As the games progressed, it was time for the teachers to compete against the students. I couldn't participate since I hadn't joined the teachers' practice sessions. Jun Cai and Mei Lín were also staying put, seated comfortably on the opposite side.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed some teachers and students discreetly taking pictures of Mr. Tang. One person's flash even went off, catching his attention. With a single, piercing look in their direction, the would-be photographers lowered their phones and stared at their laps, as if they were unruly children who had just been scolded. The power of his gaze was something to behold.
"Mr. Tang! I've been looking for you everywhere! Your seat was reserved in the upper balcony," Chairman Yi Ren's voice boomed, breaking the silence. Standing beside him was a tall woman dressed in a sharp suit paired with sneakers. Her hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail, and she held two bottles of water.
"No problem. I find this spot to my liking," Mr. Tang responded calmly, his gaze steady.
"Oh, I thought you wouldn't be comfortable since..." Chairman Yi Ren began but was cut off.
"Chairman Yi Ren, are you planning to participate in the match? You seem quite energetic," Mr. Tang asked, elegantly crossing his legs and folding his arms over his chest as he looked straight ahead. His effortless grace was mesmerizing. Even doing something as simple as crossing his legs appeared refined. His wife was truly lucky. Yet, she must have a hard time dealing with all the attention he received. I was no exception; my eyes had wandered in his direction more than once. Not that I had any inappropriate thoughts! I'd never even dated anyone before. What am I even thinking?
"Ah! What can a middle-aged man like me possibly run around for? Have mercy on me," Chairman Yi Ren replied, laughing heartily.
"The teachers' match is about to begin," Mr. Tang noted, his gaze never wavering from the field.
"Oh!" Chairman Yi Ren exclaimed, stepping aside to get a better view of the playground.
"Miss Kasi, I thought you might be thirsty, so I brought you some water," a familiar voice interrupted. I turned to see Li Qiang standing beside me, extending a cold bottle of water.
"Thank you, Mr. Li," I said as I gratefully accepted the bottle. The heat was indeed stifling, and a cold drink would be refreshing.
"Lina?" Mr. Tang's voice sounded from beside me, his tone slightly different from before. It seemed... colder.
"Yes, sir. The water you asked for," the tall woman beside Chairman Yi Ren responded promptly.
"Hmm, give it to the two teachers beside Miss Kasi," Mr. Tang instructed, his voice steady and controlled.
"Understood," Lina said, walking over to hand the bottles to Jun Cai and Mei Lín.
"Thank you, Mr. Tang!" they chorused, clearly flattered by his gesture.
"Not a big deal," Mr. Tang replied with a brief smile.
"Mr. Tang really cares for those around him. The rumors are true," Li Qiang remarked with a small smile.
"And Mr. Li isn't far behind," Mr. Tang countered lightly, his eyes still fixed on the playground.
"It's a pity Miss Kasi isn't joining us teachers in the match. From what I've seen of your stamina during morning runs, we could have easily crushed those brats," Li Qiang said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You give me too much credit. I just jog a little," I replied with a modest smile.
"Alright, I need to get going. I'm leading the teachers' team," Li Qiang announced before walking back to the field with purposeful strides.
"You and Li Qiang attended the same high school? What a small world, meeting again here at Mingde," Chairman Yi Ren commented, watching Li Qiang's retreating figure.
"It is quite the coincidence," Mr. Tang replied, his eyes never leaving the playground.
I turned my focus back to the field, not wanting to eavesdrop on a conversation that wasn't meant for me. The teachers were now on the field, wearing green T-shirts with their sweat jackets tied around their waists. Li Qiang stood at the forefront, his white tank top and black undershirt making him stand out. His towering height and athletic build were hard to miss.
"I'm really thirsty," a voice beside me croaked, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Mr. Tang, his hand at his throat as he coughed lightly.
"Oh no! I've already opened mine and drank from it! What should I do? I'll go buy you another one, sir!" Mei Lín exclaimed, starting to rise from her seat.
I looked at the bottle Mr. Li had given me. Although the weather was sweltering, I wasn't particularly thirsty. It was better to help someone in need.
"Here, take mine. I haven't touched it," I offered, extending the bottle to Mr. Tang.
"Are you sure? Please don't feel obligated. Lina can easily get me another one," he said, hesitating.
"It's really no trouble. Drink this to soothe your throat," I insisted. Mr. Tang finally accepted the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and took a measured sip.
"Lina, please bring Miss Kasi another bottle of water," Mr. Tang ordered, his voice firm yet considerate.
"Right away," Lina responded before quickly leaving.
"It's okay. I can get it myself," I said, starting to stand.
"Please, allow Lina to handle it. Otherwise, I'll feel guilty for inconveniencing you," Mr. Tang said, his eyes sincere. Realizing that Lina had already gone to fulfill his request, I slowly sat back down. Mei Lín did the same.
"Is your throat feeling better?" I asked, genuinely concerned.
"It was just a slight irritation. It's much better now, thanks to you," Mr. Tang replied with a grateful smile.
"That's good to hear," I said, my attention shifting back to the match. The teachers were giving the students a run for their money. They were surprisingly agile, and it looked like victory was within their reach.
The match was heating up, the teachers were on the offensive, and cheers erupted from the stands.
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