28.farewell

Hayden raised his head in confusion and surprise, "Kill her? How is that possible?"

"She came to me in person, crying and saying that someone was waiting outside her house every day to kill her. I want to know, is this your idea, or did your manager decide to do this on his own?"

"She came to find you? How could she do that? I already gave her so much money, and she promised me that she would never disturb you!" Hayden said angrily.

"Forget about that for now, just tell me—does this killing plan have anything to do with you?" Xiaowan grabbed his arm tightly, staring at him with determination. "I want to know if the man I once loved has turned into a ruthless bastard who would stop at nothing to get what he wants!"

The man she once loved? Hayden's eyes reddened again as he shook his head vigorously. "Of course not. The manager only suggested that I give Aisha a large sum of money and have her abort the baby, hoping that you would come back to me. I left it to him to handle, and I didn't expect him to escalate it to this extent."

At this point, both of them understood. It must have been the team's manager who approached Aisha, but since she refused to give up the child, the manager resorted to more extreme measures.

Hayden continued, "Don't worry, Xiaowan. I'll talk to the manager and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid to Aisha. I may not like her or her baby, but I'm not heartless enough to go that far."

Xiaowan nodded. "That's good. But it's still not enough. You need to learn to love your child, to be a good father. Most importantly, you need to get yourself together, get back to playing basketball. You haven't played since the last time we saw each other at the court. What's going on? Is it because of your injuries?"

"It's just some minor injuries, nothing serious," Hayden said, looking at her gratefully. "You still care about my games?"

Xiaowan paused before replying, "Of course I do. I'm worried that after seeing me, you won't be able to focus on playing well. But now, you're not even playing at all. Hayden, you've made me carry so many burdens, insults, and things that I shouldn't have had to bear. Can I ask you to pull yourself together, show your fans your true strength, and let me finally free myself from your shadow?"

Hayden, holding back his pain, nodded vigorously, tears welling up in his eyes. "I will. I promise I'll recover quickly, and I'll never let you get hurt because of me again."

"We've already broken up. You can't hurt me anymore," Xiaowan took a deep breath. "Alright, we've said everything we needed to. You can go now. Hurry up and take care of Aisha's situation, or your manager might do something irreversible. Goodbye."

The way she said "goodbye" was heavy, and Hayden heard the finality in it. He rubbed his eyes, holding back tears, then stood up.

"Before I go, Xiaowan, I want to ask you… do you remember how we first met?" Hayden's once bright blue eyes were filled with tears, but he forced a smile as he asked.

Xiaowan looked at him for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "Of course I remember. It was the game between your team and the Blue Zheng team. During halftime, you were practicing shooting three-pointers, but suddenly you saw me on the sidelines. The ball you were holding hit the rim, and then it bounced back and hit you in the head. You sat down hard on the ground, and the whole crowd laughed."

Hayden lowered his head and laughed, "Yeah, at that moment, the only thing on my mind was that I had to marry that girl. And I still think the same now. I always will. Goodbye, Xiaowan."

"Goodbye," Xiaowan said hoarsely, watching his tall, strong figure fade away from her life, never to appear again.

A moment later, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and buried her face in her arm. The beautiful memories of her time with Hayden gently slid into her mind, like a tragic silk ribbon—

It was in March of last year. At that time, Xiaowan had just broken up with her previous boyfriend two weeks ago, and she was feeling very down. Her bandmate, Maggie, suggested they go watch an NBA game together to cheer her up. Xiaowan, curious, asked, "You never watched these games before, why the sudden interest?"

Maggie blushed and stammered, saying that she had a favorite player on the drone team and wanted to see him play in person. Xiaowan naturally wouldn't refuse her friend's request, so she spent a lot of money buying three expensive court-side tickets to get closer to the player Maggie liked.

Originally, she had planned to buy four tickets and invite Pine and Lengqing along, but during that time, Lengqing's mysterious father came to the U.S. to find him, and since Lengqing didn't want to see him, he hid away. In the end, only the three of them went to the game.

The atmosphere on the game day was lively. Everyone knew that the drone team's NBA rankings had been at the bottom for the past few years, so the local fans didn't pay much attention to their team. Every time there was a game, if the court was filled to one-third capacity, the organizers would pop champagne to celebrate.

However, this year, the team's manager decided to make a big push and recruited a very talented first-round draft pick, Hayden Shawn. At first, people were skeptical, thinking he was overpaid for his ability, but soon, he silenced those critics with his performance. In his debut game, he scored 56 points on his own and created many assists for his teammates, helping the team win 109-78. In every following game, Hayden performed exceptionally well, leading the team to a nine-game winning streak, a great achievement for a team that couldn't even make it into the playoffs before.

N City's fans couldn't help but get excited, feeling that Hayden had saved their local team and was their new hope. Everyone flocked to watch him play, and for the first time, the tickets for the drone team were in such high demand that it became nearly impossible to get one.

In this situation, Xiao Wan naturally thought that the star Marqi liked must be Hayden Shawn. So when the players entered the court, she poked Marqi's arm and whispered, "Hey, your idol is out."

Marqi, blushing, shook her head. "I… I'm not here to see Hayden."

"Huh?" Xiao Wan raised an eyebrow and asked, "Then who are you here to see?"

Marqi, embarrassed, quickly pointed at the black-and-white mixed-race player standing next to Hayden and quietly said, "I'm here to see him."

Xiao Wan, who hadn't watched the game before, quickly searched for the player's name on the screen above, finally spotting it—Arnold. He had been recruited along with Hayden and was his right-hand man on the team, a supporting player. Although Arnold wasn't as dazzling as Hayden, it was clear that he was a reliable, low-key type, and he had a calm and handsome appearance.

Xiao Wan couldn't help but pat Marqi on the back and smiled, "Not bad, you've got good taste. A steady man like that is reliable. Pai En, don't you think I'm right?"

However, Pai En, sitting next to her, frowned and sulked, resting his chin in his hand. "How can you tell from just one glance? Maybe this guy's steadiness is all an act."

Xiao Wan looked at Pai En thoughtfully, then glanced at Marqi and immediately understood what was happening—Oh my god, Pai En had fallen for Marqi! When did this happen? It was all her fault for becoming so out of touch with the band when she was in relationships, and now this huge thing had happened without her knowing!

To be honest, Xiao Wan thought that Marqi and Pai En would be a great couple. After all, they'd known each other for so long and understood each other well. Xiao Wan believed Pai En was a good man who could take care of Marqi. But love wasn't about fitting together based on someone else's opinion, and Marqi might not feel the same way. So she didn't say much, letting Marqi decide for herself.

At the same time, she couldn't help but worry about Marqi's feelings. Arnold was an NBA star, and they lived in entirely different worlds, with no intersection between their lives. How would Marqi ever get to know Arnold?

As Xiao Wan was deep in thought, the opportunity suddenly came running toward her.

During the halftime break, the drone team players were warming up on the court. Several teammates decided to have a shooting contest to see who could make the most accurate three-point shots, so one by one, they began shooting.

When it was Arnold's turn, Marqi couldn't help but nervously grip Xiao Wan's wrist. She watched as the ball flew into the basket and sighed in relief, quietly saying to Arnold, "That was amazing."

"Speak up, he can't hear you like that." Xiao Wan patted her back and whistled, shouting, "Arnold!"

Then she quickly crouched down behind Marqi.

When Arnold heard someone call his name, he looked toward the sideline and naturally saw Marqi. She blushed and mustered up the courage to shout, "Arnold! You're amazing!"

He simply nodded politely in her direction before turning back to continue practicing.

Marqi's shoulders slumped in disappointment. Xiao Wan noticed that Arnold had ignored her friend and immediately got angry. She whistled again, "Hey!"

However, Arnold didn't hear her, but Hayden, who was walking over to take a shot, did. He casually glanced toward Xiao Wan, then turned his attention back to the basket. But just as he was about to shoot, he suddenly seemed to come to his senses, staring intently at Xiao Wan with his striking blue eyes.

Xiao Wan was momentarily taken aback by his gaze, wondering why his expression looked so startled. Hayden, still in the shooting stance, continued to stare at her without moving.

It wasn't until a teammate called out to him, "Hayden, are you scared to compete?" that he snapped out of it. He hurriedly tossed the ball toward the basket, but it hit the rim and bounced back, smacking him in the face.

There was a loud "thud," and the 1.98-meter-tall figure was knocked back more than two meters, stumbling before sitting down on the ground.

The crowd erupted in laughter, as it's common for players to fall during a game due to collisions, but for Hayden to miss a three-point shot and fall over was rather comical.

Embarrassed by the laughter, Hayden smiled awkwardly. However, after standing up, he continued to stare at Xiao Wan with those captivating eyes.

Having dealt with many men, Xiao Wan quickly understood the intensity in Hayden's gaze. She rolled her eyes and gave him the finger, silently telling him, "Stop staring and play your game."

Hayden, embarrassed, scratched his head and hurriedly went back to warming up.

Soon after, the second half of the game began. Hayden entered the court with even more determination than before, leading the team in attack. Within a few minutes, he had scored several points, and the fans cheered excitedly. Although Xiao Wan didn't know much about basketball, she could sense that Hayden's charm had communicated the beauty and excitement of the game to everyone in the arena.

Even her own downcast mood gradually lifted, thanks to his smooth, charismatic shots.

By the end of the game, Hayden once again led the team to victory. The entire arena erupted in cheers, and fans seemed to believe that with Hayden in this form, the NBA championship would undoubtedly belong to the drone team this year, a team that had never won the championship in its history.

The fans didn't want to leave and kept chanting Hayden's name. Xiao Wan, however, wasn't in the mood and left with Marqi and Pai En early. Since Arnold hadn't responded to Marqi, her spirits had been low the entire time.

Xiao Wan comforted her, saying, "Don't be sad. If you really like him, I can help you get his contact information."

Marqi shook her head, feeling down. "Forget it. I'm too ordinary. Someone as amazing as him would never look at me. Xiao Wan, if only I were as beautiful and radiant as you."

"Silly girl, stop saying that! Who says you're ordinary?" Xiao Wan pinched her cheek. "You're so kind and lovely; in my eyes, you're the most beautiful and dazzling!"

Pai En quickly joined in, saying, "Exactly! Marqi… Marqi, you're the best! That NBA star has no taste. We won't care about him! There will be… there will be a good man who'll take care of you for a lifetime."

At the last part, Pai En blushed, but Marqi, oblivious to his unusual expression, felt encouraged by her friends' support.

Just as Xiao Wan was about to take them out for a late-night snack, she suddenly heard a car horn from behind.

She turned around and saw a Lamborghini slowly driving toward her. The person in the car stepped out, and the tall and handsome figure of Haydn Shawn appeared in front of the three of them.

Maqi couldn't help but exclaim, and exchanged a look with Paen. They immediately guessed that he must be here to find Xiaowan.

The two of them discreetly stepped back a few paces, making space for Xiaowan.

"U-um, excuse me, miss, h-hi, I am—" Haydn stammered in his self-introduction.

Xiaowan smirked and interrupted him, "I know who you are. Aren't you the idiot who just hit your own head with the ball?"

Haydn froze for a moment, then laughed charmingly, blushing slightly. "Yeah, that's me. I know you might not believe it, but when I saw you on the court just now, my mind went blank and all I could think about was your face, that's why I… um, acted so awkwardly. Anyway, let me formally introduce myself. Hello, I'm Haydn Shawn, 23 years old, a graduate of the University of Texas, and currently a small forward for the N City Drone team."

Xiaowan responded confidently, "Lin Xiaowan, 20 years old, a student at the N City Academy of Arts and Media, and my side hustle is being a street singer."

"A street singer? You're amazing, I can't sing at all." Haydn looked at Xiaowan's bright blue eyes, filled with admiration. "I know this might be sudden, but… would it be possible for me to invite you for a late-night snack?"

Xiaowan glanced at her watch and shook her head. "It's too late, and I'll gain weight if I eat late."

Paen and Maqi immediately teased from behind, "Don't listen to her, big star! She won't sleep until she eats ten roasted chickens every night!"

"Yeah, she's such a foodie!"

Xiaowan quickly turned around and glared at them, signaling with her eyes, "Stop messing with me!"

Maqi and Paen immediately fell silent but couldn't hold back their smiles.

Xiaowan fixed her hair, then looked back at Haydn, who seemed nervous, and said, "Never mind the late-night snack, but I don't mind going to see a late-night movie."

"A movie? S-sure! No problem! I love watching movies too!" Haydn quickly moved to open the car door for her. "Let's go, I know a cinema with a great atmosphere."

Xiaowan sat in the car and leaned against the window, calling out to Paen, "Take care of Maqi, okay?"

"Yeah, don't worry! Forget about the previous guy and go enjoy your love life!" Paen shouted back.

Xiaowan gave them a helpless glance, fastened her seatbelt, and turned to Haydn. "Let's go, big star."

On the way to the cinema, the two chatted casually. Xiaowan had intended to ask Haydn for Arnold's contact information, but Haydn told her that Arnold had a long-term girlfriend. Upon hearing this, Xiaowan gave up on the idea and began to observe the man beside her.

Her keen sense soon detected something different about Haydn. It's well known that many NBA players, while passionate about basketball, enter the fiercely competitive league primarily due to financial struggles, aiming to earn money for their families. But Xiaowan didn't sense that desperation in Haydn. He seemed to live comfortably, even though he wore high-end brands, he didn't flaunt them like other stars and appeared very natural.

So, she asked, "Your family must be well-off, right? NBA is so tough, doesn't your family worry about you and try to stop you?"

Haydn smiled. "Not at all. My parents have always supported whatever I do. They said if I love basketball, I should do my best and show them some results."

Xiaowan couldn't help but think of something, her gaze dimmed, and she quietly asked, "They support you no matter what? What if you dated a gold digger, would they still be okay with it?"

Haydn turned to her, confused. "Why do you say that?"

Xiaowan answered expressionlessly, "Because I am a gold digger. I broke up with my last boyfriend because his mother looked down on people like me. So if you want to pursue me, I think you should know that."

Haydn suddenly slammed the brakes, pulling the car to the side of the road.

Xiaowan's heart sank, thinking he was going to kick her out of the car. But the next moment, he placed his hand firmly on her shoulder and said with determination, "If she's a girl I like, I wouldn't mind whether she's a gold digger. But I can see that you're not as bad as you say you are. Please believe me, neither I nor my family will judge you like your ex's family did."

Xiaowan stared at him for a few seconds, then pushed his hand away and said, somewhat annoyed, "We've only known each other for a few minutes, what do you know about me? You're probably just trying to get me into bed tonight, pretending to be mature and saying all these nice things."

"Wh-what? No, no! I admit I was a bit hasty inviting you for a late-night snack, but I never intended to treat you so frivolously!"

Xiaowan gave him a sideways glance, "Oh, so you mean you weren't planning to sleep with me then?"

"Of course I want—no, no, I mean, I'm a man, of course, I'd want that… but not now… not tonight…"

Seeing Haydn fumbling, his handsome face turning red like a tomato, Xiaowan finally laughed out loud. "Alright, I won't make it hard for you, let's just drive or we'll miss the movie."

"Okay…" Haydn sighed in relief and quickly started the car again.

A little while later, they arrived at the cinema Haydn had mentioned. As they got out of the car, Xiaowan curiously asked, "Don't you need to wear sunglasses or disguise yourself? What if your fans recognize you?"

Haydn scratched his head and laughed, "No need, I'm not that famous yet, no one really recognizes me on the street."

Here's the translation of the text you provided:

"Really? But I think it won't be long before you become the most famous NBA star," Xiao Wan said while walking up to the ticket machine, and added, "Come over and buy the tickets, what are you waiting for? As a gold digger, I won't be paying for the tickets."

"Don't say that about yourself," Hayden looked at her helplessly and with pity, then walked over and asked, "What movie do you want to see?"

"Alien," Xiao Wan replied. "At night, it's best to watch a classic sci-fi horror film like that."

Hayden's finger froze on the screen, and he swallowed nervously. "Alien? Uh… Actually, there are some good romance films here. Maybe you should consider one of those?"

Xiao Wan gave him a sharp look and smiled, "What's the matter? Are you scared to watch it?"

"No, no way, I'm a grown man! I watched this movie when I was little," Hayden said with a serious face, then quickly bought the tickets. With his chest out, he said bravely to Xiao Wan, "Let's go, the movie is about to start."

"Mmm-hmm," Xiao Wan replied, following him into the dimly lit theater.

The movie soon began, but Xiao Wan, instead of focusing on the big screen, was paying more attention to Hayden's reactions, since she had already seen Alien countless times. When the cannon fodder in the film tried to interact with the Alien eggs and was attacked by a terrifying face-hugger, Xiao Wan clearly saw Hayden's strong body tremble.

She couldn't help but stifle a laugh and leaned toward his ear, "If you're really scared, I can hold you."

Hayden immediately scoffed and patted his own shoulder, trying to act calm. "What are you talking about? I'm not scared! You're a girl, if you're scared, you can lean on my shoulder."

"Mmm-hmm," Xiao Wan replied casually, then leaned back in her seat and secretly observed his expression. She had expected that as the plot progressed, Hayden would get even more frightened, but surprisingly, he actually held it together through the whole film.

When the movie ended and they left the theater, he only looked a bit pale but seemed fine otherwise. Xiao Wan was about to praise him for being brave when a sudden "bang" echoed from behind. She turned around to find Hayden, eyes rolled back, collapsed on the ground.

Xiao Wan rushed over and patted his face. "Hayden, Hayden!"

The half-conscious NBA star didn't wake up. He mumbled, "Don't be scared, Xiao Wan, you can lean on my shoulder."

Xiao Wan froze for a second, almost wanting to laugh at him for still trying to act tough at a time like this, but the unexpected warmth in her heart made her eyes redden. She quickly pinched his philtrum, and as expected, Hayden groaned and opened his eyes. His blue eyes were full of confusion. "Xiao Wan, what happened? What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing," Xiao Wan gently touched his face. "Silly, if you're scared of horror films, you don't have to watch them with me."

Hayden smiled embarrassedly, holding her hand that was covering his face, and said softly and sincerely, "I am scared, but if it's your favorite, no matter how scared I am, I'll watch it with you."

…

Sweet memories slowly faded from her mind.

Xiao Wan had thought she would cry many sorrowful, regretful tears, but after calming down from the memories, she could only feel a sense of resigned helplessness.

Then suddenly, a gentle smile of Chen Xin flashed across her mind.

Xiao Wan immediately froze, her eyes widening as she sat up straight. To her shock, there was someone sitting in front of her! She instinctively clutched her chest in fear, but when she saw who it was, her surprised emotions quickly turned into disdain.

There, sitting arrogantly in front of her, was Ye Chen, holding a cigarette, looking at her with a mocking expression. "So, old feelings resurfacing? Did you cry your heart out just now, and now you want to crawl back into that NBA idiot's bed?"