Chapter 7.1 (1/2)

Chapter VII

Not long after the training ended, the day of the race arrived.

At the stadium, Mai Wei Zhe was sitting in the player's lounge. He was fully dressed with his protective gear and skates on, ready to go.

His expression was very calm, maybe even a bit thoughtful. He didn’t seem to be impacted either by the announcements or by the surrounding conversations.

At this level, athletes were trained to face big games with a certain numbness. Otherwise , if they became nervous before each game, the probability of failure would increase.

To a certain extent, this ability to control stress was inborn, but it was also something that was honed with rigorous training.

But this time, although he appeared calm on the surface, Mai Wei Zhe's heart was chaotic. No one was aware of this.

His long hated opponent was waiting for a duel with him again. This year, in every big event, his opponent was omnipresent. They competed intensely in all the champions.h.i.+ps. Sports magazines called them two duelling gentlemen. Gentlemen- bulls.h.i.+t !

The opponent acted unfairly. For the sake of victory, he would not give up. They fought for a favourable position, to block the other. This went beyond what was legally allowed in the game – such as putting a foot intentionally in the way of his opponent… everything was tried. Mai Wei Zhe had been a victim of his ploys several times already.

He was ruthless.

If he had the courage to repeat this today, Mai Wei Zhe would not take this lying down. He would fight back, and severely beat him. Real life was exactly the same. If someone showed the courage to hurt his family, he would not hesitate to retaliate aggressively.

Who cares if that person belonged to a powerful Group, or if he was a senior director !

His face was probably very gloomy. Anrun had been paying close attention to him from the back of the lounge. At this moment, he sat down beside him.

” Brother Mai, don’t get angry. Xuan Xuan sister has come to watch the game”, Anrun quickly flashed the trump card, hoping that this news would relax Mai Wei Zhe a little. After all, in the next game, they were all expecting him to win a medal.

Mai Wei Zhe gazed at him sideways, ” Who said I was angry?” Although the remark was emotionless, his eyes made a quick sweep over the security area behind. Not seeing her, he stared back at Anrun, silently asking, where is she ?

” Over there”, Anrun quickly pointed her out in the audience.

Sure enough, when he looked at the direction he pointed, Li Yongxuan's pretty figure appeared in the stands. She had accompanied grandfather to watch the game.

In the final phase of training, he had not been allowed to go home. He had left early to arrive at the destination where the game was to be held. Their only contact was through the phone. For a long time, they had not met.

He had experienced an unprecedented tug. Not the physical tug , the kinds experienced in a deep tissue ma.s.sage, but one in which his heart as at war with itself. His instinct was to seize her, completely surround her so that no other threats could get close to her. But in reality, he couldn’t do so. Li Yongxuan was an independent person, she should have the freedom to make her own decisions and judgements.

But if that rotten b.a.s.t.a.r.d dared to appear again, and even attempted to interfere in her life , he would ruthlessly…

” Brother Mai, Xuan Xuan sister is here. Why are you still in a terrible mood ?” Anrun asked plaintively. Clearly he was the one nominated to come and persuade him.” No wonder she did not dare to come in the lounge to talk to you . She was afraid that she would affect your mood while preparing for the game…”

Oh, is that why she had not come in the lounge ?

Hearing this, Mai Wei Zhe’s face softened a bit.

He had thought she was starting to avoid him. He had not directly questioned her, but obviously he wanted to know if she continued to remain in touch with Liang Wen He, or, if they had cut off all ties. This incessant worry about losing her was super annoying. Mai Wei Zhe got up and adjusted his helmet.

It was their warm up time now, he was ready to go on the ice.

Before going in the rink , he slipped sideways and looked up to where Li Yongxuan was sitting. Old Mai nodded coldly to him. Li Yongxuan looked down. Her face was concerned.

” Coach said a few days ago you had a thigh injury.. are you okay ?”

He smiled.

With his grandpa at the scene, he knew there would be no problem.

He could focus on the champions.h.i.+p.

He caught her hand and whispered in her ear, ” I have a surprise for you. But I’ll give it after the game. Now you have to kiss me to wish me luck.”

Li Yongxuan blushed,” Here? Now ? It’s not appropriate.” They were surrounded by reporters and the audience. They had no idea how many cameras were facing them.

Mai Wei Zhe gave her a roguish look, ” Ok you owe me. But one day, you will hand to pay me back with interest. You heard me, right ?”

” You are too much ! What are you talking about ?” she protested.” Hurry and go warm up. The coach is staring at you.”