The Fan Favorite Dominates the Volleyball Variety Show

[Complete] [Recommended: the upcoming novel on a similar theme, Who Wants to Win Olympic Gold with Their Archrival [Table Tennis]? Blurb below]

In his previous life, genius setter Ji Yuan was framed and banned from competition. When he woke up, he found himself in the body of an obscure celebrity who shared his name, and competing in a sports reality show about volleyball.

As soon as the show aired, the entire internet doubted the overly delicate, pretty "pretty face," and mocked him mercilessly.

Netizens: Sports aren't for you. Take the next turn and try out for the idol survival show next door. Good luck.

Other contestants: He's so skinny, he probably can't even receive a ball. He should quit now for everyone's sake.

Only Wen Shiyu had seen Ji Yuan secretly warming up on the court before the show began. He unleashed a powerful jump serve with both a high error rate and incredible force, his movements flawless and as fluid as flowing water.

Wen Shiyu: Oh no. I think I'm falling for him.

*

Once the terrifying Devil King of the sporting world, Wen Shiyu quietly retired after leading his team to win the men's volleyball World Championship. When he announced his comeback, it was on a sports reality show called Infinite Volleyball.

Even more absurdly, the ever-arrogant Captain Wen, who looked down on everyone, would inexplicably turn red at the ears whenever he locked eyes with a certain celebrity.

What's more, whenever they appeared together, Wen Shiyu would be the only one radiating a flurry of pink hearts.

Netizens and contestants: ? Something's not right with you.

*

Then Ji Yuan won three matches in a row, eliminated several professional players, and eventually took to the court as the starting setter.

Opponents: Who on earth said he was weak? We got crushed, thanks.

Only then did the other contestants finally realize, belatedly, that the "pretty face" they'd once mocked had become a headache for every opponent with his sharp, outstanding play and unpredictable tactics.

After the show ended, Ji Yuan stood on the winners' podium, ready to give his thanks. Usually cool and reserved, he made an unprecedented appearance of a faint smile and formed a heart with his hands at the camera. "Thanks to everyone who supported me. I love you all!"

Netizens: Help, Mom, I think I'm in love.

Later, netizens started testing the waters to switch fandoms, while contestants and coaches openly competed to poach him. Furious, Wen Shiyu pulled Ji Yuan into his arms.

"Damn it, can all of you stay away from my setter!! He's my wife now! My wife!"

Pure-hearted top x flirtatious bottom

[Reading Guide]

1v1, both are each other's first, sweet and fluffy, a little ensemble cast, female contestants appear on the show, with a side couple.

There are lots of on-screen comments, and neither the top nor the bottom has a character-growth arc. Both have an arrogant, show-off streak.

Entirely fictional setting, no characters are based on real people. If you're very particular about details, this may not be for you. The author isn't a professional, so feel free to point out anything that seems inaccurate.

Mainly from the bottom's perspective, but with some chapters from the top's perspective.

--

Who Wants to Win Olympic Gold with Their Archrival [Table Tennis]?

Blurb:

The Chinese national table tennis team recently recruited two new geniuses.

Both players are exceptionally skilled and good-looking. Rumor has it they have known each other since childhood and are unusually close.

With the National Games just around the corner, the whole internet was eagerly anticipating their performance after their names appeared on the official men's doubles roster.

In a pre-match interview, when asked how they felt about teaming up for their first men's doubles match, they each said:

Cheng Yingxing: I was so happy to team up with him that I couldn't sleep all night.

Bai Heng: He's really good. I'm looking forward to our upcoming matches.

With everyone watching, their unexpectedly poor start left the audience stunned.

But the two remained calm, comforted each other, and turned away after a high five. Then the audience suddenly heard two baffling voices.

Bai Heng: He makes so many mistakes. How did he get into the national team with skills like that?

Cheng Yingxing: I'd rather retire than play doubles with him. I'm exhausted after being so mad I couldn't sleep all night.

Audience (horrified): W-who's talking?

With zero chemistry, they were ultimately eliminated in a stunning upset.

At the same time, their perfectly disguised brotherly bond spectacularly fell apart.

It was also secretly uncovered that the two had indeed known each other since childhood, but they'd spent the whole time bickering, from the youth team all the way to the national team. On court, they played like their lives depended on it, showing no mercy; off court, they trained with such intensity that neither would give the other a second's rest.

Their next men's singles matches proved this all the more.

They played as if fueled by adrenaline, beating one opponent after another. Their performance proved that they weren't the ones who sucked.

They thought the coach would stop pairing them up after that and focus on singles. To their surprise, they weren't separated once in any of the events that followed.

Fortunately, their results kept improving, though their relationship remained as terrible as ever.

It wasn't until just before the Olympics that their fake brotherly relationship was finally exposed online.

The audience wasn't surprised, only worried that the public scrutiny might affect their upcoming matches.

In the waiting area, the two sat expressionless, ignoring each other. Everyone guessed they'd probably given up pretending.

But as soon as they stepped onto the court, those familiar voices rang out again.

Bai Heng: I couldn't resist kissing him just now. Is he angry?

Cheng Yingxing: Aah! What did he mean by kissing me?! We're dating, right...

[Reading Guide]

1. There's a reason they pretend to be best buddies.

2. The premise is that only during matches, everyone watching except the top and bottom can hear their thoughts, including teammates, referees, and coaches.

3. Their conflict is only off court. They take their matches seriously; at first, they simply have trouble finding their rhythm together.

4. Romance and passion for the sport go hand in hand.

Theme: Work hard to create a show that makes everyone fall in love with volleyball.