Chapter 302: The Obsessed Fan

The restaurant was conveniently located by the river. After stepping out, a short walk brought them to the riverbank.

Freed from the crowd, everyone visibly relaxed, though Fang Zhou assumed he was the only one feeling at ease.

Walking under the tall trees, they enjoyed the shade and fresh air, a rare treat in the summer heat.

The cameraman dutifully followed them, ensuring the live broadcast continued without interruption.

“Looks like someone is fishing up ahead,” Qin Yun remarked from the front, sounding interested.

Everyone followed her gaze and saw a couple of people sitting by the river with fishing rods, umbrellas providing shade as they waited for a catch.

“I remember Fang Zhou likes fishing too,” Chu Xinran chimed in softly, her gentle voice catching everyone’s attention.

Fang Zhou raised an eyebrow, trying to recall his own hobbies. Did he really like fishing?

It had been a long time. Back in college, he often went fishing behind the dormitory, which had a river running by. Those were fun times, cooking their catches with his roommates. But since starting work and becoming more of a homebody, he hadn’t fished in ages.

He was surprised that Chu Xinran remembered.

Meanwhile, Qiao Sisi and Qin Yun focused on Chu Xinran’s apparent concern for Fang Zhou.

“You remember pretty well,” Qin Yun said with a hint of a smile, a touch of surprise in her eyes.

She had underestimated Chu Xinran, assuming she was just a crybaby. Turns out, she knew how to use shared memories to her advantage.

Shifting her attention to Fang Zhou, Qin Yun smiled warmly. “I also remember you like eating fish.”

Qiao Sisi, frustrated, clenched her teeth. She realized she had never paid much attention to Fang Zhou’s preferences. Their connection was through gaming, and Fang Zhou had always pampered her, making her the center of his world. She didn’t recall his favorite foods or hobbies very well.

Unwilling to be outdone, she grabbed Fang Zhou’s hand and pulled him forward.

“Let’s go see what the fishing enthusiasts have caught,” she said, her actions so natural it felt rehearsed.

The other three were stunned. Was this really happening?

Chu Xinran’s gaze fixated on their intertwined hands, wishing she could take Qiao Sisi’s place.

Qin Yun’s smile vanished, replaced by a blank expression.

So much for verbal sparring, she thought. Now she’s going straight to physical contact?

Fang Zhou was caught off guard. Just as he was about to pull his hand away, Qiao Sisi let go herself.

She leaned closer to the fisherman’s bucket, eyes wide with curiosity. “Wow, you’ve caught a lot of fish! You’re amazing!”

Her compliments made the old fisherman beam with pride.

“Oh, this is nothing. Not even half of what I usually catch. Do you like fishing too?” he asked.

Qiao Sisi nodded and pushed Fang Zhou forward. “He likes fishing.”

The old man’s interest piqued. “Really? Where do you usually fish? Want to join me sometime?”

Fang Zhou began chatting with the fisherman about techniques, while Qiao Sisi stood by, listening quietly, looking every bit the supportive girlfriend.

However, this happy scene had its casualties. Qin Yun and Chu Xinran were not pleased.

It was clear as day that there was rivalry brewing, a sentiment echoed by the viewers in the live chat.

“Finally! Sisi makes a move. See, taking the initiative pays off. They even held hands!”

“I have to say, Sisi and Fang Zhou look perfect together! He’s handsome, she’s beautiful.”

“If a celebrity like Sisi chased after me, I’d be smiling ear to ear!”

“Stop, stop, my heart aches for Xinran. She looks like she’s about to break. Come on, fight for him!”

Chu Xinran’s eyes grew misty, on the verge of tears.

Just then, a soft yet firm voice spoke. “First love or not, they still broke up. Nothing more than a cheap trick.”

It was Qin Yun, smiling faintly. Her words were carried away by the wind, heard only by Chu Xinran.

Her confidence seemed unshaken.

Chu Xinran pushed away her sorrow, realizing she needed to be stronger when it came to matters involving Fang Zhou.

Both women moved towards the fisherman, but a sudden change disrupted their plans.

A man in black emerged from the bushes, brandishing a knife that glinted menacingly in the sunlight.

“Sisi, you’re mine! You’re mine!” he screamed, charging towards the trio by the river, who were unaware of the imminent danger.

Qin Yun and Chu Xinran shouted, “Danger! Look out!”

Fang Zhou turned to see the attacker, heart pounding with shock.

What the hell? An armed assault in broad daylight?

Before he could fully react, the knife was already too close. Its blade, gleaming in the sun, was poised to strike.

The target was the defenseless Qiao Sisi.

“Watch out!” Fang Zhou yelled, pushing Qiao Sisi aside but taking the slash on his back.

The assailant, seeing his first attempt thwarted, raised the knife for another strike.

This time, Qiao Sisi reacted, supporting Fang Zhou and kicking the man in the groin with precision.

A scream filled the air, echoing through the live broadcast.

Chaos erupted. The cameraman and the show’s security rushed to the scene.

The live feed was abruptly cut.