When it came to confidence, Ji Fan far surpassed Yue Feather. His social skills were also much stronger. So, in a situation where Yue Feather might hesitate, Ji Fan didn’t pause at all. He slowed down from afar and stopped right in front of Zhan Qi—bent over and helped her up.

His movements were a bit stiff, but otherwise flawless. He didn’t place his hands where a girl might feel awkward. Instead, he simply gripped her arms on both sides.

Zhan Qi didn’t know if she was embarrassed or shy. Facing Ji Fan, who stood a full head taller at 1.8 meters, she stammered, unable to form words.

“Are you okay?” Ji Fan asked for the third time. Even students who’d already run past turned back, shooting curious glances at them.

“No…” After a long pause, Zhan Qi finally choked out that single word. By now, most students had reached the finish line. It was clear neither of them would pass, so they simply walked to the edge of the field together.

“Should we go to the infirmary?”

“N-no… thanks…” Zhan Qi blushed as she spoke to Ji Fan, making her acne stand out even more vividly.

Only when they’d walked away did Yue Feather and Wei Xiaoxin look away.

“Wow, Ji Fan’s taste is really unique,” Wei Xiaoxin said, hands behind his head as he strolled toward the finish line with Yue Feather. “Liking someone that ugly.”

“Who are you calling ugly… hey,” Yue Feather retorted. He knew the words weren’t malicious, but he still disliked Wei Xiaoxin’s habit of badmouthing others behind their backs.

“She’s covered in pimples.”

“Those are acne.”

“Same thing. Her skin’s barely intact. Isn’t she ugly?”

“Tch, you’re not much better yourself. Besides, maybe she’ll look better after puberty?”

“No way. All those pimples will leave scars. She’ll never be pretty.”

“Don’t curse others behind their backs.”

“You’re such a pushover, it’s ridiculous.”

“…” Yue Feather rolled his eyes and ignored Wei Xiaoxin. The PE teacher was gathering the students who hadn’t passed. After a short rest, they’d have to run again.

Ji Fan and Zhan Qi were naturally among them.

Both looked slightly awkward now, deliberately standing a bit apart.

Gossip had already spread—the students who’d passed were chatting while resting.

“I’m telling you, Ji Fan probably likes Zhan Qi!”

“Not ‘probably.’ Definitely.”

“What kind of taste is that? Liking someone like Zhan Qi?”

“What a waste. I thought Ji Fan had normal standards.”

“What, do you like him?”

“Well… he is kinda handsome. I had a crush, but not anymore. Guess he only likes ugly girls.”

The girls’ gossip was sharp. The boys weren’t much kinder.

“Tsk, Ji Fan actually likes Zhan Qi?”

“Even without a girlfriend, he shouldn’t settle for that.”

“Ji Fan’s not bad-looking himself. Why go for someone that ugly?”

“The ugliest girl in class.”

“Hey! That’s too much!” Yue Feather snapped, turning to the boys behind him. “It’s not that extreme, is it?”

“What, is there an uglier girl in class than Zhan Qi?”

Yue Feather fell silent, unsure how to reply.

Answering would make him no better than them.

After a long pause, he mumbled almost to himself, like a weak protest: “Our class… doesn’t… have any truly ugly girls…”

But the group had already walked off.

What started as separate boy-girl gossip merged into mixed chatter thanks to couples.

The real victims were the embarrassed pair—especially Zhan Qi.

Yue Feather stole a glance. Though she kept her head low, he could still see her desolate expression.

He felt sorry for her. He couldn’t stand bullies—even if he wasn’t exactly strong himself.

Maybe that’s why he understood.

“Ugh… running again. So annoying. I’ll never pass anyway…” To hide his earlier awkwardness, Yue Feather pretended nonchalance.

“Tch, bro’s got you covered.” Wei Xiaoxin slapped Yue Feather’s shoulder with exaggerated loyalty. “Just follow me.”

“What’s the point if I can’t keep up?” Yue Feather grumbled.

“Just stick close. Would I ditch you?”

“I don’t believe you for a second,” Yue Feather shot back, side-eyeing him.

Most retakers were girls, plus a few heavier boys.

They comforted each other, but their awkward, resigned eyes gave them away.

It wasn’t about passing—it was about accepting they couldn’t. Just self-deception.

People always find ways to escape things.

“Ready? Go!” The command rang out, and everyone started running.

Unlike the first race’s fierce competition, this group ran lazily, much slower.

Yue Feather, usually mid-pack, now led the front.

Ji Fan naturally took first place. Though not the PE rep, his athletic talent rivaled one.

But he ran hesitantly, glancing back as if waiting for Yue Feather and Wei Xiaoxin. They both knew he was really waiting for Zhan Qi.

Zhan Qi had no energy for that. She pushed forward on sheer will, eyes half-closed, oblivious to Ji Fan subtly slowing ahead.

As laps added up, the group stretched out. Even among the heavier runners, effort levels split them apart.

Yue Feather kept going but was gasping, legs numb and heavy.

“Huff… huff… huff…” He gritted his teeth at Wei Xiaoxin beside him. “You go… I… can’t…”

“Damn… useless…” Wei Xiaoxin was only slightly better, words strained. “Keep… close…”

“Can’t…”

“Grab… my hand!” Wei Xiaoxin reached out. Yue Feather grabbed on, and Wei Xiaoxin dragged him forward, teeth clenched.

Yue Feather felt lighter instantly. His legs still ached, but Wei Xiaoxin took most of the strain.

Students burst into laughter. Their awkward pose looked more fitting for a couple—especially since Wei Xiaoxin was messy and Yue Feather plain. Even fujoshi would find it gross, not exciting.

After all, fujoshi care about looks too…

Only the handsome get top/bottom roles. The ugly? Just perverts.

Wei Xiaoxin’s gesture surprised Yue Feather. He truly proved his “loyalty,” dragging him most of the way. Only near the end did his stamina fade, unable to pull Yue Feather anymore.

“Charge!” Yue Feather suddenly roared, grabbing Wei Xiaoxin and surging forward. Now he pulled Wei Xiaoxin.

“Fuck… your sister… slow… down…” Wei Xiaoxin wheezed weakly.

“Aaaaaah—ha—huff…” They finally crossed the finish line.

Ji Fan had already finished, watching Zhan Qi behind, hoping his gaze would spur her on.

“Hmm, pass.” The PE teacher nodded, noting the time. “Hurry up back there—ten seconds to the cutoff!”

Zhan Qi, right behind them, sped up and barely crossed the line in time.

Boys and girls ran different distances, but the cutoff seemed similar.

“Damn… you son of a bitch…” Wei Xiaoxin lay on the grass, gasping. “My legs are almost torn off. Why sprint like that…”

“We’d fail if we didn’t.”

“Bullshit. Ten seconds was enough. You only gained ten seconds.”

“Better scores look nicer,” Yue Feather grinned. Wei Xiaoxin’s earlier effort had moved him, making the curses easier to ignore.

“Piss off…”

“Wait, does Yue Feather like Wei Xiaoxin?”

“Are they a couple?”

“Yue Feather has weird taste.”

“He’s not exactly handsome either.”

“Wei Xiaoxin’s the ugly one.”

“Who’s top and who’s bottom?”

“Stop. It’s nauseating.”

Yue Feather and Wei Xiaoxin both facepalmed. These fujoshi and gossipers had too much free time.

“Damn, you weirdo. Stay away from me,” Wei Xiaoxin joked back, using others’ whispers against Yue Feather.

“Saying that means you admit you’re ugly?” Yue Feather shot back without mercy.

"I just meant you actually like guys. Your taste is... unique."

"Get lost! Even if I liked Tong Junxiao, I wouldn't like you."

"Holy shit, so you really do like guys?"

"Just drop dead already..."

"Class is about to end."

"I brought chopsticks—no need to grab them from the classroom."

"Duh, I brought mine too, bro."

"Race you to the cafeteria."

"Haven't you run enough yet?"

"Heh heh, the menu says fried chicken legs today. Get there early, and you can snag the bigger ones," Yue Feather said, brushing grass seeds off his clothes as he headed toward the cafeteria.

"Damn it, wait up!"