37 Malone

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Graduation day.

Duan Nanzhou wore her cap and gown, preparing to attend the final ceremony of her university life. Her parents had arrived early to celebrate her successful graduation.

The tedious ceremony concluded quickly, followed by the usual routine of students taking photos together and getting one last look at the campus. Duan’s parents had even hired a professional photographer to document this final, beautiful moment of her university years.

Seeing that Duan Nanzhou had finally finished taking enough photos with her parents, her classmates, who had been waiting for a long time, swarmed in to snap pictures with her. Her parents couldn't help but beam at their daughter’s immense popularity.

"Alright, alright, that’s enough," Duan Nanzhou said, finally putting a stop to the endless stream of photo requests.

"We aren't parting ways forever! We’ll be colleagues soon and seeing each other every day!" Duan Nanzhou said, feeling a bit speechless. These classmates, who were making the biggest scene, were the very ones joining her at CCTV; one would think they were saying goodbye for good.

"Oh, come on, Nanzhou..." They wanted to keep the fun going, but seeing that her parents had been waiting for so long, they felt a bit embarrassed.

"Mom, Dad, let’s go!" As Duan Nanzhou prepared to take her parents' arms and head home, her phone rang.

"Sister Ning? You’re here? Sister Nan is here too?" Duan Nanzhou was shocked by the weight of the call. She hadn't told anyone that today was her graduation ceremony!

Watching their daughter take the call and realizing more people were coming to see her graduate, her parents decided it was best to head home first; waiting around was simply too boring.

"Niuniu, your father and I are heading back now. You go enjoy yourself with your friends today. Your father has already booked a big feast for tomorrow, and we’ll have a proper meal together then!" her mother announced.

"Alright, take care on your way back." Watching her mother’s gentle explanation, Duan Nanzhou found it a bit odd. Her mother was usually a decisive, no-nonsense person, but she was likely putting on a gentle facade because of the crowd.

Having kept them waiting for so long, they were probably eager to leave. Duan Nanzhou knew full well that they had plans to go out with old friends today; she wasn't fooled. If she hadn't been surrounded by people, they probably would have found an excuse to ditch her to enjoy their own freedom!

After seeing her parents off, Duan Nanzhou went to the entrance to meet Zhang Yining and Wang Nan.

Originally, she was surprised that the two of them had come, but she hadn't expected to see not just them, but a whole crowd.

Duan Nanzhou: What is going on?

"Sister Ning? What is this?" Even Duan Nanzhou was at a loss for words.

"Nanzhou, originally it was just Wang Nan and me who wanted to come, but the others heard about it and insisted on tagging along!" Zhang Yining just wanted to express that she was innocent; she only wanted to see her dear younger sister.

"That's right, Nanzhou. They have nothing to do with us; they just insisted on following," Wang Nan added with a smile.

"Hi, Nanzhou, happy graduation!" Several voices and smiling faces greeted her, leaving Duan Nanzhou speechless. Looking at them one by one—Ma Long, Xu Xin, Fang Bo, Chen Qi, Ma Lin... and why was Liu Guoliang here? Wasn't he busy as a coach?

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Duan Nanzhou swallowed her questions and led the massive group into the campus to begin the introductions and photo sessions.

Ma Long, who had snuck along with the group, was incredibly happy. If he had come alone, there was no way he could have attended Duan Nanzhou's graduation, especially after his last attempt to chat with her had been rejected, leaving things at a standstill.

Today, he had relied on his good brother Xu Xin’s shamelessness to force his way into this trip, and he had even managed to sneak a private photo with her. It was absolutely wonderful!

Because she was with a large group of celebrities, Duan Nanzhou couldn't keep them wandering for too long. Liu Guoliang, showing good sense, mentioned he had already booked a restaurant, and the group headed off to dine together.

When it came to seating, Ma Long was quick to grab the seat next to Duan Nanzhou. His good brother Xu Xin even pretended to be casual while blocking others, allowing Ma Long to get his wish.

This scene made Zhang Yining and Wang Nan, who had intended to sit next to Duan Nanzhou, exchange a look. They realized something was up—they had originally thought Xu Xin was just looking to join the meal and drag Ma Long along, but it seemed Ma Long might actually be interested in Nanzhou.

The two women then looked at Chen Qi, who had snatched the seat on her other side. The look of gossip in their eyes was practically bubbling over. It seemed today was going to be very lively!

After the dishes were served, Duan Nanzhou thanked everyone for coming. Then, Liu Guoliang informed her that she had been assigned by Old Jiang to the national table tennis team. Unless something major happened, she would be staying at the General Administration of Sport for daily interviews and documentation, likely returning to the main office only after a year.

Duan Nanzhou, having her life planned out the moment she graduated, felt like she had fallen into a thief's den.

Throughout the meal, Duan Nanzhou was busy discussing work matters with Liu Guoliang, leaving others unable to get a word in.

Encouraged by his good brother, Ma Long kept trying to find an opportunity to talk to her, but after hesitating for a long time, he still couldn't bring himself to start.

Xu Xin, who had been watching from the side: ...

When Duan Nanzhou stepped out halfway through the meal, Ma Long was still sitting there thinking about how to speak to her when his brother nudged him with an elbow.

Ma Long looked at Xu Xin with an expression that clearly said, "You better give me an explanation."

"Look over there." Xu Xin signaled for Ma Long to notice that Chen Qi was already gone from the other side of Duan Nanzhou; he had followed her out.

Just like that, while Ma Long was still pondering how to strike up a conversation, the other guy might be about to confess.

Of course, the scene outside wasn't quite what Xu Xin imagined, but it was close.

After following Duan Nanzhou out, Chen Qi wanted to talk to her privately, as she had been avoiding his messages lately by claiming to be busy with graduation.

He didn't intend to confess directly, but he did hope she would give him a chance to pursue her—at least to get to know each other first. He wasn't ready to give up yet.

Listening to Chen Qi go on, Duan Nanzhou hung her head, feeling like rolling her eyes. How could he not understand a polite rejection?

She had already asked Sister Ning to help her turn him down gently; why was he still coming after her? She truly had no interest in him!

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"I'm sorry, but I really don't think you need to waste your time on me. I have no interest in dating right now..."

"Can't we just get to know each other? Maybe you'll change your mind after a while!" Chen Qi refused to give up.

"Actually..." Duan Nanzhou wore a smile, but internally she was cursing, "Actually, I don't like men."

"Huh?!" Chen Qi was stunned. His first reaction was disbelief; would she really use such an excuse just to reject him?

"It's the truth! But you know that the current environment wouldn't accept someone like me, so I’ve never dared to tell anyone. I’m only telling you this now because I don’t want to lead you on. You aren't going to discriminate against me, are you?" Duan Nanzhou felt her ability to lie through her teeth was getting stronger. Seeing Chen Qi shift from disbelief to suspicion, hesitation, and finally a trace of trust, she knew it had worked.

Afterward, Duan Nanzhou briefly described her "hardships" and fears, making him promise not to tell anyone or discriminate against her, before ending the conversation.

When Duan Nanzhou returned to the private room, she noticed the two men sitting beside her looked somewhat dazed. Chen Qi’s reaction was understandable—after buying into her ruse, he was likely questioning his own reality.

But what about Ma Long? He looked just as distracted. Had he been shocked by something?

As Ma Long's good brother, Xu Xin was equally baffled. Ma Long had only gone to the bathroom; why did he come back looking so strange?

Ma Long, the man in question, had gone to the bathroom to see why Duan Nanzhou and Chen Qi were taking so long, only to overhear the earth-shattering words: "I don't like men." He had returned in a daze.

Ma Long couldn't bring himself to accept that the girl he liked didn't like men. What was he supposed to do? Was it game over? Could she have been lying to Chen Qi? But looking at Chen Qi’s expression, it seemed so real! And he had never seen her act like she liked girls. What was he supposed to do? His brain felt like it was going to explode!

Duan Nanzhou hadn't expected that one lie would trap both men.

By the end of the meal, Ma Long was completely listless. In the days that followed, he thought about it constantly. Even when his worried friends asked what was wrong, he wouldn't say a word, lost in his own thoughts.

Finally, Ma Long reached a conclusion: he still couldn't let go of Duan Nanzhou, but out of respect for her sexual orientation, he decided to become her best friend—if he couldn't have her, he would at least witness her happiness!

Thinking this, Ma Long clenched his fists and encouraged himself: he could do it!

Nearby, Xu Xin and Zhang Jike watched their friend’s odd behavior and exchanged a look, wondering if they should take him to a hospital.