Beach volleyball
The special guests had lunch with everyone, played some games together in the afternoon, and then left.
Before leaving, Ding Xuefei pulled Xia Xingye aside and tried both threats and inducements, but this time Xia Xingye was frighteningly determined and refused to reveal who the date Ding Xuefei had chosen for her was.
Everything was fine at first, but Ding Xuefei panicked a little when she saw Xia Xingye's reaction.
"You didn't pick Elio for me, did you? What's wrong with your brain again?"
Xia Xingye smiled meaningfully: "Of course not, there will be a surprise later!"
Ding Xuefei was speechless; it was good enough that she wasn't frightened.
The next day was a bright and sunny day.
Early in the morning, the production team took the guests to the beach and announced today's theme—beach volleyball.
Sunshine, sand, waves, and handsome men and beautiful women dressed in cool and attractive outfits—the scene is pleasing to the eye.
The eight guests were divided into two groups: the red team consisted of Ding Xuefei, Ke Ran, Shang Rou, and Xu Yimeng, while the blue team consisted of Yu Songlin, Bai Mu, Stella, and Elio.
Ding Xuefei was grouped with Ke Ran again, but this time he was very happy. As soon as he saw the group list, he gave Ke Ran a high five.
"How's it going? Can you play?"
Ke Ran rarely showed a smug smile: "Of course, I used to be a key player on the school team, what about you guys?"
Xu Yimeng said, "I've only played it once. I'm okay at catching the ball, but I'm not very good at attacking."
Shang Rou looked embarrassed: "I've never played before. I'm a bit of a 'sports black hole,' so I hope I won't hold you back later..."
"It's okay, I've never played before either. Everyone starts from not knowing how and then learns," Ding Xuefei patted Shang Rou's shoulder and then pulled Ke Ran, "Come on, Xiao Ran, teach us quickly!"
Although they had never played before, Ding Xuefei wasn't going to back down; instead, she was excited and eager to try. While the opposing blue team was still huddled together discussing tactics, they had already pulled Ke Ran, their "teacher," into their game and started learning the basics of volleyball.
Ke Ran explained the key points of serving, passing, and spiking, and everyone studied very diligently.
Ding Xuefei joked, "Coach Ke, I've found that you're particularly charismatic when you're teaching us."
Ke Ran, who was helping Ding Xuefei correct his hand posture, quickly took two steps back upon hearing this and said shyly, "Brother Fei is making fun of me again!"
The four of them burst into laughter. Ding Xuefei suddenly lowered his voice, grabbed Ke Ran's shoulder, and gestured for everyone to come closer. He stared at the four people still gathered together on the other side and whispered, "What's the situation on the other side? Who's going to scout out the enemy?"
The blue team was mainly led by Yu Songlin and Stella. Yu Songlin pointed to different areas while talking, and the others nodded or asked questions.
They've already planned out their tactics; they look really impressive.
Ding Xuefei decided to go in person.
He claimed to be "spying on the enemy," but he swaggered around with three teammates behind him, looking more like he was looking for trouble.
"What are you saying? Can we even hear you?"
Elio made a "shh" gesture: "No~"
Ding Xuefei's gaze swept over the members of the blue team, unable to discern whether they were bluffing or not.
Ke Ran was a master of feigning ignorance, and leaned closer to ask, "Just between us, how good are you guys?"
Bai Mu laughed and said, "It's just amateur level~"
Stella: "In normal circumstances, would you give way to us?"
Ding Xuefei: "Of course not!" His gaze fell on Yu Songlin.
Does this guy play volleyball? Ding Xuefei couldn't remember...
Yu Songlin scratched his head and laughed: "I played with some friends in middle school, I don't know how much I still remember."
It means they are very good at fighting.
"This guy's faking it again," Ding Xuefei muttered, pursing her lips.
Yu Songlin's gaze fell on Ding Xuefei: "Brother Xuefei, are you here to give us some pointers?"
Because of what happened last night, Ding Xuefei is still a little uncomfortable talking to Yu Songlin, but they are recording now and the team can't lose face!
"I wouldn't call it guidance, I'm just here to say, you'd better wait and see how we beat you down!"
...No matter what, the tough talk has to be said!
Ke Ran echoed Ding Xuefei's arrogant manner, while Xu Yimeng and Shang Rou hid behind and laughed.
"Oh? We're really looking forward to it! See you on stage later." Yu Songlin winked at Ding Xuefei.
In the instant they passed each other, Yu Songlin subtly patted Ding Xuefei's forearm and whispered, "Watch your footing, don't get hurt."
Ding Xuefei used to sprain his ankle very easily, and each time it was particularly serious. While others would recover in a few minutes, he would be unable to walk for several hours. Once, he sprained his ankle while dancing, and the pain brought him to tears.
"Mind your own business..." Ding Xuefei muttered, looking down. He softened because he remembered the past, but the actual effect was far from the fierceness he wanted.
As the match began, Ke Ran, the star player for the red team, was running all over the court, smashing and saving the ball, which drew gasps and applause from the two female guests.
As for the Blue Team, Yu Songlin seemed a bit rusty and conservative at first, but a little observation revealed that his movements were very standard. His passing and setting were precise and his occasional spikes were powerful and tricky. The real surprise for the Blue Team was Stella. She was agile, quick-witted, and cooperated well with Yu Songlin.
At first, the two teams were evenly matched, but gradually, Ke Ran was no match for the two opponents, and the blue team gained the upper hand and easily won the first game.
While cheering on his teammates and creating a lively atmosphere, Ding Xuefei also tried his best to observe and learn. He had never played before, so he inevitably couldn't keep up at first. Seeing the team falling behind, he couldn't bear to let Ke Ran bear the pressure alone, so he could only learn while playing.
And seeing how well Yu Songlin and Stella worked together, I felt inexplicably angry!
Seeing that Ding Xuefei was very eager to receive the ball, Ke Ran also started passing the ball to him more often.
"Fei-ge! Watch the ball!" Ke Ran commanded while making a save. "Put your wrist down! Yes! That's it!"
Even after conceding a few goals, Ding Xuefei did not give up. He kept a close eye on Ke Ran and the movements of Yu Songlin and Stella on the other side, learning very seriously.
After several mistakes, he gradually found his rhythm. Although he was still not as good as the others, his receiving and passing were already quite good, and he even successfully blocked Yu Songlin's spike once.
"Great job! Xuefei!" Xu Yimeng gave him a high five.
"Wow, Fei-ge, you've really never beaten him before?" Ke Ran encouraged loudly.
Ding Xuefei wiped away her sweat, a cheerful smile spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling with fighting spirit.
As Ding Xuefei got into her stride, the red team's teamwork improved, and the morale of the entire team soared.
With Shang Rou's solid defense, Xu Yimeng's agile movement, Ke Ran's powerful attacks, and Ding Xuefei's rapid improvement, the Red Team gradually closed the gap in the score.
"Red team wins the second game!"
Yu Songlin looked at Ding Xuefei on the other side of the net. Ding Xuefei was cheering loudly in the sunlight, high-fiving and hugging his teammates, and laughing like a child.
This is a dating reality show, not a competition, so how can it be so exciting?
It's probably because of Ding Xuefei.
Most idols, or rather, good idols, are like this: they have an innate desire to perform and a competitive spirit, coupled with a strong learning ability, confidence in their ability to do well, and a determination to support their team.
Ding Xuefei is such a person. He is a born idol who can bring strength to people. He deserves to be loved.
After the Red Team finished celebrating, Ding Xuefei circled back to the frontcourt and wrinkled his nose at Yu Songlin, probably thinking he was being fierce.
Yu Songlin smiled and secretly made a heart shape with his hands for him.
The effect was even better than provocation. Sure enough, Ding Xuefei lost control of her expression and mouthed "crazy" at him. Then she said a few harsh words like "I must win."
As the match entered the decisive set, everyone was mobilized. The two sides traded blows, and the score was very close. The midday sun of late spring was scorching everyone, and everyone's clothes were soaked with sweat, but the atmosphere was getting more and more exciting.
"It's the last point!" Ke Ran shouted, his eyes fixed on the ball.
The red team has 15 points and the blue team has 15 points. The game has reached a critical point, and the red team must win this point!
Yu Songlin stood at the net, focused and ready for the red team's attack. His gaze swept over Ding Xuefei, noticing her tightly pursed lips and strikingly bright eyes.
The ball was raised high, Ke Ran took a running start and jumped, making a feint to smash the ball, but at the last moment he flicked his wrist and passed the ball to Ding Xuefei, who was quietly following up on the wing.
Chance!
Ding Xuefei instantly understood Ke Ran's intention. He jumped with all his might, his body stretched out, and his right hand swung fiercely at the falling volleyball.
If they succeed in this goal, they will be the winners of this match!
After successfully hitting the ball, Ding Xuefei's eyes remained fixed on the brightly colored volleyball. His attack angle was tricky, and Stella and Bai Mu were too late to receive it.
Score!
However, the instant he landed, the sand became uneven, and his right ankle twisted violently—
"Ouch!" That hurts!
Damn it, it's all Yu Songlin's fault for his mouth!
"Brother Xuefei!"
"Brother Fei!"
"Teacher Ding!"
Several gasps rang out simultaneously. Ke Ran was the first to rush over, frantically trying to help Ding Xuefei up, but the moment her fingertips touched her ankle, Ding Xuefei gasped, "Don't, don't move...it hurts..."
Ding Xuefei curled up on the sand, her forehead soaked with sweat, her eyes uncontrollably reddened, and her whole body trembling with pain.
In his blurred vision, he felt someone push through the crowd and squat down—it was Yu Songlin.
The man remained silent, kneeling on one knee before him, his fingers lightly circling his swollen ankle.
The warmth seeped through her skin, and Ding Xuefei instinctively flinched, only to be pressed down even more gently.
"Don't move." Yu Songlin's voice was low, his brows furrowed, his gaze fixed on the red swelling, his Adam's apple bobbing, "...How could you be so careless?"
The voices of the program crew members came from afar: "Teacher Ding, are you still able to walk? Why don't you come to the rest area next door first? There are medical staff and equipment here."
[Ding! Owner injured! Emergency mission issued: Please ask Yu Songlin for help and have him carry you back to the rest area!]
Task reward: Pain reduced by 50%; Failure penalty: Pain doubled by 200%.
Ding Xuefei cursed inwardly: "System, you... taking advantage of my misfortune, huh?"
[Master, Little Sweetie is just thoughtfully providing the best solution XD]
Optimal solution my ass.
Ding Xuefei bit her lower lip and looked up to meet Yu Songlin's gaze—his eyes were filled with deep worry and a hint of reproach. After meeting Ding Xuefei's eyes, his gaze quickly turned into a gentle helplessness, which made Ding Xuefei's heart skip a beat.
Being looked at like that gives you the illusion that whatever you do will be tolerated.
Ding Xuefei, bewitched, raised her hand and stared longingly at Yu Songlin.
The words for help swirled on his tongue, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Ding Xuefei was in a state of confusion. She was already having trouble concentrating because of the pain, and she almost asked to be carried, but then she felt that she shouldn't bother Yu Songlin.
We agreed to be just friends, so asking him to carry my bag would be too ambiguous.
Yu Songlin noticed Ding Xuefei's hesitation and asked, "What's wrong?"
“…Ah, never mind.” Ding Xuefei avoided eye contact, a forced smile appearing on her lips, though it seemed strained due to the pain.
Yu Songlin stared at him without saying a word.
Seeing that Ding Xuefei was not getting up, the staff ran over and asked, "Is Teacher Ding still able to walk? Do you need a stretcher?"
“He can’t leave,” Yu Songlin said, practically holding Ding Xuefei in his arms. He looked up to meet the staff’s question, his voice gentle yet firm.
“I carried him across.”
Ding Xuefei was stunned.
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