Jiang Mianmian was a little worried about Zhou Nanye. However, since this was a mixed doubles match, she was positioned too far to approach him.

Zhou Nanye, sensing Mianmian’s concerned gaze, turned to her and gave a reassuring smile.

‘Mianmian, I’m fine.’

‘Good. Don’t stress. We’ve already secured first place.’

Jiang Mianmian responded with a smile and a subtle nod, her expression conveying her meaning clearly. Zhou Nanye understood immediately.

Their silent exchange revealed a tacit understanding between the two.

Meanwhile, watching this interaction made Ming Yao burn with rage.

Jiang Mianmian, who used to be utterly devoted to him, was now fawning over another man. How could he not be furious?

He was determined to utterly crush this stuttering loser.

This tennis match wasn’t an official game but one of the fun activities in the competition. The rules were simple: whoever scored the most points within 20 minutes would win.

Now it was Zhou Nanye’s turn to serve.

He served with unexpected force, his ball shooting across the court with fierce precision.

This wasn’t just a tennis match—it was a battle between two men vying for dominance in front of the woman they both cared for.

Zhou Nanye, who could be gentle and loyal like a puppy around Jiang Mianmian, turned into a fierce wolf against his opponent.

He refused to lose to the man Jiang Mianmian once liked.

This was his chance to prove that she hadn’t chosen wrong.

Though it was supposed to be a four-player game, it quickly devolved into a heated one-on-one duel, with the other two players sidelined as spectators.

The audience was riveted, their attention glued to the intense exchange. At the same time, whispers of gossip spread like wildfire:

“I heard Ming Yao’s been playing tennis for years. Zhou Nanye, on the other hand, just started learning from Jiang Mianmian a week ago. Can he really hold his own against Ming Yao?”

“No way. Ming Yao’s definitely going to win.”

It seemed impossible for Zhou Nanye, a complete novice, to defeat Ming Yao, a seasoned player.

“Still, Zhou Nanye’s not backing down. Look at that aura—he’s holding his own like a real contender!”

“Typical rivals-in-love scenario. Both of them are fighting to impress the girl. I can’t wait to see who wins.”

Ming Yao quickly returned Zhou Nanye’s powerful serve with a fierce shot of his own.

But Zhou Nanye wasn’t intimidated. He returned the ball just as aggressively.

The two went back and forth, exchanging rapid shots. The crowd was shocked by Zhou Nanye’s performance, impressed that he could keep up with Ming Yao after only a week of practice.

Even if Zhou Nanye didn’t win, his effort was already commendable.

No one could reasonably expect a beginner to triumph over someone who had been playing recreational tennis for years.

Ming Yao, however, was starting to feel unsettled.

Tennis was his pride and joy, yet Zhou Nanye, a complete novice, had managed to return his shots multiple times.

His face darkened. Zhou Nanye was improving far too quickly.

From being unable to hit the ball at all at the start, Zhou Nanye was now returning every shot with growing confidence.

Ming Yao stopped underestimating him. The casual ease with which he had expected to defeat Zhou Nanye was replaced by a need to take the game seriously.

Stealing a glance at Jiang Mianmian—her stunning beauty highlighted by her position behind Zhou Nanye—Ming Yao felt a surge of jealousy and determination.

I have to win, he thought. I have to show Jiang Mianmian that I’m the one who belongs by her side.

Ming Yao channeled all his energy into the match, unleashing a barrage of increasingly powerful shots.

Zhou Nanye noticed the shift in Ming Yao’s intensity and focused entirely on countering his attacks. But after several exchanges, one particularly fast ball slipped past Zhou Nanye.

It had been so close. He almost returned it.

Still, Zhou Nanye didn’t let the setback discourage him. He quickly analyzed the ball’s trajectory, strategizing for the next move.

Tennis wasn’t just about strength and speed—it also required intelligence and strategy.

Ming Yao, however, mistook Zhou Nanye’s pause for defeat and sneered triumphantly.

He turned to Jiang Mianmian and called out, “Jiang Mianmian!”

Jiang Mianmian frowned slightly, glancing over at him.

To her astonishment, Ming Yao dramatically pulled off his sports shirt, revealing his toned abs. Tossing his shirt aside, he posed confidently, flaunting his athletic physique.

His flirtatious gaze and peacocking were unmistakable—he was blatantly trying to woo her.

Jiang Mianmian was left speechless.

The same Ming Yao who had once coldly rejected and ignored the original Jiang Mianmian was now desperately trying to win her back after losing her.

Ridiculous.

She ignored him and refocused her attention on Zhou Nanye.

Zhou Nanye, however, had noticed Ming Yao’s shameless display.

His fists clenched slightly.

Mianmian is mine.