Is My Cat Secretly Crushing on Me?! - Chapter 10
“What?!” Gao Xiangxiao gasped, “When did Brother Lan have a first love?”
Liu Ling was shocked: “You didn’t know!”
“You never said anything.”
Liu Ling was speechless, he wasn’t a big mouth: “You never asked.”
“Quick, quick, tell me more about Lan Shen’s first love.”
“I’m not very clear either, I only know that he has an unforgettable first love that he has liked for several years,” Liu Ling thought for a moment, “It seems like they met in college.”
Liu Ling suddenly looked up at Lan Shen, observing his expression: “Wait, could Lin Miao be your first love?”
Lan Shen smiled without answering.
Hiss—
The three of them inhaled sharply in unison.
This was getting interesting now.
Liu Ling looked at him with an inscrutable expression, his tone slightly sour: “Lin Miao is probably the first love, he’s really lucky…”
His expression darkened, and he regretted half-jokingly: “Brother Lan, I can be the one too, I also want to date you.”
Lan Shen knew about his messy affairs, so he waved his hand, dismissing the three people in front of him: “Alright, alright, move along, all of you.”
“Don’t, let the brothers have a taste of the fresh gossip.”
Lan Shen sneered: “Still the same answer: no, comment.”
He strode to the balcony and saw Lin Miao’s figure.
Only after Lin Miao entered the opposite dormitory building did he take out his phone, estimate the time, and send a voice message to Lin Miao.
His tone was gentle: “Have you reached your dorm?”
The two naturally continued their conversation on WeChat.
The three ‘gossips’ clung to the balcony door, listening to Lan Shen’s almost tender tone, as if they had seen a ghost.
Yue Zi’ang asked in a whisper: “Is this what a man in love sounds like?”
Liu Ling answered just as softly: “After all, he’s been secretly in love for a few years. It’s already rare that shameless Brother Lan has restrained himself for this long.”
“Oh my god, how exactly did they meet? I’m so curious!” Liu Ling bit his finger and squealed, eager to start shipping them immediately.
Lan Shen looked back at them.
They instantly fell silent. They hurriedly ran back to their desks, pretending to study.
Lan Shen shut the balcony door with a bang, retracted his gaze, and looked at his phone.
Lin Miao: “I’ve arrived.”
Just as Lan Shen was wondering how to steer the conversation back to the previous topic, Lin Miao sent a message first.
Lin Miao: “How about I treat you to a meal this weekend… consider it my apology.”
Lan Shen’s eyes flickered: “Ah, sorry, I have something on this weekend.”
He struck while the iron was hot: “It’s hard to explain in a few words. How about I call you to explain?”
Lin Miao paused: [Okay];
The call connected quickly.
Lan Shen chuckled: “Hello? You really don’t have to treat me to a meal.”
Lan Shen’s pleasant voice was slightly distorted through the phone. Lin Miao picked at his phone: “But, but I feel bad about it.”
“It was my fault for wronging you.”
Lan Shen thought that’s what I was waiting for: “You really don’t have to. Besides, I have a basketball game this weekend.”
“Basketball?” Lin Miao was startled, then remembered Lan Shen’s height, which made it seem quite normal.
“That’s right, I’m on the basketball team. Our college is playing against the College of Engineering this weekend.” Lan Shen smiled with a hint of mischief.
“If you really feel bad, then come watch the game with me.”
Lin Miao was stunned: “Me?”
“Yes.”
“But I don’t really understand basketball…”
Lan Shen softened his tone: “I just want you to keep me company. I have quite a few things to bring: basketball shoes, a change of clothes, water…”
Fake.
Lan Shen’s voice sounded a little wronged: “Everyone else asks their friends to help look after their things. I also want to ask you for help.”
The tips of Lin Miao’s ears heated up: “O-of course I can. It’s just a small matter, and we are friends anyway.”
Lan Shen smiled: “Then I’ll come pick you up then.”
Since he wanted to apologize to Lan Shen, Lin Miao agreed readily.
But when the weekend arrived, Lin Miao almost backed out.
He stood outside the gymnasium, swallowing hard.
Through the main entrance, he could see with his own eyes the crowds three deep around the basketball court. Not only were the seats already full, but people kept pouring in.
Too, too many people.
Lin Miao could only imagine being in the crowd and already felt shortness of breath. Crowded, noisy, stuffy…
Lin Miao stood at the entrance, unable to advance or retreat.
“Excuse me, student? Could you please move aside.”
Lin Miao snapped back to reality: “Sorry.”
He quickly stepped to the side, giving the entrance to others.
“Oh my god! We waited a whole year, and finally, we have a basketball game again.”
“I’m so excited, wu wu wu. Our College of Engineering basketball team is full of handsome guys.”
A girl covered her mouth and chuckled quietly: “And I heard that the school heartthrob, Lan Shen, is also playing!”
“I told you people would be everywhere once he came. I told you to hurry up, hurry up. Now look, all the seats are gone.”
The girl’s friend pulled her and apologized: “It’s okay, it’s okay. We can stand at the back; we can still see clearly.”
This was the first time Lin Miao had a straightforward realization of how popular Lan Shen was.
While shocked, a feeling he couldn’t quite describe settled in his heart.
Just as he was wondering what to do, Lan Shen’s call came in.
Lin Miao pursed his lips and answered.
“Where are you? Can you find it? Do you want me to come out and get you?”
Lin Miao hid in a secluded corner: “I’m here… but there are so many people. I-how about I just stay in the corner.”
Lan Shen knew his nature. Since he had come this far, he wouldn’t easily let him retreat.
“But how can you help me watch my bag then…”
Lin Miao let out a sound of frustration.
“Are you at the entrance? I’ll come get you.”
Lin Miao quietly hummed in agreement.
Lan Shen hung up the phone and intended to go out after putting down his bag.
A teammate nearby leaned over: “Who is Brother Lan going to pick up?”
“A friend.” Lan Shen pointed to the seats: “Save these two seats for me. I’ll be right back.”
The teammate gave an OK sign.
Lan Shen quickly found the withdrawn Lin Miao behind the door.
Lan Shen turned him around: “Are you uncomfortable with so many people?”
“A little, but it’s okay.”
Lin Miao followed closely behind Lan Shen, step by step, without lifting his head, minimizing his presence as much as possible.
Lan Shen comforted him in a low voice, retreating to advance: “It’s okay if you really don’t want to go in. I’m already happy that you came.”
Lin Miao looked up at Lan Shen, twisting his fingers. He took a few deep breaths: “I-I can do it.”
He couldn’t let Lan Shen keep accommodating him…
Lan Shen smiled slightly: “Follow me. Don’t talk if you don’t want to.”
He led Lin Miao around the edge and sat down in the first row.
Lin Miao looked around and realized that right next to them was their team’s area. A group of boys in jerseys were tall and sturdy, and Lin Miao’s breathing hitched.
“Yo, Brother Lan, this one…”
Lan Shen shielded Lin Miao, blocking the scrutinizing gaze of others, and said casually: “My friend.”
“Aren’t you going to warm up? The game is about to start.”
A few people noticed Lan Shen’s protective attitude and wisely walked away.
“This is the bag, this is the water. There’s milk and bread in the bag. Feel free to eat.”
Lan Shen turned to Lin Miao and said: “My roommates are behind you. You can call them if you need anything.”
Lin Miao turned his head and saw three wide-eyed meerkats, all showing him big buck teeth in unison.
At least they were people he knew; Lin Miao slightly relaxed.
Liu Ling chuckled: “I’m so envious. Brother Lan has never saved seats for us.”
Liu Ling only restrained himself slightly after Lan Shen glared at him.
Lan Shen glared at him once more before preparing to go onto the court.
Seeing the only familiar person in the whole venue about to leave, Lin Miao subconsciously grabbed Lan Shen, like a small kitten dependent on someone.
Lan Shen stopped in the direction of the pull.
Lin Miao awkwardly withdrew his hand. Lan Shen looked at him patiently.
“Nothing… Good luck with the game.”
Lan Shen’s lips curved upward, revealing a big smile: “Okay.”
After Lan Shen got onto the court, Liu Ling poked Lin Miao: “Pfft, pfft, are you here specifically to see Lan Shen?”
Lin Miao nodded.
Liu Ling’s face showed a knowing expression: “Then you can have a good look today. Many people have a crush on Brother Lan and come to the court just for him.”
Lin Miao widened his eyes, seemingly unable to believe it: “A crush?”
“Mhm.” Liu Ling replied with a half-smile.
He glanced at Lan Shen. I’ve given you a push. The rest is up to you.
If I can really bring them together, it should be much better than myself.
Liu Ling’s smile remained unchanged. He gestured towards the court, prompting Lin Miao to look closely.
It was already deep autumn, the season for wearing jackets. However, the gymnasium was crowded and lively, so it wasn’t cold.
After both teams finished their warm-ups, they took off their jackets, revealing the short-sleeved jerseys underneath.
Lan Shen had been wearing a long-sleeved top over his jersey, which he now took off and held in his hand.
A teammate saw this: “Should I take that and put it away for you?”
Lan Shen shook his head: “No need to bother.”
He walked a couple of steps towards the sideline: “Lin Miao!”
Lin Miao looked over in confusion, only to see Lan Shen raise his hand and toss the jacket to him. Lin Miao quickly reached out to catch it, narrowly escaping the fate of being hit in the face by the jacket.
“Hold this for me.” Lan Shen tilted his chin, giving a playful smile.
“Oh… oh, okay.” Lin Miao looked at his smile and clutched the jacket tightly.
He immediately came to his senses and smoothed out the wrinkles he had created.
Lin Miao felt that many people on the court turned their gaze towards him, following Lan Shen’s movement. He felt a bit flustered.
“Wow, who is he? He’s another handsome guy I don’t know!”
“Wuwuwu, are handsome guys’ friends all handsome guys too?”
Lin Miao heard girls whispering and his ear tips slightly reddened, remaining silent.
Fortunately, the game was about to start, and everyone’s attention returned to the court.
“The 23rd S University Basketball League is about to begin! This game is between the College of Science and the College of Engineering! Friendship first, competition second. Let’s cheer for every player!!”
The entire venue erupted in applause, cheers mixed with whistles. Lin Miao even heard someone screaming at a dolphin-like pitch.
“Go Science Team!”
“Go Engineering Team!”
“Ji Mingrui! Gooooo!”
“Charge, charge, charge! Wang Yuan, you are the best!!”
“Lan Shen! Go! Lan Shen! Go!”
Somehow, the cheers for Lan Shen grew louder and louder.
Initially, it was just some smitten girls, but soon, many smitten boys also joined in.
“Brother Lan Shen, look at me! I can be cool, sweet, on top, or on the bottom!!” someone yelled shamelessly, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
Lin Miao’s tense nerves were also infected by the joyful atmosphere, and he gradually relaxed.
The cheering grew louder and louder. Lin Miao looked at Lan Shen, hesitated, and then followed suit.
“Lan Shen, go.” He paused, then slightly raised his volume: “Lan Shen, go!”
Mixed in with the crowd, it shouldn’t have been noticeable.
Yet, Lan Shen seemed to sense something, turned his head, and met Lin Miao’s gaze.
Lin Miao’s voice caught in his throat, and he only managed to finish the word “go.”
Lan Shen looked at the shape of his mouth, a smile blossoming on his face. He waved at him, his voice sounding quite doting: “Okay—”
Lin Miao’s heart suddenly pounded rapidly.
The shouts of the surrounding people were like drumming on his heart, intensifying his heartbeat.
He heard the excited voice of the girl next to him: “Oh my god!! Lan Shen saw us! He looked over, didn’t he!”
“Did he hear us? Let’s cheer louder.”
“Lan Shen, go—”
Only Lin Miao knew that Lan Shen had looked at him.