After everything was tidied up, the dim light softened the atmosphere in the classroom. One by one, the team members left and turned towards the outside world. Just as everyone stepped over the threshold, Chen Yong suddenly suggested, his voice echoing in the clear air, "How about we all have a meal together today? Let's celebrate the addition of a new member to our team." This proposal was immediately met with a positive response.
For a moment, everyone's faces lit up with hopeful smiles, except for Lin Fei, who felt a bit awkward. However, seeing the expectant looks on everyone's faces, he could only agree with a smile.
Li Wei first expressed his thoughts, "I want to eat at Cai's Steakhouse. It's been a long time since I've been there." As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng You immediately jumped in, "Don't be kidding, it's always Cai's. Let's try something different, how about going to Da Jing Teppanyaki?"
The small dispute between the two quickly escalated into a passionate argument, with both of them confronting each other, just like a battle of attack and defense. Chen Yong watched this scene, shook his head, and showed a wry smile on his face. That expression was like watching two mischievous children, not knowing whether to cry or laugh.
At this moment, Liu Xing turned to Lin Fei with a hint of a smile and lightly patted his shoulder, asking, " Lin Fei, is there anything you'd like to eat?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Lin Fei didn't really have a preference, but seeing the expectant looks from everyone, he felt he should say something. After all, it was a good opportunity to deepen their friendship. He cleared his throat and said, "Actually, I'm not very familiar with this area. How about we go for something everyone can accept, like stir-fry or hot pot?"
As soon as the words fell, everyone's eyes showed agreement. Chen Yong was the first to respond: "Good idea! This way everyone can have more choices and have a more enjoyable conversation." So, the group happily headed towards the direction of dinner, about to start the first team dinner with the new member.
As they walked, Chen Yong seemed suddenly interested in Lin Fei's past. He turned around with a curious look in his eyes and asked, "How come you're not familiar with this place? Did you just move to Fenggu City recently?" Lin Fei nodded and slowly replied, "I used to live in East Bay City."
This simple sentence is like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. The noisy teammates quieted down, their eyes focused on Lin Fei as if suddenly discovering a bright color in the ordinary scenery. Zheng You was particularly unable to hide his shock, his voice sounding particularly loud in the quiet corridor: "Wow, turns out it's a big shot from the capital! How did you end up in our little place?" He tried to use exaggerated tone and expression to diffuse the sudden awkwardness, but this attempt brought about an invisible pressure.
Lin Fei's smile seemed forced, his eyes not making direct eye contact with anyone, as if avoiding certain unspeakable memories. "There are some things at home," his words were brief, like an invisible barrier that prevented further probing.
Everyone also felt the sensitivity of the topic. Teammates glanced at each other, then unanimously withdrew their curious gazes and silently resumed walking. But this silence was quickly broken by Liu Xing. He always found a way out in awkward atmospheres. He patted Lin Fei on the shoulder, trying to change the subject: "Speaking of East Bay City, we can't help but mention the shining star of the badminton world, Lin Rui! I remember he's also from East Bay City, right?" Liu Xing's tone was full of admiration for Lin Rui, as if saying, "East Bay City not only produced our new teammate with a story, but also the badminton hero who reached the top of the world."
Talking about the legendary figure in the badminton world, Lin Rui, everyone seemed to be caught up in excitement. Chen Yong seemed to particularly admire this player, his words filled with memories and praise for those classic match scenes: "Have you seen Lin Rui's signature move? That non-turning smash, it simply defines the word 'cool'! He always uses various tactics to control the opponent in the midcourt, and when the opponent relaxes for a moment, he suddenly jumps, and then that smash, the shuttlecock flies like lightning to the farthest corner of the opponent's court. It's too shocking, every time I see it, it feels exhilarating!"
With Chen Yong's excited description, other team members also joined the discussion, each sharing their own impressions of Lin Rui and the exciting moments they were familiar with. The enthusiastic atmosphere was like a flame ignited, spreading continuously among them.
However, Lin Fei's expression gradually turned gloomy in such an atmosphere. His gaze became distant, as if being pulled back into some memories he was unwilling to revisit. Amidst the teammates' words, Lin Fei's silence was like a dark shadow, sharply contrasting with the lively discussion. It was evident that for Lin Fei, Lin Rui was not just a badminton superstar, but also intertwined with his personal past, representing an extremely sensitive and private part of that history.
Looking at Lin Fei's expression, Liu Xing was the first to notice the unusual atmosphere. Although he didn't know why Lin Rui looked so unhappy when mentioned, he quickly tried to change the subject, coughed lightly, and inserted a topic to ease the awkward atmosphere: "Alright! Let's talk about this later. What do we want to eat, Chen Yong?"
Chen Yong at this time pulled away from Lin Rui's madness: "Yes, yes, Lin Fei just mentioned hot pot or stir-fry. I was thinking, let's have Xiao Ding Hot Pot! It's cheap and delicious, warm and nourishing, just right."
When it comes to eating, the team members immediately liven up. The choice of hot pot obviously meets with everyone's approval. For the time being, the discussion about Lin Rui is put aside, and everyone starts talking about what ingredients should be added to the hot pot and who is most afraid of spicy food. This relaxed topic helps everyone's emotions to unwind.
With the shift in topic, Lin Fei also relaxes the tension on his face. At this moment, he doesn't want to think about his past or what he is about to face.
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