Volume One, Chapter 11: Taking the Initiative to Welcome

Everyone present stared at Jiang Ming in shock.

It was well known that Jiang Ming was single-minded and focused on training. Except for brief comments after international competitions when passing by the national media seats, he never gave interviews of any kind. Just moments ago, he had been blunt with the incoming team member, Susan.

In an era when others thirsted for publicity, Jiang Ming avoided it whenever possible, making him something of an anomaly in the circle.

At first, people found it unbelievable, but over time they grew accustomed to his low-key style, assuming he was simply socially anxious and preferred to avoid the media.

Yet today, unexpectedly, he took the initiative to handle the reporters’ reception.

“Jiang Ming, are you okay?” Wang Gu came over, nudging him gently with his elbow and speaking softly.

“Brother Ming, you…” Wang Yining was flustered. Was this still the Jiang Ming he knew?

Ignoring the astonished looks around him, Jiang Ming calmly replied with a question, “Is it not allowed, coach?”

As head coach, Zong Zhenguo was the first to mask his surprise. Given Jiang Ming’s understanding of the team and preparation level, cooperating with the media was no problem. But considering Jiang Ming’s usual attitude toward the press, his volunteering was truly unexpected. Perhaps Jiang Ming had changed, or maybe he and Reporter Su simply got along well? Regardless, Zong Zhenguo believed in completing one task at a time and didn’t dwell further.

“Of course it’s fine. It’s in your hands.”

Having said that, Zong Zhenguo and the coaching staff left to begin their individual training.

Everyone instantly relaxed. Led by Wang Yining, the onlookers immediately swarmed around.

“Reporter Su, you’re amazing! Brother Ming is usually an iron tree that never blooms before the media, but today he’s blossomed just for you.”

“Yeah, Reporter Su, did you two know each other before?”

“No, I just watched Jiang Ming’s matches on TV,” Susan replied innocently, quickly shaking her head and denying it.

Standing on the outskirts, observing coldly, Lin Tingyuan’s eyes darkened as he quietly asked Yan Lai, “Don’t you think she looks familiar?”

“Reporter Su?” As Lin’s trusted aide, Yan Lai immediately understood and cast a suspicious gaze back and forth over Susan.

“The figure’s similar, but the face and aura are too different. The woman last night was very seductive—not pretending, genuinely seductive.”

Yan Lai, well-versed in women, had perceived that femininity clearly and deeply from a few hurried glances last night.

“It feels strange,” Lin Tingyuan frowned, still suspicious.

“Couldn’t be. That woman wouldn’t be bold enough to run into danger again. Also, no bad news leaked today, so obviously she failed.”

Yan Lai’s analysis was reasonable. But Lin Tingyuan, who had climbed steadily to his position by being cautious and meticulous, was unwilling to dismiss even the slightest doubt.

“Failed? Then why run so fast?”

Spitting once, Lin Tingyuan strode toward Susan to investigate further. But just as he approached, Jiang Ming led Susan away.

“Alright, everyone to training! Reporter Su, this way, get familiar with the environment.”

With that, Jiang Ming took a long stride, separating the awkwardly smiling Susan from the others. Susan, very cooperative, waved to the group and turned to leave.

“Wow, a hero saving a beauty—so Brother Ming likes intellectual types,” Wang Yining teased, watching the pair’s departure.

“There’s never a shortage of beauties around Ming.”

“But he always rejects them. When have you ever seen him make the first move?”

“Reporter Su seems to have a great figure.”

“It’s just the first meeting—love at first sight?”

“Playing with reporters? Isn’t he afraid one unhappy word could blow the whistle on him?”

“Big shots like to play dangerously!”

“High Lu and Tian Yang from the neighboring team will be heartbroken for sure!”

The group bantered all the way to the starting blocks, their voices fading.

Susan, led away by Jiang Ming from the circle, had initially felt some gratitude. But hearing the teasing behind her, her face flushed deep to the ears, and she shot Jiang Ming a glare.

Especially upon hearing “great figure,” she glimpsed the corner of Jiang Ming’s upturned lips and instantly recalled their earlier intimate moments.

Embarrassed, Susan stopped, clenching her fists. Jiang Ming, anticipating her thoughts, suddenly stepped aside, blocking her from turning around and gesturing toward the exit, inviting her to follow.

He bowed slightly, appearing politely guiding, but in fact leaned close and whispered in a voice only they could hear.

“He’s watching you. Come with me, Zoe.”

Susan’s breath caught. She knew this guy had recognized her. Yet her instinct told her this wasn’t bad—it meant one less person to pretend for. With that thought, she walked straight toward the direction Jiang Ming indicated, biting her back teeth softly as she replied,

“Well then… thank you.”

“For last night, or just now?”

Jiang Ming smiled slyly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Without waiting for her answer, he called out loudly,

“No need to be polite, Reporter Su. Since I promised Coach Zong, I must follow through. Let’s start with a tour of the indoor facilities.”

Susan turned her back to the group, rolling her eyes at Jiang Ming as she quickened her pace.

Seeing this, Lin Tingyuan’s step faltered. Watching the two disappear through the exit, he seemed thoughtful.

Though he wasn’t afraid of Jiang Ming, there was no need to make an enemy, especially since the reception task was assigned by Head Coach Zong Zhenguo. Even if Susan was suspicious, she was a working journalist, and without evidence, it was unwise to confront her.

Leaving the pool, they entered a narrow corridor inside the facility. Susan followed Jiang Ming through winding turns for an unknown length of time. Lost in thought, she silently weighed how much suspicion Lin Tingyuan might harbor and how to collect evidence anew. So absorbed was she that she didn’t notice Jiang Ming suddenly stopping.

The next second, Susan bumped into Jiang Ming’s solid back, pain making her gasp softly. Instinctively, she clutched her chest and took a step back, frowning tightly. Yet the fresh scent of cedar wood from Jiang Ming seemed to ease the pain somewhat.

Feeling a woman’s softness and fragrance again, Jiang Ming tensed all over. The dazzling images from last night surged back, adrenaline spiking, heartbeat quickening, and a blush spreading over his face. But as an athlete with strong psychological resilience and quick adjustment, when he turned around, there was no hint of embarrassment—only his usual cool detachment.

“Reporter Su, although I’m quite familiar with your body, please don’t always attack me with your ‘assets.’”

Hearing this, Susan lowered her hands from her chest, her teeth grinding in frustration.

This man, whether truly abstinent or merely feigning coldness, always managed to casually utter a few words that painted her as a scheming woman trying to approach him, leaving her deeply ashamed. Unwilling to concede, and seeing no one around, she raised an eyebrow and said,

“With such a way with words, why don’t you become a star?”

Jiang Ming, clearly understanding the innuendo, didn’t get angry. Instead, he began brazenly teasing back.