Sandra stood under the showerhead, her forehead resting lightly against the water pipe, lost in thought.

Yao had been her training partner for over a year now. Once seen as the most promising player on the national team, he had faded into obscurity after a defeat that shattered his career. Now, far from the limelight, he found himself paired with Sandra, a petite 5'4" powerhouse who insisted on training with him despite their vast differences in size and strength. At 6'3", Yao was in a completely different weight class, but that was exactly why Sandra had chosen him. She thrived on challenges, and Yao was the toughest one she could find.

Their training sessions were a mix of intense grappling, sharp banter, and the occasional argument. They laughed like old friends and sparred like rivals. Sandra's ex-boyfriend, however, had been consumed by jealousy over her camaraderie with Yao. His possessiveness had driven a wedge between them, forcing Sandra to stop training with Yao for a long time.

Still, Sandra had never found their dynamic awkward. To her, Yao was just a big, durable target—someone she could kick, punch, and throw around without fear of causing harm. When her relationship ended, and her ex was no longer a factor, she immediately asked Yao to be her training partner again.

Yao quickly noticed a change. Sandra had always been intense, but now there was a ferocity in her movements, a sharpness in her strikes, and a relentless drive that seemed to burn hotter than ever. Sometimes, he had to dig deep just to keep up with her.

Sandra was simply venting—channeling her pain and frustration into every session. Betrayal had left her simmering with anger, and training was her outlet. She pushed herself relentlessly, to the edge of both physical and mental exhaustion, so she wouldn't dream at night. But she pushed too hard. One day, during a routine warm-up, she overexerted herself and strained a muscle in her back.

After that, something shifted between them. Yao's concern was evident in the way he helped her recover—applying medicated plasters, offering massages, and assisting with stretches. These were gestures that should have felt normal between teammates.

And yet, it just felt different.

Sandra couldn't pinpoint what had changed, but there was a subtle tension now—an unspoken something that hung in the air whenever Yao's hands lingered a moment too long or his gaze softened in ways it hadn't before. She tried to shake it off, but the feeling remained, lingering like a shadow in the corners of her mind.

Could it be that women really start acting flirtatious with everyone after that kind of experience? Or had she simply been oblivious before?

Sandra twisted the shower knob, shivering as the cold water cascaded over her.

Calm down. 

So what if her boyfriend had dumped her? So what if she'd had a one-night stand with a stranger? That didn't mean she had to give up on herself and latch onto the next man who showed her attention.

She was only twenty—a woman in her prime. Why rush into another exhausting, soul-draining relationship? Why not let herself drift freely in the wind for a few more years?

🎬🔀

Sandra swung her bag over her shoulder and strode out of the women's locker room with a confident sway.

Yao stood waiting for her in front of the gymnasium, the setting sun glowing behind him. The soft orange light blurred his features but highlighted his tall frame, the crisp white of his sportswear, and his upright posture. The golden rays seemed to give him an almost angelic aura, making Sandra squint against the brightness.

Truly, she thought, without a boyfriend, even a boar might start looking like God.

Not that she was calling Yao a boar. He wasn't particularly handsome, but he was decent-looking and definitely presentable. Still, Sandra figured the reason she could always treat him like a buddy—with casual physical contact and zero romantic sparks—was probably because he just wasn't her type.

She didn't consider herself obsessed with appearances, but as an art major, her pursuit of beauty naturally leaned toward the discerning. When it came to choosing a boyfriend, good moral character was non-negotiable, of course, but he also had to be pleasing to the eye. Looking at Yao didn't stir any romantic feelings; instead, it sparked her competitive spirit.

To be fair, Yao's height, athletic build, and those single eyelids likely made him attractive to some girls. He had that athletic and sunny charm that drew attention effortlessly. However, when it came to fashion, he wasn't exactly a standout. Looking good in clothes required more than just a fit physique—it required a certain flair, and that was a talent Yao didn't seem to possess.

It took both natural advantages and effort to truly captivate someone. Take that guy from The Roxy, for instance—he had the whole package. Blessed with a great frame, long and graceful muscles, striking features, lively expressions, and an edgy yet perfectly tailored fashion sense. Simply put, he was...

Sandra groaned internally. Damn it, why am I thinking about him again?

Her steps faltered for a moment, but she quickly shook off the thought. 

Sandra, stop dreaming. Be realistic.

"Yao, why are you still here?" Sandra swung her bag at him as she walked over. "Waiting to treat me to dinner?"

Yao caught her bag and slung it over his shoulder alongside his own. "Could you exploit me a little more subtly? If I end up too broke to get married, you'll have to compensate me."

Sandra grinned. "I'm motivating your ambition to earn more money! How else are you going to afford a wife if you slack off like this every day?"

Yao hooked an arm around her neck and pulled her along. "If I can't afford a wife, I'll just marry you."

"If you dare marry me, I'll eat you into bankruptcy." Sandra shot back without missing a beat.

Yao smirked. "If you bankrupt me, I'll sell you to pay off the debt."

Sandra jabbed him in the chest, feigning outrage. "Wow, Yao, I didn't know you were this sleazy."

"...Let me calculate." Yao dodged her second jab and began counting on his fingers. "With pork prices rising, how much could I sell you for? No, wait—better feed you more first. Fatten you up; more profitable that way..."

Sandra narrowed her eyes. "Did you just call me a pig?"

Yao shrugged, "If you're eating me into poverty, what else could you be?"

Laughing and bantering, the two walked out of the gymnasium, the warm glow of the setting sun stretching their shadows across the pavement.

As they walked, Sandra suddenly stopped. Yao turned back, puzzled, and saw her staring ahead with an unusually serious expression.

"Why'd you stop?"

"I think that's my roommate." Sandra said, squinting at a girl in a short skirt sitting on a bench in the distance.

Yao followed her gaze and frowned. "You mean April? That can't be her. Isn't she the one always hiding behind those big glasses? And no way she'd wear something so skimpy in the middle of winter."

Sandra rolled her eyes. "Idiot. Glasses can be removed, and clothes can be changed."

Despite her confident words, doubt flickered across her face. She didn't move closer, hesitating as if waiting for confirmation.

Yao patted Sandra on the back. "Come on, let's go check it out up close. You'll know if it's her."

"Wait," Sandra hissed, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside.

"What now?" Yao asked, crouching awkwardly behind a utility pole far too slim to hide his large frame. He glanced down at Sandra, exasperated. "Why are we acting like paparazzi?"

"Look," Sandra whispered, nodding toward the bench. "A guy just walked over."

Yao followed her gaze. Approaching the girl was a tall young man, his tilted top hat perched at a flamboyant angle. His face wasn't visible, but he was wearing a slim-fit gray trench coat in a rather eccentric style.

Yao scoffed, rolling his eyes. "What does he think he is, some kind of movie star?"

Sandra shot back with a dismissive "Tch." She couldn't help but imagine how Yao would look in that coat—it would hang on him like a burlap sack. Despite being the same height, Yao lacked the charisma to pull it off.

April seemed to know the man. She stood up to greet him, but her posture was stiff, as though she were either freezing from the cold or shrinking back out of fear.

The man reached out as if to put his arm around her, but April quickly dodged. He opened his coat slightly and said something. April shook her head, stepping back nervously. Her legs bumped against the bench behind her, causing her to stumble. In one swift motion, he caught her waist, pulling her into the fold of his open coat.

Sandra's chest tightened, rage bubbling to the surface. This guy's a creep! Can't he see she's trying to avoid him?

Could this be the so-called boyfriend April had mentioned? The one who made her blush when watching romantic "action" scenes, nervously asking what it felt like? He didn't look like anything decent.

Sandra's fists clenched in fury as the man flirtatiously pinched April's chin. Before Yao could react, Sandra rushed out from behind the pole, charging forward like a steam train ready to crash through anything in her path.

🎬🔀

Arden stood outside the student union building, looking around but unable to spot any woman who resembled a model. Instead, he noticed an Asian girl sitting on a bench, seemingly waiting for someone.

She looked quite young and dressed in a way that left much to be desired—a faux-suede short jacket, clearly synthetic, paired with an outdated denim skirt whose hem was already curling from wear. On her feet were a pair of plain white sneakers, giving her a somewhat shabby appearance. Yet, her fair, straight legs—though not long—were delicate and smooth. Perhaps due to the cold, she kept her legs pressed tightly together.

The most striking feature of her appearance was her face—clear and fair, adorned with a pair of brilliant eyes. Under the warm light of the setting sun, those eyes shimmered like two pieces of transparent amber, staring off into the distance, lost in thought. If eyes could write poetry, hers might have already authored a dozen volumes—enigmatic, profound verses that no one would ever truly understand.

Arden found himself walking toward her almost unconsciously.

"Ryo, you're here," the girl greeted him, standing up shyly and glancing down at his shoes. She seemed nervous, curling into herself as if unsure of her own presence.

Arden raised an eyebrow—she clearly had the wrong person. But if she was waiting for Ryo, could she be the "model" he'd mentioned?

No way. While she had fair skin and an innocent vibe, her height and figure were far from the typical model standard. Could she be a cosmetic model? Even then, she seemed a little too chubby for that. Her body proportions were normal for an average person, but ordinary figures didn't typically make the cut in modeling—at least not by Ryo's standards.

Besides, Ryo and she had supposedly been together for over a week. How could she mistake him for someone else? Arden was certain his build and demeanor were vastly different from Ryo's.

This girl was intriguing. Claiming to be a model, somehow managing to become Ryo's girlfriend, and yet, after more than a week, Ryo hadn't sorted things out with her. She must be quite cunning. Arden's curiosity was piqued. Women, to him, were like beverages—he didn't mind sampling her on behalf of his friend.

Deliberately, Arden said nothing as he reached out to place his arm around her. The girl awkwardly dodged and looked up at him. Her eyes narrowed in confusion as she leaned closer, trying to see clearly, and then finally realized.

"You're not Ryo."

Arden flashed what he believed to be his most charming smile and gently explained in the softest tone, "No, I'm not. But I couldn't just leave a young lady sitting out here in the cold, dressed so lightly."

He opened his coat. "Would you like to use my coat to block the wind? It would be much warmer."

April was startled and shook her head while stepping back. "No, no, my boyfriend will be here any minute... Ah..."

As Arden smoothly grabbed her waist, he couldn't help but sneer internally. Using such outdated tricks—pretending to reject his advances, only to stumble right into his arms. How predictable.

Feigning deep concern, Arden gently cupped her face and finally said something decent, "A man who lets his girlfriend sit out in the cold like this isn't worth keeping around."

What happened in the next half-second completely caught Arden off guard. One moment, he was standing there; the next, a blur of motion sent him flying backward. A sharp, searing pain in his back nearly knocked him unconscious.

"Sasa?" April immediately recognized the figure from the graceful arc of the throw—it was none other than her roommate.

"Sandra!" Yao arrived a moment too late, his voice filled with concern.

"Ah... ouch..." Arden groaned on the ground, frowning in pain.

Sandra grabbed April's hand and looked her over. "Are you alright?"

April shook her head. "I'm fine."

"Why are you standing out here dressed so lightly without your glasses?" Sandra asked, concern evident in her voice. She turned and waved at Yao. "Give me your coat."

"I bought some contact lenses online, but they haven't arrived yet... But, Sasa, it's ok. I'm not cold."

"Whether you're cold or not isn't the point." Sandra shot a menacing glare at the man still lying on the ground. His hat tilted askew, partially obscuring his face. "The point is to avoid unwelcome flies."

"Sasa, I'm not trash," April protested, not fond of the analogy.

"Just be careful not to let these perverts take advantage of you." Sandra zipped up Yao's oversized coat on April. It reached below her knees, keeping her both warm and safe.

"I wasn't..." April glanced nervously at the man still sprawled on the ground, unsure if he had broken any bones. 

Sandra's move had been a bit too aggressive—an over-the-shoulder throw with perfect precision. Knowing her roommate's strength, April worried the man might be injured. He hadn't seemed malicious—at least, he hadn't done anything yet.

Sandra, however, was far from convinced. She turned, ready to confront the man again. But another figure blocked her path, standing with his back to her. He addressed the man on the ground, "Arden?"

Ryo, having spotted the commotion and followed the curious stares of bystanders, jogged toward them. His expression shifted from confusion to shock as he took in the scene—his friend on the ground groaning in pain.

"What the hell happened?" Ryo demanded. Without waiting for an answer, he instinctively grabbed the collar of the only other man present—Yao.

"You—"

But Ryo quickly realized his mistake as he registered Yao's towering frame and solid build. He hesitated, torn between questioning and letting go.

Yao brushed his hand off and pointed to the girl in the middle, effortlessly throwing Sandra under the bus. "Not me. Her."

Ryo's gaze shifted to Sandra, who stood with her arms crossed, her piercing glare sharp enough to freeze a river. Assessing her smaller stature, a flicker of confidence returned to his posture.

"Alright, you—" he started, his tone sharp and accusatory, as his hand shot toward her shoulder.

"Sasa, no!" April exclaimed, grabbing Sandra's arm just in time. Sandra had only raised her hand, but even without following through, a simple tug had nearly dislocated Ryo's wrist.

Ryo stumbled back, clutching his wrist and glaring at her in disbelief. "What's your problem?" he asked, his voice a mix of anger and shock.

Sandra's expression didn't waver. "You touch me again, and you'll find out."

April, panicked, quickly turned to Sandra and explained, "He's my boyfriend."

"Your boyfriend?" Sandra pointed at the man, who clearly seemed like a spoiled rich kid, rushing in without explanation and grabbing at people.

April nodded vigorously.

Sandra scrutinized April's boyfriend with disdain. He looked strangely familiar.

"What's this all about, April?" Ryo demanded, helping Arden to his feet, clearly frustrated. "Are you okay, Arden?"

April rushed to clarify, "Ryo, it's not what it looks like. It's a big misunderstanding. Sandra saw us talking and jumped to conclusions, thinking Arden was assaulting me. Then she overreacted..."

"Overreacted by throwing him to the ground?" Ryo cut in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You always play the victim card like you're delicate and untouchable, yet you surround yourself with such aggressive people. Birds of a feather—clearly, you're not so different after all."

Sandra, her eyes blazing, stepped forward and leveled a finger at Ryo. "You..."

Before she could continue, the man she had thrown on the ground earlier joined the scene, pointing excitedly at Sandra. "Wait a second, it's you..."

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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