C17 Not Willing

"There's no question of helping or not; I'm just speaking from a point of reason. What you're doing is simply too much," Lin Ling said with a hint of anger in her voice.

Xiao Hee glanced at her upon hearing this. She seemed almost too kind-hearted.

"Too much? We've allowed him to join the tennis club, which in itself is a privilege. He didn't even thank us, and now he dares to complain?" Yang Rann snorted, shooting a look at Xiao Hee.

"Treating him like a pet, summoning him at your whim – you call that a privilege?" Lin Ling's frown deepened, and her expression soured.

Despite Yang Rann being her close friend, Lin Ling couldn't stand by and watch their treatment of Xiao Hee. She had always been someone who stood for what was right, rather than showing blind loyalty to friends.

"Really? Then why don't you ask him if he's willing to pick up balls for us? It was his choice to do so; we didn't force him," Yang Rann retorted with a sneer, clearly looking down on Xiao Hee as nothing more than a loser.

Unconvinced by Yang Rann's words, Lin Ling turned to Xiao Hee and asked, "Xiao Hee, tell her honestly if you want to pick up balls for them. Follow your own feelings and don't worry about anything else. I'm here; they can't bully you."

Yang Rann laughed dismissively. Didn't she know this guy was a pushover? He'd been meek for three years, always eagerly doing whatever was asked of him.

"Xiao Hee, think carefully. Your response will determine whether you stay or go!" Yang Rann's tone was icy, almost threatening.

Caught between Yang Rann's malicious threats and Lin Ling's hopeful gaze, Xiao Hee had to make a choice.

"I... do not... want to!" Xiao Hee declared, each word deliberate and his demeanor calm. He didn't flinch in the face of Yang Rann's icy stare. For a moment, his steely gaze made Yang Rann feel as if she were no longer facing the timid Xiao Hee, but rather a fierce, untamed beast.

"What... what did you say? Have you thought about the consequences?"

Yang Rann was taken aback by Xiao Hee's words, momentarily at a loss for words. She glared at Xiao Hee, her expression one of frustration and fury.

"Consequences? The worst they can do is kick me out of the tennis club. But staying here just to be bossed around by you all? I'd rather quit the club outright."

Xiao Hee's response was icy.

"Did you hear that? Xiao Hee said he's had enough. From now on, stop calling him over to fetch balls for you!"

Lin Ling watched Xiao Hee with a triumphant look, her heart swelling with joy. Xiao Hee had finally taken a stand and was no longer shrinking back.

"Fine, very fine. Just get out of the tennis club and don't let me see you here again!"

Yang Rann huffed coldly, turned on her heel, and stormed off, her face a shade of angry blue.

Seeing Yang Rann return in a huff, Yu Guang immediately stepped forward, echoing her anger, "President, what happened? Was it that good-for-nothing Xiao Hee? That kid is asking for trouble. Let me give him a proper lesson!"

He was about to confront Xiao Hee when Yang Rann pulled him back.

"Let it go. I don't know what's gotten into Lin Ling; she's been shielding that loser. You can deal with Xiao Hee if you want, but don't harm Lin Ling. Whatever you plan to do, at least wait until she's not around," Yang Rann instructed Yu Guang.

Yu Guang quickly grasped Yang Rann's intent: teach Xiao Hee a lesson if necessary, but ensure Lin Ling remains unharmed.

"Don't worry. If they bully you in the future, just tell me. I'll always be here to protect you."

Lin Ling gave a reassuring smile and patted her chest, as if to solidify her promise to Xiao Hee.

Xiao Hee simply smiled in response and chose not to delve further into the matter.

If it hadn't been for Lin Ling today, the situation might have escalated even further. She had never intended to pick up balls for those losers.

Yang Rann watched Lin Ling still chatting and laughing with Xiao Hee, feeling inexplicably irritated.

She never liked Xiao Hee. She should never have allowed him to join the tennis club in the first place—if only they weren't short a ball retriever...

Yang Rann was about to add more when her phone suddenly rang.

Answering the call, she was greeted by a sigh of resignation.

"What's the matter, sweetheart? Who's upset you this time?"

Yang Rann asked with a hint of indulgence in her voice.

"President, who was that on the phone? Your boyfriend?"

A male club member asked with curiosity.

"My cousin!"

Yang Rann shot him a look, signaling him to be quiet.

"I see... They've asked you to go again... With your qualifications, it really shouldn't be difficult to find someone... But you're so selective, it's tough for just anyone to catch your eye... Still, that's how the older generation is, try not to dwell on it too much."

After a brief conversation, Yang Rann hung up the phone.

Turning around, she noticed the male club member was still lingering behind her.

"President, is your cousin the one who came to school last time in a luxury car? The very elegant and beautiful woman?"

He continued to inquire.

"Yes, that's her. Why do you ask?"

Yang Rann responded nonchalantly.