Chapter 40 Defeated by You

After watching the match, the four prepared to leave. As they walked down the corridor, a voice called out from behind, “Shuran.” Turning, they saw Chen Lecheng jogging up, accompanied by Zhu Hongzhe, whose expression was somewhat peculiar.

Chen Lecheng gave Zhu Hongzhe’s shoulder a boastful slap. “See, didn’t I say this person ahead looked like Shuran?”

Zhu Hongzhe’s glance had a hint of embarrassment as it swept past Fu Yiqing, but he quickly focused on Shuran. “Shuran, I didn’t expect you to come to the World Championships. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Fu Yiqing responded ahead of Shuran, “It was a sudden decision.”

His flat tone was so soporific it nearly lulled one to sleep, and it made the atmosphere even more awkward.

Zhu Hongzhe nodded as if to say, “So that’s how it is,” then continued, “Shuran, how long are you staying here? Would you like to spend a few days with us in Vancouver? I’ll treat you.”

As he said “I’ll treat you,” his face bloomed with a dazzling smile that made it hard to refuse.

Shuran caught sight of Fu Yiqing’s gloomy expression. She knew his dislike of Zhu Hongzhe was probably rooted in her spending too much time with them. He must worry that she’d lose focus on training.

“Ah, what a pity.” She smiled with a sigh, speaking honestly, “But I have to go back for training.”

Shuran always considered others’ feelings in everything she did. Zhu Hongzhe and Chen Lecheng were her closest friends since joining the national team, and she did not want to disappoint them. So her refusal was gentle.

Chen Lecheng frowned in surprise. “The season’s over. Do you really need to rush back to training?”

His probing gaze darted toward Fu Yiqing, and he whispered, “Is your coach really that strict with you?”

Shuran smiled lightly and shrugged, without explaining the real reason.

The smile in Zhu Hongzhe’s eyes faded, but he kept a cheerful look on his face. “Alright then. Next time, let’s hang out together. Wu Xincheng and Shen Yu too.”

“Sure.”

Just as Shuran was about to turn away, Chen Lecheng stopped her again. “Ah, I just remembered—wait a moment… Wu Xincheng said she’s looking for you. Do you want to go see her now?”

Shuran glanced at Fu Yiqing, her look clearly seeking permission. Seeing him nod, she finally smiled at ease and followed Chen Lecheng and Zhu Hongzhe away.

Qin Liubei and Xu Jingyu stood not far off, quietly watching the scene, engaged in a soft discussion.

Qin Liubei said, “Why is it always that men’s singles athlete again?”

Xu Jingyu smiled, “Looks like our Shuran is quite popular.”

Qin Liubei gave her a cold look. “Our… Shuran? Since when do I have a child?”

Xu Jingyu glared at him, “Get lost.”

Qin Liubei continued, “Just look how protective Old Fu is, shielding Shuran like a tyrant.”

Xu Jingyu’s mind was quick. “Protecting the young—Shuran.”

Prompted by the keywords, Qin Liubei’s thoughts finally aligned with Xu Jingyu’s.

In unison, they said, “Protect—Shu—Treasure?”

Xu Jingyu, struck by the joke, couldn’t stop hitting Qin Liubei, who endured the pain with joy.

Finally, Qin Liubei walked over and asked Fu Yiqing, “That kid just lured Shuran away, why didn’t you stop him? Or did you not notice he was lying?”

Fu Yiqing looked straight ahead. “I know.”

Clearly, he’d just called out Shuran’s name tentatively, and now claimed Wu Xincheng was looking for her. But how would Wu Xincheng know Shuran was at the World Championships? Unless Zhu Hongzhe told her—but Zhu Hongzhe hadn’t even told Chen Lecheng, let alone someone from the pairs event like Wu Xincheng.

Such an obvious lie—of course he knew.

Children always think their lies can fool adults.

When they reached backstage, Chen Lecheng patted his chest and exhaled in relief. “Whew, that was close. Nearly got caught.”

Shuran looked puzzled. “Caught? What do you mean?”

Chen Lecheng grinned at her. “Wu Xincheng wasn’t actually looking for you. I said that to rescue you.”

Shuran was even more confused. “What?”

“Wu Xincheng was looking for me. You two chat, I’m off to find her.” Chen Lecheng winked at Zhu Hongzhe and ran off cheerfully.

A wave of nervousness crashed over Zhu Hongzhe. He glanced at Shuran, noting her confusion and realizing she hadn’t understood Chen Lecheng’s intent. Only then did he relax.

He exhaled, looking at Shuran. “Chen Lecheng thinks your coach is too harsh, so he lied to get you here. Tell me honestly—are you really not rushing back to training?”

In his gaze, Shuran saw desperation.

She shook her head. “I’m telling the truth.”

With Fu Yiqing’s oppressive presence gone, Zhu Hongzhe’s demeanor returned to normal. “You’re lying. The season just ended, the next doesn’t start for months—who believes you need to train now?”

Shuran lowered her eyes, unsure how to explain.

She suddenly understood why athletes of vastly different abilities don’t often spend time with top talents. For the less skilled, it’s hard to explain their anxieties and fears to the elite; under the aura of the stars, their own inferiority becomes painfully clear.

“What’s wrong?” Zhu Hongzhe frowned, lost in thought. Suddenly, he said, “I knew it—your coach is too strict!”

Shuran hurriedly shook her head. “No, no, my coach is very kind.”

She didn’t realize that her eagerness to explain only confirmed Zhu Hongzhe’s suspicions that Fu Yiqing was cold and ruthless.

Zhu Hongzhe grumbled, “How can he push you like that? Is achievement really forced?”

He grabbed Shuran’s wrist. “I’ll talk to him for you. Results can’t be rushed—you need balance between work and rest.”

“No.” Shuran raised her voice, seeing he wanted to continue, “Really, there’s no need!”

Zhu Hongzhe paused, turning to look at her.

Shuran’s cheeks reddened. “I’m not angry at you, nor am I defending Coach Fu. He really is good to me. The training is my own request. Because there were so many compliments online recently, I got a bit arrogant. He brought me to the World Championships for that reason.”

Her gaze dimmed. “Watching the matches made me realize how big the gap is between me and them. So I want to seize the time to train. The Winter Olympics are in 2022, just two years away.”

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Shuran felt she really couldn’t keep playing with Zhu Hongzhe and the others—not until after the Olympics. At least until then, she couldn’t indulge herself.

“Hmm—” Zhu Hongzhe elongated the syllable, as if weighing the truth of her words. “Seems you really do need to work hard. If you make it to the Olympics, how about I give you a gift?”

Shuran’s eyes lit up and she nodded with a smile.

Zhu Hongzhe stared at her for a moment, then lowered his gaze, only to lift his eyes again. “But I’m serious about balancing work and rest. I’ve been through what you’re experiencing. I just want to tell you—take care of your body. Don’t ruin it for the sake of training. That’s most important, understand?”

Usually a joker, Zhu Hongzhe’s face was uncharacteristically earnest and sincere as he offered advice.

But his seriousness lasted barely three seconds. Crossing his arms, he gave Shuran a disdainful look. “You have to make it to the Olympics—only then do you deserve to hang out with me.”

His joke made Shuran laugh. “Alright, I’ll do my best.”

“Work and rest in balance. Spending time with us champions will give you more valuable experience than training alone.”

Shuran shot him a sidelong glance, her smile gentle.

Zhu Hongzhe lowered his arms, asking seriously, “But honestly, does your coach really treat you well? Why does he always look so stern? And does he dislike me? Every time I approach, he never gives me a pleasant look.”

Shuran thought: He finally figured it out?

She waved her hand with a smile. “How could that be? He only jokes with people he knows well. When he first started coaching me, he always looked stern too.”

When Shuran returned, Fu Yiqing was on the phone, leaning against the door. His gaze happened to fall on her; their eyes met, and a subtle smile tugged at his lips, his expression much softer.

Shuran smiled.

She was telling the truth; Coach Fu really was good to her.

Her conversation with Zhu Hongzhe had made her recall meeting Fu Yiqing for the first time, when he’d been sharp-tongued and chilly. Compared to now, she realized just how much he’d changed.

She walked over to Fu Yiqing. “Coach Fu.”

Fu Yiqing finished his call quickly and hung up. “Finished talking with them?”

Shuran nodded, looking around. “Where’s Jingyu?”

“They went to buy souvenirs. Do you want one?”

She shook her head.

As they waited together, the soft wind carried Fu Yiqing’s gentle voice. “Were you so happy talking with them?”

Shuran wondered if it was her imagination—did Fu Yiqing sound jealous?

The thought surfaced, but she immediately dismissed it.

Impossible. It must be her imagination.

She replied honestly, “It’s always nice to see friends in a foreign country.”

Fu Yiqing said, “Friends?”

“Hm?” Shuran didn’t catch his meaning and looked at him, puzzled.

But he relaxed, smiling softly as he touched her hair. “It’s nothing. I just wanted to say, it’s fine if you stay and play a few more days.”

Shuran’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

She hurried to take out her phone. “Then I’ll contact Zhu Hongzhe…”

Before she finished, her phone was snatched from her hand. Looking up, she saw a face with a collapsed smile.

Shuran’s face was full of mischievous delight.

Fu Yiqing glanced at her, then at her phone screen—she had opened WeChat. Suddenly he realized she’d been teasing him, and he laughed helplessly.

“You’ve defeated me.” He tapped her forehead.

His smile, as clear as a gentle breeze and bright moon, swept away the gloom in Shuran’s heart, and she laughed as well.

The atmosphere finally felt easy.

Then Shuran’s brow twitched. “Coach, do you really dislike Zhu Hongzhe? He just asked me.”

Fu Yiqing’s brow dipped and he looked away. “Yes.”

Shuran never expected Fu Yiqing to admit it so directly.

“I see—then I won’t hang out with them in front of you anymore.”

“…”

Fu Yiqing’s voice deepened. “It’s alright. I’ll try to restrain myself. You can keep spending time with them.”

A smile bloomed on Shuran’s lips like a flower. “Coach, you’re so good.”