Chapter 1154 - 1142: Joyful New Year’s Eve (Part 3)

Chapter 1154: Chapter 1142: Joyful New Year’s Eve (Part 3)

"OK, since no one is signing up anymore, I’ll announce the competition rules!"

With that, Demmi briefed everyone on the competition and then stepped down, joining Derek to start preparing for the contest.

There were a total of 5 groups in this competition: one middle-aged group and one youth group.

Aside from these two pairs, the remaining three groups were mixed-gender.

Demmi and Derek, needless to say, were already a confirmed couple.

Tang Xiaoquan and Wei Yang also just needed to break the thin barrier of paper between them.

Everyone could understand these pairings, but the partnership between Wang Qiang and Zhao Lina left everyone sighing in disbelief.

Usually, the two had almost no interaction except for a few occasions at dinner where Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang would toast each other.

So this normal competition surprisingly had many points of interest, and everyone hoped to learn more about Wang Qiang and Zhao Lina’s relationship through the details of the contest.

If these two were indeed involved in an ’inappropriate’ relationship, it would truly be the happiest event this New Year’s Eve.

After all, ever since the villa incident, Wang Qiang had been keeping his feelings shut off.

Even though he seemed to have no major issues, his personality had become much more stable and experienced.

But everyone knew his heart was in pain.

So everyone hoped someone could give Wang Qiang a helping hand.

And now, there seemed to be a sign. If Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang could be together, it would be the best outcome.

Because everyone believed Zhao Lina was a good woman who wouldn’t use and hurt Wang Qiang like Yang Xue did.

"Qiang, you’re tying it too loosely. I’m not worried, tie it tighter. Only when it’s tight will the throw be stable."

"Oh wow, Nana, putting in so much effort? But sorry, you’re not getting the top prize."

"Hmph! How can you be so confident?" Dai Mei raised an eyebrow, and Zhao Lina retorted warmly to Wen Quanzin.

Wen Quanzin shrugged after hearing this, "Me? No way, no way, Wu Chao and I are just here to fill in. Did you see those two pairs? Today’s champion will definitely come from them."

He pointed at Wei Yang and Tang Xiaoquan, Demmi and Derek; the intimate gestures between these two groups were touching.

"That might not be the case; in this competition, it’s hard to say who will win until the very last moment."

As the initiator of this competition, Zhao Lina wasn’t interested in winning a place; she originally just wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to Wang Qiang.

But after hearing Wen Quanzin’s remarks about winning and losing, Zhao Lina felt a bit jealous inside.

She thought: What’s that supposed to mean? Could it be that Qiang and I can’t beat them? Today I’m determined to get first place and show you all.

Love makes people blind, especially women. When a woman starts liking a man, she often becomes particularly... aggressive.

Wen Quanzin, clueless about the situation, just felt Zhao Lina was acting a bit strange today.

You should know that she typically wasn’t so competitive, but following the principle of not messing with someone you can’t afford to, Wen Quanzin sensibly kept quiet, nodded and simply proceeded with his own preparations.

Soon, the five groups completed their bindings.

From start to finish, Zhao Lina was tirelessly explaining tactics to Wang Qiang.

"Later, when I shout the commands, we’ll act together."

"Remember to aim for that big bear; it’s a clear target."

"Oh, right, remember to use force evenly; don’t exert too much, or our throws will veer off when we throw together."

One sentence after another, yet Wang Qiang never uttered a word from beginning to end, relying solely on nods to deal with the woman’s "nagging."

"Haha! Old Zhao, it looks like young Nana is determined today. Look at her spirit!" Xu Renjie stood beside Zhao Yunhai, smiling broadly as he spoke.

Hu Xiaodong happened to walk by and chimed in: "If she keeps up this energy, our team might have another pair of ’newcomers’ soon."

There’s no need to explain what "newcomers" means; Old Zhao understood too.

He didn’t respond verbally, but silently hoped in his heart: I hope things go smoothly as Hu Xiaodong predicted, with no hiccups.

After all, both Wang Qiang and Zhao Lina were important to Old Zhao, and he wouldn’t want either party to be hurt by this unclear relationship.

The competition began, quickly reaching a fervent stage.

Old Zhao and Old Lin, Wu Chao and Wen Quanzin knew they were just here for fun, so they didn’t put in much effort.

Acheng and Xiaogai, although eager to "fight," lacked coordination and were basically unlikely contenders.

Meanwhile, Demmi and Derek, despite living far apart all year, knew each other well and had no barriers, cooperating smoothly.

Coupled with the school’s shared adversity and hardship for over half a year, their bond deepened.

Compared to them, Tang Xiaoquan and Wei Yang, though also intimate, were still somewhat shy about touching each other.

However, Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang surprised everyone with their performance.

Their cooperation couldn’t be considered skilled, but Zhao Lina’s bold directions played a key role.

The score alternated up and down as the competition got fiercely intense.

Observing the progress of the three groups, none of the spectators felt any tension, instead, they all smiled brightly watching the competition area.

Why? Because it was just too funny.

Everyone’s focus was basically on Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang.

Their competition scenes were genuinely too comical, like a mother playing with her child.

"One, two, three, throw!"

"Good! Qiang, lean towards me a bit, aiming at this spot as the center point... Yes, yes, good, throw again!"

Just like that, after ten minutes of competition, the ring toss event concluded successfully, with Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang, as expected, clinching first place.

"Nana! I concede!" With hands clasped in salute, knee on the ground, Wen Quanzin hurried over to congratulate Zhao Lina after the competition.

"Hmph! I told you, victory and defeat are unpredictable! Admit it now?"

"I admit it! How could I not? My goodness, you guys managed to beat two pairs of couples; amazing! Truly amazing!"

Regardless of whether Wen Quanzin was sincere or not, being able to defeat two acknowledged couples, Zhao Lina was indescribably happy.

After all, Zhao Lina had suggested the ring toss competition, and she had drafted all the details.

From the process, it was clear the entire competition was actually designed for couples.

Now she and Wang Qiang, not a couple, had defeated two real couples.

From another perspective, could it be seen as Zhao Lina and Wang Qiang having a rapport that surpasses that of couples?

Thinking of this, Zhao Lina felt a spontaneous joy.

She immediately pulled Wang Qiang’s arm and, without reservation, said, "Let’s go! Qiang, let’s go get the prize!"