Chapter 27: The Basketball Game

“Okay, thank you.”

“Do you find it comfortable living here?”

“Very much so, I’m really happy.”

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

Coming to Lin Beixiu’s place, she experienced the warmth of family and affection for the first time.

“Feeling cared for is really nice.”

“That’s good.”

Lin Beixiu headed out, “Sleep early.”

The next day was just like any other, with Lin Beixiu getting up early to help out, and Qin Muxue joining him at the shop later.

What really frustrated her was her inability to wake up early, despite Lin Beixiu, who slept like a log at school, managing to rise early at home, which felt almost supernatural to her.

In the morning, Qin Muxue found joy amidst the hardship, her skills improving, and even earning praise from some customers.

Neighbors knew each other well here, and soon, many were aware that Old Zhang’s grandson had brought a girlfriend home. Everyone who met Qin Muxue complimented her.

Blushing, Qin Muxue found herself at a loss for words.

Lin Beixiu helped explain, chatting happily with the elders.

After they left, Lin Beixiu reassured Qin Muxue, “The old folks mean no harm; they’re just curious.”

“It’s okay, I find this atmosphere very warm.”

Qin Muxue was experiencing this warm, homely vibe for the first time. Before, she had never had the chance, always stuck at home alone.

The hustle and bustle of life, indeed, soothes the soul.

After a busy morning, Qin Muxue returned home with them, and Old Zhang handed her two buns with a smile.

“Try our homemade buns, girl.”

“Ah.”

Surprised, Qin Muxue accepted them.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

This gesture reminded her of her grandmother secretly giving her treats behind her mother’s back.

These buns tasted exceptionally good.

“Grandpa, these are delicious, even better than what Lin Beixiu makes.”

Lin Beixiu: …

She could’ve just praised them without taking a dig at him.

“Maybe the one you ate was made by me.”

“Heh,” Qin Muxue rolled her eyes.

…

For lunch, Old Zhang prepared to cook a big meal.

“Girl, you’ll taste my cooking today.”

Smiling, Qin Muxue nodded, urging Lin Beixiu to help.

“Why don’t you go?”

“Grandpa told me not to.”

Lin Beixiu then went to help in the kitchen, and they enjoyed a lavish lunch.

“Treat this like your own home, girl.”

“Okay.”

Qin Muxue responded, not forgetting to serve Old Zhang, who increasingly found her endearing.

Lin Beixiu felt like an outsider watching them.

In the afternoon, Old Zhang gave Lin Beixiu some money, urging him not to be stingy and to take her out for some fun.

Reluctantly, Lin Beixiu feared she might go crazy and start hitting him again.

Old Zhang, noticing Lin Beixiu’s reluctance, patted his shoulder.

“Go on, it’ll improve your friendship with your classmate.”

Such a fool.

Lin Beixiu frowned, sensing something off in his grandfather’s tone.

…

Walking ahead on the street, Lin Beixiu looked dejected, followed by Qin Muxue.

“What’s with the face as if someone owes you money?”

Qin Muxue feigned ignorance, well aware of the conversation between the grandfather and grandson. It was clear Lin Beixiu didn’t want to take her out.

“Heh.”

Lin Beixiu rolled his eyes and kept silent.

“Anyway, grandpa asked me to take you out. Whatever you want to do is fine by me.”

“Is there a sports field nearby?”

“There’s a basketball court and badminton.”

“Then let’s go there. You can play basketball, right?”

Her tone was skeptical, annoying Lin Beixiu.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, just a challenge.”

“Who’s afraid?”

Lin Beixiu couldn’t stand it and retorted, their gaze sparking a silent challenge.

…

At the indoor court, Qin Muxue stood under the basket, dribbling the ball.

“If we’re competing, there should be a wager. What do you think?”

“What’s the bet?”

Qin Muxue smirked, “Nothing too demanding. If I win, just a simple ‘sister’ will do.”

Lin Beixiu’s lips twitched. She was really fixated on this.

“And if I win?”

“What do you want?” she asked.

“A get-out-of-jail-free card. Your hits really hurt,” Lin Beixiu thought and said.

Qin Muxue laughed and tossed him the ball.

“Deal.”

Lin Beixiu threw the ball back, “Let’s start.”

She didn’t take it easy, aiming for a spectacular jump shot from behind, hitting the mark perfectly.

“I score first.”

“First to ten points.”

Lin Beixiu took the ball from her, not holding back this time.

…

The score was tied at nine each.

Lin Beixiu, ball in hand, couldn’t afford to make a mistake. He thought about a three-pointer but doubted his accuracy.

Qin Muxue had made all her shots, and Lin Beixiu had to work hard to catch up.

He drove towards the basket, jumping for a dunk. Qin Muxue leaped to block it, leading to inevitable physical contact. She knocked the ball away, but Lin Beixiu, carried by momentum, ended up on top of her.

Soft.

Realizing where his face had landed, Lin Beixiu quickly backed away.

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