Chapter 55: Sports Day Antics and a Playful Flirtation

Driven by the need for last-minute cramming, Lin Duo and Shen Jing’an opted to remain in their dorm room rather than returning home. The study materials provided by the arts department senior proved exceptionally practical, so much so that Shen Jing’an made a copy for herself.

The two friends settled at opposite ends of their shared desk, reviewing and discussing the material together.

Whenever they encountered a problem neither of them could solve, they had the option of seeking assistance from Fu Xueqin, the vice-class monitor in the adjacent dorm room. Not only did she excel academically, but she also possessed an admirable patience when explaining concepts.

Finally, Wednesday dawned. Since the midterm exams were not considered particularly vital, there were virtually no breaks between sessions. One test swiftly followed another, and all subjects were completed within a single day.

After the final examination concluded, their form teacher, Lu Yusheng, entered the classroom.

“Given that the school sports meet commences tomorrow,” he announced, “and to ensure everyone gets adequate rest and preparation, evening self-study sessions are cancelled for the next few days!”

“Oh yeah!” A wave of cheers erupted from the students below.

However, their form teacher had more to say. “The school sports meet will begin tomorrow morning at 9 AM and conclude around 4 PM the day after. I would like you all to return to the classroom at that time. I’ve invited a few students from previous batches—your senior schoolmates—who will share their insights on high school studies and life experiences.”

Having delivered his message, Lu Yusheng paid no mind to the various discussions bubbling amongst the students. After offering a few more brief instructions, he departed the classroom.

****

The school sports meet was exclusively for first and second-year high school students, featuring a multitude of events. With participation being the primary focus, roughly half the students in Lin Duo’s Class 5 had signed up for at least one event.

Lin Duo, however, was not among them. Given that her body was prone to stumbling even from excessive walking, participating in running or high jump was entirely out of the question.

With exams freshly concluded, most students were in a mood for relaxation, forming small groups of two or three to wander around campus. They drifted from one event to another, drawn by whatever caught their interest.

Sun Shida, however, proved an exception. He was found sitting in a cool, shaded spot, clutching a textbook—a solitary scholar seemingly detached from the world around him.

While Lin Duo had no athletic event to participate in, she was entrusted with a different mission. She had rallied Shen Jing’an and two other familiar female classmates to form the ‘Class 5 Special Support Squad.’

Their dedicated role was to cheer on their class’s athletes, deliver towels, and provide water, handling all the small but crucial tasks.

Cai Jingyao, a true athletic talent, had signed up for three events—the maximum allowed for any student.

Presently, the 1000-meter middle-distance run was about to commence, and Cai Jingyao stood by the trackside, meticulously warming up. Dressed in an athletic vest and shorts, his distinct muscle definition was clearly visible, drawing a crowd of admiring girls from other classes.

“Go, Cai Jingyao!”

“You’re the best, handsome!”

“Bring honor to our class!”

The final shout belonged to Lin Duo, who, after all, was the leader of the support squad. Coincidentally, Cai Jingyao possessed excellent hearing, managing to pinpoint Lin Duo’s voice amidst the cacophony of sounds. He flashed her a brilliant smile and made a V-sign.

Although it was merely a school sports meet, there were still several formidable competitors. To his disappointment, Cai Jingyao only managed to secure third place.

Nevertheless, according to the rules, third place still contributed points to the class’s overall score. The classes with the highest total points would ultimately receive commendations from the principal, making his achievement far from negligible.

Encouraged by the surrounding girls, Lin Duo approached Cai Jingyao, holding a prepared wet towel. She shyly extended it towards him.

“You worked hard,” she said. “Wipe your sweat!”

Cai Jingyao, striving to steady his ragged breathing, managed to force out a mischievous grin.

“No, I can’t,” he playfully protested. “I’m so exhausted, I can’t even lift my arm. Could you help me wipe the sweat?”

“You! Don’t be such a rogue!” Lin Duo retorted, stamping her foot in feigned anger.

To Lin Duo’s surprise, Shen Jing’an was the first to “defect” from behind her.

“Oh, come on,” Shen Jing’an cajoled. “He just ran such a long distance, of course he’s tired! Just help him out a little.”

“Exactly! That’s right!” The remaining two members of the support squad enthusiastically chimed in.

Finding herself isolated and without allies, Lin Duo reluctantly conceded.

“Alright, alright, I’ll wipe,” she grumbled. “But don’t blame me if it’s not perfectly clean.”

Cai Jingyao stood at an impressive height of at least 183 centimeters, while Lin Duo barely reached 160. Consequently, she had to stand on her tiptoes just to reach the crown of his head.

Her school uniform collar brushed perilously close to his chest, and an unmistakable wave of masculine pheromones washed over her, causing Lin Duo’s heart to accelerate uncontrollably.

During this process of wiping his sweat, Cai Jingyao’s hands remained still, yet his nose twitched vigorously twice. He wore a look of utter intoxication.

“So fragrant!” he exclaimed.

“Pah! Wipe it yourself!” Lin Duo retorted, unceremoniously flinging the towel directly onto his face.

Cai Jingyao chuckled as he picked up the towel. “I was talking about the delicious scent of the food from the cafeteria. Where did your imagination wander off to? Ah, I’m so parched, I feel like I’m going to die of thirst! Will no one save me?”

“Just keep pretending!” Lin Duo scoffed, handing him the prepared bottled water.

However, after twisting off the cap, Cai Jingyao didn’t drink. Instead, he poured the entire bottle directly over his head, not forgetting to stylishly flick his hair afterwards. This act was met with a chorus of infatuated screams from the surrounding girls.

Lin Duo felt her task was complete and was about to leave when Cai Jingyao called out to her.

“Hey,” he said, “I practically risked my life to get this third place. Isn’t there some kind of special reward for me?”

“A reward? What kind of reward are you looking for?” Lin Duo turned back, her curiosity piqued.

Cai Jingyao deliberately placed a finger to his lips, then winked playfully at Lin Duo.

“You pervert!” Lin Duo’s cheeks flushed crimson, turning her face into a ripe red apple.

Shen Jing’an, ever one to enjoy a good spectacle, skipped over to Lin Duo’s side and said with a mischievous grin:

“Classmate Cai, you only managed third place, which isn’t quite good enough! If you’re hoping for a sweet kiss from our Classmate Lin, you’ll need to secure first place at the very least!”

“Is that truly a promise?” Cai Jingyao’s eyes immediately began to sparkle with renewed vigor.

Lin Duo, feeling a surge of annoyance, swung her small fist playfully at her mischievous roommate.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” she exclaimed. “Today, I’m definitely going to teach you a good lesson!”

From his position, Cai Jingyao merely let out a hearty laugh.

“Well then, I’ll have to redouble my efforts from now on!” he declared. “I’m determined to bring home a first-place finish. I’m going to head to the classroom to rest for a bit. See you later!”

Watching Cai Jingyao sprint away in a flash, Lin Duo’s irritation intensified, shifting entirely to her roommate. She fiercely pinched Shen Jing’an’s cheek.

“Why are you so talkative?” Lin Duo demanded. “If you want to kiss someone, go do it yourself! Don’t drag me into it!”

“Stop, stop, stop!” Shen Jing’an cried out, beginning to beg for mercy. “My face is going to swell from all your pinching!”

She quickly explained, “Oh, come on, it was just a bit of playful encouragement! Why take it so seriously? Besides, you wouldn’t be losing out by kissing such a handsome, sunny guy who excels in both academics and sports!”

“You wicked girl!” Lin Duo declared, pinching even harder.

****

With no immediate events involving Class 5 students, the support squad temporarily disbanded. Lin Duo and Shen Jing’an decided to stroll around, observing the competitions from other classes.

The three-meter pole vault event currently drew the largest crowd, as it was undeniably a sport requiring significant technical skill.

Watching the athletes soar through the air like birds, Lin Duo’s mouth involuntarily fell open in awe. “That’s incredible!” she gasped. “If I had to jump that high, I’d be absolutely terrified.”

“Indeed, the landing posture is incredibly important,” a voice chimed in. “Otherwise, it’s quite easy to sustain a spinal injury.”

The response didn’t come from Shen Jing’an, but rather from an unfamiliar boy wearing the distinct uniform colors of a second-year student.

Lin Duo scrutinized him with a hint of curiosity. “Do you know me?” she asked.

The boy shook his head. “No, I don’t,” he admitted. “But I’ve been noticing you since a while ago. I never expected to find such a beautiful and charming freshman standing right beside me. Would you mind exchanging contact information?”

‘Ah, a pickup attempt!’ Lin Duo realized, her expression shifting. Naturally, she politely declined.

“I’m sorry, senior,” she replied, “but all my focus right now is on my studies.”

The boy, apparently valuing his reputation, didn’t press the issue further after her refusal. He simply turned his attention back to the ongoing competition.

Shen Jing’an, who had overheard the entire exchange from the side, couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy. Her hand, without warning, slipped under Lin Duo’s short skirt and rested on her thigh, giving it two playful squeezes.

“Hmph,” she muttered, “we’re practically the same height, yet your thighs are so long and white! You truly are a captivating little imp!”

“Hey, hey, this is a public place!” Lin Duo whispered urgently, swiftly batting away Shen Jing’an’s playful hand. Fortunately, everyone else’s gaze was fixed on the airborne athletes, so no one had noticed their brief interaction below.