Lu Zhilan is a tennis prodigy and Lu Xia's older cousin. Zhilan was expected to become a professional athlete until a career threatening injury. With no other choice, she's forced to go to Germany for surgery and rehabilitation. She's been there for...
After school, Zhilan went home to pick up her bag for the camp and change. Just as she was about to leave her room, Lu Xia stood at the doorway.
"Won't you bring your rackets with you?"
She laughed. "Do you want to play this weekend? Can't you wait until we come back and play here?"
He stared blankly. "I don't care. I know you've been training and you seem to be in good condition. Won't you finally play with me?"
She grabbed her tennis bag and opened it up. All of her rackets except for one were in great shape. She removed it and checked that she had extra supplies. She made sure to pack her support brace.
"We'll play as long as no one minds."
One of his rare smiles appeared. She smiled back and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
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The cousins walked up to the training facility.
"What a nice place." Zhilan said as she looked around.
"Lu Xia, you made it. Go put your things down and get ready to train." A woman with a ponytail said.
She turned to Zhilan and grinned. "I haven't had the chance to speak to you. I've been caught up in work, but I knew you've been here the whole time. I'm Coach Qi Na, your uncle's friend. I was also your father's friend. We met once so, you may or may not remember me."
She looked at her closely and vaguely remembered her from her childhood. "Sort of. It's nice to see you again."
"Why don't you go look for Qi Ying? She's right inside and she'll show you to your room."
Zhilan nodded. "Thank you."
She walked ahead and looked around for a bit.
"Senior Zhilan! I didn't know you would be coming too." Qi Ying said excitedly.
She grinned at the younger girl. "Siyang asked me if I wanted to come and I said yes. Can you show me where I can put my things down?"
"Sure, follow me."
She followed Qi Ying and put her bags down.
"You'll have your own room since having three girls in one is a bit much. I'll be right across from you."
"Qi Ying, where are you?" Another girl's voice called out.
A girl with short hair popped her head through the door. "There you are. Oh, hello!"
"Xing Zi, this is Zhilan. She's Lu Xia's cousin and she was invited here."
Xing Zi smiled. "How exciting! Another girl. Come with us, we'll show you around."
"Lead the way." She giggled and both girls grabbed her hands.
They showed her their room, the kitchen, and the dining hall.
"We help a lot with the cooking and the cleaning. But we'll assist the teams in whatever they need." Xing Zi said as they walked outside.
Zhilan hummed. "And where are the tennis courts?"
"We're headed there right now." Qi Ying responded.
They walked hand in hand to the courts where training was in full swing. Some were practicing with the machines, others doing rallies, and other kinds of training.
"Everyone is so enthusiastic." Xing Zi observed.
"They want to do the very best they can." Zhilan agreed.
She looked over to where Lu Xia was at. He was working with A-Mu on weight training.
"I'm going to buy some drinks. Do you want anything?" Xing Zi asked.
"I might get something for Lu Xia. What about you, Qi Ying?"
The younger girl stayed quiet.
"Qi Ying?"
"Drinks! Right, I was thinking about getting Lu Xia something." She mumbled.
Zhilan raised an eyebrow at her and looked at Xing Zi. She simply giggled.
"I'll just hold the drinks while you buy."
They walked over to the vending machine and got several bottles of flavored water.
Xing Zi gave a couple of them to the boys and Qi Ying made a beeline for Lu Xia.
She has some explaining to do.
Zhilan laughed to herself.
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A knock sounded at Zhilan's door as she braided her hair for bed.
"Come in."
She glanced toward the door and Siyang poked his head in. "I hope I'm not bothering you."
She shook her head. "Of course not. What can I do for you?"
He closed the door behind him and sat at the corner of her bed. "I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Zhilan chuckled. "I see checking up on me is becoming your habit."
Siyang gave her a small smile. "I just want to make sure you're comfortable."
She finished braiding her hair and scooted closer to him. "I know. This place is really pretty. Thank you for inviting me."
"I'm glad you like it. Thank you for coming."
She smiled at him and he stared for a couple of seconds before clearing his throat. "I should let you get some rest."
Zhilan hummed. She grabbed his hand and gently squeezed it. "Good night, Siyang."
He looked between her face and the hand in his. He squeezed back. "Good night."
Author's Note
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to vote or comment! - Violet
