A month passed since the midterm exams, and the first school sports meet of high school arrived. It was a rare moment of relaxation in the otherwise dull academic life. Watching the youthful figures running on the track, filled with hope and vitality, made her feel how beautiful youth should be. But instead, she had to face the drudgery of textbooks, fighting with all her strength, placing all her hopes for happiness on the college entrance exam and the future.

The school decided to select girls from the first-year class to perform aerobics as the opening act for the opening ceremony. Zhou Manwei was the first to sign up, and several other girls followed suit. Qianye hesitated for a long time. She hoped Han Chao would see a different side of her, but she had no interest in aerobics. After some hesitation, she finally signed up.

After a few days of practice, Qianye, who learned quickly, officially joined the aerobics team. When it came time to line up, the beautiful Zhou Manwei was naturally placed in the most prominent spot at the front and center. Qianye was placed in the second row on the left. During practice, she gazed at the girl in the front row, who looked like a princess, with envy. Such a girl must have many people who liked her, from childhood until now. Unlike Qianye, who had nothing to show other than her grades, living like a shadow.

On the day of the rehearsal, they wore their aerobics outfits. The shirts were very student-like, paired with deep blue pleated skirts that highlighted the youthful curves of teenage girls while adding a touch of cuteness and innocence. The girls looked at themselves in the mirror, excited and shy. During practice, the girls, who were used to wearing long pants as part of the school uniform, kept their pants on until right before the rehearsal, when they all changed into skirts. Qianye was no different.

During the third period rehearsal in the evening, most classes were still in session. Qianye threw herself into each movement, imagining the next day, when all the students would be watching, and his gaze would be on her. She imagined lifting her head like a swan and offering a beautiful smile. During the rehearsal, she thought she saw Zhao Nanzhuo outside the basketball court. He was lingering nearby but didn’t come in, nor did he leave. She wanted to call out to him but couldn’t bring herself to leave, so she gave up.

On the day of the opening ceremony, the weather was perfect. After the leaders’ speeches, the second program was the aerobics performance. The girls marched in neatly, with rows of students from other classes lined up on either side. Qianye searched carefully and finally spotted Class 4’s students in the fifth row to the right. Han Chao was standing in the third row. She longed for his gaze, and as the music played, she danced earnestly, as if experiencing a dream. She wanted to be the center of his attention at that moment, ever since the first time she saw him, her innocent yet eager intentions.

The applause erupted from the track as they exited in perfect formation. Next, the various class teams entered. The spot where Qianye stood allowed her to clearly see Class 4’s position. She watched him stride forward naturally, his white shirt neatly tucked in with a tie. This was the first time she had seen him dressed so formally, a handsome young man. Qianye’s heart fluttered slightly, and, using her angle, she openly took in everything about him.

At 11:30 AM, the opening ceremony concluded. The students exited in an orderly manner, and the midday sun shone especially brightly. For a key high school like theirs, this might have been the easiest week of the year. Qianye grabbed her backpack, ready to head home. Some of the girls who had performed aerobics changed back into their pants, but for the first time, Qianye walked down the road in a skirt, as confidently as Zhou Manwei.