Chapter 6: New Boyfriend

That evening, Andrea was going home in Qilin's car. As they exited the training hall, she noticed Qilin's subtle avoidance of physical contact, whether intentional or unintentional. Andrea couldn't help but feel relieved, recognizing her struggle to fully adapt to her new boyfriend.

Qilin: "Tomorrow, should I pick you up?"

Andrea: "Ehm... No, I'm used to running to school. It's been my morning routine since I retired from school club activities."

Qilin: "Should we... keep our dating a secret?"

Andrea: "It's okay. Timothy and I have already broken up. It's not like we cheated or anything..."

Qilin: "If... If you feel uncomfortable, you can call me. By the way, save your number here," he handed his phone to her.

Andrea entered her number and saved it. It was ironically funny how they exchanged numbers only after being intimate together.

Andrea took a shower, noticing numerous love bites on her body, and reality suddenly caught up with her. The delayed shyness finally surfaced, making her feel dizzy. Her face and neck turned red.

"But... Why did he make that face?" she murmured to herself.

Why did he seem so relieved? What was going on in his mind? Initially, she had prepared herself to become enemies with the wealthy young lord, anticipating possible retaliation. But the unexpected outcome was that they became a couple.

"He's so naive, kind... and stupid. He probably pities me. If I were in his position, I'd have already despised me a thousand times over."

"Andrea, why are you taking so long? Dinner is ready. I'll be stepping out for a bit. Wash the dishes and tidy up your room!" Her mother's voice faded as she moved farther away.

"OKAY...!" Andrea shouted back.

Meanwhile, in Qilin's room, he hadn't quite grasped reality yet. With a towel draped around his neck and water dripping from his wet hair, he sat on the edge of his bed, still feeling like he was on cloud nine.

It was a sleepless night for both of them.

The morning after, Qilin arrived at school early. Normally, he would linger in the classroom until the bell rang, playing games or watching movies, but not today. Instead, he waited at the gate.

When Andrea arrived, she found Qilin waiting for her with a look of concern. She was dressed in her exercise clothes from home, opting not to dirty her uniform and sweat profusely. Since her first year, she had made it a habit to shower at school every morning after training. Her athletic prowess had earned her a scholarship as a student athlete after achieving her first Dan black belt, and she had been scouted by the school. Without those scholarships, she wondered how she would have been able to attend such an elite school and meet this youngest son of a billionaire.

"Are you waiting for me?" Andrea asked.

Qilin nodded, "Ah..., yes."

Andrea smiled, "Then, would you mind waiting a bit more? I'm going to take a quick shower."

"At the swimming pool?" Qilin asked, knowing he often borrowed their shower.

"No, the training hall has its own shower. It's not as big as the swimming club's, but it's enough," Andrea replied.

Andrea brought Qilin along with her to the training hall, which was bustling with students engaged in morning practice. They greeted Andrea cheerfully, some even expressing a desire to spar with her, though they were politely declined.

"Senior, is he... waiting for you?" one of the first-years asked, pointing at Qilin standing outside the hall.

"Um, just let him be. Focus on your practice!" Andrea responded, quickly brushing off the question and not minding the curious gazes as she made her way inside.

"Senior, you're retired already. Why do you still take a shower here? At least spar with some of us before you graduate," the current captain, a second-year student, questioned.

Andrea replied, "This evening then. But only with two people."

Meanwhile, Qilin continued to struggle internally, unsure of what to do next. He had never had a girlfriend, nor had he ever formed a close friendship with a girl. This lack of romantic involvement led to speculation about his sexuality, possibly even among his friends. However, Qilin remained oblivious to such rumors. Even if he were to become aware of them, he wouldn't be bothered in the slightest.

He remembered when his big brother courted his now-wife. His brother had relentlessly tried to please her every single day. It took him two years until his sister-in-law finally nodded her head to become his girlfriend, and another three years until they got married. When Qilin asked her about it, she said she felt trapped by him. His constant presence meant that no other man dared to court her. Hearing her accusation, her husband just laughed proudly, saying that was part of the plan.

So, even though he lacked experience, Qilin planned to stick close to Andrea, much like his brother had done with his wife.

"Hello, Senior Han. You can wait inside, you know?" Sasha Lim, a first-year student and member of the Taekwondo club, offered.

"No," Qilin replied, only briefly glancing at her.

Sasha sighed, wondering how her boyfriend could be friends with this seemingly idle pretty boy. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of event could bring Qilin and Andrea together this early in the morning.

Ding! Sasha's chat from her boyfriend, Ricky, popped up on her phone.

Dear: -Still at morning practice?-

Sasha: -Yup. Your friend's here.-

Ding!

Dear: -Who?-

Ding!

Dear: -Timothy? Did they get back together? It's only been 2 days.-

Sasha: -Get back together? You mean the gossip about the breakup was true??!-

Ding!

Dear: -Hey, Timothy just arrived. So, who were you talking about?-

Sasha: -Senior Han. He's here. He came with Senior Lu.-

"SASHA...! Do you think your skills will improve with the power of love?" the Captain glared at her.

"No, Captain!" Sasha quickly put her phone away.

"You'll be a second-year soon and have your own juniors, you know? Do you want your juniors to look down on you?" the Captain asked.

Sasha pouted, "But I joined the club for the sake of love, Captain!"

The Captain was dumbfounded. "What? Do you want to flying kick your boyfriend or something?"

"Of course not! But I could fly kick any bitches trying to seduce my man, Captain."

"Well, good luck with that. Now get back here, or I'll fly kick your ass!"

"Yes, Captain! Please don't fly kick my ass, Captain!" Sasha shouted, running back to the training area.

Other members around were laughing. It seemed like this was a daily occurrence.