Chapter 377: Whispers in the Athletes’ Village

VIP Stands.

Xu Chen checked the time and interrupted the girl who was still chatting and laughing.

“Bing Ge has to go meet the royal family now.”

Wu Feifei: “The royal family?”

Xu Chen: “His Majesty the King, the Queen, and His Highness the Prince.”

“…”

Amid waves of surprise and shock, Xu Chen led Xie Bingran out of the VIP Stands first.

As they reached the exit, Xu Chen added:

“Let’s all have lunch together. I’ve booked a spot at the hotel’s buffet.”

“You can head over ahead of time.”

Hearing about lunch together, Su Rong finally got her wish and lit up with joy.

Wu Feifei: “We’ll wait for you two to come back and go together!”

Xu Chen smiled and said: “That might take a while.”

“Bing Ge meeting the King isn’t something I can rush.”

…

…

A few minutes later, at the athletes’ rest room entrance in the stadium.

Xu Chen handed Xie Bingran back to Coach Cheng, safe and sound.

Coach Cheng nodded in approval.

She had Xie Bingran stand straight and carefully fixed her clothes and hair.

Even the fearless Bing Ge seemed to listen a bit more around Coach Cheng.

After giving Xie Bingran a once-over, Coach Cheng nodded, satisfied, then led her away.

Turning back, she told Xu Chen:

“Wait here for a moment!”

Xu Chen: “Sure.”

Xie Bingran glanced back at Xu Chen, her big eyes full of reluctance and a hint of grievance.

…

…

Xu Chen sat on the bench outside the athletes’ rest room and pulled out his phone to check messages.

Athletes and coaches passed by, coming and going.

Fresh from the competition’s highs and lows, their spirits varied wildly…

Xu Chen got a new message—it was from Coach Cheng:

[Photo: I had my journalist friend send it straight to your email. Check it out!]

Xu Chen quickly replied: [Thanks so much, Coach Cheng!]

Earlier, during Bing Ge’s race, Xu Chen and the others had held up a banner on the stands, including one with ‘Ran Bing 001’ on it.

This was all setup for promoting Ran Bing Sports.

Coach Cheng got a photographer on site—apparently from CCTV—to snap a few pictures…

Xu Chen opened his email and looked them over, pleased.

The big banner read ‘Born Invincible, Heaven-Sent Ice God,’ and next to it was a smaller one with ‘Ran Bing 001.’

The banner’s background featured the red-and-blue clash of ‘Ice and Fire Patterns.’

As teaser material for ‘Ran Bing 001,’ it was spot-on.

Xu Chen forwarded the photos to Nie Fei and Jiang Yuze.

Jiang Yuze responded fast, messaging the group:

[Got the photo material—thanks, little President Xu!]

[News about Bing Ge’s win and record break is exploding across major portals and forums!]

[Our ‘Ran Bing 001’ hype is locked in!]

Right after, Jiang Yuze and Sun Lingfeng shared a bunch of related reports and posts in the group.

As Xu Chen scrolled through them, he felt happy for the ‘little rich girl.’

After this Asian Games event, Xie Bingran’s title as the ‘Asian Female Sprinter’ was firmly set.

Beyond her raw talent and track records, Bing Ge’s image and vibe would draw in hordes of fans.

All of that would turn into real business value.

No doubt, more sponsorships and deals would come Bing Ge’s way after the Asian Games.

The ‘little rich girl’ might even out-earn ‘little President Xu’ soon.

It gave ‘little President Xu’ a subtle sense of pressure.

Meanwhile, Xie Bingran’s rising fame would boost Chenfeng Ice Power and Ran Bing Sports from the ground up.

…

His phone buzzed again—it was Wu Feifei:

[My dad just told me the city is already working on a reward plan for Bing Ge!]

Xu Chen couldn’t help but smile—the ‘little rich girl’ was about to make more money!

From her National Games win, Bing Ge had raked in around 300,000 yuan in prizes.

This time, breaking the Asian Games record meant rewards from the city, province, and national bureau would add up nicely.

Of course, compared to future endorsements and deals, these were just pocket change.

…

…

About half an hour later, in the athletes’ rest room.

Coach Cheng had brought Xie Bingran back and was lecturing Xu Chen nonstop:

“She’s more precious than ever now—she’s a national asset, so don’t let her get so much as a scratch outside.”

“Bing Ge’s outings aren’t approved lightly—this is already bending the rules, so no issues!”

“Send me updates on your afternoon and evening plans, including meals.”

“I need to know Bing Ge’s whereabouts at all times!”

“There’s a team debrief at 10 AM tomorrow…”

“Make sure you bring her back in one piece by 9:30 AM!”

“Once we’re back home, Bing Ge has official leave arranged by the team…”

Coach Cheng laid it all out seriously for what felt like forever.

Xie Bingran stayed quiet, like she’d been through this before.

Xu Chen played the straight man perfectly, nodding earnestly and assuring Coach Cheng every step.

After setting the stage for ten minutes, Coach Cheng waved them off:

“Go on, have fun!”

Xie Bingran finally smiled a little and said:

“Thanks, Coach Cheng!”

Coach Cheng gave a warm smile and walked away.

Xie Bingran grabbed her backpack from the locker and said:

“I need to head back to the apartment first…”

Xu Chen: “Sounds good. I’m curious what the Athletes’ Village looks like anyway!”

…

Xie Bingran slung the backpack over her shoulder, looking weighed down.

Xu Chen reached out to steady it and felt how heavy it was:

“What’s in here? It’s so heavy?”

Xie Bingran: “Spikes, clothes, and water stuff.”

Xu Chen: “Want me to carry it?”

Xie Bingran eyed him and smirked:

“With your build?”

Xu Chen: “Hey, don’t underestimate me.”

Bing Ge flashed a cool smile:

“Let’s go!”

Xu Chen stared at Xie Bingran’s soft lips, his eyes full of longing, and pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her deeply…

“This is a shared rest room—someone could walk in…”

But Xu Chen didn’t let go, lost in the moment.

…

…

The Athletes’ Village was built new for the Asian Games.

Most of the buildings would be torn down after the event, leaving just a couple as landmarks.

For an oil-rich nation, it wasn’t a big waste.

A shuttle bus wound through the athletes’ apartment area with Xu Chen and Xie Bingran on board.

The driver up front was clearly from South Asia.

They sat side by side, and Xie Bingran slipped her hand into Xu Chen’s quietly…

“Are you tired? You just came off the track.”

“Not really—race days are easier; it’s over once you run.”

“Are your legs sore?”

“Not yet, maybe later…”

That answer seemed to excite Xu Chen, and he grinned:

“Then I’ll give you a massage tonight…”

“Your thighs and calves and all…”

Xie Bingran blinked wide-eyed, then blushed and pulled her hand away.

…

Xu Chen found the village sights fresh as they passed by.

The apartment zones here were designed by artists, split into different themes and styles.

As a visitor, Xu Chen only got in thanks to Bing Ge.

He flipped through a map booklet and learned the village was divided into areas like ‘Orchid,’ ‘Sky,’ ‘Beach,’ and ‘Forest.’

Dozens of buildings dotted the landscape in various shapes.

They housed athletes, coaches, and support teams for the Games.

…

The bus stopped in front of an eight-story building in the ‘Forest Zone.’

As they headed inside, Xie Bingran mentioned:

“This whole building is ours—it’s the largest in the village…”

In every Asian Games, the China delegation always has the most participants.

They dominate the medal tables too.

China’s team never lacks for gold.

But breaking Asian Games records is rare for the team or the event.

That’s why Bing Ge’s gold medal is truly priceless.

No wonder Coach Cheng calls her a ‘national asset.’

Walking hand in hand with Xie Bingran, Xu Chen felt a surge of pride.

…

A few minutes later, in the suite on the sixth floor.

A large living and dining area led to three bedrooms.

Bing Ge had the biggest room to herself.

The other two were shared.

“Bing Ge really gets the VIP treatment,” Xu Chen joked.

…

The room was spacious, with a simple, clean hotel vibe—no over-the-top luxury.

“Give me a minute; I need to rinse off the sweat.”

Xie Bingran slipped off her track jacket, still in her race tank top underneath.

Water rushed in the background…

Xu Chen picked up an orange from the fruit bowl and started peeling it.

In just a few minutes, Bing Ge was out, changed into fresh light athletic wear.

Her hair was still a bit damp; she casually swept it back, revealing her striking features.

Xu Chen remembered high school when she was just ‘Bing Ge,’ wearing that black oversized jacket and sweeping her hair back like that…

He stepped forward and popped an orange segment into her mouth.

“Hungry?”

Xie Bingran chewed the orange, mumbling:

“Not really.”

Xu Chen thought her moving lips were adorable and fed her a few more pieces.

…

As Xie Bingran went to grab clean sneakers from her bag, Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Try mine on!”

Xie Bingran paused: “Huh?”

Xu Chen pulled his backpack over and took out the pair of ‘Ran Bing 001’ shoes.

They weren’t in a box—just wrapped in a hotel laundry bag.

He drew them out and held them up with a grin.

Xie Bingran recognized them right away from the designs he’d shared before.

“These are for you. Like them?”

Xu Chen said casually.

Xie Bingran cradled them in her hands and nodded gently.

“I like them.”

Xu Chen explained the design details like he was showing off treasure.

Xie Bingran listened closely, her big eyes blinking.

“Try them on!” Xu Chen said, eager.

“Okay.”

He had her sit on the bed and took the shoes from her.

Xie Bingran realized he was going to put them on for her.

She tucked her feet in their cloth slippers, head down, a touch shy.

“I can do it myself…”

But Xu Chen was already kneeling in front of her, not taking no for an answer.

He lifted one of her small legs and slid off the slipper.

Revealing a delicate, pale foot…

Xu Chen paused, mesmerized, and gently held it.

Xie Bingran bit her lip, her face flushing red.

She tried to pull back, but Xu Chen wouldn’t let go.

He cradled her foot in his hands.

So soft, so smooth…

Xu Chen felt something tender stir inside him.

…

He remembered that rundown track.

He’d bought her running shoes back then, wanting to replace her old, dirty canvas ones.

The moment he knelt, she shrank back, her expression full of fear and self-doubt.

…

It was a stormy afternoon on that same beat-up track.

Xie Bingran sat against the chipped wall, barefoot, clutching the shoes he’d given her like they were gold.

He leaned down to pat her head, and she looked up with tears in her eyes…

As heavy rain poured down, they dashed across the cinder track.

She’d rather run barefoot than let mud touch the shoes he’d given her.

…

Xu Chen saw those shoes once more later.

In her dorm at the Minhang training base.

In the closet hung a dark gray jacket—his.

And inside that, another jacket—a black, oversized one, Bing Ge’s…

Beneath them sat the red running shoes he’d given her.

…

…

…

Xie Bingran sat still, hands gripping the bed edge.

With her foot in Xu Chen’s hands, she felt exposed, vulnerable.

She couldn’t move, her breath caught.

It was embarrassing, overwhelming, yet strangely comforting.

…

…

Xu Chen looked up, gazing into her watery eyes.

So beautiful…

She bit her lip, looking timid, fragile, lost.

Where was the fearless Bing Ge?

But Xu Chen loved it.

…

He knelt there, straightened up, and finally released her foot.

He cupped her face, staring into those big, shimmering eyes and her soft, inviting lips.

“You look so tempting…”

Xie Bingran blinked, a wave of unexpected emotion washing over her.

She met his eyes for a moment, then leaned in.

And planted a gentle kiss on his cheek.

…