Chapter 21

Zheng Wen was the first to spot Liu Meng and immediately called out to him.

"Liu Meng, why are you here at the old campus? Did you come specially to watch us play tennis?" Zheng Wen winked playfully. Ever since that night when Liu Meng and Gu Pan returned to the classroom together, she had teased Gu Pan about it many times.

"I was buying a second-hand computer from a senior, and I was just about to head back. I happened to see you guys playing tennis, so I watched for a while. Before I knew it, I had been watching for half an hour," Liu Meng said honestly.

"Come and play with us. My dad is almost out of energy, and we still want to play one more round," Zheng Wen said enthusiastically.

"Come on, Liu Meng," Gu Pan said, also happy to see him. However, with her mother nearby, she couldn't show too much enthusiasm or initiative. She could still add fuel to the fire, though.

Liu Meng knew how to play tennis. During his graduate studies, when his research and thesis writing didn't go smoothly, he would often hit the ball against a wall at the school's tennis court. However, he rarely played actual matches; he was just good at serving, with a very fast ball speed.

With two beautiful girls inviting him, Liu Meng felt it would be pretentious not to join them, especially since the boys watching from the sidelines were already envious.

Zheng Wen, in her tennis outfit, was quite eye-catching. Her legs were very beautiful, with strong thighs that tapered down to slender calves, making her look very graceful as she ran.

"Let me introduce you. This is my classmate Liu Meng. This uncle who's out of energy is my dad, and this beautiful lady is my aunt. Hehe, you didn't know, but Gu Pan and I are cousins," Zheng Wen said quickly as Liu Meng entered the court.

"Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunt," Liu Meng greeted.

When Zheng Yuxiu, Gu Pan's mother, heard Liu Meng's name, she was slightly surprised. It seemed she had heard her daughter mention him before. She noticed that her daughter's gaze when looking at him was different, so she took a closer look.

She saw that this young man had a faint smile on his lips, spoke calmly, and had an extraordinary demeanor, which was rare among young people. He was dressed simply but neatly. From his mention of buying a second-hand computer and his attire, it seemed his family was not well-off. However, his ability to remain composed was commendable.

Liu Meng greeted them and also observed them. Zheng Wen's father seemed very approachable and immediately started chatting with Liu Meng, even though he was still catching his breath, indicating that his stamina was indeed poor.

Gu Pan's mother, on the other hand, didn't look like a mother at all. Standing next to her daughter, they looked like sisters. She was well-maintained, clearly a regular at fitness and yoga, and had the energy and vitality of a young person. Although she wasn't wearing a youthful tennis outfit, her sporty and elegant attire suited her well.

"Young man, do you like math? Math is very interesting and full of mysteries," Zheng Wen's father said, unable to resist talking about his field.

Zheng Wen had to interrupt, "Dad, must you always talk about math? It's as if you're afraid people don't know you're a math professor. If math is so fun, why did you even marry Mom?"

Zheng Wen's father, though scolded by his daughter, wasn't angry. He said affectionately, "This child."

"Hehe, it's fine. Uncle is very genuine. Math is indeed very interesting and contains many philosophical ideas. In the past, math was categorized under philosophy," Liu Meng replied, feeling good about Zheng Wen's father.

"Exactly, exactly. You have a good understanding. It's a pity you're not in the math department," Zheng Wen's father agreed.

Zheng Yuxiu had been secretly observing her daughter's every move. She noticed that Gu Pan would occasionally steal glances at Liu Meng, quickly looking away when caught. They seemed familiar but acted as if they weren't. She suspected something was going on. This young man must be poor, and she needed to find a way to make him back off.

Du Yi is the son-in-law I want. Better to err on the side of caution and nip this in the bud.

"Rest up, big brother. Since you're out of energy, let this young man take your place. You really need to exercise more. You're out of breath after just a few steps," Zheng Yuxiu said.

After stretching, she handed Liu Meng her racket. He tried it out, and it was indeed top-notch. This racket must cost at least 3000 yuan, quite a luxury. His own racket only cost 200 yuan.

Zheng Wen and Liu Meng were on one team, while Gu Pan and her mother were on the other.

As they walked to the opposite side, Zheng Yuxiu whispered to Gu Pan, "Pan'er, Liu Meng is Zheng Wen's classmate. How do you seem to know him too, even though he's not your classmate?"

"Same major, it's not strange to know each other. You're making a big deal out of nothing," Gu Pan replied irritably.

"Could it be that this young man is pursuing you? I heard from Wenwen that our Pan'er is the campus beauty, with a line of admirers all the way to the Songhua River."

Her mother had hit a nerve, and Gu Pan's face showed a hint of panic. She fidgeted with her hat and pouted, "Mom, how can you say such things? You're like a peddler praising her own goods. Who talks about their daughter like that?"

"Why not? Our Pan'er is indeed a beauty, and any young man would be smitten. It's just that Du Yi is being slow to act."

Gu Pan stomped her foot in frustration.

The amateur tennis match began.

Zheng Yuxiu served, and Liu Meng returned the ball.

She tossed the ball high, swung her racket with full force, and hit it hard. The ball flew in a beautiful arc straight at Liu Meng.

"Smack!" A powerful return sent the ball flying out of the court.

The spectators were not pleased and began to criticize.

"Damn, what kind of lousy skills does this guy have? I could do better. I should have played."

"Exactly. Look at those two beautiful girls. They're freshmen here. Such quality is hard to find."

"True. In our department, out of 300 people, there are only 40 girls, and they can't compare to these two."

"Who says there are no beauties at our university? You must be blind."

"Sorry, my skills are average," Liu Meng said with a smile to Zheng Wen.

Zheng Wen shrugged. "My aunt's serve is tough. Not many can return it. Watch me take down Pan'er."

It was Zheng Wen's turn to serve. She tossed the ball and looked at Gu Pan with a playful expression. Gu Pan's eyes were fixed on the ball, ready to move at any moment.

Zheng Wen's serve was fast and aimed at the sideline. However, Gu Pan, who knew Zheng Wen well, anticipated the ball's trajectory.

In tennis, positioning is crucial. Gu Pan perfectly returned the ball, sending it straight to Liu Meng's feet.

Liu Meng handled this ball easily, hitting it with great speed. By the time Zheng Yuxiu reacted and moved, it was too late.

"Pan'er, are you letting him win? No one serves directly to the feet. I think you have something going on with this guy," Zheng Yuxiu said, annoyed at missing the ball and teasing her daughter.

"You saw how tricky that ball was. I did well to return it. I couldn't control the position."

Next, Liu Meng scored on his serve but lost on a return. The match continued in this manner.

They played casually, not following professional rules.

After one set, the score was even.

All of them, drenched in sweat, walked back. Thanks to his recent morning runs, Liu Meng walked steadily, without breaking a sweat.

"Young people have better stamina," Zheng Wen's father patted Liu Meng's shoulder.

It seemed he had fully recovered his energy during the match.

They all took out towels to wipe their sweat. Liu Meng, of course, didn't have one, so Zheng Wen's father lent him one. Liu Meng didn't hesitate to use it.

"Big brother, it's about time. Why don't you come to our place to shower and have dinner together? Liu Meng, don't leave. Stay and have dinner with us," Zheng Yuxiu suggested, noticing Liu Meng was about to leave with his computer bag.

Liu Meng was taken aback.

He could tell that Gu Pan's mother's gaze was not one of appreciation, yet she had invited him to dinner.

"Yes, yes, we're all classmates. Don't leave. Let's have dinner together. We can discuss things. I love chatting with young people," Zheng Wen's father added quickly.

... As the World Cup is about to start, how many of you are watching the matches? Ha, if I could wake up and watch them.

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