Super Doctor - Chapter 42

Sun Lingfei had long grown accustomed to the whispers and stares. As the reigning campus belle—voted “Top School Flower” two years running—being the center of attention was nothing new.

She’d only come here today because she’d woken up bored, craving fresh air. Calling Xu Ze to thank him for the congee had been an afterthought. Hearing he was at the basketball court, curiosity nudged her over. Just idle interest, really. As the sports club’s deputy head, she knew all the star players. But Xu Ze? Compared to the preening peacocks she usually dealt with, his unassuming vibe made her wonder: How’s his game?

Her arrival didn’t disrupt the scrimmage. The players, laser-focused on prepping for the upcoming tournament, barely noticed. Last year, Clinical Medicine had stalled in the quarterfinals due to weak scoring. This year, with Xu Ze filling that gap, the semifinals—maybe even finals—were within reach.

Only the Taekwondo Club hangers-on, loitering courtside for a glimpse of Sun Lingfei and her squad of female members, dared approach her. Their usual enthusiasm faltered when they saw her. The vibrant, sunlit goddess they knew seemed… subdued. Pale. Almost fragile.

But Sun Lingfei’s aura of authority remained intact. A few hesitant greetings later, the boys scattered, leaving her alone, chin propped on her hands as she watched Xu Ze weave through defenders.

…

The final whistle blew. Players staggered off the court, gasping—except Xu Ze, who headed straight for his water bottle… and froze.

Sun Lingfei was crouched at the sidelines, grinning up at him.

“You actually came?” He took a swig, baffled.

She stood with visible effort. “Boredom. Also…” Her eyes widened. “You cook and ball like a pro? Where’ve you been hiding?”

“Recently picked it up,” he shrugged, eyeing her pallor. “You okay? Still dizzy?”

“A bit. Just… no energy.”

Their casual intimacy sent shockwaves through the onlookers. Since when does Sun Lingfei—ice queen of Star University—chat up random guys? And why Xu Ze, of all people?

Luo Zi’s jaw hung open. Two years as Xu Ze’s roommate, and he’d never heard of this connection. Sun Lingfei belonged to a different universe—one where campus heartthrobs and sports prodigies orbited her like satellites. Yet here she was, laughing at Xu Ze’s lame jokes.

Nearby, Zhang Ziyang’s envy curdled into bitterness. He’d settled for chasing classmate Li Yan, only to watch her fawn over Xu Ze instead. Now this? The goddess herself, cozying up to his rival? What does he have that I don’t?!

Xu Ze, oblivious to the daggers glared into his back, wiped sweat off his brow. “About your IV drip later—”

“Do I have to?” Sun Lingfei’s lips puckered in a pout. “It hurts…”

A collective gasp. The Taekwondo Club boys clutched their chests. Did… did Sun Lingfei just whine? To a guy*?*

Xu Ze finally noticed the murderous glares aimed his way. A chill ran down his spine. Oh crap. I’ve painted a target on my back.

“J-just one more session,” he stammered, edging away. “Come by the clinic. I’ll, uh, see you then—”

Sun Lingfei followed his gaze, scowled at the gawkers, and watched them flee like startled pigeons. Pathetic.

“Let’s go,” she said, turning back to Xu Ze.

“Go where?”

“My place.”

A dozen water bottles hit the pavement as eavesdropping teammates choked.