Forced to Love (GL) - Chapter 17

Lingxi’s obvious “favoritism” did not reduce the enthusiasm of those around them. Small groups of people followed behind them, their faces filled with excitement and exhilaration.

The stands were crowded, and the steps were narrow. Xue Yuanlong rushed over from a distance, only to stumble over a chair leg in front of them. With nothing nearby to grab for support, he was about to fall onto Shen Sui.

Without thinking, Lingxi grabbed Shen Sui’s wrist and slightly turned her body. Due to the force, Shen Sui’s back pressed tightly against Lingxi’s front, creating a clear and open pathway.

“Ah…!”

A dark shadow in front of them missed its mark and landed hard on the ground with a loud thud.

After ensuring Shen Sui’s safety, Lingxi belatedly looked at Xue Yuanlong, who was sitting on the ground, grimacing in pain.

Then, with an expressionless face, she said, “Xue, are you alright?”

The sentence was meant to show concern, but her tone was calm, without even the slightest pretense of worry.

The one being “favored” was the one she had protected so firmly.

Shen Sui felt the smooth fingertips behind her wrist, a warmth spreading from the contact. Watching Xue Yuanlong’s comical state, a strange feeling grew in her heart.

The people around them were stunned for a moment by the unexpected situation before quickly rushing over to help him.

“I’m… I’m fine,” Xue Yuanlong muttered, rubbing his sore backside as he stood up, limping slightly. He patted Lingxi’s shoulder. “Not bad! I knew I was right about you!”

Lingxi didn’t reply, and Xue Yuanlong, not expecting her to, continued talking animatedly. He first praised her, then complimented himself for his good judgment, boasting about how he had been persistent in convincing her and even cheering her on.

Lingxi didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. Instead, she briefly glanced at Shen Sui.

Shen Sui had her head slightly lowered, staring at where Lingxi held her wrist, as if deep in thought.

Ah.

Realizing her overstep, Lingxi abruptly let go, withdrawing the hand that had been protecting Shen Sui, and moved to the side to create distance.

Her gaze wavered slightly, landing on the overturned chair on the ground.

“In the heat of the moment, I didn’t mean to.”

The warmth instantly disappeared as Lingxi stepped away, leaving only a faint blush on Shen Sui’s wrist.

Shen Sui frowned slightly. It felt as if she had just been soaring in the sky, stepping on soft clouds, only to suddenly fall onto a rough mat.

Xue Yuanlong was still chattering beside her, but to Shen Sui, it all sounded like noise.

“Mm.”

Shen Sui responded without emotion and turned to leave.

Lingxi watched her back, inexplicably sensing a change in the surrounding temperature.

“…Mm, good luck.”

Lingxi interrupted Xue Yuanlong and turned to follow Shen Sui.

Lingxi didn’t understand the art of conversation or how to shift topics smoothly, so she could only cautiously observe Shen Sui’s expression.

On the field below, one competition followed another, and cheers echoed continuously. Shen Sui remained indifferent, silent the entire time.

Lingxi couldn’t discern her emotions and could only accompany her quietly.

Halfway through the event, someone from the main stage came to invite Shen Sui to read the motivational speeches.

“Shen, I still remember how well you read the speech at last year’s sports meet!” The girl who approached had short hair with bangs, and when she smiled, two adorable dimples appeared.

“Is that so?”

Shen Sui responded politely and reached for a bottle of water. Lingxi quickly moved to get it for her, but before she could hand it over—

The younger girl added, “Shen, the main stage has water prepared. You can go straight there.”

Lingxi’s hand froze mid-air, hesitating slightly.

Shen Sui followed her gaze and saw her own reflection—clear and bright.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Although she said that, she still accepted the water Lingxi had grabbed for her.

The main stage was well-shaded, completely blocking out the sun, unlike the stands where they had to shift with the tree’s shadow.

Sitting in front of the microphone, Shen Sui picked up a stack of submitted speeches and cleared her throat before turning on the mic.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Shen Sui from Class 3, Grade 12. I will now read the motivational speeches.”

“…A submission from Class 8, Grade 10.”

Her crisp voice echoed across the entire field. Though her tone lacked exaggerated enthusiasm, it carried a distinct meaning, like tasting tea—slightly bitter at first, but leaving a rich and lingering aftertaste.

On this hot late summer afternoon, from the main stage, Shen Sui could see the shimmering heat waves above the rubber track.

When she finished reading the last speech, she took a break, leaning back in her chair, holding the bottle of water from Lingxi. The coolness flowed down her throat.

What was she doing?

The next moment, Shen Sui stood up and looked around, but the person she was searching for was nowhere to be seen.

She stepped over the low ledge of the stage and looked into the distance. Under a tree, a familiar figure stood motionless, gazing in her direction.

Shen Sui saw Lingxi’s deep black eyes light up as they caught the sudden sunlight.

Only then did she realize that Lingxi had never left, had done nothing else—just stood there, waiting for her.

…

The three-day sports meet flew by.

When the class rankings were announced, Class 3 didn’t take first place, but they had improved from previous years, ranking in the middle.

Xue Yuanlong, satisfied with the results, grinned so widely his jaw nearly dislocated. After receiving his individual first-place certificate, he proudly posted it right in the center of the backboard.

As Shen Sui left, she glanced at it and slightly curved her lips.

Lingxi’s parents returned from their business trip. Upon hearing that her grades had improved and that she had entered an advanced class, they were delighted. Learning that Shen Sui had tutored her, they invited her over for dinner.

Just like last time, Shen Sui stepped onto the soft carpet and sat on the plush sofa, with Lingxi beside her.

But this time, under the glow of the lights, there were four people.

A woman in an elegant gown sat opposite her, and beside her, a man in formal business attire wore framed glasses.

“Shen, make yourself at home. Here, have some water and fruit.”

“Yes, yes, did you enjoy the meal?”

“…Mm, it was nice. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ling.”

Their warm family atmosphere contrasted sharply with Shen Sui’s own burdens. A sense of distance settled in her heart…