Drowning in the Deep

[Please add this to your reading list!]

1.

Zhong Yi, a swimmer, is gentle, refined, and warm as sunshine. He has won countless supporters, and every competition he's in is packed to the rafters.

The first time Qu Youyou sees him, she decides she's going to win him over, no matter what.

As it happens, their schools are just one street apart. Qu Youyou goes to his school every day and watches Zhong Yi train through the swimming pool windows.

While stretching, one of his teammates glances out the window and teases the person beside him, "Your little fangirl is here again."

Zhong Yi turns to look. Qu Youyou is bouncing excitedly on the spot, waving at him with one hand and pointing at herself with the other: I'm right here!

He pauses, then smiles and shakes his head helplessly.

2.

The competition is about to begin. The cheering dies down, and Qu Youyou raises her support sign high in the stands and shouts, "Zhong Yi, I like you!"

Zhong Yi looks up.

The sign reads: I'll be your number one supporter.

Qu Youyou wears an arrow headband, and a smear of paint remains on her right cheek. Her astonishing confession draws everyone's attention.

A reporter asks how he responds to a confession from a supporter.

Zhong Yi laughs helplessly, looks straight into the camera, and says word by word, "I'm sure you'll all get a laugh out of this, but that girl is my girlfriend."

[You swim through the water and fight for your country's honor, but when I look up, all I see is you] - Zhong Yi and Qu Youyou

Theme: Passionate competition and companionship