"Bai Lingshuang? How did you get my contact information?"
Bai Lingshuang seemed startled that he had immediately recognized her.
After a brief pause, she explained in a low but exceptionally clear voice.
"I... I asked Teacher Mei..."
"Oh."
Chen Yan acknowledged her, understanding. That was in keeping with Teacher Mei's warmhearted, caring nature.
"You withdrew from the competition. Did something happen?"
A hint of concern, difficult to detect, colored Bai Lingshuang's cool voice.
"Mm... It's already been taken care of." Chen Yan's reply was brief. Then he asked, "What did you want to talk to me about? Surely you weren't just worried about me."
"..."
A long silence fell on the other end of the call, leaving only the faint sound of breathing.
Chen Yan could almost picture the usually aloof and proud young lady gripping her communicator, looking utterly conflicted.
He found it amusing and didn't rush her, simply waiting quietly.
After quite a while, just as Chen Yan began to think the connection had dropped, Bai Lingshuang finally spoke again, stammering.
"I..."
"Were you hoping to join my team?"
Chen Yan smoothly gave Bai Lingshuang an opening and said it for her.
Bai Lingshuang sucked in a sharp breath on the other end of the call.
"Huh? Oh! That's right!"
Her initial panic lasted only a moment. She quickly composed herself, forcing her words to sound righteous and confident. "Are you selling a spot on your team? Name your price!"
She was all bark and no bite, practically giving herself away.
Even through the communicator, Chen Yan could sense how hard she was trying to hide her anxiety and embarrassment. So she needed something from him.
A mischievous urge rose in him, and he deliberately drew out his words.
"Sure, why wouldn't I? But a spot on my