Table Tennis: We're More Than Teammates

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*You can choose to focus on the athletes as they compete. It won't affect the plot.

Third-person spectator perspective / Two couples / A story about chasing dreams and making them come true / Non-professional sports competition

[Blurb]

People online all say that Lin Xuan and Zhao Yan barely know each other. One is a once-in-a-generation talent who made a name for herself at fifteen by reaching the main draw of an A-level overseas table tennis tournament. The other became famous at a young age, winning the three major events and becoming the youngest world champion. Those two? They couldn't be more unrelated.

Remember that gender showdown one year? The two sides fought an intense, wide-open match. One had a powerful forehand that landed every shot with force, while the other was an impenetrable wall that no one could break through. It was a thrilling match from start to finish. And yet, after that game, the two of them somehow became even less familiar with each other.

Teammate, don't stand next to me when we take a group photo.

Teammate, don't use my towel.

Teammate, hold your trophy up. Right, don't block me while I'm taking a picture.

Teammate, why did you get your hair cut just like mine?

Xu Lai had watched plenty of table tennis matches, but she just couldn't understand why Zhao Yan kept looking to his left so many times during one National Games match. Who was standing beside him? Oh, Lin Xuan.

Wait, weren't they supposed to barely know each other?

Look at the Asian Games. They're chatting. Sure, teammates ought to discuss tactics.

The World Cup. They both win the championship. They look at each other and smile. Smiling is good. Of course you'd smile after winning the title.

The mixed team event. He's handing her water. Right, a teammate needs a drink to catch her breath during a match.

No, something's off. When you connect the dots, the picture starts to take shape. Xu Lai grows more and more confused, until one of the people involved sees her and says, "Sorry, could you send me the photo you just took? The two of us look great from that angle."

The two of you!

Boyfriend: What's wrong with her?

Best friend: She probably got overwhelmed by all the sweetness.

Later, Lin Xuan and Zhao Yan used the photo she took to announce their relationship. Zhao Yan's social media was flooded with messages, and he posted just one line, as simple as could be.

"I was the one who pursued her. I've liked her for a long time."

Coming Soon: Chasing Victory [Short Track Speed Skating]

"Hello, is this the sports news desk? I have a scoop!"

"Tang Shiyin, that young short-track speed skater, isn't at all what you think. At this World Championships, she took off her helmet and picked a fight with the country next door, the one with the beautiful sunset in the west... the west!"

"And she even gave the athletes from the country where the sun rises in the east a loo... loo... looong, withering glare!"

"I heard she's incredibly arrogant on the team. She sees several senior athletes and doesn't even greet them. She just makes them give up their seats!"

"This girl is definitely going to be kicked off the national team!"

"Hey, what are you doing? Assault is against the law! Help! A sports reporter is attacking me!"

Xie Lin straightened his jacket and waited at the airport with a bouquet of flowers for his girlfriend to return. His girlfriend wore sunglasses and acted like she didn't care about anyone. Her fans surged forward, pushing him several meters away.

"Tang Shiyin, you're amazing! You really put those people in their place. If they can't skate as fast as our athletes, why are they flipping us the bird? What do they want?"

"I've never seen skaters race so dirty. Tang Shiyin did the right thing, giving them a piece of her mind. What a shameless bunch!"

Tang Shiyin took off her sunglasses and tossed her unruly hair. "Winning glory for our country is my responsibility."

"And protecting our country's honor is my mission."

Xie Lin was so moved he could barely hold back his tears. The fans beside him couldn't stand watching anymore and made room for him to take a photo with her. Tang Shiyin shot him a glance. "Do you want an autograph?"

"I..."

Tang Shiyin signed his jacket. "No need to thank me. It's your honor."

Xie Lin: ...Does she really have to put on such a show?!

That night, after they got home, Tang Shiyin posed for a photo with her parents, three gold medals hanging around her neck. Xie Lin stood beside them, practically green with envy.

When would their secret relationship finally go public?!

Tips:

* Blurb idea screenshot saved as proof on May 25, 2025.

* No real-life inspirations, though there are references. No shipping real people or making inappropriate connections. No spamming. Bold.

* The cover is made by me, and the font is licensed for commercial use.

1. This is self-indulgent writing, with no real-life inspirations. Bold!!!!! Please don't make inappropriate connections or ship real people. No spamming.

2. Don't associate any members of the national table tennis team with the characters, and don't affect the athletes.

3. I've researched the relevant knowledge. The competition formats and events are based on references.

4. This is a sweet little story, so it won't be long. I don't want to write a bitter, angsty plot. I only want to write about two people working hard toward their own goals. Their relationship will develop naturally. Whether or not they get together isn't important. What's important is that you, the reader, find the sweet moments.

5. Both leads are independent and strong. There won't be lines like, "Now that you've won the championship, I have no regrets." Either they win it together, or one of them wins while the other offers sincere congratulations. Come on, everyone wants to win a championship, right?

6. I may quote some athletes. I'll remove the quotes if they infringe anyone's rights.

7. More to be added.

Theme: Set out toward a brighter future