Chapter 195
Levi and I followed along, and a young staff member handed us a flyer that read [In the Name of Love, Chemistry Challenge].
"Hello, this is a couple's activity our mall is hosting. The mysterious challenges will only reveal the rules for the next round after each one ends. You're welcome to give it a try."
I folded up the flyer. Levi wouldn't be interested in this kind of activity, and I didn't feel right dragging him into it. I wasn't really into it myself either.
When I was little, I was enthusiastic about all kinds of activities, but after my family fell apart, I rarely joined group activities. That explains why I had no memory of even my classmate Elliot.
"Blair, are you guys going to join?"
Nola asked me excitedly. It seemed they were interested in participating.
"I don't think so. You guys can try it, we'll just watch from the side." I glanced at Levi from the corner of my eye. He looked completely unfazed.
"Actually, I'm not that into it either, but he insisted we should have some fun while we're out. It does look pretty interesting, though. The grand prize is... what was it again?"
Just then, the girl handing out flyers came over again. She opened her phone to show us, "It's this star series diamond ring, plus matching jewelry from the same collection."
Nola and I exchanged a knowing smile. These were our company's products - the same "star" collection my wealthy husband had stocked up on at home.
The original pricing was indeed high, so as a prize for this kind of activity, it was quite substantial.
But for us, it really wasn't anything new or tempting.
"My boyfriend couldn't make it today, otherwise I'd definitely give it my all to win. I've had my eye on this jewelry collection for so long."
The young staff member's eyes were full of longing, but life circumstances meant she could only watch from the sidelines.
"Let's join."
When Levi spoke up, the three of us turned to look at him in unison. I didn't expect him to be the most interested...
"See, he wants to play too, so let's just do it."
John was egging us on, too. Did men actually enjoy these kinds of activities? I found that hard to believe...
"Alright, let's play."
Nola took my hand, "Come on, let's go line up."
The weather was a bit hot, and sweat was forming on my forehead. I hated waiting in lines - whenever I had to queue up, I got really irritable.
"Not feeling well?"
Levi was incredibly observant. I shook my head and said it was fine.
Finally, the competition started.
The host stood on stage, and after the staff brought up the props, he began to speak.
"First challenge, Sweet Treat Challenge. Whichever team finishes their desserts first proves they're the sweetest. This round will produce our top five teams."
This round would select five couples. It looked like the competition would have three rounds total.
But the first challenge was eating desserts, which Levi couldn't handle. He didn't like sweet foods, and even I felt sick just looking at this pile of treats.
"If you can't do it, let's just not participate. We can watch Nola and them play."
I touched Levi's arm, wanting to give up right there.
Levi patted my hand, "Let's try."
Nola leaned in, "Blair, you shouldn't eat. You had an upset stomach yesterday; you need to be careful. Anyway, only one person from each team has to participate."
"I..."
If I didn't eat, could Levi manage?
With the sound of a whistle, everyone started wolfing down the food. It was the first time I'd seen Levi eat so desperately.
When he finished the first piece of cake, I handed him water, but he pushed it away and continued eating the pudding with cream topping next to it.
"This is too sweet, oh my god."
John was grimacing beside us. If he found it sweet, it must be even harder for Levi.
"You'd better do well, you're the one who volunteered for this. You have to make it to the finals no matter what."
"Honey, these are really too sweet..."
Nola stuffed a marshmallow in his mouth, "Just eat quickly, don't waste time."
Levi gritted his teeth and ate silently. Watching him struggle to swallow each bite made me feel terrible.
As I looked down at the timer, Levi suddenly slapped it off and raised his hand.
"We have our first place winner."
Levi actually won first place in the dessert-eating competition!
The pressure was on everyone else. Nola kept encouraging John, and he finally made it through in fifth place.
"Have some water."
I handed him water to wash down all that sweetness.
Nola patted John's back, "Look at you. You usually eat so much, but you couldn't even beat Levi, who doesn't like sweets."
"He's really fighting for love. I work super hard for you every day, you can't judge me by just one time."
"Well, I'll watch your performance in the next round."
John swallowed the food in his mouth and patted his chest, "Just watch, I'll definitely come in first next round."
I rubbed my palms together and looked up at Levi, "Do you want to continue?"
"Yeah."
I really didn't understand why he was trying so hard. It was supposed to be just for fun, and I'd just seen him almost choke.
"Second challenge, Hug and Run. Each couple must run three laps around the venue while holding each other. The top three fastest teams advance to the next round."
After the host finished explaining, we all lined up in order.
Nola complained, "This is just a running race, how boring."
"I told you to eat less, but you wouldn't listen. You've gained six or seven pounds recently, I'm worried I won't be able to carry you." John teased.
"Maybe we shouldn't participate. Nola and I are both pregnant; it's not safe."
John nodded, "That's fine. I ate so much earlier, I'm still feeling nauseous."
Levi looked at the track with determination, "Three laps isn't long. Just hold on tight to me, it'll be fine."
"Levi, are you naturally competitive? You're really going all out." John said with his hands on his hips, laughing.
"Stop talking, it's your turn."
John swept Nola up in his arms and started running fast...
"Hey, slow down, be careful with my belly..."
"If I run slow, we won't win. I'm going to beat Levi this round!"
The two of them ran while talking, and I watched nervously from the side, afraid they might fall. Nola had worked so hard to keep the pregnancy stable just a while ago.
Levi pointed at them, "Look, those two are laughing, it's seriously slowing them down. Make sure you hold tight around my neck later, that way I'll save energy."
"Try to stay close to me, that way we won't create centrifugal force."
I looked at Levi. His eyes were completely focused on the participants. He was seriously analyzing how to win more easily. I didn't understand why he had such a strong competitive drive.
After three laps, John set Nola down and only relaxed after making sure she was sitting safely. He was breathing heavily.
"That was exhausting. I didn't know carrying someone while running would be this tiring..."
Yes, living alone is easy, but living with someone else will be exhausting if you don't stick together. That's probably the meaning of this activity - two people must work as one.