Xia Ruan was not at all surprised that Lu Yanzhi knew she liked Lu Yan. After all, her confession had been practically public knowledge. Even if it wasn’t known by everyone, at least all the classmates in their class were aware. It wouldn’t take much asking around to find out. 

After Lu Yanzhi finished speaking, he stared at Xia Ruan closely. He really couldn’t understand what was so great about Lu Yan. Aside from having slightly better grades and always looking like he didn’t want anyone near him, how could so many girls like him? 

Under Lu Yanzhi’s gaze, Xia Ruan slowly shook her head: “It has nothing to do with him. I just simply feel like I’m not familiar with you.” 

Eavesdropping on others’ conversations was impolite. Lu Yan brushed back the sweat-dampened hair on his forehead and continued walking forward, a smile playing on his lips —a smile even he didn’t notice. 

Lu Yanzhi was not someone who could be easily brushed off. He kept staring at Xia Ruan: “You still haven’t said whether you like Lu Yan.” 

Xia Ruan didn’t like his aggressive attitude at the moment. She tilted her head and looked at him calmly: “Does whether I like him have anything to do with you?” 

Suddenly Lu Yanzhi laughed, showing his white teeth: “You’re right. Whether you like him doesn’t conflict with me wanting to pursue you.” 

Xia Ruan frowned at him. “Lu Yanzhi, instead of wasting your time on me, why don’t you focus on studying?” 

But Lu Yanzhi didn’t seem discouraged by her attitude. “I don’t think studying well and chasing you are in conflict.” 

Xia Ruan didn’t understand why he was so persistent, and her tone turned cold: “I have no intention of dating early.” 

Hearing this, Lu Yanzhi raised his eyebrows: “No problem, I can wait until you want to be in a relationship.” 

Xia Ruan didn’t know how others would react in this kind of situation, but she just felt the “like” Lu Yanzhi mentioned was a burden. Her expression turned cold: “Lu Yanzhi, even if I want to date someday, that person won’t be you. Do you understand what I mean?” 

Lu Yanzhi was stunned for a moment, then quickly returned to his previous expression: “Then I’ll wait until that day and decide whether to give up.” 

Seeing this, Xia Ruan tossed out a “whatever” and walked away. 

Watching her walk away, Lu Yanzhi couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. So, was this karma? 

Once she was far enough away, Xia Ruan let out a long sigh. Honestly, she wasn’t against early relationships. What she said earlier was just to brush Lu Yanzhi off. If it weren’t for the family connection between Lu Yanzhi’s grandfather and her own grandfather, she actually thought Lu Yanzhi would’ve been the best early-dating candidate. He was handsome, which would satisfy a girl’s vanity, and he was experienced. Dating him would probably be fun. Even if they broke up, he would definitely be a gentleman about it. So if it weren’t for that family tie, Xia Ruan would have wanted to give it a try with him. 

“What are you thinking about?” When Xia Fei found her, she was dazing under a tree. 

Xia Ruan glared at him. “Brother, do you know how scary it is to sneak up on people like that?” 

Xia Fei looked at her confused: “What’s there to be scared of in broad daylight?” 

Xia Ruan thought no wonder Xia Fei, the so-called boss in Ming’an, couldn’t get a girlfriend. 

Completely unaware of her irritation, Xia Fei continued on his own, “Lu Yan just broke the record earlier. He’s amazing.” 

Xia Ruan casually asked: “What record?” 

“The school record. No one’s broken it in five years. The last person who held it was an athlete. Now Lu Yan’s made us look bad.” Xia Fei felt like all the sports students had just been thoroughly humiliated. 

Xia Ruan gave his shoulder a sympathetic pat. “It’s okay, you’ll get used to it eventually.” Used to the male protagonist outshining everyone in every aspect. 

❖❖❖ 

Thursday came quickly, much to everyone’s excitement. The sky was clear, the autumn breeze gentle, and the campus was filled with noise and laughter. Xia Ruan strolled leisurely along the path with snacks in her hand. It wasn’t until her phone buzzed in her pocket that she picked up the pace. It had to be Fan Shujuan hurrying her along. 

She soon found the base of their class, Senior Two Class Seven, where Fan Shujuan was organizing bottled water. Xia Ruan ran up: “Class monitor, I’m here.” 

Fan Shujuan scolded her: “Why did it take you so long to get something?” 

Xia Ruan smiled and waved the bag in her hand: “Our rations for today.” 

When Fan Shujuan saw what was inside, she didn’t even know what to say. At that moment, another class officer came to take over. Fan Shujuan casually dusted off her clothes and walked over to Xia Ruan. “Let’s go. The relay race should be starting soon.” 

Xia Ruan thought to herself that it made sense why Fan Shujuan had been the only one there earlier—everyone else must have gone to watch Lu Yan’s relay race. 

Outside the relay race track, Xia Ruan noticed that Lu Yanzhi was also participating and was even running the first leg. Wearing a white sports outfit and running shoes, he looked quite professional, though Xia Ruan wasn’t sure how strong he was. 

Xia Ruan casually glanced and saw Lu Yan standing at the back, dressed in black sportswear, which made him look even colder and more distant. Nearby, some girls whispered: 

“Ah, I originally wanted to cheer for our class, but look at how lame they are. Look at Lu Yanzhi and Lu Yan from Class Seven — ahhh, they’re so handsome! If I cheer for them, will others beat me up?” 

Another girl quickly agreed: “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” The two then exchanged a glance, sighed helplessly, and finally said, “Forget it, we’ll just watch quietly.” 

Their words made Xia Ruan glance around and notice that most girls’ gazes were fixed on Lu Yan and Lu Yanzhi. The two seemed used to such attention and still looked calm and unbothered. 

Fan Shujuan also heard what the two girls just said. She gently tapped Xia Ruan’s arm and smiled, saying, “If it’s a mixed-gender relay race, just let Lu Yan and Lu Yanzhi use the ‘handsome guy strategy.’ Then first place would definitely be ours.” 

Xia Ruan chuckled, then looked at Lu Yan on the track and said, “Even if they don’t use the ‘handsome guy strategy,’ first place would still be ours.” 

“You’re right. Losing to others but not losing morale—we can’t let our spirit break,” Fan Shujuan agreed. 

Just as Xia Ruan was about to say something to reassure Fan Shujuan, she saw Fang Yinan and Yang Xiaomi squeeze over from the side. Yang Xiaomi put her hands together and said to Fan Shujuan, “Class monitor, sorry, excuse us.” 

Fan Shujuan moved a bit toward Xia Ruan, and Yang Xiaomi and Fang Yinan finally stood inside. After standing still, Fang Yinan nodded at them, “Thank you.” 

Fan Shujuan looked at them curiously, “You’re only coming now?” 

Not sure if it was her imagination, Xia Ruan felt that Yang Xiaomi’s gaze toward her was a bit displeased. Just after Fan Shujuan finished speaking, Yang Xiaomi directly said, “Of course, Nan Nan and the cheerleading team were rehearsing just now. Our first match this afternoon is against Class One.” She glanced at Xia Ruan after saying that. 

Only then did Xia Ruan remember her role as the cheerleading team captain. It seemed her suspicion was correct—Yang Xiaomi really was displeased with her. 

“Fang Yinan, I think your group rehearsed well before, so there’s no need to be this diligent,” Xia Ruan spoke honestly. She had watched their rehearsal yesterday and thought it was already quite good. 

Fang Yinan knew Xia Ruan was being honest, but she always pursued perfection. For her, there was no ‘best,’ only ‘better,’ so she grabbed every free moment to rehearse with everyone. 

Yang Xiaomi looked at Xia Ruan with dissatisfaction, “Xia Ruan, what you said is really inappropriate. Nan Nan and the others worked so hard to rehearse—aren’t you as the cheerleading captain supposed to praise them? And you still say things like that?” 

Xia Ruan felt confused and glanced at Yang Xiaomi, “I don’t think what I said was wrong.” Then she looked at Fang Yinan, “Fang Yinan, did what I said just now make you feel uncomfortable?” 

Fang Yinan glanced at Yang Xiaomi, who had spoken up for her, then shook her head. “Captain, there was nothing wrong with what you said. I’m just the one striving for excellence.” 

Xia Ruan thought it would be better to quickly give up the cheerleading captain role. 

Seeing Yang Xiaomi hanging her head, Fang Yinan knew her earlier words had upset her. She gently put an arm around her shoulder and softly said, “Xiaomi, thank you for standing up for me.” 

Yang Xiaomi came back to herself and was just relieved that Xia Ruan’s temper had improved recently. Otherwise, this issue probably wouldn’t have ended so simply. 

At that moment, the relay race began. Everyone’s attention shifted to the track. Lu Yanzhi was the first runner for Class Seven. As soon as the whistle blew, Xia Ruan heard cheers from the crowd: “Lu Yanzhi, go!” 

Lu Yanzhi had good explosive power and was currently in second place, with the first place held by a student from Class Two. The continuous cheers stirred Xia Ruan’s enthusiasm as well. When Lu Yanzhi passed the baton, Xia Ruan’s heart raced as she watched the next runner. She was starting to feel more and more comfortable in this role, like a fish in water. 

If Lu Yanzhi’s cheering was continuous, when it came to Lu Yan, it was deafening. Even girls from some unknown class nearby shouted, “Lu Yan, go!” Xia Ruan and Fan Shujuan exchanged a smile. This is a world where looks matter. 

When it was Lu Yan’s turn, the distance between them and Class Two was about two or three meters. Lu Yan quickly caught up and overtook them. Soon, cheers from Class Seven erupted from the crowd. 

“Yes, we won!” Fan Shujuan happily hugged Xia Ruan. 

Xia Ruan couldn’t stop smiling either, “Yeah, we won.” 

At that moment, the logistics staff appeared carrying water. They were standing right where Xia Ruan was. The person handed water to them to give to the students who had just run the relay. 

This was Xia Ruan’s first time participating so actively in such a group event. She casually grabbed two bottles of water and walked toward the track. 

Fang Yinan, seeing Xia Ruan’s back ahead, also took water with Fan Shujuan and followed inside. 

Lu Yan was the first to notice Xia Ruan. He glanced at Fang Yinan walking behind her, then strode over to Xia Ruan and looked down at the water bottle in her hand. “Is this for me?”