Love Tennis and Yumiko Miura

"Okay." Youmiko didn't ask any more questions, nor did she follow him. She knew that Zhixian wanted to be alone for a while.

Zhixian asked Uncle Honda to borrow a racket and tennis balls, and rejected his offer to lend him the tennis court. It would be troublesome to turn on the lights late at night.

And if you just play against a wall, you don't need a court.

This summer camp was a two-night, three-day event, and Zhixian had originally thought it would be okay to take a little break, so he'd agreed to come with Youmiko. But he hadn't expected that on the first day, he'd still be hitting the ball against the wall with his racket in hand.

The racket wasn't particularly comfortable to use. After all, Honda was just playing tennis for fitness, so he'd just bought it casually. The shoes he wore weren't the tennis shoes he usually wore during training, but a pair of fairly ordinary Weiwei canvas shoes.

But that wasn't a big deal. After all, it wasn't really training; it was just mechanically swinging the racket to get the ball to hit the same spot. Even if his mind wandered to something else, it wouldn't affect him; it was just a way to practice ball control. Once Chixian's ball control reached the level of being able to cast a domain and the Guardian of the Hundred-Armed Titan, there wasn't much room for improvement.

Even so, Zhixian still has similar training programs every day to consolidate his ball control.

There is no shortcut to his success. He just trains more than most of his peers. People of similar level may become stronger than him if they receive the same amount of training.

Even the hot-blooded youth manga in JUMP emphasizes the importance of self-cultivation. Talent is certainly important, but it only determines your lower limit; your upper limit is determined by your hard work. Just like in Naruto, the Uchiha clan's Sharingan is undoubtedly powerful, but not everyone has a Madara Uchiha. Conversely, Kai, without any bloodline advantage, nearly single-handedly ends the entire Naruto series through his own hard work, earning the admiration, "I, Madara, wish to call you the strongest."

There aren't that many geniuses in the world, it's just that ordinary people don't put in that much effort, so they call those who excel in their fields geniuses. However, even geniuses have a history of blood and tears behind them, and many geniuses die on the road to growth.

Zhixian was once called a genius in the high school tennis world, but he really disliked such a title.

He never considered himself a genius. Everything he had achieved was achieved step by step. He had talent, but he was not a genius. He had achieved his current success only by focusing on tennis. If tennis were taken away from him, he would be just an ordinary person, perhaps also overwhelmed by studying, work and life.

Reaching out to catch the bouncing ball, Zhixian asked himself, he was indeed lonely on the road of tennis, but could that be compared to Tsurumi Rumi's loneliness? In a sense, Zhixian was much luckier than Tsurumi Rumi, because Yumiko had always been by his side during his three years in junior high school, so he was not alone.

His loneliness began on the day he lost Yumiko, the day he decided that even if Yumiko gave up tennis, he would climb the mountain of the Grand Slams.

Zhixian thought that Tsurumi Rumi was just temporarily isolated, and she was not a criminal who had committed any heinous crime.

Yukinoshita and Hikigaya's claim that isolating your child will likely lead to them attending the same junior high school is actually quite alarmist. While studying in the US, you can certainly choose a junior high school that might be far away, but doesn't have any elementary school classmates. And even if you do have elementary school classmates, they don't necessarily isolate others; most people simply go with the flow. If you're honest, you're not afraid of your own shadow. Starting over is not impossible.

Otherwise, wouldn't it be better for people with severe chuunibyou syndrome like Togashi Yuuta and Nibutani Morika not to go to school?

There are many things that grab students' attention, and rumors are just one of them. Ignoring rumors is certainly difficult, but wouldn't it be better to face them calmly? Besides, it's unlikely that everyone in the school will believe rumors.

This situation is indeed tricky, but it is not difficult either.

As Zhixian himself said, there are many ways to break the impasse, but the parties involved are limited by their own thinking and fail to realize it. Yukinoshita and Hikigaya were also confused by their concern. Although Zhixian did not participate in the discussion, he could probably guess what the people present were thinking.

It’s nothing more than how to make Chinese students in the United States get along well with their surroundings.

For example, Yumiko would probably say something like, "Isn't that child cute? Wouldn't it be nice to hang out with other cute kids? Wouldn't it be nice to strike up a conversation with them? The relationship would improve easily, right?" This is probably based on her own experience.

"That's right! Yumiko really has a way!" And there's a high probability that Tobe would agree like the supporting role in a crosstalk.

For example, Ebina might want to preach to students studying in the United States and let her meet people who share the same interests through BL.

No matter what, the problem cannot be solved fundamentally. If it could be solved thoroughly, there would not be such a small group that is superficially united but actually divided.

It is completely impossible for everyone to have a good relationship. Even for someone like Hayato Hayama, it is impossible for him to have a good relationship with "everyone".

Ye Shan is a very good person, but his ideas are too idealistic and not realistic at all.

Zhixian didn't know if there was anything that had happened between Yeshan and Yukinoshita that caused Yukinoshita to target him like that. He didn't care about it at all, and he didn't think this so-called discussion meeting would produce any results. Just based on Yukinoshita's attitude towards Yeshan, this meeting would not be able to proceed smoothly.

In essence, this is a disagreement between Hayama and his group and the Service Club, but now it is manifested as a conflict between Hayama and Yukinoshita.

Yukinoshita never knew what she said might offend someone.

Although he and Ye Shan don't get along, this disagreement is actually unimportant, and he and Ye Shan will not quarrel.

But it’s hard to say about Yumiko and Yukinoshita, after all, the two of them have a history of quarreling.

The titles of "Ice Queen" and "Fire Queen" seem to be evenly matched, but in reality, Yumiko can never win an argument over Yukinoshita.

He originally left because he didn't want to listen to their meaningless discussions, but only now did he think of the possibility of a conflict between Yukinoshita and Yumiko.

But with so many people here, there shouldn't be a quarrel, right? Zhixian was a little unsure.

However, Murphy's Law never disappoints.

84. Boys' Night Talk

After taking a shower, Zhixian returned to the boys' room. The other four had already finished washing up.

"Tachibana-san's muscles look very strong." Ye Shan praised when he looked up when Zhixian entered the room.

"Yes! He is worthy of being a tennis player!" Hubu also agreed.

"Yes, I also envy Tachibana-san's muscles." The speaker was Totsuka, who is also a tennis player.

......The gap between these two people is really visible to the naked eye. If you compare their upper limb strength carefully, you will feel that Totsuka can't even catch the ball hit by Chixian, and in fact, Chixian is not even a power player.

"I've only been playing tennis since elementary school, and I haven't been exercising regularly," Zhixian replied. His muscles were the kind you couldn't see without taking off his clothes, unlike the explosive muscles of a bodybuilder.

"By the way, how are the tennis club's performance this year?" Since Zhixian and Totsuka are both in the tennis club, Ye Shan asked casually.

"Everyone did really well in this year's competition! We've already advanced to the county tournament!" Totsuka said excitedly, "All thanks to Tachibana-san."

"...That's not so exaggerated. I only played a few games in total." Except for one time when he played as the third singles on a whim because of Nozaki's material, he was always the first singles.

"But the most crucial match for advancement was won by Tachibana-san. It was 2:2 thanks to Tachibana-san."

"Alright, alright... let's get ready for bed." Zhixian was really afraid of Totsuka's fanboy mentality (it felt more like a fangirl mentality).

So after making the quilt, Ye Shan said, "Turn off the lights," and turned off the lights.

The chandelier instantly lost its light, plunging the entire room into darkness. Everyone's eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness yet. However, this didn't stop the Ministry of Revenue from speaking.

"It feels like a school trip night, doesn't it, Hayato-kun?"

"Ah, that's indeed the feeling." Ye Shan, who was being addressed, replied.

Zhixian nodded secretly, and indeed had such a sense of déjà vu.

And on a school trip, the topics before and after the lights are turned off are completely different...

Sure enough, Hubu's next words were: "Let's talk about the person we like!"

Without any preparation, the Minister of Revenue directly raised this topic that he was very interested in.

"Don't want to?" Ye Shan rarely showed resistance, which was really rare.

"Ahaha, this topic is a bit embarrassing." Totsuka laughed softly. Although he was shy, he was obviously interested, even though he might not have a specific opposite sex he liked.

"Why? It's nothing, right? I get it! Let's start with me!" Hubu was very tactful and prepared to speak first, so as to stimulate discussion. This alone showed that he was a very considerate person who would not just listen to others without speaking his own mind.

"Well, actually, I think... Ebina-san is pretty good..."

"Is this true?" Hikigaya blurted out, as if this answer was very different from what he expected.

"Ah? Oh, well, it turns out Hikigaya-kun was listening. I thought you were asleep because you didn't respond." It took Tobe a moment to realize that it was Hikigaya who was speaking.

"Well, but it's a surprise. I thought Tobe-san would like Miura-san." Totsuka laughed, because Tobe always echoed Yumiko's words like a supporting role, so it was not surprising that people had such an illusion.

"No, no, no, I won't attack Yumiko! It's too scary!" He looked frightened, as if Yumiko was some big devil.

"But Tobe-san sometimes keeps talking to Miura-san."

"How should we say this? Shoot the horse first."

"It's obvious that Miura is more like a general on horseback." Hikigaya complained.

"Puchi." Zhixian couldn't help laughing.

Not only did he hear Tobe's words, but his eyes, which had gradually adapted to the darkness, also saw Hikigaya nod subconsciously in agreement.

"Tachibana-san?" Totsuka recognized that it was Chixian who was laughing.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it." Zhixian still couldn't help laughing at this time, thinking that if Yumiko knew that this was the image of her in the boys' minds, she would probably be furious.

"Tachibana-san's opinion of Miura-san must be different from ours, right?" Totsuka asked.

"That's right. After all, we've been partners for three years." Zhixian replied, "I completely understand why Tobu thinks this way about Yumiko."

"...By the way, Tachibana, you won't tell Yumiko, right?" Tobe was even a little panicked.

"No, don't worry. Girls won't know about boys' night talks." Zhixian found it even more amusing. Tobe's reaction was as if Yumiko was a tyrant who ruled over everything. "So Yuigahama isn't bad either?"

"Although Yui is not bad, she's a little bit clumsy." Tobe continued, "And because simple girls are very popular, the competition is very high."

Hubu quickly adapted to Zhixian's initiative to join the conversation and continued chatting.

"How about you?" After throwing his own bricks, the Ministry of Revenue planned to attract jade.

"A girl you like? I don't think so..." This was Totsuka's answer.

"So, does Tachibana really like Yumiko?" Although he didn't have a favorite girl, Totsuka handed the topic to Chixian and asked directly.

"Is that really the case?" Tobe also became interested. In fact, he had been curious about what Yumiko's future boyfriend and husband would be like ever since he met her.

"I don't deny this. After all, everyone sees it." Zhixian admitted it directly.

"Wow! So will Tachibana-san confess to Miura-san later?" Totsuka continued to ask.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it will probably happen in the future."

"So how long has Tachibana liked Yumiko?" Tobe also asked.

"I probably realized it in the third year of junior high school." Zhixian never refused anyone and answered every question.

"Then Tachibana-san has always had a crush on Miura-san!" Totsuka exclaimed after realizing it. It was clear that these two had been getting along like strangers their entire first year of high school. "That period was tough, wasn't it?"

"...Well, it's fine now anyway."

The atmosphere was a little strange, so Hubu began to question Ye Shan, who had been silent for a long time.

"How's Hayato-kun? Look, Tachibana said it!"

"Let's just forget what I said...don't ask."

"Eh?! Come on, come on? Say it!"

"..."

“Initials are fine too!”

“Y.”

"If it's Y..." Hubu began to guess the girl with the letter Y.

"That's enough, go to bed." Ye Shan's tone was a little angry.

"You will suffer from insomnia because you care too much. If you die from insomnia, it's all Hayato-kun's fault." Tobe didn't care about Ye Shan's anger. He was very good at adjusting the atmosphere.

"I'm going to the bathroom." Zhixian suddenly received an email, so he found an excuse to get up and leave.

85. Embrace Under the Moon

Zhixian left the house and walked towards the woods under the stars and the moon (because it was night).

The one who sent the email to Chixian was Yuigahama. The two exchanged email addresses because of Yumiko, but they had never sent emails to each other before. This was the first time.

The gist of the email was that Yukinoshita and Yumiko started arguing again after returning to the room about studying in the United States, and then the "Ice Queen" with all her might spent half an hour successfully making the "Fire Queen" cry, the kind of crying that was very loud.

After they comforted her for a while, Yumiko said she wanted to go out alone to calm down. Yuigahama, who was a little worried about her, sent an email to Chixian, hoping that he could give her some advice and comfort Yumiko.

What does Murphy's Law say? If you worry about something happening, it's more likely to happen.

The fact now is that Yukinoshita and Yumiko did have an argument, and it ended with Yukinoshita's complete victory.

Zhixian could imagine how helpless and aggrieved Yumiko must have felt when faced with Yukinoshita's meticulous thinking, clear logic, and superb debating skills. She wanted to refute him but had no chance, and her words were at a loss. Yukinoshita's words must have been unstoppable, like the waves of the Yangtze River, each wave stronger than the last.

When it comes to this debate, even if Yumiko, Yubihama, and Ryunosuke combined, they wouldn't be able to defeat Yukinoshita.

Zhixian sighed and continued to look for Youmeiko.

There are endless streams of people and flashing neon lights in the mountains, and only the quiet and bright starry sky, which is rarely seen in today's cities.

Under the soft and bright moonlight, Zhixian discovered a blonde girl standing in the moonlight.

The dazzling golden hair swayed in the breeze, as if golden elves were flying in the air. In the dark night, it was shrouded in moonlight like a spotlight, and the touch of gold mixed in the moonlight shone even more brightly.

Zhixian, who was standing behind Youmiko, said nothing. He quietly admired the breathtaking scenery for a minute and then called the girl's name.

"Yumiko."

"Zhixian?" Yumiko turned her head and looked at the boy in surprise. She was very surprised.

When Yumiko turned her head, Zhixian discovered that the girl's originally crystal-clear and beautiful green eyes could now be compared to a rabbit. Presumably, the argument with Yukinoshita made her feel so wronged that she cried so sadly.

Seeing Youmiko with red eyes crying, Zhixian felt very distressed. He came to Youmiko and gently embraced the girl in his arms.

“...Zhi, Zhixian?” Youyouko was stunned. She didn’t expect Zhixian to hug her directly, which made her a little at a loss.

After being hugged by Zhixian, Youyouko didn't know what to do with her half-raised arms. She stretched out her hands and clenched them again, not knowing what to do.

The girl's cheek was pressed against the boy's chest, and she could even clearly feel the strong beating of his heart.