Chapter 80 Setting Out for Victory

Zeng Yi and his friends were eagerly anticipating a scene that would set their blood racing. However, when they crouched outside the window and finally saw what was happening inside the classroom, they realized it was nothing like what they had imagined.

“Ugh, I thought we were about to witness something exciting. I got worked up for nothing!” one boy muttered, his voice heavy with disappointment.

Several other boys immediately nodded in agreement, echoing, “Yeah, yeah, what a letdown!”

Yet, amidst their disappointment, some felt a surge of curiosity and surprise. “Hey, look over there. What’s that new transfer student doing to Lin Siyu? Could it be acupuncture? Who would have thought, besides excelling at Chinese and math, he’s got this kind of skill… But what’s the point of giving Lin Siyu acupuncture now? Does he really think a few needles will get her ready for the game?”

Although Zeng Yi and his friends were boys, they cared deeply about the school’s girls’ volleyball match. This game was tied to the collective honor of Class 3, Grade 1. Moreover, the boastful threats issued by Class 6, Grade 3 had angered them.

They knew the odds were against them, but they still hoped the girls’ volleyball team could pull off a miracle and defeat the stronger team.

Victory depended on key players like Lin Siyu and Tan Xiaoxiao. Yet Lin Siyu’s ankle had been injured a few days ago, making her participation uncertain.

The boys crouched outside the window exchanged skeptical remarks about Li Sicheng’s acupuncture.

This annoyed Zeng Yi.

He had grown close to Li Sicheng over the past few days and already considered him a true friend. Hearing someone speak ill of Li Sicheng, he immediately stepped forward to defend him. “Whether it works or not, at least his intentions are good! As for the outcome, all this talk is useless—why not just go in and ask directly?”

With that, he strode toward the classroom.

Since what was happening inside was nothing like their imagined scene, there was no reason to keep lurking outside like a bunch of creeps.

He entered the classroom, and before he could say anything, Li Sicheng removed the silver needle from Lin Siyu’s ankle and said, “Try walking.”

Lin Siyu quickly put on her shoes and socks and took a few steps.

Tan Xiaoxiao asked impatiently, “How does it feel?”

Lin Siyu glanced at Li Sicheng, hesitated for a moment, then replied, “It feels pretty much the same as before…”

Li Sicheng shook his head and scolded lightly, “Come on, how would you notice any change just walking like that? Try jumping a few times, do something more vigorous.”

“Oh no, Sicheng actually dared to scold Lin Siyu—he’s going to get roasted by the class beauty and Xiaoxiao for sure…” Zeng Yi smacked his forehead, feeling deep sympathy for the miserable fate awaiting Li Sicheng.

Everyone else, inside and outside the classroom, thought the same.

After all, Lin Siyu was hardly known for her temper.

But the situation unfolded in a way no one expected.

“Oh.”

Lin Siyu didn’t flare up; instead, she nodded obediently in response.

Her manner and expression were so docile, it was as if she were a different person.

Everyone watching, inside and outside, was stunned.

In the minds of Class 3, Grade 1 students, Lin Siyu was always proud and aloof. Seeing her so gentle and compliant—not only was it unprecedented, it was unimaginable.

“Sicheng, you’re amazing!” Zeng Yi gave Li Sicheng a thumbs up and praised him wholeheartedly.

Li Sicheng thought Zeng Yi was complimenting his acupuncture skills and smiled, replying, “It’s nothing.”

Zeng Yi, however, let his thoughts wander: Lin Siyu was the school’s top beauty, and not only had Sicheng won her over, but he even looked so calm and composed... His girl-chasing skills must be extraordinary! I need to find a chance to learn from him, so I can finally escape the miserable fate of singlehood...

Fortunately, neither Li Sicheng nor Lin Siyu knew what Zeng Yi was thinking; otherwise, the chubby fellow would surely be in trouble.

Lin Siyu took a deep breath and, following Li Sicheng’s instructions, bounced a few times on the spot.

At first, she didn’t dare exert herself. Ever since her ankle sprain, any forceful movement would cause pain. But after her first jump, a mixture of excitement and joy surfaced on her face. She jumped higher and harder each time, even performing a few volleyball spikes and serves.

Tan Xiaoxiao watched with growing anxiety and urged, “Careful, Siyu!”

But Lin Siyu burst out laughing, elated beyond measure. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, not at all!” She then looked at Li Sicheng, hesitated, and bit her lip before saying, “Th-thank you!”

“No need to thank me,” Li Sicheng waved his hand, then cautioned her, “The acupuncture I just did temporarily sealed off the meridians in your ankle, so it won’t affect your performance on the court. But this effect only lasts for just over an hour. Once it wears off, you’ll likely feel pain for a day or two, but don’t worry—it won’t affect your recovery.”

“An hour is more than enough!” Lin Siyu nodded.

Though the school volleyball match was best-of-five, it was much shorter than a professional game.

An hour would suffice to decide the winner!

“Fantastic! With Siyu able to play, we actually have a shot at winning!” The students in Class 3, Grade 1 were jubilant.

But Lin Siyu shook her head, gathered the volleyball team, and spoke in a firm voice, “We’re facing Class 6, Grade 3 in this match. Their strength needs no explanation. If we want to win, relying on just one person isn’t enough. We all need to fight and strive together!”

Tan Xiaoxiao agreed, “Siyu’s right! Volleyball is a team sport. Winning means everyone must give their all! I’m sure you all remember what Class 6, Grade 3 said before. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I want to win! I want to show those seniors that we’re strong too, not just pushovers they can toy with!”

Their words instantly ignited the fighting spirit of the volleyball team.

They placed their hands together and shouted in unison, “Fight! Strive! Defeat Class 6, Grade 3!”

The morale of the Class 3, Grade 1 girls’ volleyball team soared!

“Let’s go!” Lin Siyu and Tan Xiaoxiao raised their arms, leading the team with heads held high toward the gymnasium.