I Ruined the First One, Then... [Infinite]

[Updates are currently about once every three days. The first three rounds are complete, and the fourth is ongoing.]

Halfway through the competition, the little-known Lian Yu realizes he can't keep coasting. Adopting a secret identity, he sends the contestants in each round into a tailspin.

Even Jin Yan, the rookie champion ranked number one, falls into someone's elaborate trap and has his winning streak brought to an end.

The two become enemies in this round.

But in the next round, the System puts them face to face again.

Lian Yu: "..."

Jin Yan: "..."

Fine, let's just say fate has brought two old enemies together.

Lian Yu smiles sweetly to his face, then turns around and tricks the handsome guy on the other side all over again.

After falling for the same person's tricks twice in a row, Jin Yan smiles faintly and uses his special privilege to bind Lian Yu to him.

Jin Yan: "We've got plenty of time. Let's take this slow."

Lian Yu: "..." Damn it.

*

One-on-one, both each other's first love, two powerful leads, evenly matched rivals who become lovers

Cunning, awkward trickster bottom (Lian Yu) X gentlemanly, scheming rookie champion top (Jin Yan)

*

Please note:

1. [The story is mostly told from the bottom's point of view, but the first round is from the top's! The bottom is everywhere in the first round, though, so see if you can spot his little schemes.]

2. The first three rounds are complete for now (the third round is being revised). Update schedule is irregular, so feel free to save it for later.

3. The romance is about the most cliched setup imaginable: a million-star interstellar prince and his slum-dwelling princess. This old-school Mary Sue fan is completely satisfied. [Not

4. An alternate-universe interstellar setting, with lots of original worldbuilding. Please bear with me as I take my time...

Theme: Face your fears