Li Beimuo drove home, casually handing his coat to a waiting servant before settling onto the sofa. He pulled out his phone and opened his chat with Su Wanwan. After a moment's hesitation, he typed a message with utmost care:
[Senior, I'll be participating in a competition soon.]
As soon as he sent it, his breath caught in his throat, and his eyes fixated intently on the screen. Only when the light dimmed did he exhale, his face flushed from having unconsciously held his breath in nervous anticipation.
Roughly half an hour later, Su Wanwan replied with just two words:
[Good luck.]
A faint smile tugged at Li Beimuo's lips, and the calm in his eyes softened instantly, a quiet light blooming within. He pressed the phone to his chest, as if trying to engrave those words upon his heart.
He repeated those words to himself over and over again, guarding them like a sacred mantra. As if seized by a sudden thought, he quickly began typing again—deleting and retyping—until at last, he summoned the courage to send the next message:
[Senior, you've only ever seen my performances through recordings. This time, would you like to come and watch in person?]
It was his first competition since returning to the country, and many eyes would be on him. With his skill, he was sure to claim first place. Over the years, whenever he encountered difficulties in technique, he only needed to consult her, and all problems were effortlessly resolved.
In his heart, Su Wanwan was strong and formidable—yet impossibly distant.
Li Beimuo revered her, admired her, and harbored a deep and unspoken love.
Though others close to him in their group chat had warned him repeatedly:
"Give it up, man. Don't waste your time."
"That 'Little Sun' barely speaks ten times a year in the group. Every time it's straight to the point, sharp as a blade."
"She's probably just as decisive in real life."
"And come on, any girl into racing is bound to be fierce."
"Online romances don't work. Let it go."
"Haven't you heard? Never fall for someone who never changes their profile picture or username."
His phone suddenly buzzed twice.
At the top, a new unread message appeared. It was from Little Sun:
[No, my friend is competing too. Maybe next time.]
The starlight in Li Beimuo's eyes extinguished visibly. He lowered his head and murmured a soft, stifled "Mm."
The conversation ended.
Next time…
When would that be?
And who was this friend—important enough for her to stay?
From the entrance came the crisp clack of high heels.
Li Zhen, wide-eyed with surprise, kicked off her shoes, flung her small bag onto the table, and bounded onto the sofa.
"Brother, you're home already?"
She had thought the two would find somewhere to eat and talk.
Sigh…
So Su Nian really was deeply wounded by Ye Nan. Otherwise, how could she remain unmoved by someone as handsome as her brother?
"Mm."
Li Zhen clung to his arm, resting her head on his shoulder, speaking sweetly:
"Brother, you're not young anymore. Isn't it time you found someone to be by your side? Otherwise, Mom and Dad will worry."
"So that's why you asked me to take that girl, Nian, home?"
Li Beimuo slowly withdrew his arm.
Knowing he was annoyed, Li Zhen quickly explained:
"I'm doing this for you, really…"
"Besides, Nian is my best friend."
"We grew up together. She's kind, gentle, and incredibly thoughtful. I think she'd make a great sister-in-law!"
Li Beimuo took a sip of tea and responded calmly:
"Do you really think I don't read the news online?"
Li Zhen froze, then burst into frantic complaints:
"That's all fake!"
"You don't even know what really happened!"
"You must have seen the stuff between Su Nian, Ye Nan, and Su Wanwan, right?"
"I'm telling you, it's all because of Su Wanwan's hired trolls stirring things up!"
"You can't imagine how awful she is—she even shut down the restaurant I just opened!"
"Brother, you have to stand up for me!"
"You don't know how much effort and heart I poured into that place. She ruined it like it was nothing!"
"I can't just swallow that!"
Li Beimuo: "…"
"Brother?"
Li Zhen nudged him hard.
Li Beimuo finally opened his drowsy eyes, still groggy.
"Hmm? Are you done? Can I sleep now?"
Li Zhen stared, tears forming in her eyes and spilling down her cheeks.
"You're brushing me off now too!"
Li Beimuo slowly turned to face her, his gaze serious.
"I'm not brushing you off."
"You almost fell asleep!" she retorted, disbelief written all over her face.
"That's because I was thinking."
Between hiccuped sobs, Li Zhen asked suspiciously:
"Thinking about what?"
After a pause, Li Beimuo said with deliberation:
"How does any of what you just told me have anything to do with me?"
Li Zhen exploded like a firecracker.
She hurled her pillow at his head.
"She bullied your sister—how is that not your business?!"
Li Beimuo effortlessly caught the pillow and tossed it aside.
At last, he understood.
"So what is it you want me to do?"
Without hesitation, Li Zhen declared:
"Take her down, of course!"
Li Beimuo fell silent again.
"Brother, why aren't you saying anything?"
"I'm just thinking… isn't it a bit dishonorable to gang up on someone weaker?"