As Lin Jin and Qin Yi reached the school gate and swiped their access cards, the melodious broadcast music began to play.

Great, no need to go to class today—just head straight to the playground with our backpacks.

Lin Jin stole a glance at Qin Yi, the ever-calm one beside him, and that familiar wave of guilt washed over him again.

If it weren’t for waiting for him, Qin Yi wouldn’t have to awkwardly carry his backpack to the morning run.

Qin Yi, the top student of Class 331, was now rushing to the playground like a lazy, late-rising underachiever. He should’ve arrived early, dropped his bag, reviewed some texts, and strolled leisurely instead.

Even though this guy memorized books while waiting for me… damn, having such a diligent, naturally gifted best friend really makes an underachiever feel guilty.

By the way, Lin Jin’s class number was interesting. To avoid education bureau scrutiny over elite classes, the school didn’t label them "Key Class 1" or "Experimental Class 1." They placed the four elite classes—331, 332, 333, and 334—right after regular Class 330. Outsiders would think they were bottom-tier.

"Sorry again—I made you late today."

"You’ve said that many times," Qin Yi replied, breaking into a light jog. "If you truly feel ashamed, wake up earlier tomorrow. Hurry, the bell’s about to stop."

During morning exercises, the broadcast music rings twice. After the first ring, the run starts. Join late, and teachers make you run beside the formation as a public warning. This punishment worked well for lazy, thin-skinned underachievers like Lin Jin.

Luckily, he had his guardian angel: Qin Yi.

Qin Yi was the homeroom teacher’s pearl, the grade head’s treasure, and the school leaders’ apple of the eye.

So whenever Lin Jin was late with Qin Yi, Teacher Liang would grit her teeth and ignore them both—public favoritism looked bad.

"Man, it’s useless! The bell’s stopping any second. We’re definitely late. Why sprint? You’ll just pant and get a stomach cramp."

"Then I’ll go ahead," Qin Yi said, turning stern and indifferent to their friendship.

"Whoa, wait up! We can’t split—I’m counting on you to cover for me with Teacher Liang!"

Sure enough, Qin Yi’s pace slowed right after he’d sped up.

"Remember: if imagined obstacles scare you before you reach your goal, you’ll never achieve it."

Seeing his childhood friend’s serious face, Lin Jin was momentarily speechless.

This guy never changed—always feeding him a dose of inspirational talk, acting all solemn.