Chu Han's expression grew even more troubled.
He hesitated, torn about whether to reveal the true nature of his relationship with Chu Ci to Lu Xing. How could he explain that they were siblings, yet Chu Ci had been abandoned by their own Chu family for so many years, forced to live a harsh, lonely life outside with barely enough to eat?
The weight of that truth was too heavy to share, especially with someone who didn't know the full story. So, Chu Han chose to remain silent.
If he didn't say anything, Chu Ci certainly wouldn't. She was fiercely independent and would never bring up their connection herself.
Lu Xing, unaware of the deeper complexities, wasn't one to be easily discouraged. He resumed his persistent efforts to persuade Chu Ci to join the basketball team as a special coach, picking up where he had left off.
"Chu Ci, have you reconsidered the offer I mentioned last time?" Lu Xing asked again, determined.
"No, I'm not considering it," Chu Ci replied bluntly, leaving no room for negotiation.
Lu Xing pressed on, "Don't be so quick to say no. You can set any conditions you want."
Confident in Chu Ci's exceptional skills, Lu Xing knew the team would gladly pay a high price for her expertise. Huayue High School was renowned for its wealth and generous investment in the basketball program.
"Not considering it," Chu Ci repeated firmly.
Her cold, indifferent attitude baffled Lu Xing. It was hard to reconcile this with the girl who had previously gone out of her way to run errands for Lin Nuo and buy snacks to please him.
Chu Han watched silently, confused. When had Lu Xing become so familiar with Chu Ci? She had only been at school for a week, yet she seemed to have somehow made an impression on both Lin Nuo, the school's notorious troublemaker, and Lu Xing, the most popular senior.
Curious, Chu Han wanted to ask more but feared that any question might lead to probing about his and Chu Ci's relationship—a topic he wasn't ready to discuss.
Once inside, the venue was packed with people.
Crowds filled the windows, with many eager fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols without tickets.
Media from both local and distant regions swarmed the event, while staff and security personnel worked diligently to maintain order.
Everyone took their seats according to their ticket numbers.
Lu Xing hoped Chu Ci would sit with them, especially since he had reserved front-row seats that would give a perfect view of Yi Xuecheng's appearance. But when he looked for her, she was nowhere to be found.
He searched anxiously, scanning the crowd, but Chu Ci had disappeared.
Where had she gone?
Chu Han joined the search, but they found no trace of her.
Why was she wandering around when she came to see her idol? Lu Xing had already saved her a seat.
Chu Han felt a strange sense of disappointment settle over him.
Yi Xuecheng hadn't yet appeared, but the excitement among the fans was already palpable.
After searching in vain , Lu Xing and Chu Han gave up looking for Chu Ci and let the vibrant atmosphere pull their attention back to the upcoming event.
Chu Han's face lit up with excitement. "Senior, do you think we'll get an autograph later?"
Lu Xing smiled at his enthusiasm. "Didn't your sister say she arranged someone to help you with that?"
Chu Han hesitated. "It's not guaranteed. I'm not sure if it'll actually happen."
That morning, Meng Yuxin had arranged for an acquaintance—a manager from the event organizers—to assist Chu Han. This contact was likely to meet Yi Xuecheng in person, making the chance of securing an autograph very high.
Despite the uncertainty, hope filled Chu Han's heart as the crowd buzzed with anticipation, both boys eagerly awaiting the moment their idol would finally take the stage.