Volume One, Chapter 10: A Sudden Change

The next morning, at the Jiangzhou men's swimming team training camp, head coach Zong Zhengguo, accompanied by the coaching staff, addressed the dozen or so team members before him.

Lin Tingyuan and Jiang Ming stood in the center, with the other swimmers arranged beside them in order.

The content of the coach’s speech was familiar to all.

He began by summarizing the recently concluded championship, then outlined the provincial swimming competition scheduled for next month, which would also serve as an internal team trial. He emphasized that the national championship in two months was crucial—not only for securing the title but also for qualifying for the national team and preparing for the World Championships. He expressed high hopes for the team’s performance on home turf. Next, he analyzed the team’s strengths and weaknesses in the recent event, specifying which events they aimed to defend gold medals in and which ones they would fight hard for. Finally, he assigned individual medal goals to each swimmer.

Just as everyone thought they could disperse and begin training with their respective coaches, Zong Zhengguo shifted his tone.

“There’s one more thing everyone must cooperate with. Jiangzhou’s reputation has spread far and wide; online, people call us the ‘Swimming Enclave.’ The authorities want to cement our nickname as the ‘Hometown of Swimming.’ Besides proving ourselves through results, we need to assist with media promotion and shape public opinion. The bureau has promised a special televised feature. Over the next month or so, a reporter will live and train with you, documenting the preparation process in detail. Now, let me introduce to you the reporter assigned to cover the men’s swimming team—Su, from Jiangzhou TV Sports Channel. Let’s give her a warm welcome!”

As he spoke, a woman stepped forward from behind Zong Zhengguo.

Though she didn’t possess the trendy look of a social media star, she exuded a warm and pleasant aura, like a spring breeze touching the face, especially her bright, lively eyes. A camera hung around her neck, and she held a voice recorder—utterly professional. She looked at the team with calm confidence and smiled politely.

Su San’s arrival at the men’s swimming team stirred quite a commotion, like a beauty entering a monastery.

The male swimmers were instantly excited by the presence of this intelligent and sweet young female reporter, erupting into applause. Without the coaches around, they might have even whistled.

Lin Tingyuan and Jiang Ming, however, were exceptions; their eyes flickered with different thoughts.

Lin Tingyuan studied Su San carefully, his gaze shadowed and ambiguous. Having been secretly photographed just last night, and now a female reporter appeared—it couldn’t be a mere coincidence. Yet, aside from similar height and build, the two women were very different, especially since Su San’s steady, straightforward gaze seemed like that of an ordinary reporter. Still, an athlete’s keen intuition kept him wary.

Jiang Ming, after a brief moment of surprise, masked his expression but harbored a clear understanding. His normally cold eyes gleamed with subtle interest. When their gazes met, both their eyes briefly brightened.

“So, it’s you.”

Su San read Jiang Ming’s look and was momentarily startled. She took a deep breath inwardly and quickly regained her composure.

“Thank you all. I’m reporter Su San. I don’t swim myself, but I enjoy watching swimming competitions.”

To prove she wasn’t just making polite small talk, Su San spontaneously named several frequent competitors.

“Lin Tingyuan, the butterfly stroke ace, the backbone of the Jiangzhou men’s swimming team—I hope to have the opportunity to interview you.”

“Thank you, Reporter Su. When the chance arises, we’ll have a good talk.”

Lin Tingyuan’s final words carried weight, but Su San maintained a professional smile, flawless as ever.

“My honor.”

...

“Jiang Ming, national record holder in the individual medley, known as the most handsome swimmer in Jiangzhou, but…”

“Reporter Su doesn’t think I’m handsome enough?” Jiang Ming raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. Yet his calm voice sent a chill down one’s spine.

“Not at all. It’s just that there are too few reports about you. I think with your looks, it’s a pity you’re not more on camera.”

Su San kept a steady face, dignified and composed—completely different from their previous encounters. So different that Lin Tingyuan surely wouldn’t recognize her. Jiang Ming inwardly relaxed but outwardly grew even colder and tenser.

“I don’t rely on my looks.”

“I understand—you rely on your strength! But in today’s world dominated by social media influence, fighting against the current is unnecessary.”

“Is Reporter Su advising me on how to do things?” Jiang Ming’s presence grew colder by degrees, his handsome face seeming shrouded in a shadow.

“Not at all—it’s just a suggestion. If I offended you, please disregard it.”

“I’m not that petty!”

The dialogue between Jiang Ming and Su San grew increasingly tense, and others silently worried for Su San. After all, Jiang Ming avoided women and disliked the media; Su San hit both marks.

Though Jiang Ming’s attitude was cold, Su San felt warmth inside. Because this made it clear they had no personal connection. Watching this interaction, Lin Tingyuan felt much reassured about the link between Jiang Ming’s appearance last night, the woman photographed secretly, and the sudden arrival of the female reporter.

Su San reflected that Jiang Ming’s eyes, though less sharp than Lin Tingyuan’s, seemed to see right through her. Whether or not he truly recognized her, there was an inexplicable tacit understanding between them.

However, she didn’t press further. Smiling politely, she quickly turned to the other athletes.

“Wang Yining, a rising young talent in individual medley and freestyle, recently made a splash in major competitions.”

“Oh wow, Reporter Su really loves watching swimming! Even I know that! You really don’t swim? I can teach you!”

Wang Yining’s words caught Su San off guard. Usually quick-witted, she was momentarily speechless.

“Well, um…”

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of water? My goodness, that’s a rarity here in Jiangzhou!”

Wang Yining’s sharp guess made Jiang Ming secretly smile but did not stop him. The uncertainty only helped Lin Tingyuan feel less suspicious.

“Wang, focus on your training and forget about me learning to swim for now. I also know Dong Zhi, the backstroke specialist…”

Su San gave an awkward smile and hurriedly changed the subject, naming several other key team members.

Seeing Su San drawing closer to the swimmers, Zong Zhengguo nodded with relief.

“Reporter Su has a strong rapport. I believe the upcoming coverage will go smoothly. You’re free to gather any material you want. However, since everyone’s training is intense, I will assign a team member to assist you, help you get familiar with the environment and the team. Otherwise, it should be—”

Zong Zhengguo was about to call on Lin Tingyuan. As team captain and star athlete, Lin was always outspoken and the team’s go-to for interviews. He had no problem preparing for the provincial and national championships, making him the perfect liaison.

Lin Tingyuan understood and prepared to step forward.

But before he could, someone interrupted Zong Zhengguo.

“Coach, I’ll do it.”

The voice was low and magnetic, cold and sharp as a mountain spring—unique and unmistakable. Su San looked over in disbelief to see the speaker’s expression calm and unflinching.

With his sunlit handsome face, fair skin, ascetic aura, lean muscular build visible beneath his clothes, and an air of powerful restraint, this man truly possessed the charm of a “blue-faced heartbreaker.” But what was he intending?

“Jiang Ming?”

Zong Zhengguo was surprised, raising his voice involuntarily.