience had limits.

“Only a girlfriend? She isn’t your wife.”
“I’m dating her with the intention of marrying her,” he answered coldly.

She wilted yet lingered, plucking petals from a shrub. Qin Shi ignored her, checked his phone again: Why isn’t Huan‑huan here yet? A stab of anxiety pricked him.

The fall

Farther back, in the small rear pool, Li Huan‑huan was shoved from behind.
Spring water was still chilly; it flooded her collar as she plunged. She kicked up—cramp! Her calf knotted, panic dragged her down.

Bubbles erupted—then a white figure sliced in: golden hair flickering like light.
Zhang Can‑yang wrapped an arm round her, but reflexively she clutched him in terror. He steadied her, signalled relax, then towed her to the edge.

They hauled out, dripping. Huan‑huan gasped; the sun slowly thawed her lungs.
“Can‑yang…?” she rasped.

He wrung out his jacket. “I came to be a knight, to save my sister,” he joked, and draped the coat over her shoulders.

Guests hurried over—recognising Fox, then the soaked “girlfriend” of Star. Whispers flared:

“Did Fox just steal Star’s girl?”

“What’s her charm? Looks average…”

Huan‑huan stiffened. The earlier sting about being “unworthy” returned. Can‑yang’s smile vanished; he glared at the onlookers.

“Chirping crickets hiding in grass—mind your own business.”

Silence.

He swept her up in a bridal carry. She flailed. “Put me down! Too many people!”

“You can’t walk in those wet heels.” He strode off—until a frigid voice cut through:

“Fox, where are you taking my girlfriend?”

Qin Shi had arrived, flanked by teammates.

Can‑yang faced him, eyes playful. “Our superstar looks fiery.”

Huan‑huan, clutching the coat, remembered overheard words—different worlds… not worthy. She felt small, out of place. She tapped Can‑yang’s shoulder. “Please… put me down.”

Reluctantly he set her on her feet. Qin Shi stepped forward, ignoring Miss He entirely.

“Li Huan‑huan, you’re soaked. Come upstairs, we’ll change.”
He reached for her wrist.

She pulled back. His eyes flickered, hurt.

“I—I’m fine. I… want to go home.” Her voice wavered but she forced a smile. “You still have things to do. Please… don’t follow.”

Qin Shi’s hand hung in the air. Around them, murmurs swelled. Huan‑huan turned, tears blurring her vision, and walked away—coat clutched tight—while the world swam in a watery haze.