Hello to all the new readers I saw commenting in last chapter! (And to the ones that are a bit quieter :P)
After fifteen chapters since it was mentioned (and a disappointment), Wei Wei finally gets to see Xiao Nai play basketball.
[1] Ink paintings are usually black on a white sheet of paper, noted for their simplicity and minimal use of color. Oil paintings usually cover the entire canvas in color and use many more colors than just black or shades of gray.
[2] 文武全才: used before in historical China to describe people who excelled in both a civil and military position in the government. Most government officials at the time belonged either to the 文 (civil) side of government or the 武 (side.) Conflicts between the civil and the military sides at court and before the emperor were very common. To advance to be an official, what was important was your placement during the exams and whose teacher you had. After becoming an official, people advanced based on how well they performed in their government positions. To advance on the military side, it required winning battles and wars. When applied to Xiao Nai, the 文 describes his education, and the 武 his physical abilities.
Chapter Twenty Four The Farewell Match
Wei Wei had said this because her mood had been light and she couldn’t resist making a joke. She didn’t expect that they would believe her. Who knew that Er Xi would come up with this line, which threw Wei Wei for a loop.
“Unanimous? What does that mean?”
Er Xi said: “One of the more popular gossip posts on the university forum, pairing up the famous singles. You and Xiao Nair are recognized to be the least incompatible.”
Wei Wei was a bit taken back and sorrowfully said: “They have this kind of post, our university’s people are really bored.”
Nobody answered her and the topic was dropped. Xiao Ling and Er Xi moved onto a new topic. Wei Wei pulled Er Xi back: “Why are we incompatible?”
Er Xi thought that Wei Wei today was a bit strange, focusing so much on this question. She didn’t think any deeper and straightforwardly said: “It was the posters, appearance, profession. Uh, let me remember what they said. It was pretty good.”
She reminisced: “It was something like, one is as elegant and clear as an ink painting, one is as colourful and vibrant as an oil painting. One is a supernatural not of the mortal world, the other is a vibrant mortal flower … … Whoa, your expression!”
Er Xi, who had getting more enthusiastic, became irritated.
Wei Wei said expressionlessly: “My goosebumps came up. Also, I am not oily.”
Er Xi; “… … Your jokes aren’t funny.”
Wei Wei was still unhappy thinking about it; “How is our professions not compatible? We both do Computer Science. The two warriors of IT… …”
Er Xi snorted at her; “Can you think of an even worse title? In the same profession, there can’t be any feelings of admiration. Also, computers are only one of Xiao Nai’s many talents.”
Wei Wei had nothing left to say and sank into a depression. She suddenly thought of an important question, “Then who did they say is most compatible with Xiao Nai?”
“Nobody. Everybody couldn’t agree.”
Very good! Wei Wei was satisfied.
The air in the stadium suddenly started to boil. Wei Wei looked to the center. As expected, it was Xiao Nai coming out clad in white.
He already was handsome. Changing into his jersey made him seem more upright and alive. Receiving a basketball pass from a teammate, his calmly dribbled two times, and sped up suddenly as his teammate tried to block him. Everybody assumed he was trying to break through. Suddenly stopping, he didn’t aim and threw. The ball drew out a beautiful curve in the air, the space around it stopping. Wei Wei looked at his flowing black hair and stopped breathing.
Swoosh!
The ball accurately fell through the hoop.
Three point throw.
The bleachers erupted in cheers after a few seconds. On the court, Xiao Nai didn’t react one bit to the praise and focus on talking with his teammates. He started basic warm up exercises. At the moment, all his focus was on the court and blocked out everything else.
Er Xi sighed in admiration: “This is a real idol.”
Si Si: “They say that Xiao Nai’s swimming is much better than his basketball. I wonder what his races would look like.”
Wei Wei followed her train of thought. Swimming races, Da Shen wearing a swimsuit … …
Her face flushed with red.
Si Si looked at her face and asked: “Wei Wei, are you too hot?”
Wei Wei lectured her righteously: “You are too perverted!”
Si Si: “… …”
t_t She was so innocent.
After ten minutes, the match officially started. Xiao Nai was on the starting line.
Basketball was a very fascinating sport to watch. Compared to the long stretches of time of soccer that only had seconds of excitement, basketball was constantly attracting view’s attention.
On the court, Xiao Nai was certainly the most eye-catching. This wasn’t just because of his outstanding appearance and fame but due to his conspicuous performance.
Wei Wei seemed to see the Yi Xiao Nai He that existed in the game.
She didn’t really understand basketball. But that calmness displayed in his exact passes, that sharp calculation shown in his sidesteps, that overpowering force when breaking past. All of that reminded her of the game’s strongest player.
At times, the Xiao Nai on the court could be described as graceful and elegant. But when he erupted, his presence was fierce and overpowering. Between his movements, there was the most primitive speed and power.
And then Wei Wei knew.
That there was actually this kind of thing in this world, where it only took one instant, for somebody’s affection for another to reach the highest peak possible.
Wei Wei was nervous watching this match, and so were Er Shi and the others. After the first quarter, Xiao Ling excited said: “Xiao Nai’s change in midair was so cool! I’m going to get Da Zhong to practice it!”
Si Si said; “That seems to be pretty difficult for the body.”
Xiao Ling: “I dunno. Ugh, Xiao Nai is a genius in both the civil and the military.”
Not just in the physical and the scholarly pursuits. Wei Wei looked at the handsome figure resting at the side and remembered the video he made. This person was a bit too perfect. If she really was going to be together with him, she needed to put in more effort to do keep up.
A short rest later, the match went into an even more tense second period.
Xiao Nai’s total points were not the highest on the court. At time, he preferred to pass the ball to teammates. But he was the one in control of the underlying beat. Under his command, the Computer Science team performed very smoothly. The team was leading the Engineering faculty by almost twenty points at the end of the second period.
Xiao Ling said: “Xiao Nai’s probably coming off. Da Zhong said he was only playing half a game at maximum.”
Si Si was disappointed: “Why?”
Wei Wei also looked towards Xiao Ling.
Xiao Ling explaned: “Ah, it’s a farewell match. The graduating substitutes also will play. And don’t you still remember? Xiao Nai shixiong was just in a car accident. Too much exercise is probably not good.”
Wei Wei couldn’t help but think more. When she had initially heard that some of the graduating year four shixiongs had been in a car accident, she didn’t think much of it. Who knew that … …
Life worked in mysterious ways.
Ten minutes later, the third quarter began. Xiao Nai did not go on. A wave of disappointed discussion rose among the spectators. Wei Wei wasn’t that disappointed, and focused only on the match. That is, she spent more time looking at Xiao Nai at the edge of the court.
Noticed how he was talking to his teammates, watching what was happen on court and discussing the match.
Noticed how he raised his head to drink, his black hair sparkling.
Notice how he … …
… …
… …
Put down his water, and suddenly started walking towards the bleachers!
Wei Wei froze on her seat.
The entire stadium’s focus started to shift off the court and onto him.
But Xiao Nai was still seemed indifferent to it all, as though those stares didn’t exist. He walked unnaturally naturally steps up the stairs, passing by one row and another, until he was in front of Wei Wei.
Wei Wei was sitting in the aisle set, so he very casually stood by her side, one hand dangling around the back of her seat. Crouching down, a burning stare.
“After, everybody’s going out to celebrate. I might not be able to go online.”
Wei Wei nodded.
“What are you planning tomorrow?”
Wei Wei said: “Studying.”
Wei Wei’s expression was very calm, but if somebody listened closely to her world, they would find, that contrary to being calm, it was better to say … …
Xiao Nai said: “En, I’ll go with you tomorrow.”
Wei Wei said: “Oh, I’ll reserve a seat for you.”
… …
She had already reverted into a state of pure instinct … …
Xiao Nai raised his eyes and asked Si Si, who was sitting away the furthest: “There’s an empty seat next, could you move over one?”
Si Si looked at her side. Unknowingly, the person next to her had left sometime earlier. Si Si moved over, Er Xi and Xiao Ling automatically following. Wei Wei stood and moved into Xiao Ling’s original seat.
“Thanks.”
Xiao Nai politely said, and then very impolitely sat down beside Wei Wei. His gaze focused on the game, just like any other spectator watching.
With him as the center, in a ten meter radius circle, there was complete silence. It was the exact opposite of the loudness of the struggle on the court.
omg this is epic! i can’t imagine how dumbfounded her friends would be, from the most incompatible couple to this xD The story is getting so so good, and your updates honestly brought me from the dead (that is exam review) Thank you so much!! 😀
Good luck studying! The chapters will still be here after exams :D.
Truly epic. I’m smiling so wide, so loving this story. So grateful for the translation!
I have to say I like his style. WW is back. This is the ww I like.
Love it! He’s so confident and is not at all ambiguous with his intentions. Every move is suave and calculated, just like in the game. Thanks again for your hard work!
All those calculations show how serious he is about Wei Wei.
I died…
Like for real… squeeing so hard here… can you just imagine if this is a live action? Sighhhj… ive started my dream casting if this were ever to be adapted.. i already have the perfect male actor to be Xiao Nai 🙂
Thank you! I had some free time and tried google translate. It’s doable with my very basic mandarin from 20 years ago…
Who it is? Lot’s of people on the baidu tieba have dreamcasted many different people. I think Gu Man sold the movie rights … …
Ummm. Fr me it has to be godfrey gao… le sighhh…
Yes! I can totally imagine Godfrey Gao as Xiao Nai. *drools*
I keep seeing pictures of him with a beard and scruffy. He looks a bit old.
i like this chapter , xiao Nai is so adorable <3 <3 <3
thank you for your fast updates
Thank you for commenting! Xiao Nai is very lovable. XD
OMG!!!!! Awesome chapter!!! *Swoon* Wow!!! U took out the chapters 23 n 24 soooo fast 🙂 🙂 🙂 25 will b out fast also?
I am getting married in a few days, but instead busy reading this 😛 😛 😛
Congratulations on your marriage! I’m still editing chapter 25 so it will be up tomorrow.
Thank you so much! I’m grateful for your daily updates. Now it’s official that he’s pursuing her!!! oh happy day 🙂
Yup, he’s labelled her soon-to-be “property of Xiao Nai” to everybody on campus. And made himself “Boyfriend of Wei Wei”.
I love the way he did it too. They are not showy people who make grand statements or gestures. It was subtle and let everyone know without words 🙂
I can’t imagine Xiao Nai doing the anime thing where they put banners up on the building and confess (It would be funny to see, though)
SQUEALING!!! OMG… This is so good. For the past 5 chapters, I kept wondering how they would make this into a drama or movie.. It gets better and better. I would be in total shocked if I were her friends. What will happen next day? I don’t think she will be able to study.. Again thanks for your wonderful translation. C ya tomorrow..
Awesome job in picking this book to translate…
I’ve been a silent reader of your translation of this story and I must say that you simply have such a way with words. Your imagery is so mellifluously delivered and the headnotes are a definite plus plus. Loving the story and the translation. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for reading all this time! I can’t take the credit for the wording, Gu Man is an amazing author. I’m glad you like the headnotes.
Ah hah, but it takes a flare for words to properly deliver and translate those words to us non-Chinese fans. For that, I really thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Smooth.
What an amazing chapter. I feel like dancing while squealing kyaaaaa, but everyone is still sleeping. ><
o_o. Go out of the room and dance?
Lol. Will consider that next time. ^^
Thank you for updates. I like the last part of this chapter when Xiao Nai shows to everyone that he is courting Wei Wei.
Hehehehehehee.
They’re too adorable ><
I love how Xiao Nai doesn't even hesitate in his pursuit. Excited to see more of their real-life interactions ^^
Thank you for your translations!
Amazing chapter… thank you
Wei wei cant escape him… hahahha… to run away from him because she not ready to be seen by all.. and he come and sit with her with all eyes focusing on them… lol.. i really like his style…. cant wait for tomorrow..
Xiao Nai -1 Wei Wei-0
LMAO, poor wei wei, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into 😛
Thanks for the update!
You’re welcome!
Amazing. ..what a moment when he stake his place beside her.
Xiao Nai must have been delighted as this is his first time too.
He waited so long for the right girl and doing things so perfectly creating the right moments.
Such a beautiful scene.
Thanks for the well timed daily updates. I read it every morning during breakfast.
Brings a smile to so many of us every morning.
Sometimes wonder how many of us are reading this diligently every day.
Thank you
Yup, he kept himself as “pure as jade”.
I can just imagine Wei Wei’s friends dumbstruck expressions.
Xiao Nai is so cool and Wei Wei is so lucky.
Thank you for your regular updates.
Xiao Nai!!! They way he went completely public about his soon-to-be relationship with Wei Wei…
amazing chapter! Thanks!!
Very straight-to-the-point. He’s *proud* of it, really just showing off.
oh my god oh my god oh my god….
*diesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss*
“After, everybody’s going out to celebrate. I might not be able to go online.”
>> ‘everybody’s going out to celebrate later’
Lol her friends were left speechless.
Wow! I’m squeeing so hard. Love him, love her!
Thanks for the chapter
“be the least incompatible.” “incompatible” should be “compatible” due to double negatives.
I love how casually he destroys what would be insurmountable obstacles in a more cliche work 😉
“Insurmountable obstacles?” Such as?
Social pressures, teen angst, imagined social barriers, that sort of thing. The two of them meeting openly and having a semi-normal conversation in public would definitely have taken longer in your average shoujo for instance.
Ah. I’ve always found shoujo to be melodramatic and dragged out. Part of it is the medium – pages and pages of still poses. Realizations take up entire chapters.
In this case, it’s two people getting together at university (no matter how pretty they look). Social pressure in this case is actually working for them to get together, date, marry and have children. Both of them are not “teenagers” exactly and Wei Wei doesn’t have many insecurities as most female protagonists.
Imagined social barriers … … social mobility in China has gotten more fluid and this isn’t a “Cinderella” story. Wei Wei’s family isn’t *wealthy* but it’s not like she’s marrying him for his riches.
Yeah, but the fact that none of that nonsense is happening is what I like here 🙂
Also love both protagonists. After reading a whole bunch of XianXia and Wuxia stories recently, I had started to develop a really negative outlook on Chinese literature since almost all the males were assholes and almost all the women wound up as door mats and/or sex dolls. So this made for a great change.
Hahahaha,
Chinese “literature”, especially webnovels are pretty hard to stomach if you read just the average one. Disregarding the fact that most of the stories migrated off the web (loss of plot structure, plot gaps, character development), stock characters are used to a very high degree. Males are written out to be domineering, “cool”, powerful. In the cases of xuan huan/fantasy/wuxia, there’s also a gigantic harem trope (and every reader knows it). In fact, most male-oriented webnovels have a harem. There’s not a lot of exceptions. I only know one big author who doesn’t do a harem and that’s Tang Jia San Shao who switched it up and his first “monogamist” book propelled him into greatness (he was okay before when he was writing harems). Coincidentally, about the same time he wrote Dou Luo Da Lu, he got married.
There’s some Chinese novels which don’t have doormats. If you don’t have too much of a dislike for time travel, then there’s a lot of “strong woman” stories. Also, zombie-apocalypse stories usually feature a strong female lead.
Yeah, I’ve read quite a few Tang Jia San Shao works. The girl winds up subservient to the male (or at least, that’s the impression I get, none of them have finished translating yet), but otherwise, they’re far less sexist than most.
I’m cool with time travel. Reading three stories with it at the moment (Mother of Learning, Mei Gongqing and Tales of Demons and Gods), but if you have other’s to recommend, I’m all ears.
Sadly, the only zombie apocalypse one I’ve seen was one where the gods suddenly decided to turn the world into an mmo type world, and the MC was your standard asshole, all the women wound up being controlled by him and the only strong woman was instantly marginalized in spite of being stronger than him at the start and it making no sense in the context of the story. Dropped it about 20 chapters in when I gave up on it ever treating the predominately female cast as anything other than the MC’s servants/accessories.
Ooh, they probably hadn’t finished translating 酒神 (God of Wine). In there, the female lead is one of the strongest beings and the male lead is heels over head.
I’ll see if I can dig up some of the apocalypse stories for you.
Is anyone even translating that? Its not one of heard of yet.
I have no idea. I know at least one person is translating Dou Luo Da Lu (Soul Land is the title the Chinese publishers gave to the man hua). Jiu Shen is the book Tang Jia San Shao wrote after Soul Land.
yeah, Dou Luo Da Lu is the first of his works that I found, been reading it for almost a year now.
Apparently someone is translating Jiu Shen, but they’re only on chapter 2 and haven’t released anything since early August, so I’m not sure how serious they are about it. I’ll wait till there’s more chapter’s and/or a faster release speed before picking it up.
I wish WP let us edit our own posts :/
Apparently I was misunderstanding, it was chapter 1 that was early August, chapter 2 was late August, so they’re going at a rate of about 2.5 weeks per chapter.
That’s not bad. I did all of Dou Luo Da Lu through the audiobook so I don’t know how long each chapter is but at least someone is translating it :).
Thanks a lot!
-screams- oh my God,what he did, going up to the stands…?! So hilarious!!
Thanks for the chapter!
Hahaha, I felt as thunderstruck as Wei Wei! I saw that coming, but still!
Crap, I’m loving this too much!!! Xiao Nai, good move!! Thanks for the chapter!
That chapter ending made me grin like hell xD
Awesome move, being so smooth in real life would definitly be awesome ..