Ying Ming Hao tightly gripped the number-one lot in his hand, but his gaze drifted involuntarily toward Shui Huo'er beside him.
He furtively leaned his head toward Shui Huo'er's shoulder, hoping to steal a glance at the number slip in her hand.
When he saw that hers was also number one, the corners of Ying Ming Hao's mouth lifted slightly into a wry smile that left one unsure whether to laugh or cry.
"Hey! You shameless scoundrel, how dare you get so close to me!
"Are you harboring sinister intentions, trying to take liberties with me?"
Shui Huo'er suddenly felt a hot breath brush against her neck. That unfamiliar, strange sensation sent a shudder through her, and she sprang several steps away as though struck by electricity.
Her face flushed and her heart raced. For a moment, even she could not tell whether it was embarrassment and anger or a deliberate attempt to conceal the restless stirrings within her.
"I'm innocent! I'm innocent!"
Seeing the hostile, warning looks aimed at him from all around, especially the blade-sharp gazes of Shui Furong, Lin Qinqin, and the other women, Ying Ming Hao's heart tightened, and he immediately grew flustered.
He waved his hands frantically and hastily explained, "I really only wanted to check whether we'd both drawn number one!
"After all, it'll be our turn to fight in a moment. Don't blame me if I show no mercy then!"
If Ying Ming Hao failed to explain himself clearly, the flesh on both sides of his waist would probably suffer.
"Really?! What a coincidence!"
Shui Huo'er looked at Ying Ming Hao skeptically, doubts murmuring in her heart. Somehow, it still seemed a little fishy.
"Here, look carefully. I drew number one, and so did you. We'll be the first ones onstage."
Ying