One night stand with my president (chapter 271)

 

Chapter 271: Who Won?

"Playing ball," Harrison said succinctly.

Adeline hesitated for a moment and asked,

"Should I come with you?"

Looking at his aggressive demeanor, Adeline was afraid that Harrison might end up playing against Russell rather than a game of ball.

If that happened, the PR department of the Thomson Group would indeed be swamped tomorrow.

"Are you afraid I'll get into a fight with him?"

Harrison raised an eyebrow.

Adeline gave a dry laugh.

She was indeed scared.

"If we're going, let's go together," Harrison said, starting the car. "But with you around, we might end up playing more fiercely."

Adeline's heart skipped a beat.

Harrison added, "I'm talking about the game."

Adeline was speechless.

The car stopped in front of a sports hall.

At this hour, the sports hall was nearly empty.

Adeline had expected they were going to play basketball.

She was surprised when Harrison took her to the badminton court.

Adeline thought this was better. There was less physical contact in badminton, so she was less worried about them getting into a fight.

At least with badminton, there was a net between them.

Russell was already in sports attire, waiting for Harrison.

He seemed a bit surprised to see Adeline, but he said nothing more and just nodded at her.

"Mr. Hunter." Adeline greeted him.

Harrison had already arranged for sportswear to be sent over on the way, and now he went to change in the locker room.

The court was left with just Russell and Adeline.

"You came too?" Russell asked softly.

"I just came to have a look," Adeline said with a smile. "I also want to play badminton. If I get the itch, I might play a few games."

Russell smiled.

He was actually quite happy that Adeline came.

The frustration he had felt all night seemed to vanish the moment he saw her.

Although Adeline had come with Harrison, and he knew their relationship was now closer than before, Russell was happy as long as she was happy.

Soon, Harrison returned after changing.

They picked their rackets and got ready to start.

Adeline took on the role of the referee.

"I haven't played in a while," Russell said to Harrison.

"Me neither," Harrison said, flexing his wrist.

"But you don't have to hold back," Russell said.

"I don't plan to," Harrison replied.

Russell smiled and served the shuttlecock.

The game began.

Adeline could only see the shuttlecock flying through the air.

It seemed to never come down.

After a long time, Harrison finally scored a point.

But soon, Russell scored one too.

No matter who got ahead by a point, the other would immediately even the score.

Adeline watched from the sidelines and was getting tired just from watching.

Despite this, the two continued to sweat it out on the court, showing no sign of stopping.

Harrison won the first set, and Russell won the second.

They had agreed on best-of-three sets before they started.

By the final set, both were putting in their full

effort, seemingly unaware of their exhaustion.

The game went on for a long time without ending.

At this point, Harrison noticed Adeline next to him.

She was clearly struggling to keep her eyes open, her head nodding off.

Distracted, he missed a shot from Russell.

Russell also noticed and followed Harrison's gaze.

"Let's call it a day," Harrison said.

"Okay," Russell agreed. "We'll settle the score next time."

After all, neither of them wanted to make Adeline fall asleep here.

And after having a good game with Harrison, Russell felt he had vented all his frustration.

They both put down their rackets and walked over to Adeline.

Harrison gently patted her shoulder.

"Yeah?" Adeline looked up sleepily.

Seeing both of them there, she rubbed her eyes and asked, "Who won?"

"No winner was decided," Harrison said blandly.

"Mr. Thomson was impressive," Russell said.

"Not at all. Mr. Hunter was also strong," Russell said.

Adeline listened to their mutual flattery and couldn't help but yawn.

"Let's head back," Harrison said. "I'll take a quick shower first."

"Okay," Adeline said.

Harrison quickly showered and changed.

As he and Adeline prepared to leave, Russell remained seated on a nearby bench.

"Mr. Hunter, aren't you leaving?" Adeline asked.

"I'll stay for a while," Russell said with a smile, shaking his head.

"You two go ahead."

After all, he would be alone when he returned anyway.

It was better to stay here a bit longer.

Adeline sighed.

She wanted to comfort Russell but felt that words would be powerless in this situation.

It might even reopen old wounds for Russell, so she could only leave with Harrison.

Watching their departing figures, Russell looked away with a hint of loneliness.

Perhaps sometimes, the order of appearance really did make a difference.

If Adeline had gone to the Hunter Group instead of the Thomson Group, or if he had met Adeline first, things might have been different now.

But there were no "ifs."

On the way back, Adeline was so tired that her eyelids kept drooping.

"I didn't expect you two to play for so long,"

Adeline said. "Had I known, I wouldn't have come with you."

"I didn't expect Russell to be so good," Harrison said. "It seems he's a worthy opponent, whether in business or in sports."

"Yes, you're both impressive," Adeline said absentmindedly.

Hearing this, Harrison frowned.

"Am I not better than him?" he asked.

Adeline laughed, "But you didn't decide a winner tonight. Why do you think you're better than him?"

"That's because we didn't finish the game."

"Since it's not finished, it's even harder to say who's the winner."

Hearing this, Harrison was displeased and thought, "Doesn't she think I am the best?"

Adeline looked at his tense expression and asked with a smile, "What, are you upset?"

"No," Harrison grumbled.

"Alright." Adeline soothed him. "In my eyes, you're the best, the absolute best in the world, Okay?"

Harrison's mouth involuntarily curled up.

But he said, "I don't believe you. Your words are completely insincere."

Adeline huffed and said, "If you're going to say that, then I won't say it anymore."