On the day of the Sports Festival, the entire school, except for the Senior Year, had no classes. By noon, Wen Chen came in carrying a box of milk tea, announcing he was treating the class’s athletes to some.
The Sports Committee member entered with a small blackboard and, seeing him distributing milk tea on the podium, scolded him, “Instead of spending money on milk tea, why not buy some water? Who drinks milk tea before competing?”
“Oh, Shun Shun~”
Wen Chen called his name, picking up a cup of brown sugar milk tea and handing it to him, “Here, this one’s for you.”
Zhou Shun, the Sports Committee member, was disgusted, pushing away the offered milk tea. Holding the blackboard in one hand, he rubbed his arm with the other and walked off.
I sat at my desk, grinning foolishly with my milk foam in hand. Zhou Shun came over and placed the blackboard on my desk, “Hey, Yueguang, help me write a few words.”
He handed me a piece of white chalk, and I held it, asking what he wanted me to write.
Zhou Shun pulled out his phone from his pocket, “Old Qin wants an inspiring slogan. I’ll look one up online.”
“An inspiring slogan? Is it for when we march in formation?” I tapped the chalk on the blackboard, producing a crisp “clang” sound.
During the afternoon’s Sports Festival opening ceremony, each class had to march in formation, chanting slogans. I always found this practice silly, but the school loved these meaningless rituals.
Zhou Shun shrugged, “Yes, this blackboard will be placed in front of our class’s seats.”
I sighed and casually scribbled a few words on the board: Friendship First, Competition Second, Raise Your Arms and Shout, A Bright Future Awaits.
“Pfft,” Zhou Shun laughed, holding his phone, “Yueguang, you’re so old-fashioned.”
I rolled my eyes at him, put down the chalk, and returned to my red bean milk foam. Wen Chen had arranged a special treat for me, asking the shop owner to add double the milk foam.
Swallowing a mouthful of the soft, sticky red beans, I glanced at Zhou Shun, “What do you know? Old Qin loves this stuff.”
“Alright, alright, whatever you say.”
Zhou Shun grinned, picking up the blackboard, “I’ll go help Old Qin set up the venue. You and Wen Chen come over later to help move the chairs.”
Wen Chen was still handing out milk tea, and I waved at him, “Okay, see you in a bit.”
The only event I signed up for was the 400-meter relay, running the third leg. Initially, I wanted to run the first leg, but Zhou Shun said the first leg was crucial, as a slow start could disrupt the rhythm for the rest. So he took the first leg himself.
I suggested running the last leg, but Zhou Shun said the last leg was prone to criticism if not run well, so he gave it to Wen Chen.
Wen Chen patted my head, saying, “Just run however you like, sweetheart. I’ll make up for any lost time.”
“Get lost!” I hit him with the relay baton, “Stop taking advantage of me!”
Wen Chen dodged my attack with a laugh. He had other events today and had changed into a proper sports outfit, with a white headband on his head.
He was tall and lean, standing next to me and attracting a crowd of girls bringing water.
I pouted and whispered, “Drink so much water, and your bladder might burst later.”
Wen Chen didn’t hear me and turned his back, handing me his number bib to pin on his back. Zhou Shun also came over, asking for help with his. I got annoyed, “Can’t you ask someone else? Am I your nanny?”
After pinning Wen Chen’s number, I handed Zhou Shun’s to Wen Chen, “You do it for him.”
Wen Chen took the number bib, “Where are you going?”
“Yuan Ziyi is running the 800 meters,” I said, picking a pink drink from the water the girls brought for Wen Chen, “I’m going to watch her.”
Behind me, Wen Chen dramatically lamented to Zhou Shun, “The son has grown up and is turning his back on his father.”
…
I ignored him and went to find Yuan Ziyi with the drink.
The sports field was crowded, and I couldn’t find Yuan Ziyi for the moment, but I did spot my parents.
They were chatting and laughing with the principal, walking toward the track.
My dad saw me first and waved from a distance, “Son!”
It’s just a Sports Festival, why are they here… My face heated up, and I wanted to run, but they’d already seen me, so I had no choice but to walk over with the drink.
“Hello, Principal.” I greeted the principal first. He nodded with a smile, telling me to chat with my parents before walking away with his hands behind his back.
I stood next to my dad, “Dad, Mom.”
My mom, with her sharp eyes, noticed the drink in my hand and asked what kind of nonsense I was drinking. She told my dad to get drinks from the car to share with my classmates later.
“Mom,” I clung to my dad’s arm to stop him, “it’s not necessary, everyone has something to drink…”
“How can that be,” my mom said with a slight frown, “I’ve already bought them. You should ask a few classmates to help your dad carry them.”
I lowered my head in embarrassment, not wanting to go. Wen Chen, who had met my dad before, recognized him and came over with Zhou Shun to greet them, “Hello, sir, ma’am, we’re Yueguang’s classmates. I’m Wen Chen, and this is Zhou Shun.”
Zhou Shun quickly followed with a greeting, “Hello, sir, ma’am.”
My mom smiled warmly, “Oh, you’re Yueguang’s friends. Why haven’t you visited our home? You two are quite handsome.”
“We’ll visit another day,” Wen Chen flashed a bright smile, “Thank you for the compliment, ma’am. You’re very beautiful too. One might mistake you for Yueguang’s sister.”
Me: “…”
I tugged at my dad’s sleeve.
My dad, who was always mindful of my mom’s words, invited Wen Chen and Zhou Shun to help him carry drinks from the car. Of course, they agreed, chatting and laughing as they followed him.
I wanted to follow, but my mom held me back.
She scrutinized me for a moment, her gaze lingering on the drink in my hand, and asked, “Has any girl given you anything?”
“No, no.” I quickly explained that the drink was meant for Wen Chen, and I was taking it to Yuan Ziyi.
My mom clearly didn’t believe me, her eyes filled with suspicion, “Really, no one gave you anything?”
“Son, let me tell you, our family lacks nothing. You shouldn’t accept things from girls. At your age, studying is the most important thing…”
Her lecture began again, and I wished I could plug my ears.
People were starting to look our way, so I quickly grabbed my mom’s arm, “Mom, I understand. Are you tired? Let me take you to sit down.”
“Alright,” my mom said, reaching out to tidy my hair, “take me to your seat.”
Some other students’ parents were also back for the Sports Festival, but it was rare for both parents to come together. I felt awkward but had no choice but to lead my mom to our seats.
Unfortunately, Chen Guoguo had arrived at some point, sitting in my seat and chatting with another girl.
She had a semi-transparent tote bag on her lap, with water and sugar cubes faintly visible inside.
The girl she was talking to pointed in my direction and said something to her. Chen Guoguo happily picked up the bag and turned around, “Cheng Yueguang, where did you go? I’ve been waiting for you!”
… Just my luck. I didn’t dare look at my mom’s expression, awkwardly stopping in my tracks.
My mom stepped out from behind me with a smile, taking the bag from Chen Guoguo’s hands, “Young lady, judging by your uniform, you’re not in the same grade as Yueguang, are you? Don’t you have classes?”
I nervously pressed my lips together and told Chen Guoguo, “This is my mom.”
Chen Guoguo’s face turned pale, and she nervously twisted her hands behind her back, “Hello, ma’am.”
“Hello.”
My mom wore a polite smile, adjusted her skirt, and sat down next to Chen Guoguo, placing the bag at her feet, “Did you bring something for our Yueguang?”
My mom had fair skin but liked to wear dark lipstick. Being the boss of her own company, she exuded a strong presence. Sometimes, even I was afraid of her, let alone Chen Guoguo, who was meeting her for the first time.
Worried she might scare Chen Guoguo, I quickly interjected, “I asked her to help me buy it. I didn’t have time to get it myself. Right?”
The last sentence was directed at Chen Guoguo, who, possibly intimidated by my mom, nodded hastily, “Well… you’ve got what you needed, so I’ll be going now.”
Before I could say anything, she turned and hurried off.
My mom sat on the bench, arms crossed, glaring at me. I didn’t dare meet her gaze and obediently sat beside her.
Some uninformed classmates came over to greet my mom, and she instantly changed her demeanor, smiling warmly as she chatted with them, subtly inquiring about my school performance.
Thankfully, my dad and the others returned soon. Wen Chen and my dad each carried a box of drinks, while Zhou Shun brought up the rear with two grocery bags. I quickly went to help, “Why so much?”
My dad set down the drinks, “Your mom said there are a lot of classmates.”
Wen Chen and Zhou Shun called the classmates over to grab drinks and snacks, and a group gathered around, thanking my parents.
One girl said, “The class president’s dad is so handsome, and his mom is so beautiful.”
Everyone laughed, creating a lively commotion. Everyone seemed happy, except for me, who felt both embarrassed and melancholic.
Before the relay race started, my mom helped me adjust my clothes and asked if I had warmed up properly.
Zhou Shun and the others were waiting for me ahead, and I whispered, “I’ll warm up at my spot in a bit.”
“Alright,” my mom said, patting my head, “Good luck, son!”
Feeling a bit down, I headed to my position. Our class was in the outermost lane, and to my surprise, I saw Tang Shi by the track.
Tang Shi was talking to Qi Le by the track. When he saw me, he said disdainfully, “You’re so slow. Everyone else has been in position for ages. Are you sure your class won’t come in last with you running?”
That’s just how he talks. I ignored him and asked, “Why are you here? Aren’t you competing?”
Qi Le, standing beside him, tried to speak, but Tang Shi elbowed him, giving me a sidelong glance, “Mind your own business.”
Fine, if you don’t want to say, I won’t ask. I pouted and ignored him, joining Wen Chen not far away to warm up.
The loudspeaker on the podium announced, “Next, the First Year 400-meter relay race athletes, please prepare…”
It’s starting! I grew nervous, suddenly feeling a cramp in my calf.
“Tang Shi, Tang Shi—” I called his name softly, “I think I have a cramp.”
Tang Shi frowned, confused, “Is your brain cramping?”
“No, my calf is.” With the preparations still underway, I looked at Tang Shi, “Can you massage it for me?”
“…”
Tang Shi scowled silently, while Qi Le chuckled beside him, “No problem, I can help you.”
“Great.” Qi Le was always easygoing. I moved toward him, “Thanks for the help…”
“Who said you could?”
Tang Shi pushed Qi Le aside and crouched in front of me, grumbling, “Cheng Yueguang, you’re such a troublemaker. I must owe you from a past life.”
He took hold of my calf, kneading it gently but firmly.
Afterward, he gave my calf a pat and asked, “Cramping already? What would you do if I weren’t here today?”
I stuck out my tongue, looking at my reddened calf, not daring to speak.
Tang Shi and I were worlds apart in personality. If this were the wild, he’d be a lion or a tiger, a predator at the top of the food chain.
And I’d be a hapless sunfish, always in trouble, easily bullied, and a snack for seals.
We shouldn’t have any connection, really. Someone like me wouldn’t catch Tang Shi’s eye on the street.
But he was my brother. No matter how much he disliked or resented me, he had to look after me.
Thinking of this, I felt a bit smug, even finding Tang Shi more agreeable.
Tang Shi had no idea what I was thinking. He stood up from the ground and advised, “Don’t overdo it.”
“What are you talking about?” I disagreed with him, “Our class is going for first place.”
Tang Shi was unimpressed and rained on my parade, “With you dragging them down, not coming in last would be an achievement.”
Bang, the starting gun fired.
“Go, Zhou Shun! Zhou Shun!!!”
The first leg took off, and even from afar, I could hear our classmates cheering for Zhou Shun. He was great at sports, like an arrow shot from a bow, racing toward the second leg.
I was so nervous, I couldn’t help but shout from where I stood, “Go, Zhou Shun—”
The loudspeaker continued, “Currently leading is Class 2 of the First Year, followed closely by Class 4…”
Zhou Shun ran swiftly, handing off the baton first.
Our classmates began cheering for the second leg runner. I was on edge, eyes glued to him, taking a few tentative steps forward.
Here he comes!
The second leg runner handed me the baton, and for a moment, I couldn’t hear anything. I just focused on running forward.
Tang Shi said I’d drag our class down, but I was determined to prove him wrong!
Wen Chen waited ahead, and I sprinted toward him, slapping the baton into his hand with all my might.
Wen Chen caught the baton securely, winked at me, and sped off to catch up with the others.
I stood there, catching my breath, realizing I had indeed slowed us down. By the time Wen Chen received the baton, we had fallen to third place.
Tang Shi wasn’t wrong at all. I was the king of dragging us down… Feeling dejected, I sat on the track, watching Wen Chen gradually overtake the second place.
“Wen Chen!” Wen Chen was about to catch up to the first place. I jumped up from the ground, like a fool, shouting regardless of whether he could hear me, “Go, Wen Chen—”
“Go! Go!” Our classmates’ excited voices echoed from afar. Wen Chen seemed to have a motor in his feet, quickly overtaking the first place and crossing the finish line, stumbling slightly, and triumphantly raising the baton high.
“Cheng Yueguang!” he shouted to me, “Did we get first place?”
“Ah!!!!!!!”
I’ve never been this excited before. A surge of adrenaline filled my chest, and I screamed, running toward Wen Chen at the finish line, hugging him tightly, “Ahhhhhhh!!!!”
Wen Chen held the baton, gently thumping me in his arms, then fist-bumped Zhou Shun and the second leg runner who had come over.
I emerged from Wen Chen’s embrace and hugged Zhou Shun and the other runner, “We won, we won!”
“Yes, yes, we won,” Zhou Shun laughed, “Yueguang, you were amazing. I didn’t expect you to run so fast.”
I felt a bit embarrassed, saying, “Not that fast, I slowed you down.”
“Tch,” Wen Chen gave me a playful punch on the shoulder, “Didn’t I say it? No matter how much you fall behind, I’ll catch up for you.”