Chapter 15: Injured

Someone else.

They all knew exactly who this “someone else” was.

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Xia Yu stood exposed, unable to hide from Xu Baiyan’s light-colored eyes.

“I… I’m not insisting on anything,” she whispered.

“Really?”

“Really…”

Xia Yu knew there was no escaping this, so she braced herself against the shame and said, “About yesterday, I’m sorry!”

Xu Baiyan looked at her and asked softly, “Which part?”

“You did more than one thing yesterday.”

“For every single thing, I’m sorry!”

Xia Yu was mortified.

“I drank too much. Coach, what I said and did yesterday… could you just pretend it never happened?”

Xu Baiyan said, “Eating someone’s tofu and then pretending nothing happened—definitely your style.”

Xia Yu choked, suddenly unable to think of a retort.

Outside the window, people came and went.

Xu Baiyan saw her standing there stiff as a board, her ears so red they looked like they might bleed.

At last, he softened and decided to let her off: “Forget it, go back to work. As for last night… I don’t plan to take it seriously either.”

Xia Yu brightened.

“Thank you! And thank you for taking me home last night!”

You?

That was very respectful.

Xu Baiyan’s expression cooled.

He pulled the magazine over his face and said in a deep voice, “Next time, don’t go out drinking alone.”

“I definitely won’t!”

If she’d known she turned into such a mess when she got drunk, she’d have rather died of sadness than touch a single drop yesterday!

***

About three kilometers from Summer, Lihao Hotel was where Song Yu’an and a few of his friends had been staying recently.

Song Yu’an shared a room with Cai Weihao. When he got back, Cai Weihao had just finished washing his hair and was styling it in front of the mirror.

“You went out today without saying a word. I woke up and your bed was empty.”

Song Yu’an flopped down at the end of the bed and said, “You were all still asleep, so I went to check on Xiaoyu. I couldn’t reach her by phone yesterday, so I was worried.”

“Oh… Is she alright?”

“She said she drank too much last night. She’s been looking off all day, probably still not feeling well.”

Cai Weihao glanced at Song Yu’an in the mirror.

“Yu’an, you really care about her.”

Song Yu’an paused.

“She’s like a little sister who grew up under my nose. If I don’t care about her, who will?”

“Hmm… but can you really see her as just a sister? Xia Yu’s gotten even prettier since freshman year.”

Cai Weihao couldn’t help gossiping.

“Be honest, have you ever had any other feelings for her?”

As soon as he finished, Song Yu’an smacked him with a pillow.

“Didn’t I tell you not to joke around!”

“I’m not joking! I just think Xia Yu treats you differently too,” Cai Weihao clamped the pillow under his arm.

“She seems to rely on you a lot, or maybe… she likes you? Like, in a guy-girl way.”

“And how did you come to that conclusion?”

“Outsiders see more clearly, that’s all.”

Song Yu’an was silent for a moment.

“It’s normal for her to rely on me. She didn’t get along well with her family as a kid and was pretty timid. I’ve always looked after her. She treats me like a brother, that’s all.”

“Sure, you’ve always been close, but you’re not real siblings, right?”

Cai Weihao sat down beside him.

“So let me ask you—if she really liked you, what would you do?”

From Song Yu’an’s expression, Cai Weihao could tell he’d never thought about it.

He sighed, looking jealous.

“You’re lucky, man. Xia Yu might like you, and so does Enjin. Two beauties by your side!”

“Get lost.”

Song Yu’an kicked him.

“Enough, go fix your hair.”

“My hair’s done!”

“Then hurry up and get changed.”

He couldn’t get anything more out of Song Yu’an, so Cai Weihao grumbled and went to change.

Just then, Song Yu’an’s phone buzzed.

He glanced at it and saw it was a message from Xue Enjin.

She said she was home now, had finished her business, and would come find them early the day after tomorrow.

She also said her mom had made some special dishes and she’d bring them to share.

Song Yu’an replied that there was no rush, told her to stay home a bit longer, said they’d have fun on their own, and thanked her.

After he put down his phone, his mood became unsettled.

He had felt a flicker of affection for Xue Enjin before.

She was bright, cheerful, easy to get close to.

And lately, because of Surfing, he’d grown even fonder of her.

He’d spent all this time in Hai Cheng hanging out with her, partly to see if she was the kind of person he really wanted.

That’s all he’d ever considered.

But today, Cai Weihao’s nonsense suddenly threw his thoughts into chaos.

If Xia Yu likes you, what would you do?

He really had never thought about it.

***

The next day, it rained in Hai Cheng for once.

A few hours later, the rain stopped, and a faint mist lingered on the swaying branches and leaves.

During her lunch break, Xia Yu told He Jiasen she was heading out and took his Land Surf Board from the Surf Shop, planning to play for a bit.

The weather was cool.

Xia Yu carefully stepped onto the board, imagining herself Surfing on the sea, keeping her balance and pushing herself forward.

She was doing pretty well.

After a few runs, she grew more comfortable and sped up.

But then the board suddenly hit a small stone and jerked sideways!

She quickly put one foot down, but the other foot kept going with the Land Surf Board, and she lost her balance completely!

“Ah—”

But the expected pain of landing on her butt never came.

Someone caught her from behind, bracing her back.

The Land Surf Board shot away, but she landed steadily in someone’s arms.

That scent was familiar.

Xia Yu’s heart pounded as she looked back, drawing a sharp breath.

Xu Baiyan, calm as ever, helped her up and said, “Daring to play on the Land Surf Board alone? Where’s Jiasen?”

Although they’d already talked about the drunken incident yesterday, Xia Yu still found it hard to look him in the face.

Especially… his lips.

She forced herself to look away.

“He said he’d be here soon, but hasn’t shown up yet… I was just trying it out.”

“You’re way too stiff. Relax your posture a bit.”

Xu Baiyan gestured toward the Land Surf Board in the distance.

“Pick it up and try again.”

He looked completely calm, not awkward at all, as if that night hadn’t left any mark on him.

So she was the only one who kept remembering it, acting so unnatural?

Wouldn’t that make her seem like she cared too much?

Xia Yu straightened up, deciding to treat that night as if it never happened.

She ran over to fetch the Land Surf Board.

“I’m going again, okay?”

“Yeah.”

Xu Baiyan suddenly switched to teaching mode—and for free, too.

Xia Yu wasn’t about to turn down the opportunity and stepped onto the Land Surf Board.

This time her start was smooth.

Xu Baiyan watched her movements, occasionally offering guidance.

“Drive with your toes and heels, move your thighs to lead your ankles…”

“Turn right, open your shoulders and hips…”

“Don’t hide your gaze, keep your chest facing the board’s nose.”

“Lower your center of gravity, rotate and build power as you rise…”

The lean-in was still Xia Yu’s weak point.

She failed twice and said awkwardly, “I still need to practice that.”

Xu Baiyan frowned slightly.

“I’ll show you once.”

“Really?”

Xu Baiyan beckoned.

“Bring it over.”

Xia Yu couldn’t help but smile, obediently handing him the Land Surf Board.

Xu Baiyan was already an old hand at this. He took the Surfboard and demonstrated the correct turning motion.

Just like with Surfing, he always had incredible control over anything under his feet.

His body tilted gracefully, his movements smooth and elegant, the sea breeze billowing his T-shirt like butterfly wings.

Xia Yu stared, a little entranced.

“Got it?”

Xu Baiyan finished the demonstration and explanation, then asked her again.

Xia Yu nodded.

“I understand.”

“Your turn.”

Xia Yu stepped onto the Land Surf Board again and, with a gentle push, glided forward.

She smoothly finished a straight run and reached the corner.

Remembering Xu Baiyan’s movements, she did it all in one go—and actually made the turn!

As she went straight again, she instinctively looked over at Xu Baiyan not far away.

Xu Baiyan met her gaze, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly.

“Coach, was that okay? Was that last turn alright?”

Xia Yu asked him eagerly.

Xu Baiyan’s smile faded a bit.

He put on his Master’s air, not wanting her to get too cocky.

“Not bad. Barely passable.”

But those words were enough to make Xia Yu very happy.

And seeing her expression, Xu Baiyan couldn’t help but feel pleased too—he even wanted to be a bit more pleased.

For once, he didn’t think before speaking: “Do you want to go further and learn some technical moves?”

“Huh?”

Xu Baiyan cleared his throat and glanced down at her.

“I mean, this place isn’t suitable. You can go to a proper Land Surf Board venue to learn some moves.”

“Can I?”

“Why not?”

Xu Baiyan checked the time.

“Actually, I’m heading to the Land Surf Board venue now. Want to come with me? Do you have work this afternoon?”

Xia Yu was still basking in her sense of accomplishment and forgot all about the awkwardness between them.

“I don’t have to work later! I’ve got time!”

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Okay, let me grab my bag.”

Xia Yu casually placed the Land Surf Board by his feet, went inside to grab her small bag, and was just about to leave with him when someone suddenly called her name.

“Xiaoyu.”

Song Yu’an had come to Summer again today.

Xia Yu’s smile faltered a little.

“Yu’an-ge, what brings you here?”

Song Yu’an walked up.

“I came to see you. Are you free this afternoon?”

“Ah, is something up…”

“My mom needs some cosmetics and bags for gifts and asked me to pick them up at the duty-free shop. But I don’t really know about these things, so I was hoping you could help me and come with me.”

Xia Yu hesitated, glancing instinctively at Xu Baiyan.

“But I was just about to go practice Land Surf Board with Coach…”

“I see, but does it have to be today? My mom needs them urgently, so…”

Xia Yu really wanted to go play with the Land Surf Board, but Song Yu’an’s mother had always taken good care of her.

She didn’t want to ignore her request.

She pressed her lips together and looked at Xu Baiyan again.

“Coach, can I…”

“There’s no way you can buy something and ship it out the same day,” Xu Baiyan interjected coldly.

“I’m not free tomorrow.”

Xia Yu’s face fell.

“Then… what about the day after tomorrow?”

“Not free then either.”

“The day after the day after tomorrow?”

“No.”

Xia Yu sighed, giving up.

Song Yu’an saw her disappointed expression and felt a little annoyed.

He looked at Xu Baiyan.

“So you teach Land Surf Board too?”

Xu Baiyan glanced at him.

“I thought you only taught Surfing.”

Xu Baiyan said blandly, “I teach whatever I want.”

His tone was sharp enough that Song Yu’an’s smile faded.

“I know you can’t ship right away, but it’s best to get it sent out today. Coach Xu, could you teach Xiaoyu next time? She really wants to learn.”

“I’m not free,” Xu Baiyan replied coldly.

“Don’t you have a female friend? Can’t you ask her to help?”

“She’s not here today.”

“Oh, so you’re looking for a substitute?”

Song Yu’an’s expression changed.

“You—”

But Xu Baiyan ignored him and looked at the timid Xia Yu.

“Xia Yu, it’s now or never. Take it or leave it.”

The tension was thick.

Xia Yu was caught in the middle, her pupils contracting.

A substitute…

Was that her?

Xia Yu pressed her lips together and looked at Song Yu’an.

He didn’t want to say anything more to Xu Baiyan.

He grabbed her wrist.

“Let’s go.”

“Yu’an-ge…”

“I’ll bring you back later.”

Song Yu’an pulled Xia Yu to leave, and seeing this, Xu Baiyan became even more furious.

Did all his grumbling that night mean nothing?

Did she go soft the minute she saw this guy?

And was his teaching so easily tossed aside?

So many people begged to be taught by him!

“Xia Yu!”

Xu Baiyan instinctively moved to grab her, not noticing the Land Surf Board right in front of him and stepping right on the edge.

The Land Surf Board tilted sharply, and his foot slipped, twisting his ankle hard to the side!

“Damn! Baiyan-ge!!!”

He Jiasen, who had just arrived, saw his genius friend—who handled Land Surf Boards like he was walking on flat ground—get tripped up by one, and ran over in shock.

Xia Yu was stunned, whipping around.

“Coach?!”

Song Yu’an turned too, but before he could react, his hand was shaken off forcefully.

A strange gesture.

He froze for a moment, and when he looked up, Xia Yu had already run back.

***

Hai Cheng, Third Hospital.

Xia Yu stood anxiously in the hallway, peeking into the emergency room.

At that moment, Xu Baiyan was sitting on the hospital bed, one leg raised, his face dark as the doctor fixed and bandaged his ankle.

She glanced at Xu Baiyan’s face, her mind a chaotic mess, with only three words standing out: It’s over.

This was Xu Baiyan’s leg—he still had to Surf!

What to do…

After all, this happened because of her.

She was doomed.

“Xiaoyu, here.”

Song Yu’an came over from the end of the hall and handed her a bottle of water.

Xia Yu waved it off.

“Yu’an-ge, looks like I really can’t go shopping with you today. Maybe… you could wait a bit longer, or isn’t Enjin-jie coming back soon? I don’t really know much about bags and stuff anyway. You could ask her to go with you.”

Song Yu’an knew her mind was elsewhere now.

Though he was unhappy, he didn’t push.

“Alright, never mind for now. How is he?”

“The doctor said it’s a sprained ankle and he’ll need to rest for a while. Why don’t you head back? I want to wait here for Coach.”

Song Yu’an looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

“Call me if anything comes up.”

“Okay.”

After Song Yu’an left, Xia Yu went into the hospital room.

Xu Baiyan’s foot was already fixed up, and the doctor was giving him instructions.

Xia Yu stayed quietly by the side, not daring to make a sound.

“Bro, you’re amazing—how did you manage to get hurt by a Land Surf Board? Seriously! I’d be afraid no one would believe it if I told them.”

He Jiasen, who’d come with Xu Baiyan to the hospital, was furiously typing away on his phone, telling the group chat all about today’s shocking scene!

Xu Baiyan ignored him, his face as dark as ever.

He Jiasen didn’t care. After typing out a long message, he even took a bunch of photos of Xu Baiyan’s leg from all angles and sent them to the group, excitedly saying, “No one believes me, so I have to show them your battle scars!”

The more excited He Jiasen got, the paler Xia Yu’s face became.

“Coach, does it hurt?”

After the doctor left, Xia Yu finally dared to approach and ask quietly.

Xu Baiyan finally reacted, glancing at her.

“What do you think?”

Looked pretty painful.

“Right, now you don’t have to learn Land Surf Board anymore.”

Xu Baiyan said coolly, “So why are you still here? Aren’t you going to leave with your Yu’an-ge?”