More Than Gratitude and Friends

**Friday**

At a little past six in the morning,

Su Cheng returned home and placed the flower on the balcony. The flower was exceptionally lively, its leaves swaying in the wind and its petals trembling slightly.

Su Cheng stared at it for a moment, then began watering it. Afterward, he moved the pot slightly to protect the flower from being damaged by the wind.

Once he finished, he took a shower, had a quick meal, and then hurried off to school.

After days and nights of relentless training, he now felt confident about the upcoming competition the next day, so his mood was calm and composed.

He was looking forward to the arrival of the next day and the presence of the spectators.

……………………

**Morning**

The dojo was not holding any training sessions today. Instead, several teachers appeared to explain the rules of the competition, some important considerations, and the itinerary for the trip.

The competition was divided into three major categories: individual men's/women's matches, men's/women's team events, and mixed doubles.

A total of 15 members from the Flame City Archery Club, including Su Cheng, would be participating.

- 5 men for the men's team.

- 5 women for the women's team.

- 1 man and 1 woman for the mixed doubles.

- 1 woman for the women's individual match.

- 2 men for the men's individual match (Su Cheng and Yang Xin).

Finally, the teachers gave the participants words of encouragement, holding a motivational meeting and hoping everyone would achieve good results and secure high rankings.

"Tomorrow at 8 a.m., the school will arrange vehicles at the entrance," one of the teachers said.

"That's all. Today, everyone should take care of themselves and avoid fatigue that might affect your performance."

"We'll be leaving now."

With that, the teachers left the dojo. The remaining club members continued to cheer each other on, their excitement palpable.

"President, I promise to bring back a good result tomorrow and show the other schools the strength of our club!"

At that moment, Yang Xin noticed Ji Qingyi entering from outside and quickly stood up to greet her.

His face was filled with pride, as if he could already see himself achieving great results in front of everyone.

"Good, I'll be watching," Ji Qingyi said.

She stopped and scanned the room. Seeing everyone's eyes on her, she nodded slightly and spoke, "All of you participating in this competition are fighting for the honor of the club. I am very pleased to have such outstanding members in our club."

"Yes!" the group responded in unison, their faces beaming with confidence.

The usually cold and uninvolved president suddenly offering such encouragement filled them with excitement, and they felt their blood boiling with determination.

After scanning the room once more, Ji Qingyi continued, "I won't say much more. Everyone understands the significance of this competition and knows the importance of giving it your all to secure victory. I will be watching all of you."

Her tone was filled with encouragement and affirmation, making everyone feel her strong trust in them.

"President, we will live up to your expectations," they replied.

Ji Qingyi nodded, then glanced at Su Cheng, who was sitting in the middle. With graceful steps, she walked into her personal practice area.

Understanding her unspoken message, Su Cheng smiled at the excited group, stood up, and followed the ice-cold president.

.…………

**At the Tea Table**

The two sat facing each other.

Su Cheng held a cup of tea, took a small sip, and then looked up at the president. "President, how strong are the other schools?" he asked.

Ji Qingyi glanced at him upon hearing his words, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "Those who come to participate in such competitions are naturally not ordinary people, and they don’t have the intention of just being here to make up the numbers."

After saying this, she paused briefly before continuing, "Overall, our club doesn’t need to worry too much."

"Huh?" Su Cheng looked up in confusion. "Why?"

"Aside from the event you’re participating in, most of the other competitors are last year’s champions."

Ji Qingyi’s tone remained indifferent, but her words left Su Cheng momentarily stunned.

Well, it seemed he was the only weak link.

Su Cheng fell silent for a while, then turned to Ji Qingyi and asked, "Why am I the only weak link?"

"Because the scoring system for the competition is based on a point-based evaluation."

Ji Qingyi stared into his eyes and gave a slight nod. "You’ve made significant progress these past few days, but unfortunately, your improvement has been heavily reliant on external aids."

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Su Cheng’s wrist, and she added meaningfully, "You’ve overlooked the most fundamental aspects."

Hearing this, Su Cheng lowered his head and glanced at the hairband on his wrist. The scent on it had grown fainter after a day and night, and the energy from Guanqi was almost completely depleted.

The point-based system not only evaluated whether one could hit the target but also placed importance on posture, conduct, and attitude during the competition, with judges giving an overall score based on these criteria.

The reason Ji Qingyi said this was because she had noticed that, aside from his accuracy in archery, Su Cheng’s other aspects were too hastily prepared, especially his conduct and attitude. In his current state, he was prone to making mistakes at any moment.

He could go to Guanqi to replenish the energy at noon today, but what would happen during the competition days when he was away?

If Guanqi’s energy suddenly dissipated during the competition, the outcome would be self-evident.

Thinking this way, Su Cheng’s expression grew serious.

He had no idea whether Li Guanqi would be at the venue.

"Let’s eat," Ji Qingyi said, standing up and heading toward the partitioned area.

.................................

After finishing the meal with Ji Qingyi, Su Cheng took out his phone, found Li Guanqi’s chat window, and after some hesitation, finally sent a message.

Su Cheng: "Where are you? I need to talk to you."

A minute later, the phone screen lit up, displaying a message: "The usual spot."

Upon seeing the reply, Su Cheng put away his phone and made his way to the grassy field where they had first met.

Along the way, he encountered many classmates who cheered and encouraged him, and Su Cheng responded to each of them in kind.

When he arrived at the grassy field, Su Cheng deliberately looked around for Li Guanqi’s figure.

He stood in place, scanning the surroundings, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t spot Li Guanqi. This left him feeling a bit puzzled.

Has her invisibility improved again?

Why is this version being buffed instead of nerfed?

This doesn’t make sense at all!

In the past, even when he actively searched for her, he could usually find her. But now, it seemed impossible.

Baffled, he scratched his head and pulled out his phone, about to send another message. But just as he did, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Su Cheng."

Hearing his name, Su Cheng stopped in his tracks and turned to see who had called him. A familiar scent wafted over, and soon his eyes fell on a beautiful girl with a single ponytail—it was Li Guanqi.

At this moment, she was carrying a shoulder bag, her head slightly tilted, and her beautiful eyes blinking as she stared at him.

Though her expression was blank and her voice as calm as water, there was an inexplicable sense of cuteness about her.

"Uh, I'm here..."

Su Cheng raised his hand, about to speak, but before he could finish, Li Guanqi raised her hands and removed the hairband from her ponytail. In an instant, her dark, silky hair cascaded down like a waterfall, draping over her shoulders—a breathtaking sight.

Then, she reached out and took the hairband from Su Cheng's hand, replacing it with the one she had just removed, placing it on his head.

Su Cheng was momentarily stunned, but by the time he realized what had happened, the switch was already complete. He quickly thanked her, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

After securing the hairband on him, Li Guanqi tied the one she had removed around her wrist before looking up at him. "Have you had lunch?"

"Yes, I have."

He nodded, then glanced around. Noticing that Li Guanqi's brow had furrowed slightly, he waited until the area was clear before continuing, "About the competition..."

"I'll be there to watch."

Li Guanqi seemed to know what he was about to ask and answered before he could finish.

Su Cheng was slightly surprised by her response.

"I'm staying at the same hotel as you."

Li Guanqi added, cutting off his next question before he could even ask it.

He had been about to ask about the hairband exchange, but with them staying at the same hotel, it made things much simpler.

"That's so kind of you. I'm really sorry for the trouble."

Su Cheng spoke somewhat apologetically.

Li Guanqi shook her head lightly. "It's no trouble. I was going there anyway."

With that, she pulled a small pillow from her bag. "Do you want to rest for a bit?"

"No, I've been feeling pretty energetic lately."

Su Cheng shook his head without hesitation. He'd rather return to the dojo and have tea with the club president, focusing on preparing for the competition.

However, Li Guanqi frowned, placing a finger at the corner of her mouth in a pout, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "You've been training nonstop these past few days. The competition is tomorrow. Don't you want to rest a bit so you can show your best side?"

She knew Su Cheng had a heart condition, which was why she wanted him to take it easy.

This mix of annoyance and cuteness from Li Guanqi was something Su Cheng had never seen before, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

After a brief pause, Su Cheng quickly took the pillow. "Alright, I'll rest for a bit."

The two of them moved to the lawn. He placed the pillow on the ground and lay down, while Li Guanqi smoothed her skirt and sat beside him, opening a book to read.

They maintained a distance of about half a meter, neither speaking. Eventually, Su Cheng, unable to fall asleep, opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Li Guanqi sitting beside him.

Li Guanqi sat quietly, her fair cheeks slightly flushed, perhaps from her earlier irritation. She seemed calm and composed, her hands holding the book as she read intently, occasionally furrowing her brows.

Then, his gaze shifted to her legs, clad in black stockings. Under the sunlight, they appeared slender and alluring, making him swallow hard.

Without a doubt, those legs wrapped in black stockings must also be fragrant, soft, and tender.

If put in one’s mouth, they would surely taste sweet…

Li Guanqi seemed to notice his gaze and suddenly put down her book, startling him into closing his eyes and pretending to be asleep.

However, Li Guanqi instantly saw through Su Cheng’s act.

She knew what Su Cheng truly looked like when he was asleep.

After a while, Su Cheng felt it was safe and slowly opened his eyes.

Their gazes met, and though he felt a bit awkward, he maintained a straight face and shifted his gaze away.

“If you really can’t sleep, there’s no need to force it,” Li Guanqi spoke softly, her tone filled with gentleness and concern.

“Mm,” Su Cheng nodded, no longer putting on an act. He sat up and voiced the question on his mind: “Is it because of what happened during the swimming lesson that you’re being so caring toward me?”

Li Guanqi was momentarily taken aback, then nodded after a pause.

“It’s gratitude,” she admitted.

Su Cheng nodded in understanding, as if relieved.

“But it’s not just gratitude,” Li Guanqi added, looking at Su Cheng intently, her words deliberate.

“I see,” Su Cheng replied.

……………………………………

In the afternoon,

The sky began to drizzle again.

Su Cheng bid farewell to Li Guanqi and returned to the dojo.

As for Li Guanqi’s remark about it not just being gratitude, it was obvious—there was also friendship between them!

After all, he and Li Guanqi were just “ordinary friends” who often held hands.

Well,

Su Cheng could no longer deceive himself.

But he couldn’t respond to any feelings right now. His fate was still uncertain, and he didn’t dare to give anything away lightly.

Inside the dojo,

Ji Qingyi was seated by the tea table, watching the light rain outside.

Noticing Su Cheng’s arrival, she turned her head slightly and gestured to the chair beside her with her fair, slender hand. “Sit down.”

Over the past few days, Su Cheng and Ji Qingyi had grown closer through shared tea, meals, and conversations.

Without hesitation, Su Cheng walked over and pulled out the chair, sitting across from her.

Ji Qingyi took a sip of tea, then set the cup down and glanced at the black hairband on Su Cheng’s wrist. “You seem in good spirits. It seems you’ve solved that problem,” she remarked casually.

As she spoke, she poured Su Cheng a cup of tea.

Su Cheng nodded, picked up the cup, and took a small sip. The tea still carried a hint of herbal flavor, and with each sip, he felt a warm, soothing sensation spreading through his body.

“Thank you, President,” Su Cheng said sincerely, looking at Ji Qingyi.

Her guidance and care over the past few days had deepened his gratitude. He wasn’t one to forget kindness, and he intended to repay her for it.

Ji Qingyi remained as composed as ever. She set her teacup down and looked at Su Cheng, refilling his cup with warm tea. This time, she pushed the cup forward slightly. “Drink more while the tea is still warm.”

Her words made Su Cheng fall silent.

It was clearly a double entendre.

It meant they wouldn’t have many more chances to share tea like this.

Why?

Because Ji Qingyi knew he was dying.

A complex emotion flickered in his eyes. Finally, he took a large sip of tea and looked up at her.

“There’s no need to say more.”

Ji Qingyi waved her hand, her gaze calm as she looked at Su Cheng.

Su Cheng took a deep breath and then spoke up, "President, aren't you coming with us to the competition this time?"

"There are family rules. My image cannot appear on any social media, and I am not allowed to participate in any external activities without permission," she explained, shaking her head. "So even if I were to attend, it would only be at school."

Su Cheng nodded in understanding.

"Ding ling ling~"

The bell signaling the end of the club meeting rang.

Su Cheng stood up, but just as he was about to say something, he froze in the next moment.

Ji Qingyi reached out with one hand and took off the hairband from her other hand.

Su Cheng's heart skipped a beat, already sensing what was coming.

Sure enough.

After removing the hairband, Ji Qingyi placed it in her palm and extended it toward him, saying, "Although I can't go, as a friend, I hope you can wear this."

Su Cheng stared blankly at the hairband in her hand. After a moment of hesitation, he reached out and took it, noticing that it still carried Ji Qingyi's scent and warmth.

"Wear it. As a friend, this is the only thing I can give you," Ji Qingyi's voice remained as calm as ever.

However, Su Cheng's heart was stirred with emotions.

"Thank you, President," Su Cheng said softly, his voice trembling slightly. His gaze fell on the hairband in his hand, and he eventually placed it on his left wrist.

He now had two black hairbands on his hands, identical in style but entirely different in meaning.

Ji Qingyi considered him a friend.

And Ji Qingyi had never had friends before.

Li Guanqi had given him a hairband, so Ji Qingyi thought it was normal for friends to exchange hairbands, which was why she did this?

"Please watch me closely during tomorrow's livestream."

"I will," Su Cheng replied.

With that, Su Cheng bowed to Ji Qingyi in farewell and turned toward the door. His steps were quick, but just as he was about to reach the exit, he suddenly turned around, his expression serious as he faced Ji Qingyi.

Then, his right hand clenched into a fist, slowly raising it to his chest before he finally lowered it and walked out of the dojo.

Ji Qingyi watched Su Cheng's retreating figure, tilting her head slightly as if puzzled by his actions.

Until—

A figure appeared beside her.

Ji Qingyi collected her thoughts and glanced at the girl next to her. "What does that mean?"

"To offer you my heart," the girl replied.