Chapter Twenty-Four

“Remember, you must keep this a secret,” Yu Xingyue told the two of them.

They both nodded, promising not to reveal Yu Xingyue’s secret. The true founder of the Freestyle Blitz was not to be known by outsiders, but Zhang Yi and Huang Feifan were trustworthy—if word got out, it would be Yu Xingyue’s own misfortune.

The three of them sat down beside Yu Xingyue. Zhang Yi couldn’t help but ask, “Xingyue, since you’re Brother Xiao’s senior, why did you leave the Tianyuan Team?”

Yu Xingyue gave a bitter smile. “I have my reasons. You have no idea how dark things were inside Tianyuan back then.”

Xiao Jian nodded as well. Back when Yu Xingyue was still in the team, Xiao Jian had already noticed that Tianyuan would repeatedly send Yu Xingyue onto the field for the sake of their own interests, with no breaks in between. It was this constant exhaustion that took its toll on Yu Xingyue.

“Could you tell us more about it?” Huang Feifan asked.

“I could, but no one knows the truth better than Xiao Jian,” Yu Xingyue said, turning to Xiao Jian to explain the real reason behind Yu Xingyue’s retirement.

Xiao Jian began, “Actually, the reason Brother Yu retired, well, it was like this…”

Time shifted back three years.

At that time, both Yu Xingyue and Lin Ling had not retired yet—they were training together in the Tianyuan dojo. The two of them were the best partners. Of course, Zhang Yan did not yet know about his own grave illness, while Yu Xingyue was practicing new moves in Freestyle Blitz.

Then, someone arrived. At that time, Coach Tian Nan was only a sparring partner in the team, and someone specifically requested Yu Xingyue to participate in a match.

Yu Xingyue was only fourteen then, and readily agreed, “Perfect, let me see if my skills have deteriorated.”

So Yu Xingyue followed the old coach to the competition venue. Neither Lin Ling nor Tian Nan knew the man’s name—he was the one who forced Yu Xingyue into retirement. Yu Xingyue still didn’t know who he was, only that he was very mysterious.

That time, Yu Xingyue won first place with the leg techniques of Freestyle Blitz, which was a good thing—but it also put a strain on his body. To restrain himself, Yu Xingyue decided not to use those techniques except in critical moments.

What happened next surprised Xiao Jian. When Yu Xingyue was sent out for several consecutive matches, they all became furious. Why was the same person being sent out again and again? Xiao Jian was baffled and began to investigate. By the time Yu Xingyue had won two matches, he discovered that it was for certain interests—they wanted to exhaust Yu Xingyue so other teams could defeat him.

Xiao Jian told Yu Xingyue, who didn’t believe it at first. But as time went by, Yu Xingyue realized something was wrong. Why was he always being sent out even when he was so tired? Yu Xingyue furiously confronted the old coach, and not long after, his body gave out and he had to retire.

Later, Lin Ling also learned the truth and chose to retire. The coach was dismissed, and even if Yu Xingyue wanted to return, it was impossible—the original members of the Tianyuan Team were all gone, replaced by Xiao Jian’s new team.

So Yu Xingyue returned to the new Tianyuan Team as the team doctor, with Tian Nan as the coach and Lin Ling as the sparring partner.

At this point, Xiao Jian looked at Zhang Yi and Huang Feifan. “Now do you understand why? If not, I can explain again.”

Neither spoke. So this was why Yu Xingyue retired—the former coach treated him not as a person, but as a mere tool for profit.

“So that’s how it was. I understand now,” Zhang Yi said.

“That guy was way out of line, not even considering Xingyue’s feelings,” Huang Feifan said angrily. No one could blame him for being upset about what had been done to Yu Xingyue.

Xiao Jian replied, “Even if we found that person and took revenge, Brother Yu’s retirement has already happened. Isn’t it good now that he’s our team doctor?”

“But why? Xingyue, can’t you come back?” Huang Feifan asked in confusion.

Yu Xingyue smiled. “This is my decision. I’ve come back as the team doctor. I won’t compete—I’ll just watch you all give everything you have on the field.”

“Hmm…”

Everyone fell silent. Yu Xingyue’s decision was final, and no amount of pleading would change his mind—unless there were exceptional circumstances.

“I’m just very tired and don’t want to return to the arena. Back then, I poured all my energy into training and never considered anyone else’s feelings—not even Zhang Yan’s. I only learned about his illness at the very end. By the time I knew, he was already gone. If he were still here, perhaps he’d be a good friend to all of you,” Yu Xingyue choked out.

“Xingyue, don’t cry. If you cry, I’ll want to cry too,” Zhang Yi’s eyes grew moist.

What was meant as a casual meeting had turned so grave that the three fell silent. Xiao Jian, hearing Yu Xingyue mention Zhang Yan, shared his feelings. Huang Feifan didn’t know who Zhang Yan was, but from Yu Xingyue’s tone, it was clear this person had been his closest friend—Yu Xingyue’s sincere emotion was unmistakable.

…

Meanwhile, Lin Zimo was busier than ever. A sudden influx of customers had filled the café—perhaps too many hearts had been broken, or perhaps word had spread about the place.

Carrying coffee to a table, Lin Zimo had just set it down when the customer grabbed her arm. Lin Zimo shuddered and turned to face the guest.

“Excuse me, what are you doing?”

“Hehe!” The customer was bundled up carefully, not wanting anyone to guess her identity. Lin Zimo recognized her but played along.

“Guess who I am?” came a mischievous voice.

“That voice... why does it sound so familiar?” Lin Zimo tried to recall the specifics. Who else could have such a cheeky tone? She shot her a look. “Sis, no matter how well you disguise yourself, your voice betrays you.”

Deflating like a balloon, the guest let go of Lin Zimo’s arm. “Aww, you’re no fun at all! You’re so mean!”

She took off her hat, mask, and black sunglasses. Those present thought the two women looked like mirror images. The only difference was Lin Zimo’s beauty mark at the corner of her left eye, which the other girl lacked. This was Lin Zimo’s younger sister, Lin Xianxin (full name: Lin You Xiaobaihe).

Lin Zimo was delighted. “Sister, what brings you to China?”

Lin Xianxin replied, “You and Mom and Dad all came to China, leaving a poor lonely soul like me in Japan. Don’t you have a conscience?”

“Well, you’re here now. Mom and Dad will be thrilled.”

“Never mind that, Sis. Have you made any friends here?”

“Why do you ask?”

Lin Xianxin’s sly look sent a chill down Lin Zimo’s spine—she sensed her sister was plotting something outrageous.

Lin Xianxin asked, “Do you have any handsome male friends?”

“Well… yes…”

“See, you’re stammering, so there must be! Can you introduce me?”

Lin Zimo rolled her eyes. “So you came all this way just to find a boyfriend?”

Lin Xianxin grinned mischievously. In truth, she wanted to use the opportunity to size up which man might be most suitable for her sister—she’d worried herself sick over Lin Zimo’s future. More importantly, she wanted to understand their personalities—no matter how someone hid their true nature, Lin Xianxin could always see through them.

“Wait till I’m off work—we’ll talk then,” Lin Zimo said, greeting other guests. Lin Xianxin had no choice but to sip coffee after coffee, unsure when her sister would be finished, yet waiting patiently.

Time ticked by, the table filling with empty cups. After paying, Lin Xianxin left the café and waited outside.

At last, Lin Zimo finished her shift.

After changing clothes, Lin Zimo stepped outside, where Lin Xianxin had been waiting a long time.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Lin Zimo apologized, seeing her sister’s frustrated expression and knowing she must have waited ages.

“Sis, you work such long hours! Aren’t you tired?” Her own frustration vanished, replaced by concern.

Lin Zimo smiled. “It’s fine. This is my usual schedule—I’m used to it.”

“So, tell me about your handsome friends!” Lin Xianxin urged.

Unable to resist, Lin Zimo began to describe the men she knew: Xiao Jian, Zhang Yi, and Huang Feifan, only briefly. When she mentioned Yu Xingyue, her tone softened, an unmistakable gentleness in her voice. Lin Xianxin noticed immediately—if her iron-willed sister could be so tender toward someone, Yu Xingyue must be extraordinary.

“So just those four? Especially that Yu Xingyue—I’d love to meet him someday. Is he as handsome as you say?” Lin Xianxin giggled.

“I’m warning you—not a word to Yu Xingyue, or you’ll answer to me,” Lin Zimo scolded.

“Oooh, so he has another name? What exactly is your relationship with Yu Xingyue, to make you talk so syrupy sweet?”

“Stop asking, or I’ll ignore you,” Lin Zimo tapped her sister’s forehead and sped up. Lin Xianxin, rubbing her forehead, could only sigh—her sister certainly didn’t hold back. Truly sisters.

Lin Xianxin quickly caught up, and together they headed to their home in China. If their parents knew Lin Xianxin had come, they’d be over the moon.

Lin Xianxin was even more curious now about Yu Xingyue—such a mysterious figure.

…

After Yu Xingyue finished telling their story to Zhang Yi and Huang Feifan, both promised to keep the secret. No one spoke after hearing about Yu Xingyue’s experience in the Tianyuan Team; everyone fell silent in memory of Zhang Yan.

Huang Feifan rose from the bench and bowed deeply to Yu Xingyue. At first, Yu Xingyue didn’t understand, until Huang Feifan spoke up:

“Brother Yu, please teach me your leg techniques!”