Chapter 109: The Holiday

Jinling, July—the height of midsummer, blazing like fire.

After a full day of training, Ma Dongmei’s weary body, coupled with the sauna-like heat, left her feeling drained as she walked along the street. Though it was the league’s off-season, Ma Dongmei was still required to maintain an intense training regimen. Originally, she had a break planned, but Fu Sansheng insisted she cut her vacation short for a period of intensified training.

Although Ma Dongmei wanted to refuse, she understood that both the team and herself needed this boost. Halfway through the season, while the Yangtze River Women’s Volleyball Team’s performance had remained relatively stable, many emerging teams had risen sharply in the new season, fiercely challenging the reigning champions. Defending the title would not be easy, especially after the team had suffered some early-season poaching of key players.

The training base offered excellent accommodations, yet after training and massages, Ma Dongmei still insisted on returning to the cozy little nest she shared with Wang Lei to rest. Even though Wang Lei was still leading the team in a rather meaningless final qualifying match and wasn’t by her side, Ma Dongmei found her home the most comfortable and warm place where she could truly relax.

Unlocking the door and stepping inside, Ma Dongmei peeled off her clothes as she walked. The heat outside had been unbearable; just a ten-minute journey left her drenched in sweat. What she wanted most now was a cold shower.

Born and raised in the capital, Ma Dongmei never hesitated to unwind as she pleased, even living alone. Her principle was simple: relax in whatever way felt best.

But just as she was about to strip completely, she noticed something was different. The house, which hadn’t been cleaned for days, was suddenly much tidier. The clothes she had carelessly tossed around were gone, and a fresh bouquet of flowers sat on the dining table in the living room.

As Ma Dongmei stood there, stunned, Wang Lei emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates of food, an apron tied around his waist.

Though they had long since been open with each other, Wang Lei was taken aback at the sight of the half-naked young woman. He knew Ma Dongmei well, but hadn’t expected her to be so uninhibited when living alone.

What followed might be better left unspoken, but the scene was unmistakable: the previously prepared dishes and plates were scattered across the floor, and a trail of clothes led from the living room to the bedroom.

Love is, after all, a communication between hearts, often expressed most vividly through physical intimacy.

Two lovers separated by distance and time always find a myriad of ways to convey their feelings through gestures when reunited.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming back. Trying to surprise me, huh? Hehe!”

“Yeah, a surprise. But, girl, next time can you be a little less wild? Even living alone, you can’t be that careless. What if a thief had come in? Even if you’re not bothered, I’d feel cheated.”

“Don’t say that; my legs are gone and I’m still that fierce? Must be all that raw beef you eat. You know how hot it is outside; I just wanted to take a shower first. Hey, weren’t you supposed to be leading the team in a match? Why are you back already?”

“It’s the last game and it doesn’t mean much. I let Xu Hui take over. Yeah, that coach from Shahezi University—he’s now my assistant coach. I thought I’d come over and surprise you. Well, your surprise ended up being bigger than mine, haha.”

“So, do you like it? Hmm, stop it—I don’t want to move at all now.”

“I’m just trying to show you with actions whether I like it or not.”

“How long can you stay? Or are you heading back to Urumqi tomorrow?”

“I gave myself a break. The kids have to return to school for exams and such. I can stay a few more days. We’ll gather in August to prepare for the National Games.”

“Ah, that’s great! Hehe, tomorrow you’ll be my sparring partner. Old Fu Yan even asked who made me change my style—I told him there was an old man who knew martial arts. Hehe.”

Couples who spend all their time together often bicker over trivial matters, but that was not the case with Wang Lei and Ma Dongmei. Their time together was short, which might have affected their intimacy, but for two people who had committed to each other, distance and time only deepened their bond because they cherished every moment together.

Wang Lei led his team to excellent results, securing qualification for the National Games final rounds two matches early. Thus, the last two games held little significance, which is why Wang Lei took leave for the final match. Everyone accepted this without objection, aware of how much he had contributed to the team. Wang Lei was truly the core of the squad.

Having chosen the path of coaching, Wang Lei took responsibility for his future, but he valued his relationship with Ma Dongmei even more. This “capital city girl” had saved him in many ways, and above all, Wang Lei genuinely adored this carefree, straightforward young woman.

Consider this: many young women in their early twenties long for their boyfriends to stay by their side constantly, indulging in endless affection and displays of love. Yet Ma Dongmei, with her simple and earnest dedication, trained and competed tirelessly, while also actively supporting her boyfriend in leading his team to success.

They say behind every successful man is a tolerant woman, but Wang Lei believed that behind every triumphant man stands a woman who neither overthinks nor hesitates, but faces life decisively.

The next morning, Wang Lei woke with a sharp ache in his back—not because he was incapable anymore, but because his opponents were truly formidable.

With excellent physical conditioning, an unpretentious character, and a love that could melt away all obstacles, Wang Lei sometimes worried he might one day become an overworked ox.

“Damn, I’m going to be late today. Old Fu Yan’s definitely going to blow a gasket.”

While washing up and checking the time, Ma Dongmei felt less anxious but knew what awaited her back at the training base.

“It’s okay, don’t worry. I’ll go with you—after all, I’m one of your coaching colleagues. Colleagues should stick together, right? Hehe.”

“Yeah, right. If you go, Old Fu Yan might yell at you too. You don’t know how fierce he is. He’s even yelled at the club owner before. That guy, I really respect him.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t yell at me. Hehe.”