"Rascal, I don't think you should push yourself."

After hearing Zhou Zhiyi's words, Qin Huan froze for a moment, looking adorably like a startled little animal.

"I'm not forcing myself. My injuries are almost healed." Zhou Zhiyi wiggled his foot playfully. "Besides, I might regret missing this."

"Fine, I won't stop you. But be careful." Qin Huan raised a finger. "Just don't overdo it."

"I won't."

Hearing Qin Huan's concern, Zhou Zhiyi felt a strange warmth in his chest.

Joy? Excitement?

Maybe both.

"Time to put that idiot Wu Feng on trial!"

Qin Huan cheered excitedly. She was clearly thrilled about her high jump gold. Though, she really shouldn't have mentioned Wu Feng.

"Let's go."

Zhou Zhiyi retraced his steps, his heart tangled with mixed emotions—like a dish layered with too many seasonings.

For now, the taste was bearable.

He glanced at Class Six's area. Chu Hui's seat was still empty.

Back in the infirmary? Or just absent?

Zhou Zhiyi shook his head. None of his business.

Back at his class, cheers erupted everywhere. Wang Shiyi stood at the center, glowing under praise like a princess in a flower garden.

"Zhou Zhiyi! We won the championship again! Such a shame you missed it!"

Li Han rushed over, face alight with joy. Only a sports newbie like him would get this hyped.

The championship meant little to Zhou Zhiyi. No real loss.

"Got it." Zhou Zhiyi nodded and pointed at Qin Huan. "We've got a champion right here."

"Qin Huan won too?!" Li Han gaped at her. Seeing her silent confirmation, he yelled, "Double victory! Qin Huan's a champ!"

His awkward shout drew stares. Class Four's cheers surged louder, a thick wave of sound.

"Congrats, Qin Huan."

Wu Feng smiled warmly.

"Hmph. You didn't even watch." Qin Huan pouted. "You can't compare to Zhou Zhiyi in anything."

"How can I match that freak?" Wu Feng joked. "If Zhou Zhiyi competed, he'd sweep every award."

*Freak? You're way freakier than me!*

Zhou Zhiyi kept the thought silent, replying with a trace of a smile. "Don't flatter me. I might float away."

"Enough talk. Let's play 'Undercover'—nothing good on this morning anyway."

Wu Feng pulled out a thick stack of cards. He'd clearly prepped for this.

"Sure. I'm free."

Qin Huan smiled and agreed.

"Then let's start."

With Qin Huan agreeing, Zhou Zhiyi had no reason to refuse.

If he did, some special event might boost her affection—and he'd have no one to cry to.

Luckily, nothing unusual happened that morning. It passed quietly.

What the afternoon's relay race would bring, Zhou Zhiyi couldn't guess...