Chapter 37: Playing Ball

"Just kidding! I actually hired a specialized high-level coach to teach me. My golf skills are excellent!"

Mentioning her golf, Bai Yu looked smug, clearly proud of her prowess.

"Oh really? Let me see just how good your golf skills are!" Lu Qiqi replied, half-doubting, with a hint of teasing in her voice.

"Watch closely!" At that moment, Bai Yu displayed her golf technique. To Lu Qiqi's surprise, Bai Yu’s skills had improved significantly; she hit the target on the first try. It was impressive, and even Lu Qiqi couldn't help but marvel.

"Your skills have improved so much?" Lu Qiqi was shocked. She hadn't expected Bai Yu to actually be good at golf; it seemed she had underestimated her after all.

"What a coincidence, but your skills seem rather lackluster!"

Unexpectedly, Chu Linchen appeared and witnessed Bai Yu's display. Clearly, in his eyes, Bai Yu's amateur attempts were nothing to brag about.

Unwilling to be mocked, Bai Yu retorted indignantly, "Since you’re so great, why don't you let me see how good you are then!"

"If that is the case, then I shall accept the lesson."

Chu Linchen began to demonstrate his technique. To their surprise, he performed various trick shots—moves that couldn't even be learned from a coach. The two women were left completely stunned.

"I spoke too soon earlier. Mr. Chu, your skills are even better than a coach's!" Bai Yu, thoroughly impressed by Chu Linchen's mastery, praised him enthusiastically.

"That was so cool! This technique is simply peerless." As Chu Linchen continued to showcase his skills, Bai Yu was left completely spellbound.

Bai Yu was utterly won over by Chu Linchen. She whispered to Lu Qiqi, "Such a handsome man is right in front of you—hurry up and go for it! Don't you dare miss this chance!"

Lu Qiqi shook her head gently and whispered back, "No, don't be ridiculous."

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Chu Linchen, who was focused on his game. His fluid movements and confident expression sent ripples through her heart, leaving her feeling somewhat flustered.

She stole a glance at Bai Yu, only to find her friend wearing an envious, mischievous smile, her eyes full of playful teasing.

Lu Qiqi stamped her foot lightly, glared at Bai Yu in mock anger, and turned to walk away, trying to calm her agitated heart in the breeze.

Seeing Lu Qiqi walk away, Bai Yu hurried after her, grabbed her arm, and laughed. "Qiqi, who else could possibly be worthy of you? Look at his skills, they’re incredible! And he’s so handsome—he’s the perfect god-tier man!"

Bai Yu didn't forget to look back at Chu Linchen, her eyes filled with admiration.

Lu Qiqi gently shook off Bai Yu's hand and scolded, "Stop talking nonsense. I’m not even close with him."

Bai Yu blinked her wily eyes and leaned in to whisper in Lu Qiqi's ear, "The one closest to the water enjoys the moonlight first—don't you understand that?" With a giggle, she pulled Lu Qiqi a few steps closer toward Chu Linchen.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, dappling Chu Linchen and coating him in a golden glow. Every swing he took was poised and effortless; every movement exuded a captivating charm.

Lu Qiqi’s heart accelerated. She caught a glimpse of Chu Linchen and quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. She felt the weight of Bai Yu’s implications, her heart a complex mix of shyness and anticipation.

Encouraged by Bai Yu, Lu Qiqi mustered her courage, and the two walked slowly toward Chu Linchen.

The sun stretched their shadows behind them, and a light breeze caused their hair and skirts to sway gently.

Twisting the corner of her shirt between her fingers, Lu Qiqi said politely, "Mr. Chu, your golf skills are truly amazing."

Bai Yu added with a radiant smile, "That's right, Chu Linchen! The way you play these trick shots, you're like a star on the course!"

Chu Linchen turned around, his gaze sweeping over them gently. "You flatter me. It’s merely a hobby. Feel free to spar with me when you have time."

His words were like the warm sun of spring.

Qin Xi, dressed in a light white athletic outfit, walked onto the course with a brisk step. The sunlight danced in her hair, adding a touch of vibrancy to the quiet scene.

Her eyes instantly locked onto Chu Linchen, and a sweet smile curled her lips. Her voice was as crisp as a bell. "Linchen, teach me."

As she spoke, she naturally moved to Chu Linchen's side, resting her hands lightly on his club. In the sunlight, their figures wove together into a heartwarming picture.

Chu Linchen tilted his head slightly and nodded, patiently adjusting Qin Xi's posture. They stood so close that they could almost hear each other's breathing, and the air was filled with the faint scent of grass and an unspoken rapport.

No matter how she tried, Qin Xi couldn't get it right. Chu Linchen grew impatient and said, "Just play by yourself."

Qin Xi’s expression stiffened for a moment, but she immediately recovered, her smile blossoming once more.

She bit her lip, seemingly having made a decision, and placed her hands back over Chu Linchen's on the club, her eyes shimmering with unyielding determination. "One more time, please?" she requested softly.

Chu Linchen looked at her, a flicker of helplessness crossing his eyes, but he nodded slightly.

The sunlight fell upon their clasped hands, as if even the light and shadow had frozen in that moment.

However, when Qin Xi tried to swing again, the ball still veered off course, flying into the bushes in the distance.

Chu Linchen sighed softly, his brows furrowing. His tone revealed a hint of impatience: "Forget it, go play on your own. I’m going to practice a bit more."

With that, he gently pulled his hands away and turned toward the practice area, leaving Qin Xi standing there, watching his receding back with a complex look in her eyes.

Seeing Chu Linchen walk away, a flash of anxiety and resentment crossed Qin Xi's eyes.

She hurried to catch up, almost running to his side. Though slightly out of breath, she wore a stubborn smile. "Linchen, don't leave me behind. Teach me one more time, won't you?"

As she spoke, she placed her soft hands on Chu Linchen's firm arm once again, her eyes full of expectation.

Chu Linchen stopped and turned to look at her, his brows furrowed as if weighing something.

The sunlight filtered through the treetops, dappling them and adding a touch of tenderness and persistence to the scene.

He sighed, eventually yielding to patience, and gripped the club again to teach her hand-in-hand. Yet, in his eyes, there was a touch of imperceptible detachment.

She leaned in closer to Chu Linchen, her hair brushing against his cheek, carrying a faint fragrance.

Chu Linchen tilted his head slightly to avoid her proximity, his gaze focused intently on the fairway ahead as he guided her grip on the club.

Her eyes followed his movements intently, yet she could never imitate that same ease and power.