Being "Crushed" - Chapter 20

On the other hand, because Lu Sifang’s performance in the competition was absolutely flawless, it put immense psychological pressure on the players who followed.

Realizing that winning a medal was out of reach, some players could only manage a few basic moves before quickly leaving the field, going through the motions halfheartedly… As a result, there was no real suspense over who would take the gold in this event.

Xue Shi couldn’t help but feel thankful when he saw this and said, “Luckily I performed earlier. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t have been able to handle the pressure from Brother Lu if I’d been careless. It’s terrifying!”

“That’s right! No matter how strong you are, Brother Lu, you’re unbeatable!” Zhou Shangqing’s face beamed proudly, making those unaware think he was the one who just wowed the crowd.

Lu Sifang snorted lightly and said casually as he walked away, “That just means you need to work on your stamina more.”

Hearing this, Zhou Shangqing silently mouthed “wow, wow,” but quickly shifted to a respectful expression when he caught Lu Sifang’s glance.

With the rankings about to be announced, the press gathered up front, ready to move. Zhou Shangqing patted his chest and said, “Go change first. I’ll handle the reporters.”

As the rankings appeared on the big screen, Xue Shi suddenly got excited, “Rankings are out! Brother Lu really is number one!!” But then he drooped when he saw his own placement. “Ugh… Why am I third again? How did Alexander jump ahead of me? That’s not fair!”

Lu Sifang glanced at the rankings, smiled contentedly, and looked at the chattering crowd around him. “Don’t forget, you almost fell while doing your big moves. Alexander at least performed smoothly.” With that, he headed to the locker room.

Xue Shi scratched his nose, feeling embarrassed. “Brother Lu, go ahead. Let me check where my sister ended up…”

Lu Sifang didn’t bother waiting. Plus, the men’s and women’s groups competed separately, and the women’s results wouldn’t be revealed for a while.

Right after Lu Sifang entered the locker room, Xue Shi’s shocked voice came from outside: “Why did my sister fall out of the top three? That’s not fair either!”

Lu Sifang lowered his head, brows knitting together briefly, his expression briefly showing regret before quickly returning to normal.

He took a quick shower, then changed into bright clothes. Standing before the mirror, he studied his reflection from every angle. Suddenly, a sly smile spread across his face, full of anticipation.

“Cough, see you again.” He lifted his chin, speaking to his reflection as if rehearsing a conversation. Not fully satisfied, he worried aloud, “Could it be a bit more intense?”

“Hi, see you again.” This time, his tone was warmer and more welcoming. Still, he felt it wasn’t quite right, “That sounds too eager, like I can’t wait… that would ruin the heroic image of the young master.”

He struggled with it when a knock sounded at the door. Zhou Shangqing’s flat voice followed.

“Brother Fang, have you changed? The host for the interview is here.”

So soon!?

Lu Sifang panicked, unsure what to do in front of the mirror. After a moment, he jumped onto the sofa and sat up straight. Checking his appearance once more and confirming he looked undeniably handsome, he cleared his throat and called out, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Zhou Shangqing stepped in, surprised to see Lu Sifang seriously reading a book. His expression turned odd.

“…”

He must be exhausted and stressed from these days, haha…

Looking again—

“…!”

No way, Brother Fang is actually reading a book! The sun has risen in the west!

“Let me go, Brother Fang?” Zhou Shangqing said hesitantly, stepping closer.

Hearing the voice, Lu Sifang slowly lowered the novel titled Destined, but kept his posture unchanged. Compared to his usual carefree manner, he seemed a bit off now.

“Hmm.” Lu Sifang responded calmly but kept glancing behind Zhou Shangqing as if impatient to see someone.

“Uh, this is Miss Liu from the ‘Body & Face World’ column team, here to interview you…” Zhou Shangqing introduced, seeing Lu Sifang pretending to be engrossed.

But Lu Sifang’s facade quickly dropped.

“Who is she?” His eyes turned cold, and his tone showed clear displeasure.

Zhou Shangqing was puzzled. “She’s the interviewer who came. Didn’t they notify you beforehand?”

There was an awkward silence. Liu Ziyun stepped forward, blushing slightly, “Hello Mr. Lu, I’m from ‘Body & Face World’. My name is Liu Ziyun, here specially to conduct your interview…”

“Wait.” Lu Sifang interrupted, took a deep breath, and controlled his emotions before speaking slowly, “Sorry, I forgot to explain—I have a habit. When being interviewed, I only cooperate if I like the person.”

Liu Ziyun’s face froze, disbelief flooding her expression. All her hopes and expectations shattered instantly.

She had gone to great lengths to hide her identity, even risking a secret identity switch to replace Song Yuhan as the interviewer for Lu Sifang. She was determined to seize this chance and become a sensation!

With her charm and talkative nature, winning over a simple-minded, well-built athlete like him was just a matter of being open enough.

This plan was supposed to work flawlessly. She wouldn’t let Song Yuhan outshine her. The column team boss would be forced to bow to her.

But now, Lu Sifang bluntly rejected her with a cold “not interested.”

How could this be? No man had ever ignored her like this!

She was furious. Why had Song Yuhan risen so fast at such a young age? Though she’d joined later, Song Yuhan had become her boss, while she remained stuck as a low-level employee.

No, she wouldn’t stop here!

“Mr. Lu!” She quickly put on a self-righteous look, “Please give me a chance! If you agree to this interview, you can have anything you want…”

She relied on the typical male weakness for flattery and charm.

But with Lu Sifang, her act was useless. To him, her flattery was transparent and fake.

“Sorry, not interested.” His voice turned cold again. He looked at Zhou Shangqing and said, “Please see her out.”

Zhou Shangqing reacted immediately, turning around with a polite smile, “Sorry, my player is tired after the race. Why don’t you go back, Miss Liu? I’ll talk with your crew.”

Being so obviously dismissed, Liu Ziyun’s face dropped, biting her lip. Angry, she shot Lu Sifang a glare before slamming the door without a goodbye.

The loud slam startled Zhou Shangqing, who wiped sweat from his forehead and sighed deeply while looking at Lu Sifang lost in thought on the sofa.

“Brother Fang, didn’t you agree with me? Why back out now?”

Lu Sifang said nothing, head lowered, deep in thought. Suddenly, his frown deepened.

Could it be that she purposely sent someone else to avoid meeting him?

“Why won’t you answer? This is weird and scary,” Zhou Shangqing said, leaning in.

Lu Sifang pushed him away impatiently, “Stop making me more nervous. Now anyone could come in…”

Zhou Shangqing blinked in confusion. “Who else could it be? You mean the person who came to interview was—”

“Shut up.” Lu Sifang frowned, embarrassed at being caught. After a moment, he changed the subject: “Is the ‘Body & Face World’ crew still around?”

Zhou Shangqing narrowed his eyes, giving a teasing look. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason.” Lu Sifang dismissed him and headed out decisively.

“You’re crazy, brother! There are reporters out there! Don’t forget what happened at the stall last night!” Zhou Shangqing tried to stop him, terrified that Lu Sifang would risk scandal.

“Doing my job, nothing to hide. Who’d dare say anything?” Lu Sifang’s brows darkened coldly.

He was worried and scared for her, feeling foolish. Someone teasing him and then avoiding him like he had a dark secret—he needed to find out why.

If she wouldn’t come to him, he would go to her for answers himself.