By the time Lin Meng Qiu finally returned from the restroom, Chen Shi'an had already packed everything up.
He had put both rackets back in their bag, straightened the feathers on the usable shuttlecocks and returned them to the tube. He had also slung her backpack over one shoulder and was holding her insulated water bottle.
"We haven't left anything behind, have we?" Chen Shi'an asked, handing her the insulated bottle.
"No. Thanks."
The girl, who had been flushed red just a moment ago, had finally cooled down and returned to normal, though her gaze and tone were still considerably softer than usual.
Lin Meng Qiu was terribly thirsty. She unscrewed the lid and gulped down some water.
"Shall we go, then?"
"Mm."
After drinking, Lin Meng Qiu reached out and took back the bag Chen Shi'an had been carrying for her.
She put the insulated bottle back inside, then took her phone out of one of the compartments.
She checked the time. It was only ten thirty.
Not counting the journey, they had played for just over an hour, but she had already reached her limit for exercise.
There was also an unread message on her phone.
It was from her dad.
Dad: [I might be a little late getting back to cook. If you're free, could you put the rice on at around eleven thirty? I'll cook when I get back.]
The girl frowned.
Hadn't he said he wasn't coming home to cook lunch? Why was he coming back now?
After hesitating a moment, she replied:
Ling: [I'm eating at Chen Shi'an's place. Eat without me, Dad.]
Dad: [That works too. I'll eat with Director Chen and the others, then. Are you two still playing?]
Ling: [We're done.]
After replying, Lin Meng Qiu tucked her phone back into