Chapter 33: Exclusive to Jinjiang 2/2

That vibrant orange-red bouquet became even more dazzling in his line of sight than the finish line.

At the moment of crossing the finish line, Song Fuzhi was immediately engulfed by the incoming students. They rushed forward, eagerly handing him water and towels.

However, what more students offered were open pairs of arms. Boys and girls excitedly hugged him.

“We’re first! We got first place!”

“Ah, ah, ah, Old Song, you’re amazing!”

 “Champions, we are the champions!”

“Cute, our god!”

The students crowded the track, making it impassable. Even Teacher Zhou couldn’t squeeze through.

“Teacher Song has some skills!” Teacher Zhou excitedly told the teacher next to him. “Those kids must be thrilled.”

The nearby teacher agreed, “Teacher Song is really strong, outperforming even the professionals.”

Song Fuzhi took a few sips of water from the students and was overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and cheers. His heart, after vigorous exercise, not only didn’t rest, but it seemed to beat faster.

He looked in the direction behind the crowd, where a bunch of red was eye-catching.

Having accomplished his mission, Song Fuzhi pushed through the still-boiling crowd and headed towards that person.

He saw Shi Zhang walking towards him, holding flowers in his hands.

Just as he emerged from the crowd, Song Fuzhi was embraced by Shi Zhang.

Shi Zhang’s embrace was warm, and his heartbeat was fast. He was holding his loved one, brimming with fullness.

“Congratulations, Teacher Song, on winning the championship,” Shi Zhang whispered in his ear. “You were especially amazing.”

“Didn’t we agree that I would come to find you at the university?” Song Fuzhi still felt a bit dizzy, perhaps due to the aftermath of the long run.

“I lied to you. I wanted to give you a surprise.” Shi Zhang smiled, handing the flowers to Song Fuzhi.

“Flame roses and crane orchids.”

Song Fuzhi took them—a bunch of vibrant reds and oranges, even more intense than the sunlight.

Jokingly, he asked, “So, do I only get flowers if I win the championship?”

Shi Zhang earnestly said, “No,” and added, “All my flowers are for you.”

Song Fuzhi blinked, suddenly feeling hot-blooded by Shi Zhang’s serious yet romantic words. His heartbeat, not yet settled from the run, sped up even more, swelling and rolling, making his heart feel full.

“Thank you, Professor Shi,” Song Fuzhi said with a smile. When he lifted his head, he noticed someone not far away. Teacher Zhou looked at them in surprise.

“Oh, Teacher Zhou.”

Song Fuzhi smiled brightly, generously saying, “Last time at the university wasn’t convenient to introduce properly. Shi Zhang is my husband.”

Shi Zhang politely said, “Hello, Teacher Zhou, nice to see you again.”

Teacher Zhou was still surprised and sighed, “Oh my. Teacher Song, Professor Shi, you two… got married!”

Song Fuzhi chuckled. “Yes, registered and legal.”

Other teachers also came over, surrounded Shi Zhang, and chatted for a while, all saying that they had a great relationship and were extremely well-matched.

Shi Zhang maintained an elegant smile all along, feeling overjoyed in his heart.

Seeing the students gathering in twos and threes by the field, taking a break in the shade, Song Fuzhi tugged on Shi Zhang, whispering, “During this break, I want to go out of the school to buy them some food and drinks. Reward them for getting first place.”

“Sure,” Shi Zhang agreed.

They bid farewell to the other teachers and walked out of the school together.

“I really didn’t expect you to come today,” Song Fuzhi said, holding the flowers tightly.

Shi Zhang stopped, giving him a hug. “You mentioned yesterday that during high school sports meets, no one cheered for you. So, I wanted to stand by your side today.”

He continued with a smile, “But it seems you don’t need my cheering; everyone really likes Teacher Song.”

Song Fuzhi quickly glanced at him and said, “I still need it.”

Exiting the school gate, the streets were lined with various stationery stores, bubble tea shops, and snack shops. The students were still in school, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere.

Under the shade of the trees, Shi Zhang’s figure swayed. He deliberately asked with a smile, “Do you need my support, or do you need me?”

Song Fuzhi squinted at Shi Zhang and said, “Professor, I think you’re quite naughty.”

“Hmm?”

They looked at each other, and the fragrance of flowers lingered between them. Their gazes were restless, clearly showing some excitement.

The tree-lined path outside the school was perfect for a budding romance.

Song Fuzhi thought he wanted to kiss Shi Zhang.

Shi Zhang had approached a bit, and his warm breath brushed across Song Fuzhi’s nose.

People passed by; an elderly lady pushed a small shopping cart full of groceries; and a couple walked their dog, chatting.

On the busy street, it didn’t seem quite appropriate. Song Fuzhi suddenly snapped back to reality.

He pulled away some distance, scratching his nose embarrassedly. He wanted to cover up, saying, “Let’s buy something for the kids first.”

Shi Zhang chuckled. “Sure. What do you want to buy?”

The students loved bubble tea and fried skewers the most, but with so many students in the class, it wasn’t convenient to carry dozens of bubble teas or fried chicken onto the field.

In the end, Song Fuzhi entered the most ordinary supermarket and, together with Shi Zhang, picked up a large variety of snacks and pastries.

As they were shopping, Song Fuzhi exclaimed, “There are so many things to eat in supermarkets now, and the packaging is all so pretty. Back in high school, the little shop at the gate only sold those shabby ‘three-no’ products.”

Shi Zhang laughed upon hearing that: “Indeed, I saved up five cents every week to buy old-fashioned popsicles or spicy strips.”

“Professor Shi also ate spicy strips back then?” Song Fuzhi raised an eyebrow.

After all, Shi Zhang always gave off a clean and neat impression.

“More than that, I ate all sorts of messy things. I tried everything in the little shop,” Shi Zhang laughed.

Actually, what Shi Zhang bought the most were the cigarettes pressed under the glass.

In the eyes of well-behaved high school students, that was an adult’s forbidden place. Still, Shi Zhang was quite skilled at buying them during high school.

He just didn’t want Teacher Song to know.

The two of them bought three large bags of snacks and sweets, heavy and full.

When it came time to pay, Song Fuzhi just took out his phone when Shi Zhang quickly scanned the code.

Song Fuzhi looked at Shi Zhang in surprise and said, “I’m buying something for our class students. What’s with you paying the bill?”

Shi Zhang smiled and said, “You won the championship, and you worked hard. It’s my treat.”

“Come on, cut it out!” Song Fuzhi jokingly scolded him.

On the way back, they encountered several students from the neighboring school heading home after school, carrying their school bags, gathered around a street-side stall.

Song Fuzhi leaned over to take a look and, surprised, turned to tell Shi Zhang, “It’s cotton candy!”

Shi Zhang was also surprised: “I feel like I haven’t seen a cotton candy stand in years.”

Shi Zhang asked Song Fuzhi, “Want to try?”

While saying he was “not childish at all,” Song Fuzhi took out his wallet.

Unfortunately, Song Fuzhi had bad luck and didn’t get anything good. The old man pressed a round of cotton candy for them.

“I’ve never had good luck.” Song Fuzhi licked the candy, squinting. “It tastes good, just like before.”

Shi Zhang, knowingly, asked, “What taste?”

What taste could cotton candy have? Of course, it’s the sweet taste.

At this moment, the two were very close, and they could smell the sweet scent of caramel, sticky and alluring.

They were both thinking about the kiss they didn’t share just a moment ago.

Suddenly, Shi Zhang pulled Song Fuzhi under a tree, lowered his head, and kissed his lips.

Not deep, just a slow and gentle kiss.

Song Fuzhi felt a tingling sensation in the back of his neck and closed his eyes tremblingly.

It seemed like they were really back in high school—two rebellious kids sneaking hugs and kisses and touching each other behind the teachers and parents’ backs, immersed in the absurd and fearless early love.

Shi Zhang lowered his head, his forehead against Song Fuzhi’s forehead, and his eyes lowered, making it hard to see his expression.

Surrounded by Shi Zhang’s breath, Song Fuzhi heard his deep and hoarse voice say, “Song Fuzhi, you are my first love.”