To be honest, Ning Chu wasn’t thrilled about Wen Yang participating in school events or competitions.
Even though she had already dealt with most of the troublesome female supporting characters who posed a threat to her relationship, there were always stragglers—plus, she couldn’t stop the swarm of enthusiastic fangirls.
While the fangirls might not match the supporting characters in looks or charm, they were numerous. Watching them try to cozy up to Wen Yang made her feel irritated and uneasy.
She wished she could hide Wen Yang away like a precious treasure, keeping him entirely out of reach from other women.
But, of course, that wasn’t possible.
Standing at the edge of the indoor basketball court, arms crossed, Ning Chu watched Wen Yang run across the court. Cheers and shouts of excitement filled her ears, grating on her nerves.
Today was Wen Yang’s first-round basketball game.
He had trained for only a week, and while his skills were just average, his towering height of nearly 1.9 meters and movie-star looks made him stand out. Wherever he went, he drew gazes, and a group of girls had already gathered to cheer him on.
Tall, handsome, and radiating masculine energy as he played, Wen Yang was practically a campus heartthrob. Few girls could resist his charm.
But Ning Chu wasn’t pleased.
Though she hated to admit it, she felt a fierce sense of possession toward Wen Yang.
He’s my male lead! What are you all drooling over?!
If she were still a man, watching Wen Yang would feel like seeing her own girlfriend flaunt herself in front of a group of guys, all of them whistling at her.
That thought made her even angrier!
“Big Sister Ning Chu!”
Magical Girl Qianqian ran over, her voice bright and cheerful. “Sister Lily wants to know if you want milk tea.”
“I don’t.”
Yan Xinya’s first-round match was also today, held on a nearby court. Naturally, the close-knit girls had come along to watch.
This afternoon, there was only one class scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., so many students were idle. With the basketball tournament underway, the indoor gymnasium was packed to the brim. Ning Chu couldn’t even find a seat.
“Where’s Wang Jie? He wasn’t around yesterday, and neither was Shaoqing.”
“Wang Jie took a leave of absence. As for Shaoqing... probably dragged off by his girlfriend, I guess?”
“Ohhh,” Qianqian nodded knowingly, her gaze drifting to Wen Yang on the court. Her eyes sparkled as she shouted, “Go, Wen Yang! You got this! Wow, he scored! Ning Chu! Wen Yang scored!”
Watching Qianqian’s infatuated expression made Ning Chu feel even more uncomfortable.
Though Qianqian was a supporting character from the original story, with her sweet and adorable looks, she lived right across from them and often hung out with the group. Even though there was no storyline connection between her and Wen Yang, Ning Chu couldn’t help but feel wary, worried that Qianqian might "steal her treasure."
“Why don’t you go buy milk tea for me and Lily?”
“Huh? But I want to watch the game! You’re not even drinking it!”
“You wouldn’t understand the game anyway. Just go.”
I might not be able to stop the random fangirls, but I can manage you!
Reluctantly, Qianqian headed toward the gym exit, and Ning Chu turned her attention to Lily, who stood in the corner fiddling with her phone.
“Aren’t you watching Xinya’s match?”
Lily glanced up at her and shook her head. “I don’t get basketball.”
The two stood side by side, leaning against the wall. Ning Chu kept her eyes on Wen Yang, asking casually, “We’re supposed to go to your place for a hot spring trip during Labor Day, right? When «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» are we leaving? I need to get ready.”
Lily looked confused for a moment before shaking her head again. “I don’t know.”
“...”
“Xinya’s organizing it.”
“Fine~ We’re staying at your place again, right?”
“Mm.”
Ning Chu teased her with a playful nudge. “Then you’d better put away those little ‘toys’ of yours this time.”
The ice queen goddess didn’t show any embarrassment, her frosty demeanor unchanging as she replied lightly, “Got it.”
“It’s one thing if Xinya and I see them, but to everyone else, you’re an untouchable ice queen. Especially Qianqian—she practically worships you. You don’t want her to have her illusions shattered, do you?”
A hint of awkwardness crept into Lily’s expression as she fiddled with a strand of her hair. “I don’t even know what she admires about me...”
“Maybe she likes the cold and aloof big sister type?”
“I’m not that.”
“No, you’re a repressed pervert and an old lech.”
“Wen Yang’s being swarmed,” Lily said suddenly.
“!!!”
Ning Chu snapped out of her teasing and immediately turned her gaze to the court. The game’s first half had just ended, and a crowd of chirping girls was rushing toward Wen Yang with water bottles and towels.
Panicked, she left Lily behind and dashed toward the court.
Though she knew Wen Yang wouldn’t be tempted by those girls, she couldn’t just stand by and watch them take advantage of him!
Her arrival was swift and effective. The girls scattered like startled birds at the sight of her. Ning Chu quickly reached Wen Yang, possessively grabbing his arm and glaring at him.
“What are you standing around for? Let’s go,” she snapped, her tone brimming with dissatisfaction.
“Nothing.”
Having just finished the first half, Wen Yang was exhausted. His legs felt like jelly, and sweat clung to his skin. He kept tugging at his loose basketball jersey, trying to cool off.
Ning Chu dragged him to an empty spot by the court and sat him down. She picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from his face, grumbling, “Honestly, you almost got poached! Those shameless women have no boundaries.”
“I don’t even pay attention to them,” Wen Yang said with a smile, taking the towel from her.
But as he lowered his gaze, he noticed Ning Chu’s face had turned bright red in just a few moments. His succubus sensors were also starting to buzz faintly.
His expression stiffened as he instinctively put some distance between them. If he wasn’t careful, he might end up in a very awkward situation for the second half.
“What are you avoiding me for?”
The air was thick with Wen Yang’s pheromones, a potent and intoxicating scent that made Ning Chu’s head feel light.
“You caught the ball, and they scream. You score, and they act like it’s New Year’s. I’m your actual girlfriend, and I’m not even that excited!” she complained, only to trail off as she noticed her breathing growing heavier.
She quickly realized the problem—succubi were hypersensitive to strong masculine pheromones, and Wen Yang’s post-game scent was like a drug.
Her blush deepened, and she awkwardly scooted to the far end of the bench.
“Maybe you should go hang out with Lily until the game’s over,” Wen Yang suggested. “I’ll come find you after.”
“No way! If I leave, those shameless women will just swoop in!”
“But if I go back out there like this...”
Following his gaze, Ning Chu noticed the issue: Wen Yang’s loose basketball shorts were failing to conceal his... predicament. He was hunched over, using a towel for cover.
If those girls saw, they’d probably start drooling.
“This...” Ning Chu was at a loss. She tried to shift the blame, muttering, “Why are you acting like a stud horse?”
“Isn’t this your fault?”
“Fine, I’m leaving! Cool off, and don’t let those hussies touch you!” she snapped before fleeing the scene.
