Chapter 101: Damned Possessiveness

After Lu Zhou returned, thoroughly enjoying himself, the other members gradually finished their lessons as well. Everyone had mastered the basics of controlling a surfboard; at least standing on it was no longer an issue.

“Where did you disappear to? After finishing with the coach, I wanted to practice together, but you were nowhere to be found,” Qi Jiajia said to Lu Zhou.

Lu Zhou, drenched from his time in the waves, pointed to the distant surf zone. “I was over there. It’s rare to come here, and the waves in this area are excellent. I wanted to try something more challenging.”

“Did you succeed?” she asked, smiling.

“I did. The waves there are tall and thrilling. Want to give it a try? I can show you the ropes,” Lu Zhou offered.

Qi Jiajia glanced at the tumultuous sea and quickly shook her head. “No way. I’m scared. I just started surfing today, and you want me to tackle those big waves? You really overestimate me.”

Lu Zhou laughed heartily. “Fair enough. Better stick to the beginner’s area.”

“It must look so cool, riding those waves,” Qi Jiajia mused as she watched surfers dart across the water, excitement in their movements.

“It is pretty cool,” Lu Zhou replied unabashedly.

Qi Jiajia was delighted by his response but felt a slight regret for not witnessing his surfing prowess herself.

“When did you learn to surf?” she asked.

“Me? I’ve been surfing since my teens.” Lu Zhou casually replied while smoothing his hair, tousled by the sea. “My hometown is a coastal city, not far from the shore. I’d go to the beach occasionally, so I’m fairly practiced.”

Qi Jiajia gazed at him as he fixed his hair. He had the kind of good looks that grew more appealing the longer one looked. The long black wetsuit hinted at the muscles beneath, his movements full of strength, and Qi Jiajia found her eyes drawn to him.

He wore loose black swim shorts over his long swim pants, modestly covering what needed to be covered.

“With such early experience, you must be really skilled. I’ll be counting on you in the upcoming PK,” Qi Jiajia said with a smile.

She suddenly realized her gaze was a bit too bold, like a woman with ulterior motives, and quickly reined in her appraisal of Lu Zhou’s physique.

“No, actually, it’s you we’ll be watching. As long as you perform well, we should have no problem. Maybe we’ll even snag first place,” Lu Zhou said, glancing at the line of displayed swimsuits.

“Haha! Let’s hope my ‘bug’ isn’t too big,” Qi Jiajia joked, following his gaze. She genuinely wanted first place—then she could choose her favorite swimsuit.

The wetsuit she wore now covered almost everything, not showing off anyone’s figure.

Nearby, Li Jiayan and Wen Yiming were reviewing the coach’s instructions. Hearing Qi Jiajia’s loud laughter, Li Jiayan frowned and glanced at her and Lu Zhou.

What are they chatting about, so happily?

“When we play later, just make sure you’re steady on the board. Let me know as soon as you’re ready, and signal your moves—I’ll follow your lead,” Wen Yiming instructed Li Jiayan.

“Okay,” Li Jiayan replied, a bit distracted.

“What’s on your mind?” Wen Yiming noticed her absent-mindedness.

Li Jiayan smiled, lips pressed together. “I was wondering if we’ll end up at the bottom.”

“We won’t. Trust me, with me here, you’ll be fine,” Wen Yiming replied confidently. He felt sure about his surfing skills.

Wen Yiming had also noticed Lu Zhou heading to the big wave zone. Lu Zhou was certainly better than many novices, but Wen Yiming didn’t think he was outstanding. Wen Yiming was sure that in a PK between them, he would win.

He was an athlete, after all, and today’s activities felt tailor-made for him. Today was his time to shine!

Li Jiayan was surprised by Wen Yiming’s bold assurance. “You seem really skilled.”

Wen Yiming smiled. “Just trust me. Want to win first place?”

Li Jiayan nodded obediently. “I do.”

“Then let’s aim for first.” Wen Yiming pointed to the surfboard, continuing his instructions: “Remember, keep your feet wide on the board, engage your core. Don’t just pull the rope without using your body—otherwise you’ll flip.”

“Got it.”

Li Jiayan felt suddenly more confident thanks to Wen Yiming’s calm demeanor.

She wanted that first place!

“Are your leg muscles still sore?” Wen Yiming asked. “Do you need me to help you loosen them up?”

“Ah?” Li Jiayan was startled for a second, then quickly refused. “No, I’m much better now.”

In truth, she was still sore, but she didn’t want Wen Yiming to help. She didn’t want Lu Zhou to see and risk misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, the streaming chat:

[Massage technique! This would look so good! I want to see it]
[Wen Yiming knows how to flirt]
[This group is so pleasing to the eye: strong man vs delicate woman]
...

All the other groups had at least one member who could surf, except for Xu Junze and Chu Yao, who were both complete novices.

“This game isn’t fair. It’s our first time learning, we’ll definitely be last,” Chu Yao complained, staring at the heavy surfboard.

“Not necessarily. The others pair a skilled person with a novice, which can make coordination harder. We’re on the same level, so maybe we’ll work smoothly and even win first place,” Xu Junze said, suddenly optimistic.

Chu Yao laughed. “First place? In your dreams. We can barely stand on the board for ten seconds, let alone synchronize and make a heart gesture. Do you really think first place is realistic?”

Xu Junze joined her laughter. It wasn’t realistic; they’d be happy just not to come last.

“How about guessing which swimsuit will be left at the end?” he suggested.

“Hard to say, but I hope it’s not the red one. If no one picks it, I’ll go crazy,” Chu Yao fretted. That style was not hers.

Xu Junze just smiled.

Streaming chat:

[Smiles turning creepy]
[I feel my thoughts getting less pure]
[Xu Junze: No, I hope the red one is the last left]
...

Meanwhile, Zhang Chen and Ye Fangfei had a different vibe.

“I’m your partner today,” Zhang Chen said, his face showing displeasure.

Ye Fangfei, just back from surfing and wiping sand from her board, looked up at him. “Hm?”

“I’m your partner today, so I don’t want to see you spending too much time with other male members. It makes me feel like I’m not your partner. I think you should consider my feelings,” Zhang Chen said, sounding like a sulking child seeking attention. He was upset she left him alone to play with other men.

Ye Fangfei paused her cleaning.

“Are you talking about surfing with Lu Zhou earlier?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Zhang Chen admitted directly.

If he didn’t say it outright, she wouldn’t care! She really didn’t take him seriously—he was genuinely angry.

“But the PK activity hadn’t started yet, and everyone was learning basics from the coach. Are you saying I should just stay here, watching you learn, and not interact with anyone else the whole time?” Ye Fangfei frowned, expressing what she understood from his words.

“You’re overthinking it,” Zhang Chen realized his mistake and quickly explained. “I’m not saying you can’t interact with others. If it’s girls, no problem. But with guys, I’d prefer you didn’t spend too much time together. It’s not me being sensitive—it’s just the nature of this show... you know.”

Ye Fangfei understood, and after a moment’s silence, nodded. “Alright, I get it.”

Zhang Chen sensed something was off. “Are you angry?”

“Not really,” Ye Fangfei answered, drying her hair with a towel. “From a certain perspective, it’s reasonable for a partner to make such requests.”

“Partners should consider each other’s feelings. I wasn’t careful earlier; happened to meet Lu Zhou while surfing and didn’t think much, just played together for a bit. Since you mind, I’ll pay special attention today,” she said.

Zhang Chen hadn’t expected Ye Fangfei to be so agreeable. He thought she would push back, but instead she agreed to be mindful.

She was so different from before! This change made her even more attractive.

Maybe their conversation about his work earlier had made him more important in her eyes? Was she now more considerate of his feelings?

He thought this was likely. It seemed his luck was turning. If things kept going this way, winning over Ye Fangfei was only a matter of time!

Meanwhile, in the streaming chat, comments were flying:

[Zhang Chen’s control issues are too strong, could backfire]
[Come on, Ye Fangfei is his partner today, it's reasonable for him to ask her not to hang out with other men]
[But the activity hadn't started! Why can't she hang out with others? Would you tolerate such a control freak?]
[She could have hung out with other women, but she chose Lu Zhou! Whose fault is that?]
[Did she seek him out? Wasn’t it just a coincidence while surfing? He’s jealous over a few words and a high five, unbelievable]
[Temporary partners, but he acts like she’s his girlfriend, crazy possessiveness]
[Zhang Chen is a hypocrite, he didn’t treat Qi Jiajia this way when they partnered. Did he care about her feelings?]
[Totally different situations! No one’s perfect. Qi Jiajia means nothing to Zhang Chen, but Ye Fangfei is his ex whom he still loves. Anyone would get jealous]
[He didn’t say she couldn’t hang out with others, just not spend too much time with other men. I support Zhang Chen]
[Can the arguers leave? You're ruining the vibe]
...

At that moment, applause sounded. The production staff clapped to draw the guests’ attention and gathered everyone together.

“Are you all ready?” After confirming every group was prepared, the staff launched the “Couples Surfing Heart Challenge.”

All guests donned life jackets over their wetsuits and boarded yachts to head out to sea.

Chu Yao looked nervously at the receding shore. “I thought we were just playing near the beach. We’re really going out to deep water?”

“You weren’t paying attention, were you? Today we’re learning wake surfing—the board method is different from what you saw by the beach,” Wen Yiming laughed.

Chu Yao blinked, confused. “I was paying attention, but I got mixed up. I thought it was the same as by the beach.”

“The starting method is a bit different, but otherwise similar,” Wen Yiming said.

“In shallow water, there are lots of people and you rely on natural waves and your own skill to start. For beginners, it’s hard to coordinate with a partner. Wake surfing uses a boat to tow you, no need to wait for waves, so it’s easier for two people to get on the board together,” Wen Yiming explained.

“No need to worry. With life jackets, it’s safe—safer than shallow water, actually. In crowded beaches, if you’re not skilled, you can get hurt or bump into others.”

“You sound really professional,” Chu Yao smiled, feeling reassured.

Traveling with Wen Yiming, she felt he would make a reliable partner. Had the game last night not been won by Li Jiayan, Chu Yao might have chosen Wen Yiming for the prize.

But Li Jiayan had picked Wen Yiming first, leaving Chu Yao with no better option.

“You know what my job is,” Wen Yiming teased.

Chu Yao shrugged. “True, Coach Wen.”

Wen Yiming laughed.

Xu Junze, Chu Yao’s partner for the day, glanced at her and Wen Yiming, feeling a pang of envy. If Wen Yiming hadn’t been picked, maybe Chu Yao would have chosen him again.

Xu Junze felt he was never the ladies’ first choice, or even their second. It was hard not to feel defeated.

He sometimes wondered where he fell short compared to other men.

Not rich enough? Not handsome enough? Not strong enough?

Those shortcomings wouldn’t change overnight.

Oh well, he’d just focus on the prize and play the game seriously—love was secondary.

“Looks like Coach Wen will win first place today,” Xu Junze joked.

“Too bad Coach Wen’s partner is a dud,” Li Jiayan teased.

Qi Jiajia looked at Li Jiayan. “You being a dud is no problem, Yiming will carry you.”

“Let’s hope so,” Li Jiayan smiled. “Lu Zhou seems pretty good at surfing too. He’ll probably carry you.”

Qi Jiajia blushed, glancing at Lu Zhou. “I don’t expect to be carried. I just hope I’m not too clumsy and don’t hold him back.”

Lu Zhou laughed. “We haven’t even started and you’re already losing morale. That won’t do.”

“Alright.” Qi Jiajia clenched her fists in a cheering gesture. “We can do it—let’s go for first place!”

Li Jiayan: “...”

She felt goosebumps—was she just petty? It felt a bit over the top.

Meanwhile, Ye Fangfei and Zhang Chen were much quieter.

Zhang Chen was a bit depressed; maybe because he’d warned Ye Fangfei not to play with other members, she hadn’t spoken much since boarding the yacht and seemed uninterested in any topic.

Was he being too harsh?

“What place do you think we’ll get?” Zhang Chen tried to start a conversation.

Ye Fangfei was slow to respond. Realizing he was talking to her, she replied with a blank expression, “Probably last.”

“No way. With your skill, we should at least get second,” Zhang Chen praised.

“This depends on coordination, and your skill isn’t great. My skill alone isn’t enough, and I’m not feeling well today,” Ye Fangfei said, her voice lacking energy.

“Why are you not feeling well? Did you overdo it earlier and run out of energy?” Zhang Chen immediately thought of that. See, he shouldn’t have let her play with Lu Zhou—it was a waste!

Ye Fangfei: “...”

Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her. She stayed silent, not responding.

Lu Zhou noticed her pale face. He leaned over. “Fangfei, are you feeling sick?”

The nausea intensified, and before she could respond, Ye Fangfei covered her mouth and rushed to the restroom.

Soon, the sound of vomiting echoed.

Everyone: “...”

Zhang Chen was stunned. “???”

She was really seasick? Not just making it up?

While everyone was still processing, Lu Zhou had already gone to the restroom.

“Feeling better?” he asked from the doorway, as she rinsed her mouth.

Ye Fangfei, face pale, turned to see Lu Zhou and managed a gentle smile. “Much better now that I’ve thrown up.”

Her smile made her look delicate and pitiable.

Streaming chat:

[Poor wife, seasick, so pitiful]
[Not even in the same group, but Lu Zhou was the first to notice Ye Fangfei wasn’t well! Fei-Zhou couple forever]
[Zhang Chen is so clueless, only knows how to be jealous]
[Pro tip: men who are attentive to women usually have a rich romantic history]
[Lu Zhou only has one ex-girlfriend, thank you]
[He says only one and you believe him? Naive]
...

Zhang Chen arrived too, followed by the others, each expressing concern for Ye Fangfei.

Ye Fangfei forced a smile, saying she was fine as she left the restroom.

“You’re really seasick—so soon after we started?” Lu Zhou said.

“This time is worse than usual. I don’t know why,” Ye Fangfei said, wiping her face. “Should’ve taken seasickness pills earlier. I thought the trip would be short and I wouldn’t get sick. Overestimated myself.”

“If you haven’t slept well or are tired, seasickness gets worse,” Wen Yiming said.

Zhang Chen looked at the staff. “Where are the seasickness pills? Quick, bring some!”

“Taking pills now might not help much,” Lu Zhou said, looking outside. “The air inside is stuffy and smells, easy to get sick. Go out on deck.”

“Yes, the deck should be better,” Chu Yao said, moving to help Ye Fangfei.

“Thank you, Yao Yao, but I don’t need help. I’m not so bad I can’t walk,” Ye Fangfei said, feeling everyone was overreacting.

“Do you want a jacket? If you’re unwell, you might get cold,” Li Jiayan asked.

“Not cold yet, thanks, Yan Yan,” Ye Fangfei replied.

“Can you still surf later? Should we ask the production team to cancel?” Qi Jiajia asked, worried.

“No worries, I’ll rest for a bit,” Ye Fangfei smiled.

She leaned on the deck, letting the damp sea breeze blow over her, gazing ahead. After a while, she started to feel better.

Staff brought her seasickness pills, which she took obediently.

“Seeing you surf so well earlier, I thought you wouldn’t get seasick. Didn’t expect you’d get sick so fast,” Xu Junze joked.

Zhang Chen agreed. “I was surprised too.”

Ye Fangfei now had the energy to joke. “Maybe my body is just special...”

“I think it’s because surfing lets you control direction, keeps your focus high, so your body adapts. On a boat, you’re not in control, you lose direction, and just sway. Your body can’t keep up,” Lu Zhou offered.

Zhang Chen nodded, understanding. “Makes sense! Like people who get carsick but don’t get sick when driving. Same principle.”

Everyone chatted and joked for a while. Gradually, Ye Fangfei’s seasickness eased, whether from fresh air or the pills.

The yacht reached the right spot, and the “Couples Surfing Heart Challenge” PK went ahead as planned.

“Which group is ready to go first?” the staff asked.

No one answered immediately.

Wen Yiming didn’t mind, waiting for Li Jiayan’s opinion, but she wasn’t mentally ready and didn’t want to go first.

Xu Junze and Chu Yao were even more hesitant, deciding to watch the others and learn before trying themselves.

Lu Zhou was about to volunteer, but Qi Jiajia was unsure.

Seeing this, Ye Fangfei consulted Zhang Chen. “Since I’m feeling alright now, how about we go first?”

When a beauty takes the initiative, how could he refuse?

Zhang Chen agreed readily and raised his hand to the staff.

“Fangfei and I will go first!”