Chapter 153: A Chance Encounter with Su Chengtao

Watching the two girls walking hand in hand side by side ahead, Tang Yi felt this was somewhat different from the original intention behind his decision to come out.

After leaving the botanical garden, they visited several other attractions, leaving behind many photographs.

At the local history museum, La Rulasi even took the initiative to suggest a photo of all three together, since their previous pictures were mostly just pairs.

Either La Rulasi and Tang Yi, or La Rulasi and Chou Chouyu.

“Let’s just find someone to help take the picture,” La Rulasi seemed quite enthusiastic about photography, and along the way, Chou Chouyu had been teaching her how to take better photos.

“I don’t mind either way,” Chou Chouyu replied with her usual casual attitude.

“Then let’s find someone,” Tang Yi agreed even more nonchalantly.

They quickly found a woman in her thirties who was eager to help.

The three stood by the museum’s iconic building. Tang Yi stood in the middle, La Rulasi to his left, and Chou Chouyu to La Rulasi’s left.

“Let’s switch positions,” Chou Chouyu suddenly said.

“Hm?”

Amid the other two’s confusion, Chou Chouyu stepped between Tang Yi and La Rulasi, separating them and inserting herself into the middle.

“Uh.”

Tang Yi didn’t know what to say. He had been hoping to subtly hold La Rulasi’s hand during the photo.

“What’s wrong?” Chou Chouyu blinked, puzzled.

“Nothing,” Tang Yi shook his head, thinking it was just his imagination. Probably Chou Chouyu didn’t want to stand on the side feeling ignored.

Once they settled, the photo was quickly taken.

When returning the phone to Tang Yi, the woman smiled warmly and offered her blessings: “Young man, your two spirits are full of energy. I hope you all stay happy together in the future.”

“Thank you.”

Tang Yi felt slightly awkward, simply thanked her, then turned his head and smiled quietly as he saw Chou Chouyu link arms with La Rulasi and walk off.

It seemed Chou Chouyu felt no discomfort over the slight misunderstanding.

They wandered around for a while.

Indeed, Chou Chouyu was quite familiar with the city, often leading the way with La Rulasi ahead.

Tang Yi wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he sensed Chou Chouyu was somewhat deliberately keeping La Rulasi away from him.

The two often whispered to each other, and La Rulasi would occasionally let out a restrained, soft laugh. Tang Yi wanted to eavesdrop, but the crowd and noise made it impossible to hear clearly.

But it didn’t matter.

Tang Yi didn’t care; he was in good spirits.

La Rulasi’s pressure hadn’t lessened, but today her attention was more drawn to Chou Chouyu, momentarily forgetting the anxiety about the upcoming competition.

By around four in the afternoon, considering the match tomorrow and that it wasn’t wise to stay out too late, they decided to return. Yuanshui City, as the provincial capital, was vast with many places left unexplored, but there would be time later.

La Rulasi and Chou Chouyu were both happy; their relationship seemed close, especially Chou Chouyu, who was quite affectionate toward La Rulasi. Tang Yi hadn’t expected this.

After all, they hadn’t met often, and with the college entrance exams approaching, Tang Yi hadn’t visited the welfare center for some time.

As for La Rulasi, she cared for Chou Chouyu deeply.

Chou Chouyu was the girl she had met during her growth stagnation syndrome period, and their chance encounter left a profound impression on La Rulasi.

She sincerely hoped Chou Chouyu would have a brighter future.

This harmony continued until they took a taxi to the hotel. Chou Chouyu and La Rulasi linked arms and got out first, heading toward the hotel entrance, while Tang Yi, the designated helper, stayed behind to scan the code and pay.

After paying and turning around again, Tang Yi noticed the two girls had stopped at the hotel entrance, seemingly arguing with a group of youths approaching.

Tang Yi hurried forward a few steps to catch up.

“What’s going on?” Tang Yi asked politely, stepping in front of the girls to assert his protective role—“If you have any issues, bring them to me!”

Looking up at the group coming out of the hotel’s main door, they were all teenagers, and one face was quite familiar.

Wei Chenhai, Tang Yi’s opponent for tomorrow.

Having watched his match livestream before, Tang Yi recognized him immediately.

Wei Chenhai noticed Tang Yi’s gaze, paused briefly, and recognized him in return. Just as Tang Yi had watched his matches, Wei Chenhai had also reviewed Tang Yi’s footage as their opponent.

“You’re Tang Yi, right? I’m Wei Chenhai. Nice to meet you,” Wei Chenhai greeted courteously.

“Hello. May I ask what’s happening?” Tang Yi replied.

“Do you know each other?” another boy looked at Wei Chenhai with curiosity.

“Oh, he’s my opponent in tomorrow’s round of sixteen. I’ve watched his match videos,” Wei Chenhai quietly explained to his companion.

“Is that so?” The boy narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Tang Yi.

La Rulasi didn’t want to interrupt but gently tugged at Tang Yi.

Before Tang Yi could say anything, the boy gave an enthusiastic smile and introduced himself: “I’m Su Chengtao, also a contestant. Everyone who makes it to the finals is impressive. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Tang Yi was about to raise his hand in greeting, but when he heard the name Su Chengtao, he froze, his tone cooling: “You’re Su Chengtao?”

He glanced at Chou Chouyu.

The girl, who had looked bright earlier in the day, now stood silently beside La Rulasi, holding her hands tightly, lips pressed together, eyes lowered to her toes.

“Yes, I’m Su Chengtao. Do you know me?”

“No, but I’ve heard of you,” Tang Yi sneered, lowering his raised hand.

Su Chengtao paused, discreetly smoothed his hair, easing the awkwardness, and maintained his smile: “Looks like you heard about me from this little troublemaker here.”

As he spoke, he whispered to Wei Chenhai and the other companions for a moment. They all suddenly understood and found it incredible.

“So this is the mischievous Chou Chouyu you mentioned before? To meet her here is unbelievable,” Wei Chenhai said with a less-than-pleasant tone.

Tang Yi recalled the Education Department’s official list of contestants; both Su Chengtao and Wei Chenhai were from Yuanshui City and likely knew each other from the second-round selection. That was normal.

But Wei Chenhai’s words made Tang Yi frown deeply.

“I remember your first match’s spirit was La Rulasi, right? Are we not allowed to have two spirits at the same time yet?” Wei Chenhai glanced at La Rulasi and Chou Chouyu, puzzled.