At the end of the World Competition, all members of the national team returned to China under the leadership of Chairman Nan Jiangang. Many reporters and fans rushed to the airport in advance in order to see these great gods. Unfortunately, in Beijing, many players directly transferred to the city where their club was located. Su and Yu went to Kunming, the Lou Zhang brothers flew to Shenzhen, Li Cangyu took the Canglan members back to Changsha…

  The reporters stared at the exit of the airport and didn’t see all the national team members appearing together. Instead, they only saw the Time team members, Tan Shitian, Cheng Wei and Lu Xiao coming out from the exit.

  “Captain Tan, that is Captain Tan!” It was unknown who yelled from the crowd but the reporters found their target and immediately swarmed. Captain Tan saw them coming over and grabbed Cheng Wei’s hand as he whispered, “Run!

  Cheng Wei was stunned and by the time he recovered, he found that his hand was being tightly held by Tan Shitian while Tan Shitian’s tall back was in front of him. Behind him was the screams of the reporters and the sound of photographers pressing the camera shutter.

  It wasn’t their first time being surrounded by reporters at the airport. Almost every time, Tan Shitian would protect Cheng Wei but the mood this time seemed different from usual.

  Cheng Wei followed Tan Shitian and there was a whistling sound in his ears. He didn’t know if it was because he was holding hands or running too fast. Cheng Wei only felt his breathing becoming more and more urgent and his heart was pounding quickly in his chest, almost like it would pop out.

  It was hard to follow Tan Shitian all the way to the parking lot. Tan Shitian successfully found the club car that picked them up and opened the door to the back seat, letting Cheng Wei get on. He sat down next to Cheng Wei and closed the door. Lu Xiao got into the front passenger seat and panted as he spoke, “Captain, you only care about the vice-captain. What about me? Can’t you show your other teammates some love?”

  Tan Shitian smiled. “A sprinter still wants me to worry about him?”

  Cheng Wei’s heart was still beating quickly. In the narrow space, his violent heartbeat was clearer. He listened to the easy conversation between Lu Xiao and Tan Shitian and turned his head stiffly away, not daring to look at Tan Shitian’s eyes.

  Tan Shitian still hadn’t let go of his hand.

  There was something between the front and rear rows of the car and the driver and Lu Xiao couldn’t see the movements of their hands. Cheng Wei had just followed Tan Shitian all the way here and his palms were sweating. The fingers that were touching almost felt like they were burning. Cheng Wei was a bit panicked and wanted to pull his hand back. However, if he did, wouldn’t this show that he cared?

  The car started moving and Cheng Wei’s mind was a mess. He wondered if he show pull his hand away or not.

  Tan Shitian only realized that he was still holding onto Cheng Wei’s hand after the car reached high speed. He looked over at Cheng Wei and found that this person was thinking about something in a distressed manner. Tan Shitian smiled slightly and crossed their fingers together in an intimate gesture.

  Cheng Wei jumped like he received an electric shock and pulled his hand back as he looked over at Tan Shitian. “What are you doing?”

  Tan Shitian whispered into his ears. “You were holding on so tightly that I thought you wanted to hold hands with me.”

  Cheng Wei’s hairs stood up and his face was red. “W-Who was holding onto you? I’m not a pervert!”

  Tan Shitian stared at him seriously. “Then do you think I”m a pervert?”

  \r \r \r

  At these deep eyes, Cheng Wei’s heart was numb and he didn’t know how to answer the question.

  Tan Shitian didn’t wait for his answer and withdrew his hand. He looked out the window and the expression on his face seemed a bit lonely. Cheng Wei realized that the word ‘pervert’ was too serious and was remorseful, but he couldn’t apologize to Tan Shitian. He only turned his head and looked out the window.

  The two of them didn’t speak at all until they arrived at the club and Tan Shitian opened the door, taking the initiative to help carry the luggage back to the dormitory.

  ***

  They had lived in the dormitory for many years and were very familiar with the furnishings.

  From the end of the third season to the seventh season, Tan Shitian and Cheng Wei lived next door in the same dormitory for an entire four years. Their bedrooms were separate but the living room, kitchen and bathroom were shared. Cheng Wei often saw Tan Shitian walking around in a vest and shorts. The two people might often quarrel about various small things but this dormitory was still Cheng Wei’s favourite place that made him feel relaxed and safe.

  However, today was different. As Tan Shitian walked into the dormitory with his luggage, Cheng Wei felt a bit timid. He stood at the door and was afraid to walk into this familiar room. He stared at Tan Shitian and felt uncomfortable all over.

  Once the door closed, only he and Tan Shitian would be left in this dormitory…

  Would Tan Shitian do bad things? Would he press Cheng Wei into the bed again? What would Cheng Wei do if he did?

  Cheng Wei was worried for a while and froze at the door. Tan Shitian put away his luggage and once he turned back, he found that Cheng Wei was standing dazed at the door. He walked in front of the dazed guy and patted him on the shoulder. “What’s wrong with you? What have you been thinking about since returning to China?”

  Cheng Wei’s face reddened and he didn’t dare tell Tan Shitian that he was thinking about being kissed. The thing that made him depressed was that every time he recalled Tan Shitian’s kisses, he didn’t feel disgusted at all. Instead, his heartbeat accelerated and he was even looking forward to it.

  As Tan Shitian stared at him with confusion, Cheng Wei had to grab his hair and say, “I am thinking about the news conference. If the reporter asks me a question, how should I answer? I have to prepare the lines in advance.”

  Then he talked to himself as he walked around Tan Shitian. His head was so chaotic that he actually went to the wrong door and entered Tan Shitian’s bed. It was only after seeing that the sheets weren’t the right colour that he turned around and ran to his bedroom.

  After seeing that he was so nervous, Tan Shitian finally couldn’t help laughing. Cheng Wei was also embarrassed about going to the wrong room and didn’t look back at Tan Shitian as he closed the door to his room.

  ***

  Since it was currently the offseason, all players except for the national team were on holiday at home. Lu Xiao’s family was in Beijing and once he returned, he went straight home. This left only Tan Cheng behind and it seemed a bit empty.

  Cheng Wei was bored and practiced with a side account in the online game. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Cheng Wei opened his door in a perturbed manner, thinking that Tan Shitian was going to tease him with a kiss. As a result, the other person didn’t do anything. Instead, he asked seriously, “There is still a lot of holiday time left. What are your plans?”

  “I don’t know.” Cheng Wei scratched his head and replied. “My parents aren’t home and I’m not interested in going back. I’ll just stay here and wait for the team.”

  “Would you like to go out to play?” Tan Shitian looked seriously at Cheng Wei. “You have been playing the game all season and now you are still knocking on the keyboard all day. Don’t you feel tired? It is better to go out and relax.”

  Cheng Wei felt a bit touched. “Where do you want to go?”

  “How about going to Suzhou? I heard that the scenery in Jiangnan is very good and suitable for relaxation. I booked a special hotel there and we can stay for a while, slowly exploring.” Tan Shitian saw Cheng Wei’s eyes brighten and continued, “The cost of eating and drinking will all come from me. I just want to go travel and I’m missing a companion. It is boring to play alone. Do you want to go?”

  Cheng Wei felt some doubts? “Paying for my food and accommodation? Is that okay?”

  Tan Shitian smiled gently and harmlessly. “There is the bonus for the World Competition and I have no place to spend it. I want to go eat Suzhou food but I can’t order too much as one person. In any case, you are idle so why not go together?”

  Cheng Wei had low EQ but he knew that ‘being particularly attentive for a wicked act or theft.’ Tan Shitian had no reason to suddenly be good to him. What was his purpose? After careful consideration, Cheng Wei replied, “I can go with you but I have a condition.”

  Tan Shitian was in a hurry and asked, “What condition?”

  Cheng Wei seriously told him, “First, I will pay for my own things. I can’t take advantage of you. We won the World Competition and I also received the bonus. There is no reason for you to pay alone.”

  Tan Shitian saw his firm attitude and nodded. “No problem.”

  Cheng Wei continued, “Go out and play. We will just look at the scenery and eat delicious things. You can’t… can’t…”

  Tan Shitian was puzzled. “I can’t?”

  Cheng Wei exclaimed angrily, “You can’t tease me anymore!”

  Tan Shitian smiled as he realized. “You mean, I can’t kiss you?”

  The words were in a deliberately low tone that gave off an extra temptation.

  Cheng Wei’s eyes widened. He never imagined that there could be anyone in the world as shameless as Tan Shitian. He wanted to tear the other person’s mouth off but once he saw the smile, Cheng Wei could only sigh. He hung his head and turned around. “Forget it, I won’t go.”

  “No, it is too boring alone!” Tan Shitian hurriedly reassured him. “Don’t worry, I won’t tease you again. I was wrong before so don’t be angry. I promise that we’re only going on the trip this time. There might be some misunderstandings between us but the Time team needs us to manage it together. Let’s take advantage of this holiday to go out and relax for a few days, forgetting the past. Okay?”

  Tan Shitian was warm and soft and few people could refuse.

  His serious eyes, soft voice and warm smile gradually lowered Cheng Wei’s defenses.

  Perhaps Tan Shitian was right. No matter what contradictions they had before or how unpleasant they were, they would play together in the future as captain and vice-captain. It wasn’t good if their relationship was too stiff.

  Cheng Wei thought this and had to promise, “Okay, I’ll go pack my bags!”

  That night, Cheng Wei packed his luggage with great enthusiasm. He was full of expectations for Jiangnan. He imagined a good mountain, beautiful water scenario, delicious food and a fun place.

  He didn’t expect that when he went out with Tan Shitian, the person pretending to be a pure and harmless dog would gnaw at him until not every bones were left.

  Chapter 364 – The Covenant of Time (4): Suddenly I Want to Kiss You

  The next morning at 8 o’clock, Cheng Wei was woken up by the alarm clock. He washed his face and came to the dining room where he found that steamed buns and soy milk had been placed on the table. Tan Shitian still remembered that he loved the buns from the store across the street and thoughtfully bought breakfast.

  Cheng Wei ate the breakfast bought by Tan Shitian and his mood was particularly pleasant. He ate all of it in one breath and wiped his mouth with satisfaction before bringing out his suitcase. The moment Tan Shitian came in, Cheng Wei greeted him before asked, “Is it necessary to go to the airport in advance? What if there is a traffic jam on the road?

  Tan Shitian nodded. “Yes, it’s time to go. Let me get my luggage.”

  “Is there a taxi?”

  Tan Shitian smiled. “I already called for a car.”

  Cheng Wei scratched his head and looked over at his luggage. He didn’t know what to say.

  On the way, Cheng Wei didn’t have to worry about anything. Once they landed at the airport, Tan Shitian had called a car in advance. At the hotel, Tan Shitian had also booked the room in advance. He even checked the route for the place they were having dinner. Cheng Wei just needed to follow Tan Shitian and he would eat and live well without doing anything.

  To Cheng Wei’s surprise, they were eating at a famous restaurant in Suzhou when they met a group of acquaintances.

  “Hey Captain Tan!” The person who actively rushed to say hello was the vice-captain of the Red Fox team, Yang Muzi.

  “Captain Tan, Vice-Captain Cheng, are you here for a holiday?” The Red Fox captain, Liu Xiang also came over and she was followed by the members Meng Jie, Luo Shanshan and others. The Red Fox team had come out to play with their captain. The female players were dressed in casual clothes and mixed in with the crowd, not many people recognizing them.

  Once Tan Shitian saw his acquaintances, he smiled and stood up. “Captain Liu, what a coincidence.”

  Cheng Wei also smiled and waved at them. “Hello, is this a group trip?”

  Yang Muzi actively ran over and sat down. “There is a month’s holiday so we went out to eat and drink. It is such a coincidence that we also met the two of you! Do you mind sharing a table?”

  Tan Shitian replied politely, “Of course I don’t mind. This time, I’ll treat you.”

  The Red Fox and Time team had a good relationship and often met in private. In particular, Tan Shitian and Liu Xiang were players who debuted in the fourth season. They were very familiar with each other from their time as newcomers and they stayed in touch after they became captains of their teams. It was estimated that the players Tan Shitian had the best relationship with were Su Guangmo and Liu Xiang.

  Liu Xiang naturally sat to the right of Tan Shitian and asked in a worried manner, “Were you blocked by reporters at the airport?”

  Tan Shitian told her, “No, I ran quickly.”

  Liu Xiang smiled. “That’s good. Cat God and Captain Ling accepted the interview for the national team while we can sneak out and play.”

  The two people smiled at each other as Tan Shitian said, “Yes, I hate dealing with reporters. I have to answer the same question several times and feel that I look stupid when I smile at the camera.”

  Liu Xiang smiled. “Me too. The official words are too fake.”

  \r \r \r

  Both of them were captains and had more common topics to talk about. Cheng Wei normally didn’t care but now that he saw them smiling, he felt annoyed for some reason.

  The image of the handsome man and beautiful woman was too great.

  This restaurant had an extremely good environment and was arranged in the style of a Jiangnan garden. The restaurant was very quiet and Tan Shitian and Liu Xiang spoke in low voices, looking at each other from time to time. The handsome man and the gentle and beautiful woman looked like a couple completely in love.

  Moreover, the shape of their relationship was really a perfect match.

  Liu Xiang’s personality was strong and decisive but her appearance was that of a typical lady. She usually liked to wear simple and generous dressed. Her long hair fell to her waist and her smile was gentle. Her aesthetics were definitely at a goddess level for men and it was why Liu Xiang was the most popular female player in the domestic league.

  Tan Shitian and Liu Xiang together were simply eye-catching and looked like a pair of heavenly creations.

  Yang Muzi joked beside him and if it was an ordinary situation, Cheng Wei and Yang Muzi would be a team laughing together. However, today he was in a bad mood and Cheng Wei didn’t listen to her words. The image of Tan Shitian and Liu Xiang speaking quietly together made him confused.

  It wasn’t until a special dish came to the table and Tan Shitian reminded him to eat that Cheng Wei’s soul returned.

  “This is the special squirrel mandarin fish of Suzhou. It is sour and sweet and the taste if very fresh.” Tan Shitian placed a piece in Cheng Wei’s bowl and smiled. “Taste it. If it is delicious then recommend it to your idol.”

  Liu Xiang laughed. “Speaking of Cat God, if he was here today then we wouldn’t even get a share of the fish.”

  The Red Fox sisters laughed together and Cheng Wei smiled as he placed the piece of fish into his mouth. The fish was really delicious but he completely lost his appetite at the image of Tan Shitian and Liu Xiang smiling together.

  ***

  This meal was naturally bought by Tan Shitian. By the time dinner ended, it was already 10:30 in the evening. Tan Shitian was worried that the female players of Red Fox wouldn’t be safe on the road so late and personally called a car to send them back. Then he returned to the hotel.

  On the way back, Cheng Wei didn’t talk. His head hung down and there was no expression on his face. Tan Shitian wondered, “Are you tired?”

  “Yes.” Cheng Wei replied in a perfunctory manner. In fact, he wasn’t tired but was feeling uncomfortable in his heart. It was like a heavy stone was pressing on it, making him almost breathless.

  Tan Shitian say that he wasn’t in the mood and stopped talking to Cheng Wei. He simply smiled and said, “If you’re tired, go back and sleep early.”

  Back at the hotel, Cheng Wei went to the bathroom and was deep in thought as he took a bath.

  A man like Tan Shitian should be the perfect husband in girl’s hearts? His straight figure and handsome appearance had fascinated a large number of fans. In addition, he was young, promising, could keep calm in any situation, had a good temple, was gentle and considerate. If Tan Shitian publicly announced that he wanted to marry, the girls lining up to marry him would probably go all the way around Suzhou.

  What did of girl did he like? Which girl would be lucky enough to become his wife?

  Would it be Liu Xiang?

  Liu Xiang was really beautiful and had a good personality. She didn’t have a princess disease like some other beautiful girls nor was she pretentious. As the captain of Red Fox, she was very generous when facing reporters and calm during a game. It was said that her cooking skill was also great and anyone would be blessed to marry her.

  Perhaps one day in the future, Tan Shitian would hug and kiss a girl, placing a ring on her finger as he received blessings from friends and relatives. He would gently prepare breakfast for his wife, carefully arrange trips with his wife then have a cute little baby…

  Cheng Wei thought about it and became more and more irritated. He found that he couldn’t accept that ‘Tan Shitian will get married.’

  In these four years, he had been with Tan Shitian. Regardless of whether they were arguing or cooperating in the game, he had become accustomed to Tan Shitian and was used to seeing Tan Shitian. When he was angry, he could quarrel with Tan Shitian and when he was happy, he could share it with Tan Shitian.

  If Tan Shitian was to get married in the future, Cheng Wei could no longer get along with Tan Shitian as he did now. There would be no one to wake up early in the morning and buy breakfast for him. No one would comfort him when he was sad or tolerate all his problems like Tan Shitian…

  ***

  Cheng Wei stayed in the bathroom for a long time and his eyes were red when he came out.

  Tan Shitian was leaning on his bed and texting. He saw that Cheng Wei was walking around with his head hung low and seemed to be in a bad mood. Tan Shitian couldn’t help worrying. “What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?”

  “No, it’s nothing.” Cheng Wei didn’t dare let the other person discover his thoughts. He took a deep breath and adjusted his emotions. Then he turned his back to Tan Shitian and lay down, telling him, “Go and wash up.”

  “Yes, then you sleep early.” Tan Shitian went to took a bath while Cheng Wei tried to sleep. He heard the sounds coming from the bathroom and couldn’t sleep. After a while, Tan Shitian came out and found a big bulge on the bed. It was obvious that Cheng Wei had buried himself inside.

  Tan Shitian was worried that he would suffocate himself and walked over, gently opening the quilt. As a result, Tan Shitian saw a scene that shocked him. Cheng Wei’s eyes were red and wet, like he was going to cry at any second.

  Tan Shitian’s heart seemed to be grabbed by a pair of hands. He immediately sat on the bed and gently touched Cheng Wei’s wet hair, asking softly, “What’s wrong? Who bullied you?”

  Cheng Wei bit his lip and didn’t speak. He twisted his head and refused to look at Tan Shitian.

  Tan Shitian gently pinched his chin and forced his head back. “What happened?”

  Cheng Wei was silent for a moment before directly asking, “Do you like Liu Xiang?”

  Tan Shitian was stunned. “How can you ask this?”

  “The two of you have known each other for many years and debuted together. Everyone says that your best relationship in private is with Liu Xiang. You are also a good match when standing together.”

  Tan Shitian smiled. “I’m only friends with her.”

  Cheng Wei didn’t believe it. “How is that possible? She is so beautiful. Your heart isn’t moved at all?”

  Tan Shitian reluctantly replied, “There are many beautiful girls. Liu Xiang isn’t the type I like.”

  Cheng Wei was a bit curious. “What type do you like?”

  Tan Shitian smiled and leaned closer. “Your bad mood today… is it because you are jealous?”

  Cheng Wei was stunned before reacting. His cheeks turned red and he immediately denied it. “Nonsense! How can I be jealous? You and I aren’t…”

  Maybe it was because he was nervous but his tongue was knotted and he couldn’t complete a sentence.

  Tan Shitian saw his flustered expression and couldn’t help touching Cheng Wei’s red face. “I promised you something before leaving Beijing but now… I might have to break my promise.”

  The distance between the two of them was getting closer. Cheng Wei asked nervously, “W-What?”

  Tan Shitian smiled and lowered his voice. “I promised not to kiss you but now I suddenly want to kiss you.”

  Cheng Wei stared and didn’t know how to react as his lips were gently covered by Tan Shitian.