Under everyone's watchful eyes, the fair and impartial referee was seen bending down to gently adjust the blanket for the woman. Though his actions didn't cross any boundaries, the atmosphere felt strangely charged.
The woman leaned back on the sofa, blinking in confusion when she noticed their gazes. "Why are you all suddenly looking at me?"
Following their line of sight, she noticed the blanket on her lap and said with realization, "Oh, are you talking about this?"
Yu Li explained, "Since I'm wearing a skirt, I asked the referee for this. When he saw I couldn't bend down easily, he kindly helped cover me. How thoughtful." Raising her head with a smile, she extended her hand toward the man. "Thank you so much, referee."
The man lowered his gaze, staring at the woman's fair fingertips as his Adam's apple bobbed. Slowly extending his hand, his mechanical voice remained steady. "You're welcome. It's my duty."
The woman's skin was smooth like fine mutton-fat jade, perfect for holding and admiring. The man's eyes darkened slightly. Then suddenly, he felt a gentle scratch on his palm—soft and warm like a feather's touch, sending tingles of itchiness and numbness through him.
Looking up, the woman still wore her smiling expression as if the scratching had been accidental. The man paused briefly before the corners of his mouth curled beneath his mask. At the very last second before letting go, his rough thumb lightly brushed the back of her hand.
Yu Li chuckled and leisurely withdrew her hand. Their actions were careful and hidden, unnoticed by anyone else. The brief moment passed quickly, as the more pressing matter was the pairing session.
Tian Jianmu's behavior was too deliberate, and even Gao Chaoyang beside him noticed, inwardly mocking his futile efforts. Since both Yu Jiao and he were from Deva, how could a Peace member like Tian Jianmu possibly separate them? Ridiculous.
Yu Jiao: "..." She felt suffocated, as if haunted by a ghost.
Their expressions were complex.
*Bro, are you really trying this hard?*
Truthfully, Yu Jiao understood Tian Jianmu's point—compared to Gao Chaoyang, he was indeed a stronger teammate. And besides...
She narrowed her eyes, glancing at the smug Gao Chaoyang beside her, a strange glint flashing in her gaze. After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly turned to Tian Jianmu. "You know what? Mr. Tian makes a valid point."
The moment she said this, Gao Chaoyang's expression froze before twisting into disbelief.
*Damn it! What is Yu Jiao doing?! Is she seriously choosing Tian Jianmu?!*
He frantically signaled with his eyes, but Yu Jiao kept talking to Tian Jianmu without even glancing his way.
*What kind of leader does this?!*
Gritting his teeth, Gao Chaoyang cursed under his breath, frustration boiling inside him. His expression darkened before realization struck—if Yu Jiao wasn’t pairing with him, he could choose someone else!
With four men and four women, the numbers balanced perfectly.
His gaze landed on Yu Li, who had remained quiet. She was leaning on the sofa, chatting with the referee, her fox-like eyes crinkling with laughter. Sunlight spilled over her delicate, striking features, making her look like a noble yet lazy Persian cat.
*Pairing with a girl wouldn’t be bad… Even if her skills are weak, she’s this beautiful. It’d definitely be worth it.*
Besides, he had no other options left.
Glancing at the sofa, he suddenly stood up and walked toward Yu Li, plopping down on the seat closest to her before leaning in.
"Yu Li, what are you talking about with the referee? You two seem to be having fun."
His abrupt interruption made both Tian Jianmu and Yu Jiao stop their conversation and turn to look.
Startled, Yu Li paused before slowly turning her head with a smile. "I was just asking him about dinner later. Why?"
Gao Chaoyang feigned understanding. "Oh, nothing. Are you hungry? I’m actually a pretty good cook—even won awards before."
The referee, who had been standing quietly nearby, slowly lifted his gaze at this, his eyes drifting toward Gao Chaoyang with an inscrutable, fog-like indifference.
Yu Li replied casually, "Oh? You can cook? That’s surprising."
Gao Chaoyang’s face instantly brightened.
"Yeah! Want me to make something for you at dinner?"
But the referee’s icy voice poured cold water over his hopes. "Apologies, but dinner must follow our scheduled arrangements. No outside preparations are allowed."
Gao Chaoyang froze, while Yu Li let out a light laugh.
Gao Chaoyang quickly waved it off. "No problem, we can always do it tomorrow."
This time, the referee stayed silent.
Yu Li raised a brow and nodded. "Sure."
Gao Chaoyang exhaled in relief.
*Seems like Yu Li has a good impression of me. The pairing should be secured.*
The thirty-minute chat passed quickly. The referee checked his pocket watch.
A stack of name cards materialized in his hand, which he distributed to the eight participants. Several pens appeared on the table as well.
"Next, please write down your desired partner on the blank space. After filling it out, you’ll have one minute to reconsider. If you wish to change your choice, you may request a new card from me. Once finalized, we’ll proceed with the pairing."
A few minutes later, everyone set down their pens.
The referee scanned the room before speaking flatly, "When your name is called, reveal your card."
Jiang Xi blinked in surprise before showing her card—Hou Liang’s name was written on it.
The referee glanced at it and continued, "Hou Liang, reveal yours."
Hou Liang promptly flipped his over—Jiang Xi’s name was there.
"Congratulations. Pairing successful."
His card revealed Yu Jiao’s name.
Gao Chaoyang immediately turned to check Yu Jiao’s card.
"Congratulations. Pairing successful."
Though he had expected it, Gao Chaoyang’s face still twisted in frustration, his teeth grinding.
*Damn it, I knew it! Good thing I didn’t write Yu Jiao’s name!*
Hao Lan—the guy with the wolf-cut hairstyle—revealed his card: Huang Ya.
"Congratulations. Pairing successful."
Here, the referee paused meaningfully, his gaze briefly flickering toward Gao Chaoyang.
"Next, Gao Chaoyang."
Without hesitation, Gao Chaoyang flipped his card—Yu Li’s name was clearly written on it.
Immediately, he eagerly looked at Yu Li.
"Yu Li, hurry, show yours!"
Yu Li chuckled softly. "Sure."
Her fair fingertips casually turned over her card.
Then, everyone’s expressions froze.
Yu Li’s card was completely blank.
—She hadn’t written anyone’s name.