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Chapter Text

Xie Lian’s day had been entirely uneventful, which is to say, it had been fairly average.

She went about her day like any other: wake up, go to work, go home. Rinse and repeat for the next day. While a younger Xie Lian would’ve utterly despised such a mundane routine, the current Xie Lian had grown accustomed to it. Besides, it wasn’t all bad—she had found that she rather liked the quaint little thrift shop she managed. She was fond of Ban Yue, the younger employee who worked whenever her schedule allowed it, and who would always fill Xie Lian in on her personal life.

Her store accepted anything, from clothing to trinkets to furniture, she wasn’t picky. Xie Lian welcomed it all. It usually wasn’t hard for Xie Lian to strike up conversations with the donors either, and she would often be treated to various stories about the parting item or the donor’s life in general. 

Even if the store didn’t provide her with entertainment, Xie Lian knew all she needed was to open her phone and tell her best friend, Shi Qingxuan, that she was up for some excitement. And so, for that exact reason, the two were currently sitting outside a cafe, sharing a dozen pastries between them, paid for by the generosity of one Shi Qingxuan.

“I just don’t think getting a title is worth a broken knee, but no one ever listens to me!” Shi Qingxuan said, stabbing at her mutilated Danish. “Like, okay, say you get the title—can you still even play after a broken knee?”

“Probably not,” Xie Lian answered, more focused on her messy cream puff than whatever Shi Qingxuan was currently commentating on.

“What’s even the point if you can’t play anymore?” 

That question seemed rhetorical, but Xie Lian offered an answer anyway. “Some people care more about the notoriety than the game, maybe?”

“Ugh,” Shi Qingxuan groaned before shoveling a piece of Danish into her mouth. “I don’t know why anyone even bothers when that dreadful Hua Cheng is projected to sweep everything up.”

“Who?” Xie Lian knew she wasn’t as engrossed in the world of professional tennis as much as she once was, but she still recognized some names here and there from back in the day. Either that or from Shi Qingxuan gossiping about them. And Shi Qingxuan liked to gossip a lot. Despite that, she had never heard of this ‘Hua Cheng.’

“Oh, right. Sometimes I forget you don’t keep up with this stuff anymore.” Shi Qingxuan pushed her plate to the side and put her arms on the table, leveling her gaze on Xie Lian. “Mark my words: Hua Cheng is a total pain in the ass! She came out of nowhere a year ago but has been beating everyone she gets put up against. I even heard a rumor,” Shi Qingxuan leaned in, her tone dramatic, “that she beat some pros so badly that they retired the next day. Just absolutely humiliated them.

“I‘ve also heard she’s an utter nightmare to work with. People keep trying to work with her because of how much money she brings in, but I've never heard of one lasting more than a month. Can you believe she managed to get a win at the Australia Open and was going around telling reporters she wants a Grand Slam this year? Like, are you kidding me? How arrogant do you have to be?” Shi Qingxuan huffed, sitting back. “She should just consider herself lucky enough to have won a major championship so early on in her career.”

She sounds good. “How old is she?”

“20, I think. Why?”

Ah, so four years younger than me. “Just curious. She seems impressive, is all.”

Shi Qingxuan scoffed. “That’s one word you could use…” She then perked up, resuming her upbeat attitude. “Enough about someone you don't know, though. How are you? How’s the store? Is that one girl still working there?”

Xie Lian listed off her usual answers: “I’m good. The store is fine. She is; she even mentioned getting a friend to apply.”

Shi Qingxuan nodded. “You know I’m always here if you need extra help, right?”

“I know, I know,” Xie Lian smiled. “The question is: would your brother let you away long enough to help me?”

“I’m an adult, I can do as I please,” Shi Qingxuan huffed, rolling her eyes. Despite her sarcasm, she was sincere when she added, “I’m sure I could even get He-xiong to come along.”

“Ah, don’t worry about me,” Xie Lian sighed, waving away her concerns. “Besides, I don’t think I’ve ever had more than two customers in the store.”

“Teenagers from the school, no doubt. A-Lian, make sure they’re not stealing from you!”

“Actually, I was referring to you and He Xuan.”

Shi Qingxuan blinked. “Oh. Yes, well… um…” Her phone chimed, the screen lighting up. Shi Qingxuan glanced at the notification before her eyes went wide. “Oh my, is it really that late in the day?”

Xie Lian’s hand paused on the apple turnover she was about to pick up. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, yes, everything’s fine,” Shi Qingxuan reassured. “I have to take my leave, however. I promised He-xiong we would go to the opening of some new restaurant I’ve never heard of, and it’s in a few hours.” 

“Didn’t you two go to another opening last week?”

“Yeah, for a café. You’d be surprised how many places to eat she can find.” Shi Qingxuan stood up and slung her purse over her shoulder, then slid her sunglasses down over her eyes. “Do you need anything else? Are you sure you’re okay taking all the leftovers?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” Xie Lian assured, smiling. Leftovers meant less money she’d have to spend on groceries—she knew that Shi Qingxuan had been thinking that when she ordered everything. “Tell He Xuan I said hello.”

“Will do!” Shi Qingxuan chirped, hugging Xie Lian’s shoulders before strutting away.

Xie Lian stared down at the remaining pastries on the plate, thinking of her next grocery run. Packaging them up, she left, again returning to her empty store, alone. 

❀❀❀

Xie Lian had resigned herself to the fact that it was going to be a slow day. Four hours had passed since she opened the store, but only a handful of customers had come in. Only one had even bought anything, and that was long before she had taken her lunch break.

She didn’t mind, really. She kept herself busy by organizing, shelving, pricing, more organizing, and the occasional short break here and there. She didn’t like being on her phone much during work hours, even on breaks. Despite being her own boss, it made her feel unproductive, a habit she was sure her old coach had instilled in her. Something, however, had been nagging at her ever since her meeting with Shi Qingxuan.

So, sitting at the register, giving one more glance around the store even though she knew it was empty, Xie Lian took out her phone, typed ‘Hua Cheng’, and hit enter.

Based on what Shi Qingxuan had told her already, she wasn’t too surprised by the headlines that appeared. Article after article popped up, proclaiming Hua Cheng a “tennis prodigy” whom most thought could “surpass the expectations set for the disgraced Xie Lian” (Xie Lian herself didn’t know if she should laugh or cry at the mention.) Everyone even focused on the same details of Hua Cheng: she practically came out of nowhere a year ago; no one knew anything about her; she had a lot of money; she was notoriously difficult to work with, and, the most outlandish: she had destroyed the reputations of 33 professional players so far past redemption they all went into early retirement and no one had heard of them since.

Truly, it was quite the reputation.

She tried to find a picture of this Hua Cheng, but it seemed near impossible. Any time she did appear in a photo, the camera was always at an angle that didn’t show her face. They only ever seemed to be Hua Cheng in play, and only from angles you couldn't make out any facial features. All she could tell was that Hua Cheng was tall and lithe, her arms showing hints of muscle. In every photo she swiped through, Hua Cheng's inky black hair was tied up elaborately with red string. If anything, Xie Lian could garner that this Hua Cheng favored the color red.

Truly, it was quite the oddity. 

Xie Lian knew that some people valued their privacy, and would often decline photoshoots or just anything that involved getting their photo taken. In extreme cases, they would sometimes pay off outlets to have photos removed. But to be able to never have any photos showing her face? Either Hua Cheng was incredibly lucky, extremely rich, or both.

She was about to start looking through one of Hua Cheng’s social media accounts before a bell softly rang, signaling the arrival of a customer. 

Xie Lian set her phone down and smiled brightly in the direction of the door. “Welcome in! Please let me know if you need help with anything.”

The girl who entered merely nodded in response, returning a smile, before walking over to a section of clothes.

Xie Lian took her in. She looked younger than Xie Lian, though not by much. Her dark hair hung over her shoulder in a braid, tied with a red ribbon, and bangs completely covered her right eye. A red coral pearl earring swayed from her ear with each step. Cropped red top, a red tennis skirt, and a red tennis bag slung over her shoulder. The contrast of vibrant red against pale skin offered quite an alluring sight. 

Ah. Xie Lian mused. Red looks good on her. I wonder if Hua Cheng looks similar to this...?

The younger girl took her time strolling throughout the store, taking in every trinket and scrap Xie Lian had collected over the years. It was the only time Xie Lian had ever seen someone consider each item so carefully, dedicating time and attention to every detail. Xie Lian tried not to watch her, but it was hard. Not only was she the only other person in the store (and quite attractive, if Xie Lian was being totally honest), the girl's consideration enamored XIe Lian. Xie Lian watched her as the girl waded through the aisles and around tables, seemingly with all the time in the world. Eventually, after much time, the girl reached the register and set a silver ring with an intricate butterfly pattern on the counter. 

“Just this?” Xie Lian asked. From this distance, the girl was noticeably taller than Xie Lian. Under the girl's intent eye, Xie Lian felt all too aware of her messy bun and stained cream sweater. She tugged a little at the bandages around her throat.

The girl hummed. 

For some reason, Xie Lian felt like she needed to fill the silence. As she rang up the ring, she babbled, "You have a good eye! I’m honestly surprised no one’s grabbed this up yet—one more day and I probably would’ve bought it myself, haha!”

She was rambling. She couldn’t stop. 

“Ah, I see you play tennis! There’s a tournament happening around here in a few days, right? Are you participating in it?”

“Mh.” The girl hummed again, amusement twinkling in her dark eye. “Does jiejie play?”

Xie Lian’s hand faltered, tapping the wrong button. The girl’s voice was deeper than she expected and incredibly… pleasing to the ears. “Ah, no, not anymore!”

“Why not?” 

“Oh, you know! It was never anything serious haha, and I got busy with the store, so! Um, yeah…” A complete and total lie! What was wrong with her!?

“Have you ever thought about playing again?” The girl’s visible dark eye stared intently at her as she patiently awaited a response. 

Xie Lian awkwardly scratched her cheek, suddenly very interested in the ceiling. “Oh, I don’t know… It’s been a long time… I have a friend who plays, but I always feel bad dragging her down to my level… haha…”

“Why would jiejie think herself so low?”

“Huh?” Was Xie Lian in the middle of something? She felt like she was supposed to be doing something.

“I just don’t think jiejie should sell herself so short.” The girl sounded completely serious. "If your friend doesn't support you, then I don't think they're deserving of jiejie."

What’s with all the ‘jiejie’s!? “Ah, well, it's not like that…”

The girl reluctantly accepted that answer. She adjusted her bag, unzipped it, and then fished around before pulling out a small slip of paper and a red pen. She scribbled something on it before sliding it towards Xie Lian, smiling. Fixing her bag, she said, “If jiejie ever wants to hit again, I’m always free.”

Xie Lian just gaped at her. The girl flashed her a bright smile before turning on her heel and walking towards the door. It wasn’t until the bell jingled, followed by the soft close of the door, did Xie Lian process what had just happened. 

“What?” Xie Lian said, to no one in particular. 

Xie Lian looked down at the counter to read the note but first noticed that the silver ring was still there, sitting in the same exact spot. Next to it was more than enough money to cover its cost. 

“What?” Xie Lian repeated to the empty store. She was so confused. A pretty, mysterious stranger enters her store, insinuates Xie Lian should find a better friend, offers to hit with her, and then just leaves without taking the one item she had bought. Who even was this girl!?

Xie Lian finally picked up the note and was only more confused upon reading it. What… exactly had that girl even written down? Could someone’s handwriting actually be this bad!?

She sat there deciphering it for a long while before realizing that it was supposed to be a phone number.

Setting aside both the ring and money, Xie Lian didn’t know what she should do. The absurd amount of money implied the girl had bought the ring, but then why leave it? 

Xie Lian chewed on her bottom lip. She had noticed too late—there was no way she could catch up to that girl. She didn’t even know which way she had gone, or where she was going, so locating her would be impossible. 

Out of options, she looked at the illegible phone number. Should she…? But it felt too weird!

She was the one who offered it! Xie Lian reminded herself, steeling her nerves. It was just a phone number, and she was just asking about a forgotten item! There was quite literally no reason to feel nervous!!!

Xie Lian took a deep breath. 

Once again grabbing her phone, she typed in the number (at least what she thought was the number), and drafted a message. After reading it over several times, she hit send, then frantically set her phone down to find something else to do.

Xie Lian (You)
Hello! If you were just at Puqi Thrift and Antiques, I believe you forgot your purchased item at the counter?

It wasn’t until the end of the day, after she had sent Ban Yue home, closed down the store, and headed up to her apartment, that she checked her phone for messages.

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
Ah, yes, that was me. 

That was it?!

Xie Lian (You)
…

Xie Lian (You)
Would you like me to hold it for you so you can come back and get it?

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
Maybe I bought it for jiejie to keep. I’m sure it would look much nicer on you.

Xie Lian’s face felt hot. Had her A/C randomly shut off again? 

Xie Lian (You)
Ah, please don’t tease me! You paid for it and additionally may have left some money behind. Is there any way I can return it to you?

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
I would never tease jiejie.

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
You can keep however much money is left over. 

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
If jiejie wants to return the ring, she can meet me tomorrow at this address:

Xie Lian (You)
What time?

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
Whatever works best for you. I’ll be there all day.

Xie Lian (You)
Okay…

Xie Lian (You)
Wouldn’t it be easier to find you if I knew your name?

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
Jiejie is so wise to consider such things!

XXX-XXXX-XXXX
Jiejie can just call this one San Niang.

San Niang
I look forward to seeing jiejie tomorrow.

Xie Lian shut off her phone and held it to her chest. In the darkness of her room, the sounds of the street drifted through her open window. Even with her open window and running fan, her body felt hot. Despite the outside noise of passing cars, it couldn’t mask the beating in her ears as her heart pounded in her chest.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian walked along the sidewalk, fidgeting with her shirt. 

She had reread the messages over and over, making sure she had the correct address (unsurprisingly, the local tennis courts), and that San Niang had said she would actually be there.

San Niang.

Her belly flipped as she thought of the strange girl. Nerves had plagued Xie Lian all day as she counted down the ticking clock, an odd feeling she couldn’t name settling in her stomach. She couldn’t even remember the last time she felt this way. Even when she greeted Ban Yue, handing her a set of the store’s keys and a list of priorities, her nerves didn’t shake. When she stepped out of the store, double-checking her wallet, phone, keys, and San Niang’s belongings, her anxiety didn’t quell. If anything, it got worse.

Walking, at least, gave her a chance to clear her mind, to identify the root of the problem so she could cure it. The thought of San Niang not being there made her stomach drop. At the same time, the thought of encountering her again made Xie Lian’s face hot and belly feel funny.

Indeed, this was an issue Xie Lian had never encountered before.

When the courts came into view, Xie Lian momentarily thought about turning around. Maybe walk a few laps around the block, get something to drink, anything to stall time. Wait, should she buy a water for San Niang? Is that the appropriate thing to do or would that be weird? Gods, she was stalling and she knew it.

Shaking her head to displace her thoughts, Xie Lian continued forward. As she stood in front of the gated fence, she held her breath. She didn’t know what she expected as she crossed over onto the asphalt—maybe memories to come rushing back all at once, knocking her down. When nothing happened, and she just stood there clutching the strap of her bag, she felt a little silly. Releasing her breath, she looked around. It was getting dark, so the overhead lights had been turned on. On one end of the courts, illuminated in the harsh lighting, as if it was her own personal spotlight, was San Niang.

Xie Lian unconsciously sucked in another breath at the sight of her. San Niang was turned away from her, bouncing a tennis ball with her racquet. Of course, San Niang’s racquet was red with a black grip, seemingly a Yonex. Xie Lian really shouldn’t have expected anything less.

San Niang looked just about the same as she did yesterday. Still in a red top and matching skirt, bangs perfectly covering her right eye. Today, her hair was tied up in a high ponytail with a red ribbon, and she had a thin braid with a red coral pearl at the end. It looked like the same red pearl that had been dangling from San Niang’s ear yesterday. 

At this angle, Xie Lian could only see San Niang’s bangs and her mouth, which was quirked down in a focused grimace. 

Xie Lian wondered if San Niang had even noticed her enter. If she noticed Xie Lian approaching her.

The sound of the ball rhythmically hitting the ground, before the satisfying, resounding smack as it made contact with the racquet brought back a rush of emotions. Nostalgia tinged with excitement, longing, and a tad of guilt coursed through Xie Lian.

They were the only two on the courts. Xie Lian watched, mesmerized, as San Niang went through her serves. Powerful, precise, and consistent. Her aim and control were deadly, making contact with just about every hard-to-reach position imaginable. 

A moment from yesterday slipped into Xie Lian’s mind, when she had asked San Niang if she played. ’Sometimes,’ San Niang had replied nonchalantly, as if she just did it when she had the time. But this… this was the air of a professional. A good one.

The next time San Niang’s ball landed in the service box, it was precisely on the middle of the back baseline. Despite that, she huffed, clearly dissatisfied with something. 

Feeling she should actually announce her presence instead of watching like a creep, Xie Lian cleared her throat and said, “You’re powerful, but you should toss the ball a little higher.” 

San Niang visibly jumped at her voice, and spun to face her. When she realized it was Xie Lian, her expression softened.

Xie Lian, face red and embarrassed, raised her hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you! I should have announced myself, rather than just standing here watching you.” 

“It’s alright. If I’d known jiejie was here I would have shown off,” San Niang smirked, a twinkle in her eye.

Were so many perfect serves in a row not already showing off?! was all Xie Lian could think. “San Niang, I’m sorry that I didn’t give you a time I’d be arriving—I had to wait for someone to replace me at the store, and I wasn’t quite sure when that would be.”

San Niang had walked closer as Xie Lian explained, bridging the gap between them. When Xie Lian stopped, San Niang stood in front of her, idly swinging her racquet and smiling. “I’ve already told jiejie it’s alright, so why the explanation? If it makes jiejie feel any better, I wouldn’t have been able to see it anyway; my phone is sitting on that bench.”

San Niang gestured to said bench with her racquet, and Xie Lian’s eyes followed. Indeed, she could see a phone set there, along with a water bottle and the tennis bag she had seen the other day.

“Oh,” Xie Lian said dumbly. Her face was red, she just knew it. “Well, um…” Remembering why she was there in the first place, Xie Lian dug around in her bag and pulled out San Niang’s ring, along with the money she left behind. Holding them out to San Niang, Xie Lian smiled. “I believe these are yours!”

San Niang looked from Xie Lian to her outstretched hands. Her mouth quirked up before she took the money, tied using a rubber band, and the ring. As she picked them up, the tips of her fingers brushed against Xie Lian’s palms. Xie Lian hoped her face wasn’t burning.

“This one is grateful jiejie is so considerate.” San Niang slipped the ring onto one of her fingers, examining it before removing it. “Although…” San Niang brought her gaze back to Xie Lian. She held up one hand, a playfulness dancing in her eye. “May this one see jiejie’s hand?”

Without saying anything, Xie Lian offered her left hand. She really didn’t know why she went along with it so easily. There was just something about San Niang that put Xie Lian at ease, like they’d known each other for years. 

San Niang delicately took Xie Lian’s hand in her own, and Xie Lian was surprised at how cool San Niang’s fingers felt. Or maybe it was just that Xie Lian’s skin was hot. She didn’t really know. 

San Niang carefully slid the silver ring onto Xie Lian’s ring finger. Still holding Xie Lian’s hand, San Niang admired it. “Ah, I was right. It does look nicer on jiejie.”

Xie Lian’s face burned. Her cheeks were probably a brighter red than San Niang’s outfit. 

“San Niang.” What was supposed to be a chastise came out sounding more like a whine. “I thought I told you not to tease me.”

“And I told you that I would never tease jiejie. I only speak the truth.” Despite the smirk on San Niang’s face, Xie Lian believed her. 

“But San Niang, you bought this ring. It’s yours,” Xie Lian knew even as she said the words it would be hopeless.

“If the ring is mine, then I’m choosing to gift it to you.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive, jiejie.”

“Fine… Then at least take your money back! This is simply too much for just a ring!” Xie Lian exclaimed. San Niang might have won with the ring, but Xie Lian this was not an argument Xie Lian would back down from.

San Niang must have sensed her seriousness because she took back the money without much of a fight. She looked mildly conflicted taking it out of Xie Lian’s hands, but her expression changed upon seeing Xie Lian’s determination.

As San Niang walked over to put the money into her bag, Xie Lian surveyed the courts. Numerous tennis balls littered the courts, some stuck in between the fence and the asphalt. A crate stood next to where San Niang had been, with only a few tennis balls left.

“San Niang, how long have you been here?”

“Didn’t I tell jiejie I’d be here all day?”

It was well past into the evening at that point—had she really been out here all day!? Surely she wasn’t out here waiting purely for Xie Lian… Right?

San Niang saw Xie Lian thinking and laughed. “Don’t worry, jiejie. I’ve been needing to practice, and it was convenient to just stay here since I knew you’d be arriving at some point.”

Ah, so San Niang read her like a book. “Have you at least gotten something to eat?”

San Niang nodded. “I got someone to bring me something. Don’t worry about me, jiejie.”

“Well, um… ok, then.” Xie Lian wanted to say more but was at a loss for words. The right thing to do would be to leave. She accomplished what she went there to do, even if she was leaving with a new piece of jewelry. Even though, she enjoyed San Niang’s company, she really should get going. She had to do some last-minute things in the store, and feed Rouye. She really should leave. But gods, it was hard to start walking towards the exit.

San Niang, somehow already attuned to Xie Lian, seemed to sense her hesitation. 

“Jiejie, play a match with me?” 

“Oh, I don’t know… I’m not really dressed for it…”

“It doesn’t have to be serious. We can just hit the ball back and forth and talk if that’s all jiejie feels comfortable doing. We don’t even have to keep score.”

Xie Lian was conflicted. Staying and playing with San Niang would only make Xie Lian miss her when they would eventually part. Did she really want to be missing the company of someone she had only known for a day months from now? On the other hand, San Niang looked so pitiful standing there, awaiting her response. 

Why am I getting so worked up over someone I barely know?! Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Truly, the Heavens were cruel for placing her on the path of such an interesting person.

Xie Lian looked down, regarding herself. Her shirt shouldn’t be that much of a problem—the only potential issue would be the tight sleeves. Her jeans were loose enough not to be restricting, and her old, tattered shoes wouldn’t cause any blisters or pain if they were only playing a short while, and at low effort (thank the Heavens she forewent her heeled boots). She fiddled with the bandages around her neck.

“I’d need a racquet,” was what she eventually said after a long moment of silence.

“I have plenty.”

“…”

“…”

“Only if San Niang promises to go easy on me.”

San Niang laughed to herself. “If that’s what jiejie wants.”

Looking extremely self-satisfied, San Niang walked to her bag and protruded another racquet. Like her current one, the frame was red but with a white grip. Xie Lian tentatively took it from her, testing the weight. It was heavier than she remembered, but it was a comforting weight, like a limb she had been missing finally slotted into place.

San Niang watched as Xie Lian spun it in her hand, giving it a few experimental swings. “Is it to jiejie’s liking?”

“Yes, it is,” Xie Lian smiled. “Thank you, San Niang.”

San Niang merely smiled in return before asking, “Alright, jiejie. Side or serve?”

Xie Lian blinked. “I thought we were just going to volley…?”

“We are, but I still want you to have your choice of picking the side or hitting first. Won’t jiejie indulge this lowly one?”

Oh, so that’s how it was going to be. “Alright then,” Xie Lian said. “Side, please.”

San Niang nodded and gestured for Xie Lian to take her preferred side of the court. Xie Lian glanced between them: they were both evenly lit, with no debris on either side. Since the sun wasn’t out and it wasn’t particularly windy, it didn’t really matter. She walked to the right side.

Bouncing one ball as she walked to the opposite side, San Niang’s eye glittered when she looked back at Xie Lian. “Would it be distracting for jiejie if we talked while we played?”

“Since this isn’t anything serious, I don’t see why not,” Xie Lian replied. If it would be an opportunity to get to know San Niang more, she would welcome it with open arms. Before San Niang could hit the ball, however, Xie Lian noticed something. “San Niang, wait! What about the pearl in your braid? What if it comes undone and you lose it?”

San Niang waved her hand. “Jiejie doesn’t have to worry; I keep very good track of the things I care about.”

Before Xie Lian could worry further, San Niang hit the ball, a light underhand that arched smoothly over the net and right to Xie Lian. While Xie Lian hadn’t picked up a racquet in years, she had trained in it since she could walk. It was an easy return, one that San Niang reciprocated just as easily. 

It was like that, a steady back-and-forth between them, that Xie Lian asked her first question. “How long has San Niang been playing? She’s incredibly skilled.”

San Niang huffed a laugh. “Jiejie can tell so much from a simple game? I’m honored. And I’ve played since I was young.” 

“Really?” That fact shouldn’t surprise Xie Lian; most of the professional players she had known started early into their youth, including her. Xie Lian wondered how far San Niang was into her career, but instead asked, “Why did you start playing?”

Back and forth.

“To get out of the house, mostly.” San Niang’s tone shifted when she answered but was back to normal before Xie Lian could even register it. “Then, I found out the person I admired played it. I wanted to be like them, so that’s when I really got into it.”

Oh. 

“I see. You play professionally, right? If you don’t, this jiejie thinks San Niang should start. Like I’ve said, San Niang is very skilled.”

“Well, I am good with my hands.” Xie Lian faltered at that, missing the ball completely. 

“San Niang…”

“Yes, jiejie?”

Gods, she was too coy! Xie Lian could see right past that innocent smirk!!

San Niang only laughed, heating Xie Lian’s face more. San Niang produced the second ball from her pocket, hitting it over the net. “Since jiejie wants to know, I do play professionally.”

“Does that mean you know Hua Cheng?” Xie Lian’s curiosity had finally gotten the better of her. 

San Niang chuckled. “I’ve heard of her. Kind of hard not to.”

“Oh. Right.” Xie Lian’s face burned—of course San Niang had heard of her! What a stupid question!! “What have you heard about her?”

“Nothing good. Why does jiejie ask?”

“Ah, well.” Xie Lian tried to focus—were San Niang’s shots becoming more sporadically placed? “A friend told me about her, and I looked her up out of curiosity. None of the articles told me anything I wanted to know.”

“Oh?” San Niang’s voice lilted. “And what does jiejie want to know?”

Xie Lian shrugged, stretching out to return San Niang’s latest shot. “Surely she’s not as awful as everyone makes her out to be?”

San Niang’s laugh rang out, light and clear. “Jiejie is so optimistic! I’m sorry to say that it’s true: Hua Cheng is an utter nightmare. She has a fairly bad temper, and a lot of people find her difficult to get along with. She’s just as brutal off-court as she is on-court.”

“Hm…” Xie Lian was lost in thought, both in the mystery of Hua Cheng and the rhythm of their game. She should’ve tied her hair back more securely. “I don’t know, I guess I just find that a little hard to believe…”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“Well, I’m just thinking…  what if Hua Cheng is the type of person to prioritize authenticity? It can be difficult to maintain that, so I wonder if everyone around her is jealous of that… Or just angry they can’t change her.” Xie Lian really must have been lost in the thrall of their game if she was making such a grand assumption about someone she didn’t know. She wasn’t surprised, though. Playing always cleared her head, her preferred method of meditation and reflection.

“Jiejie sounds like she’s speaking from experience.” Again, San Niang had that odd tone, enunciated by her smack of the ball, harsher than it had been previously. 

Embarrassed by her words, Xie Lian accidentally hit the ball into the net. “Oh, no, no! Forgive me, I got caught up and spoke without thinking!”

Xie Lian did a weird little jog to retrieve the ball. When she bent down to pick it up, she heard San Niang’s low voice above her. “You don’t have to apologize.”

Xie Lian looked up in surprise. San Niang was standing directly in front of her, hands resting on the net as she looked down at her, her ever-attentive gaze fixated on Xie Lian.

Despite Xie Lian’s face growing hot, she shivered as she stood up. Even at her full height, San Niang was a full head taller than her. Despite Xie Lian being able to hear her own heavy breaths in her ears, San Niang looked entirely unaffected by their little game. There wasn’t a hair out of place, and Xie Lian was sure not even her bangs had moved. 

How is that possible? Did she glue them down, or something?

Realizing that she had been shamelessly staring at San Niang, she suddenly became very interested in the tennis ball in her hand. It was a great shade of green that she'd seen a million times before.

“San Niang,” Xie Lian started, peeking up at her. “What does Hua Cheng look like?”

San Niang’s usual smirk was back in place, although the same attentive spark was in her eyes. “Hmm… what does jiejie think she looks like?”

Xie Lian tossed the ball into the air and caught it, repeating the process so she could avoid San Niang’s intense gaze. “Ah, well, all her pictures are from weird angles… She seems tall, though… I would imagine that maybe she’d look like San Niang?”

San Niang laughed again. Xie Lian wondered if her face would ever stop being red. “Jiejie’s observations are so interesting! I’ll give jiejie a hint, though.” San Niang leaned her upper body over the net, bringing her face a little closer to Xie Lian’s. “Hua Cheng is missing her right eye.”

Xie Lian’s eyes went wide. “Really? Is she ok? What happened?”

San Niang leaned back. “Eh, she’s fine. She usually covers it when she plays. Reporters and players have asked her about it, but she never tells them. Some people think she fakes it to seem more impressive.”

“Even if she’s faking it, she would still need to learn how to play reliably without half of her vision! Either way, it’s impressive!” Now it was Xie Lian leaning on the net, fired up from this discovery. She couldn’t help it, really; she had always loved discussing technique and would regularly watch other player’s matches. Hua Cheng was only sounding more and more intriguing, and this newfound fact was only leading to more questions. “Wow! Her ability to predict where the ball will be must be next-level! And when you factor in depth perception…”

Xie Lian was too lost in her own world to notice the odd smile on San Niang’s face. However, Xie Lian was brought back to Earth by San Niang’s smooth voice. “Jiejie must want to see Hua Cheng play.”

“Ah, well, um, I–” Xie Lian sputtered. Weren’t they supposed to be playing tennis? Whatever happened to that!? Xie Lian cleared her throat. “After everything I’ve heard, I wouldn’t deny an opportunity to see her in action.”

“Jiejie’s in luck then. There’s a rumor going around that Hua Cheng will be playing in the Puqi Challenger.”

Xie Lian’s brow scrunched. “The Challenger? Why? Isn’t that… um…”

“Beneath her?” San Niang laughed. “That’s what you and everyone else think. She’s just doing it for fun. And, she’s looking for something.”

“What’s she looking for?”

“If jiejie goes, maybe you can ask her yourself,” San Niang said sweetly, winking. 

Xie Lian met San Niang’s dark eye, mischievousness glinting in it. Before Xie Lian could say anything more, a phone started ringing. San Niang grimaced, then walked towards the bench where her phone vibrated.

When she answered it, her irritated tone was unlike anything Xie Lian had heard from her before. “What do you want?”

Obviously, Xie Lian couldn’t hear the other person’s response. She could only see how whatever it was made San Niang sigh and rub the bridge of her nose. 

“I don’t understand why this is such a big deal.” A pause. “Fine. I’m on my way. Don’t call me again.” Followed immediately by San Niang ending the call.

Xie Lian had walked a little closer but didn’t want to intrude on her call. “Is everything alright?”

San Niang sighed again before returning her attention to Xie Lian, the smile returning to her face. “Everything’s fine, jiejie, don’t worry. I just realized there was somewhere I was supposed to be. Maybe we could finish our game another time?”

“Oh! Um, yeah, I’d love that,” Xie Lian practically mumbled. At the promise of a next time, her stomach fluttered. 

“Perfect. I’ll look forward to it. Can jiejie get home safely?”

“Yes, I can! It’s not that long of a walk, and I’ll be careful–”

“Wait, you were planning on walking back?”

Xie Lian blinked. “Yes…? I don’t think the bus is running this late at night, and I forgot to bring my bike…”

“Jiejie…” San Niang sighed again, clearly concerned. She looked at Xie Lian for a bit, tilting her head, before finally nodding to herself. “It’s decided, then. Jiejie, I’m driving you home.”

“Oh, San Niang, that’s really not necessary! I’ve lived here for so long, I’ll be fine!”

San Niang, however, wouldn’t accept that. She plastered on a pout and raised her hands in mock prayer. “Won’t jiejie grant this lowly one’s wish of helping jiejie get home? This one won’t rest well if she’s worrying about jiejie.”

How could Xie Lian argue with that!? “Ok, fine… If it’s not too much trouble…”

San Niang switched up immediately, collecting the racquet and ball from Xie Lian and stuffing them in her bag. “Perfect! Let’s go, jiejie.” 

Xie Lian followed close behind San Niang, mesmerized by how her ponytail swished with each step. Eventually, San Niang led them to the only car in the parking lot. Now, Xie Lian may not have known much about cars, but even she could tell this one was nice. Xie Lian couldn’t place any details about the make or model (she was just a girl, after all, and didn’t even own her own car), but it was, of course, a vibrant red. 

San Niang threw her bag into the back then hastened to the passenger side door, holding it open for Xie Lian. She only continued to smile sweetly when Xie Lian looked at her and slid into the car. 

Right after she closed Xie Lian's door, San Niang got into the driver’s seat and they were off. As they pulled out of the parking lot, San Niang asked, “Now, where does jiejie live?”

“Ah, just above my store.” Xie Lian couldn’t remember the last time she told someone other than Shi Qingxuan where she lived. Much less, had someone in her apartment. At that thought, images of inviting San Niang in, showing her around… Xie Lian turned to look out the window in the hopes San Niang wouldn’t be able to see her burning face. 

The ride passed in comfortable silence. As they drove, Xie Lian was glad she caved in and took San Niang’s offer. She never really thought about the actual distance between her store and the courts, but it was definitely a long walk better suited for the daylight.

Eventually, they arrived at Xie Lian’s place. San Niang pulled up to the curb and hopped out before Xie Lian could tell her not to worry about it. When her door opened, Xie Lian stepped out and faced San Niang. 

“Thank you for the ride, and for the ring. Are you sure you won’t want it, though?” Xie Lian asked cautiously. 

“I’m positive.” San Niang smiled. “Thank you for indulging me in a silly little match.”

Again a silence settled over them, one that Xie Lian felt she should remedy. It was astounding, really, how little experience Xie Lian had with this kind of thing. She used to have friends, but that was long, long ago. She couldn’t remember a single time her coach had allowed her to mingle or make friends once she started playing professionally. The one time she had tried, her coach had yelled at her for an hour for "wasting her time" on people who "wouldn't be able to understand her rigorous training" and would "only grow jealous of her success." Needless to say, Xie Lian stopped trying for friends shortly after that.

Should she… hug San Niang? Is that what she was supposed to do? That felt so… intimate though…

Feeling like a fool and at a loss for what else to do, Xie Lian raised her hand. San Niang looked down at her hand, then back to her before taking her hand and shaking it. San Niang’s hand was cold.

“Until next time,” Xie Lian said, embarrassed. 

“Until next time.” For her part, San Niang looked entirely unfazed by Xie Lian’s strangeness. 

San Niang let go, heading back inside her car. Xie Lian waved to her, San Niang doing the same for as long as she could as she slowly drove away. Once San Niang’s car was no longer in sight, Xie Lian finally headed inside her shop. 

She locked the door behind her. She turned off the lights. She once again headed up to her apartment. 

When she closed the door, she slid down against it. Sitting on the floor, she stared at her hand. She could still feel the coolness from San Niang, the way San Niang’s fingertips grazed her palm as she pulled away. 

In the back of her mind, Xie Lian wondered what it would feel like to hold San Niang's hand.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian woke up to two texts from two different numbers.

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘 
(Link attached)

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
i told u!! shes completely arrogant!!!!!

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
also are u doing anything today lol

Xie Lian (You)
Just watching the store! Since it’s Saturday, though, Ban Yue will be here earlier. What did you have in mind?

While Xie Lian waited for a response, she clicked on the link Shi Qingxuan had sent. Once it loaded, she sat up in her bed. ‘Guest of Honor Hua Cheng Arrives Late to Donor’s Banquet,’ was the headline, followed by a blurry picture of the woman shaking hands with the donor in question. The photo was, predictably, taken from behind. Even so, Xie Lian could make out the deep red, floor-length gown Hua Cheng was wearing, silver bracelets adorning both arms. Her long black hair hung down her back like spilled ink. 

Guilt flashed in Xie Lian’s mind. She flopped back down in bed, wondering if San Niang had gotten to her own event okay. She hoped she didn’t get San Niang in trouble. San Niang didn’t seem to think it was that big of a deal, so Xie Lian supposed she shouldn’t worry either…

Xie Lian skimmed the rest of the article, trying to capture any more details about the elusive Hua Cheng. The article referenced that Hua Cheng had, like the title said, arrived late but acted as if nothing had happened. Apparently, she had even insinuated everyone else “had simply arrived early.” Xie Lian couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle at that. The rest of the article, however, went on to report about the rest of the guests, the donor, and other technicalities that Xie Lian didn’t care about.

Remembering that she had received another text, she checked her inbox. Seeing the name, she shot back up.

San Niang
Jiejie, if you were serious about attending the Puqi Challenger to meet Hua Cheng, give your name to security at the front and they’ll let you in without charge. They should also be directing you to a reserved seating area.

San Niang
If they don’t, please remember the names of those that refused you and tell me.

Xie Lian held her phone so close to her face she could see her reflection on the screen. She reread the words, eyes bouncing back and forth. 

Admission into the Challenger was something even Xie Lian could afford. Sure, it would probably be crowded and a little hard to find a good spot, but this was completely unnecessary!

Xie Lian (You)
Thank you so much, San Niang! But isn’t this a little much for just a Challenger??

Xie Lian only had enough time to get out of bed and stretch before she heard her phone vibrate. 

San Niang
Nothing is too much for jiejie.

San Niang
Think of it as a thanks for last night.

Shouldn’t I be the one thanking you!? Xie Lian was at a loss for words. She really hadn’t done anything to deserve so much of San Niang’s generosity: first the ring, then the drive home, and now this?!

Xie Lian (You)
(｡≽\\\≼)

Xie Lian (You)
By the way, San Niang, were you able to make it to your event? I hope I didn’t cause you any trouble!

San Niang
Jiejie worries too much.

San Niang
It’s not like I was late—everyone else just showed up before me.

Xie Lian laughed at that. If it was anyone else, she might have rolled her eyes. For some reason, she found San Niang’s arrogant boldness incredibly endearing.

San Niang
I would have much rather stayed with jiejie, anyway.

She had just woken up and already she could feel a blush creeping onto her face. San Niang’s shamelessness would be a lot more impressive if it wasn’t solely focused on teasing her! Xie Lian bit her lip, formulating the right response. Eventually, she decided to have a bit of fun with it—two could play at that game!

Xie Lian (You)
If San Niang needs motivation: win against Hua Cheng and I’ll go all-in the next time we play!

Xie Lian felt ridiculous as she typed it out—she didn’t know how San Niang did it—but once she hit send it was too late. She could see the bubbles as San Niang typed out a response, but then they stopped. They started up again before briefly stopping, and Xie Lian tried not to let it get to her. The Challenger had already probably started by now; it could be that San Niang was called in for her first match or practice by her coach. Still, it was hard to swallow the sliver of disappointment in her throat. 

Sighing, she tossed her phone on the bed, instead opting to visit Rouye. 

In his cage, Rouye had stuffed himself into one of his various plastic tubes. He looked ridiculous. She swiped her phone off her bed and took a picture. Then, she opened his cage and held her hand out to him, waiting for him to come out. When he eventually did, she picked him up, shifting him in her hands so that he was comfortable. 

Holding him up to her face, Xie Lian asked, “Rouye, what should I do?”

Rouye, predictably, said nothing. 

Xie Lian sighed. “Do you think I was being too forward? Gods, how does San Niang do it…”

Rouye twitched his nose.

Xie Lian nodded. “You always know what to say, Rouye. I wish I had just a fraction of your skill with words.”

Once again, her phone pinged, making her jump. Holding Rouye close to her chest, she grabbed her phone and tried not to feel disappointed that it wasn’t San Niang.

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
a-lian knows me so well!!!! 

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
hear me out: hua cheng will be at the challenger

Xie Lian (You)
I know!

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
???

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
how do u know that??????? i literally JUST found out from he-xiong

Xie Lian (You)
A friend of mine that’s playing in the Challenger told me yesterday!

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
baby girl… pookiebear… schnookums… kitten whiskers… you have a friend that isnt me???🥺🥺🥺

Xie Lian (You)
I met her a few days ago!! It’s kind of a long story haha, but her name is San Niang!

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
“san niang”

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
chat is this real

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
chat is this girl actually a pro player. chat thats not even a name. chat what the flip

Xie Lian (You)
?

Xie Lian (You)
I don’t know what you’re saying.

✨A-Lian’s Bestie!!!✨😘
we’ll talk more when i pick you up later!!! xoxo

Xie Lian sighed again. She felt like she had been doing that a lot lately. “Rouye, what does ‘chat’ mean?”

Rouye only stared at her.

❀❀❀

A few hours later, Xie Lian stood outside the store, waiting on the sidewalk. Shi Qingxuan would be there any minute. 

Xie Lian had felt guilty entrusting the entire store to Ban Yue, alone, but the young girl had insisted she would be fine. In fact, she had seemed more excited at Xie Lian taking the day off than Xie Lian herself had felt about it. 

Even now, when Xie Lian checked on Ban Yue through the store’s windows, Ban Yue smiled brightly and waved at her. Xie Lian waved back, then, when Ban Yue turned back to writing in her notebook, she tried to use the window to discreetly make sure her outfit was ok.

She couldn’t even remember the last time she had attempted to dress nicely. Sure, she made sure she was presentable every day, but not much thought went into it. She just tossed on whatever clothes she grabbed first. When she had been getting ready that morning, however, she had stood in her closet for an agonizing hour, configuring and mixing outfits. Rouye had stared at her from his cage, offering no input. Helpful as always.

Xie Lian checked her reflection. She had tied some of her hair back into a bun and let the rest fall down around her shoulders, tickling the base of her spine; her usual style. It was supposed to be on the warmer side, so she paired a tank top with a loose, flowing skirt that reached her ankles (both were, of course, her signature white). She was wearing San Niang’s ring. She had even replaced the bandages on her neck. Everything was in order.

So then why did she feel so anxious?

A car honked behind her, cutting off her train of thought.

She spun around, embarrassed. Shi Qingxuan, thankfully, paid her no mind. Instead, through the open passenger window, she shouted over her music, “Hop in!”

Xie Lian secured the bag on her shoulder and carefully got into Shi Qingxuan’s car. Shi Qingxuan pulled away from the curb, and Xie Lian was abruptly reminded that she had been in San Niang’s car last night.

Shi Qingxuan turned down her vaguely pop-sounding music. “A-Lian! You look so cute!”

“Thanks,” Xie Lian mumbled, blushing. Ok so maybe dressing up a little was a bad idea. “He Xuan didn’t want to come?”

Shi Qingxuan shook her head. “Nope. He-xiong usually has to see Hua Cheng anyway, so she couldn’t care less.” She sighed dramatically and whined, “Can you believe it? She’d rather be stuffing her face than spending time with me!”

Xie Lian chuckled at that, then registered Shi Qingxuan’s words. “Wait, He Xuan knows Hua Cheng? I thought you said no one worked with her?”

Shi Qingxuan shrugged. “Don’t ask me. He-xiong never has anything nice to say about her either, but they still meet up for some reason. She’s never even told me how they know each other.” 

Xie Lian swayed as the car turned. 

Hua Cheng is an utter nightmare. San Niang’s words echoed in her head. How is it possible that she hasn’t heard a single good thing about Hua Cheng? And why did Xie Lian not believe any of it? She wasn’t naive—life had made sure of that. Still, there was something about Hua Cheng’s infamous reputation that Xie Lian doubted.

She didn’t even realize Shi Qingxuan had asked her something until she turned and saw Shi Qingxuan looking expectantly at her.

“Sorry, I was thinking. What did you say?”

“I said,” Shi Qingxuan drawled out, focusing back on the road, “Where did you get that ring? I’ve never seen you wear it before.”

 “Oh, well…” Gods, okay. How should Xie Lian explain this? “Do you remember how I told you I made a friend? San Niang?”

Shi Qingxuan hummed. “She sounds suspicious.”

“She is not! She’s very nice!” Xie Lian defended. “Anyway, she came into the store a few days ago and bought it, but forgot it on the counter. So I met up with her to return it, but she ended up gifting it to me.”

Xie Lian had never seen Shi Qingxuan look so… surprised, before. “Wait, what!? What do you mean you ‘met up with her’?

“I mean that I texted her and–”

“You have her phone number?!”

“Eyes on the road!” Xie Lian exclaimed. “And yes, I do, but she gave it to me! Besides, how else would I have given the ring back!”

“A-Lian! Why didn’t you tell me!”

“Um… Because… I’m telling you now…?”

Finally, they pulled into the court’s parking lot, which was already filled with cars. Shi Qingxuan, somehow, had no problem finding a spot (if it was Xie Lian, she probably would have had to park up the road and walked back). Before Xie Lian could get out, however, Shi Qingxuan reached past her to lock her door.

“What are you doing?” Xie Lian asked, manually unlocking the door.

Shi Qingxuan locked it again. “Getting answers.”

“Why am I being interrogated?” Xie Lian was so confused. 

“Who is this ‘San Niang’? What else do you know about her? You said she plays pro, right? Who’s her coach?”

Xie Lian scratched her cheek. “San Niang is my friend. Um… she’s younger than me? And tall. And uh…” Xie Lian realized that was really all she knew about San Niang. Despite how much they had talked last night, their conversations were focused on either Hua Cheng or Xie Lian. San Niang had somehow managed to completely avoid any discussion of herself. 

At her silence, Shi Qingxuan chided her, exasperated. “A-Lian! How could you just meet up with someone you don’t know?”

Because she felt familiar. 

That would be a stupid answer, however, and would only worry Shi Qingxuan more. “Because she seemed nice?” Ah, yes, that was a totally better reason! Great thinking, Xie Lian!!

Shi Qingxuan only sighed once more before relenting and unlocking Xie Lian’s door. Xie Lian awkwardly stepped out, holding her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun. Shi Qingxuan was soon at her side. Despite shaking her head, she didn’t say anything more. 

The queue to enter wasn’t too bad, but it was still a lot more people than she had expected. They should have arrived earlier. 

Shi Qingxuan noticed her looking at it and explained, “It’s because Hua Cheng’s playing.”

“Ah,” was all Xie Lian said. It made sense. She must have quite the fanbase…

Once upon a time, Xie Lian would have had to wear a bucket hat and sunglasses if she wanted to watch a random tournament in peace. At first, fans coming up to her to ask for an autograph or a picture didn’t bother her much; if anything, it warmed her heart to know people liked and supported her so much. But then, after the years went by and her reputation began to tank, the autographs turned to snide comments and harsh questions. Selfies turned into obscured photos, taken from a crowd with the flash on so that even if she couldn’t see who had taken it, its presence was still announced, the humiliation all the same. She could still remember someone asking her, in all sincerity, if she realized her situation would’ve been better if she had just broken both of her legs.

She shivered, shrugging the memories off.

They stood in line for a moment before a man in a windbreaker stepped up to them. On his lanyard hung an ID that had ‘Security’ stamped on it.

“Excuse me, are you Xie Lian?”

Xie Lian looked to Shi Qingxuan, who just shrugged. “I am, yes.”

“Perfect! Please follow me,” the security guard said, ushering them out of line. 

Xie Lian once again exchanged confused glances with Shi Qingxuan, who looked just as confused. Then, she remembered the text San Niang had sent her that morning about entering the event. The fact that security had already known who she was meant that San Niang must have described her to them. She wondered what San Niang had said, and what words she used. Xie Lian fanned herself; the day’s heat was worse than she had realized. 

When they walked by the draw board, Xie Lian couldn’t help but crane her neck to look at it. She was hoping to catch a name and sure enough, there it was: Hua Cheng. 

The guard guided them to a small area of grass where a table and two chairs had been set, various refreshments provided. The chairs faced the court, offering the perfect view of where the players would be.

“If there’s anything else you need, please let a member of staff know,” the guard said before walking away.

Shi Qingxuan’s jaw dropped as she looked over the numerous drinks and snacks. “What the hell? I’ve never gotten this kind of thing before, even when I’m competing!” She whirled on Xie Lian. “A-Lian, what’s going on?”

“Ha ha,” Xie Lian laughed weakly. “This is because of San Niang…”

“Again!?” Shi Qingxuan gave her an incredulous look. “She can do that?!”

Xie Lian had never even considered the pragmatics of reserving a special little area for someone (in other words, a commoner) during a tournament before. Seating was first come, first serve. Indeed, to the sides of them, people sat in lawn chairs or on the grass—who knows how early they got there to avoid the bleachers.

“Ok, ok,” Shi Qingxuan started, “First, I’m going to go to the bathroom. Then I’m gonna ask around about your San Niang because this is crazy. I’ll be back soon! And with answers!”

Before Xie Lian could stop her, Shi Qingxuan ran off. Really, there was no reason for such things. Even without investigating, Xie Lian already had a pretty good answer forming in her mind.

As if the thought summoned her, Xie Lian heard a familiar low voice behind her. “Jiejie.” Xie Lian jumped, eliciting a chuckle. “Apologies, jiejie. This one didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I was just lost in thought. Don’t mind me.” Xie Lian turned as she said it, fully facing San Niang. She looked the same as she always had, except for one notable exception: instead of bangs covering her right eye, a black eyepatch rested in its place.

“Oh? And what was jiejie thinking about?” 

“You, actually.” 

San Niang must have expected her to say something else because she just stood there for a moment, blinking. Her teasing smirk had dropped in favor of a more dumbfounded expression. It was out of place for someone so confident. Xie Lian found it adorable.

Giving her an out, Xie Lian smiled and asked, “I was just wondering if San Niang’s match has happened yet.”

San Niang blinked at her again before regaining her usual composure. “Not yet. Jiejie is just in time, actually. I’m set to play soon.” Ever mischievous, she leaned in and grinned. “I’m actually not supposed to be over here right now.” 

“San Niang!” When Xie Lian looked at the court, she could see another player standing on one side, seemingly looking around for her opponent. “You can’t just make your opponent wait! You could get a penalty!”

San Niang waved her concerns off. “Please, no one here has the power to do anything to me.”

It was an incredibly arrogant thing to say, befitting the reputation of someone Xie Lian kept hearing about.

Despite San Niang’s bold words, it only took a few seconds of Xie Lian’s hard expression for her to cave. “I’ll go if jiejie promises to watch me play.”

Xie Lian couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped her. “Of course I’ll watch you play.”

San Niang only nodded, oddly silent, and Xie Lian almost thought she could see the tips of San Niang’s ears burning red. Seeing it gave Xie Lian a rush of confidence, and just as San Niang was about to turn away, Xie Lian grabbed her wrist. San Niang’s shocked face looked from Xie Lian down to Xie Lian’s hand, and Xie Lian suddenly felt very foolish. She released San Niang’s wrist and put her hands behind her back.

“Sorry…” Xie Lian mumbled. “I just wanted… to…”

“Yes, jiejie?”

There was no way she was wrong. Too many similarities to merely be chalked up to coincidence, but gods, would she be embarrassed if she was wrong.

Xie Lian steeled herself and met San Niang’s eye. “Good luck, Hua Cheng.”

Hua Cheng looked at her. Then, her lips broke into a smile. “I still prefer San Niang. And jiejie doesn’t have to worry: luck is always on my side.”

Hua Cheng was looking at her in a way that made Xie Lian’s stomach feel funny. 

She didn’t have too much time to dwell on it, though. As soon as Hua Cheng turned around to jog to the court she was supposed to be on, Shi Qingxuan came back, her eyes wide.

“A-Lian,” Shi Qingxuan said slowly. “Why were you talking to Hua Cheng?”

“Ah, well, you see.” Xie Lian scratched her cheek and looked to the side. “Because I was talking to San Niang?”

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” Shi Qingxuan exasperated. 

Shi Qingxuan clearly wanted to ask her more, but Hua Cheng’s match was starting. Xie Lian sat down, Shi Qingxuan following suit. Xie Lian could feel Shi Qingxuan’s eyes on her, but she remained focused on Hua Cheng. She wasn’t surprised when cheers erupted when Hua Cheng stepped onto the court. 

She couldn’t remember the last time she had been mesmerized. While their spot on the grass allowed for a good view of both players, Xie Lian couldn’t take her eyes off Hua Cheng. Watching her now made Xie Lian realize just how much Hua Cheng was restraining herself when they played their little game. Despite being in an actual match, Xie Lian could see that Hua Cheng was treating it like a practice.

Like when Xie Lian had watched her yesterday, Hua Cheng’s shots were all over the place, experimental. She was completely unpredictable, offering no leeway to her opponent. Xie Lian was pretty sure Hua Cheng had changed her serve halfway through the first set, then changed it again when the other player was starting to get comfortable. Her forehand was impeccable, her backhand even more so. What really cemented the idea in Xie Lian’s mind that this was Hua Cheng practicing (see also: goofing around) was that Hua Cheng spliced the ball when her opponent was up at the net; lobbing it would have worked just fine, but Hua Cheng spliced it just to make sure she could, the ball landing in the back left corner for added effect.

It was pure showmanship, cocky and confident. Xie Lian loved it. 

Xie Lian felt sympathetic for the other player, she really did. Hua Cheng was so clearly on another level, you couldn’t help but feel a little bad for the poor innocent soul who got matched with her in the draw. There was barely any competition: Hua Cheng had been snatching point after point, game after game.  

Xie Lian would give credit where it was due, however. Even against the onslaught of Hua Cheng’s powerful precision, the other player was still giving it their all. Not that it mattered, much, but it was the thought that counted. She had even managed to get a handful of points herself, although Xie Lian was pretty sure it was because Hua Cheng had been more busy staring at Xie Lian than playing her own match.

Next to her, Shi Qingxuan would exclaim the occasional remark regarding Hua Cheng’s performance, but Xie Lian was too focused on Hua Cheng to hear her, too focused on tracking the green blur that bounced between the two sides of the course. Xie Lian’s only grievance was that their volleying never seemed to be more than a few hits—Hua Cheng always made sure of that, usually gaining a point in the process.

It was of no surprise that Hua Cheng won every set. Her opponent had only managed to win two games, one in the first set, and one in the last. When the two shook hands over the net, Xie Lian couldn’t help but attribute the games to Hua Cheng feeling generous. 

“Gods, that woman is unbelievable,” Shi Qingxuan huffed, a note of awe in her voice. She looked like she was about to say something else, but then her eyes widened ever so slightly, looking at something behind Xie Lian. “A-Lian, I’m going to get something to drink. Do you need anything?”

Xie Lian looked at the full drinks that were still on the table. “No?”

“Ok! I’ll be right back!” Shi Qingxuan jumped up and practically ran off, yet again. 

Xie Lian watched after her, confused. 

“Jiejie.” Xie Lian whirled around. Ah, no wonder Shi Qingxuan escaped. Hua Cheng stood before her, face tinted red from exertion, dark eye twinkling. “Well? Does Hua Cheng live up to her reputation?”

Xie Lian bit her lip, trying not to smile. She failed. “I suppose so… although I think I’ll have to watch her more before I can come to a definitive conclusion…”

Hua Cheng looked incredibly pleased. 

“Although…” Xie Lian started, scratching her cheek. 

Hua Cheng looked considerably less pleased.

“I do wish I could see San Niang in a match more her level. There was barely any volleying. Not to mention you were just toying with your opponent. I’d like to see how San Niang plays when she takes it seriously.”

Hua Cheng relaxed, her shoulders dropping as she laughed. “This one seems to remember jiejie promising a serious match if I win against Hua Cheng. Jiejie, I self-proclaim victory. Won’t you play with me again?”

She was too charming, it wasn’t fair! “Hm… I did say that, didn’t I?”

“If jiejie is hesitant, I have an even better idea. Jiejie, will you be my coach?”

Xie Lian blinked. She let the words process, really letting them sit and simmer in her brain. “Huh?”