So you two are the ones truly meant for each other.

After stepping down from the stage, and chatting with a group of men for quite a while, Qin Yunhe took to the ring again and fought a couple more matches. Xu Lin, midway through, was also pulled up and subjected to a righteous group beating. Yet he learned a lot of fighting techniques in the process.

Everyone was considerate; though it looked like they were beating him, their movements were slow, mainly feeding him moves, so he had to thank them even as he took their blows. Many came to the conclusion that he could really take a beating—most people would have been down and out long ago under such attacks.

Xu Lin had to credit his own family’s teacher, but it seemed that before long, he’d be taught practical combat skills. Then, he wouldn’t have to rely on evasive moves or self-defense tricks—he could stand his ground in a real fight.

By noon, the crowd had dispersed, with people heading home or out for lunch.

“How are you feeling, Xu Lin?” Qin Yunhe tossed him a towel.

“A bit hot.”

“I mean, do you find kickboxing pretty good? Drop by here whenever you like—it’s good for your health, you learn a lot, and get to meet many friends.”

“Yeah.”

“But you’re something else, huh? You have some skills—why didn’t you tell me? Playing the fool to catch the tiger?”

“No, not at all. I really don’t know how to fight. The self-defense techniques are passed down in my family, including the evasive moves.”

“So, did your family ever produce a martial arts master?”

“No idea, but none of the last few generations have practiced martial arts.”

“That’s a shame. But now we live under the rule of law. As long as we work hard, society guarantees our safety.”

Qin Yunhe clenched her fist, determination shining in her eyes. Xu Lin nodded; she was indeed a good police officer.

“Let’s go eat. My treat. Hotpot sound good?”

“Perfect! I just texted Wanwan.”

“Should we wait for her down there?”

“She’s been here before. Since the place is empty now, how about we practice a bit?”

“Why should I spar with you?”

“Come on, I’ll go easy on you!”

“Alright…” Xu Lin nodded, resigned.

A few minutes later, Xu Lin found his arm trapped between a pair of beautiful legs, unable to move! The sensation was quite pleasant, though.

“Ah! Qin, you’re killing me—let me go, I can’t take it!”

“Sorry, got a bit carried away.”

She released her hold, but Xu Lin lunged forward, pinning her beneath him and throwing a punch at her shoulder!

“Ambush! That’s dirty, kid!”

Before he could land the blow, a knee jabbed his stomach, forcing him to jump back.

She sprang up and launched an attack, knocking him to the ground! Then, her fist landed on his cheek, but the force suddenly dissipated, so it was only a gentle tap.

He opened his eyes and met hers, droplets of sweat falling onto his face. His gaze dropped, catching sight of her abdomen rising and falling with her breath—he was instantly captivated. This was too much!

“Stop ogling!” Qin Yunhe glared at him, her eyes full of reproach. Once Wanwan arrived, she’d have a word about this.

“It’s beautiful—I can’t help but look,” Xu Lin continued staring, earning another punch from her.

“Careful, or I’ll tell Wanwan and you’ll have to kneel on a washboard!”

“But your abs really are impressive. I doubt I have the willpower to train like that.”

“You could learn how to work your core—it’s not difficult.” As she spoke, sweat dripped onto him.

“Sorry, I got sweat all over you.”

“It’s fine.”

Qin Yunhe slowly got up—this position was a bit awkward, thankfully there were few people around.

Just then, she pressed her foot onto the mat, right where it was soaked with sweat, and slipped!

Xu Lin saw her falling toward him and rushed to catch her, but she landed right on top of him!

But more than the physical contact, what he felt was the warm, moist touch of her lips!

Xu Lin’s eyes widened in shock. She looked right at him, her pupils dilated to the fullest!

The next moment, she sat up abruptly, her whole body blushing as if touched by a red-hot iron.

“I…” Qin Yunhe was frozen, the light in her eyes dimmed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean…” Xu Lin tried to explain, but she grabbed his collar.

“Xu Lin, I should be the one apologizing… Please, don’t tell Wanwan—it was just an accident!”

“I won’t tell her. As a man, I should be the one apologizing.”

Xu Lin sat up, and she swayed again. He hurried to steady her.

Qin Yunhe blushed once more, slapping his hand away.

For such a fierce, panther-like woman to blush so easily amused Xu Lin. But then a thought struck him—beautiful girl, system, could it be happening again?

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a chime sounded in his ear, and a line of text flashed before his eyes.

[Conditions met. Qin Yunhe’s affection unlocked. Current affection: 12]

But before he could process the expected notification, an unexpected voice rang out.

“What are you two doing?”

“Wanwan?!”

Qin Yunhe spun around, her expression shifting rapidly before settling.

“Wanwan, I’m sorry!”

“Huh? What’s going on?” Su Qingwan stared in confusion as her friend hugged her.

“Um… Did you just see…”

“See what? You weren’t sparring with Xu Lin, were you? Don’t hurt him!”

Hearing Su Qingwan say that, Qin Yunhe let out a huge sigh of relief, her energy instantly restored.

“Sorry, everyone insisted he play along. But he didn’t get hurt—everyone’s careful. And he’s really skilled, hiding his talents!”

“Xu Lin can fight?”

“Yeah, he can take on two or three at once, no problem. But don’t really get into a fight, or I’ll have to haul him in.”

“No way I’d let him fight. Let’s go eat.”

“I’ll just change clothes!” Qin Yunhe said, running toward the small cabin as if escaping.

At the door, while Su Qingwan wasn’t looking, she waved to him and made a shushing gesture, warning him not to say anything.

He was at a loss—an accidental incident, and he was the one who benefited, but doesn’t want his girlfriend to know. Why so nervous?

Inside the room, Qin Yunhe patted her chest and took several deep breaths.

Her head was filled with Xu Lin’s face and that sensation. She grabbed a water bottle, gulped a few mouthfuls, and wiped her lips.

Yet her heartbeat only quickened. Damn it! Those lips are dangerous!

Meanwhile, Su Qingwan came over to Xu Lin, wrapping her arm around his, looking utterly sweet and dependent.

“What’s up? Teacher Su is extra affectionate today.”

“Affectionate? You just stole my friend’s first kiss!”

As she spoke, Xu Lin felt a sharp pain in his arm.

“You saw?”

“Yeah. It was an accident, not deliberate. If I were really your girlfriend, I’d have kicked you a dozen times!”

“Don’t you suspect your friend was after my good looks, and did it on purpose?”

“With your thick skin? My friend would never betray me!”

Xu Lin listened to Su Qingwan’s resolute words, recalling how Qin Yunhe didn’t want her friend hurt.

So, after all this, their friendship is the real love? I’m just a passerby!