As soon as this soul-stirring broadcast came out, the audience in the stands became collectively restless. The previously suppressed atmosphere erupted into screams that filled the air, almost drowning out the entire venue.
The two big shots in the class were instantly paired up, and Class 6 was in stitches, not wanting to miss out on the spectacle.
The initial tension and seriousness of entering the field had completely vanished, with everyone losing their composure.
But this greatly affected their performance. The jump rope routine frequently stuttered and interrupted, as time ticked away second by second, their scores gradually falling behind.
The spectators' minds were no longer on the competition, as they whispered to each other:
"Damn, who's this Number 1? They absolutely stand out among all the submissions, so talented."
"Even Qiong Yao's aunt isn't this touching. The rain in the sky right now is my tears of emotion."
"They're all fucking CP fans, right? I see Su Lian's face is almost turning green."
"But Chi Wang looks quite calm, even... I don't know if I'm seeing things wrong, but he seems to be showing a hint of joy?"
"The score doesn't matter. With this many submissions, we're definitely number one in popularity at least!"
...
The three-minute competition time quickly ended. Class 6's score ranked third from the bottom, unsurprisingly. Li Guoqing's face was almost twisted with anger as he looked at the count.
He stood among the crowd with his hands on his hips, cursing: "Why weren't you jumping rope properly just now? What were you all chattering about?"
Someone laughingly replied: "Teacher, it's all because their submissions were too funny. We really couldn't help it."
Hearing the bursts of laughter from all around, Li Guoqing was quite speechless.
Priding himself as a middle-aged man who keeps up with trends, he was also quite out of the loop regarding the current situation: "Can someone explain to me what this 'Taro Bubble' thing is, and why does everyone have a number?"
As the second-in-command of the organization, Liu Youyou quickly jumped out to defend the safety of the fan club, vaguely explaining: "It's nothing, just a group of students who like to drink milk tea. Teacher, everyone's just writing for fun, to lighten up the gloomy atmosphere of today's rain."
"Oh, a milk tea group, quite fancy." Li Guoqing was convinced, nodding thoughtfully.
"Yes, and they're going to treat everyone to milk tea later," Liu Youyou said with a smile.
Li Guoqing was shocked: "Treat the whole school? That's so extravagant."
Liu Youyou brushed it off: "No, just our Class 6. It's randomly drawn. You can think of it as winning a small prize."
Not having time to worry about drinks, Li Guoqing waved his hand, shooing them like ducks: "All of you, go back now. Compete well in the remaining events, don't embarrass me. Try to pull up our class score."
Everyone weakly responded with an "Oh," and dispersed like birds and beasts, walking towards the field in twos and threes.
Su Lian put away the long rope and walked over to Chi Wang, cursing in a low voice: "These people are really something, especially that Number 1. What's wrong with them?"
The other main character, with his hands in his pockets, laughed awkwardly: "It doesn't matter, it's just playing with a meme."
Su Lian's face didn't look too good: "And they cut out the parts that couldn't be broadcast. Who knows what garbage is in their heads."
Hearing this, Chi Wang stared at the falling rain, lost in thought.
He remembered that last night when Liu Youyou was collecting submissions in the group chat, he had a stroke of inspiration and wrote a short paragraph with great fluency. Not wanting to expose himself, he specifically asked others in the group to help submit it.
Unfortunately, it was cut off halfway through, otherwise, the atmosphere would have definitely reached a climax, achieving maximum effect.
The raindrops were falling heavily, and the two of them walked towards the stands, slightly hunched over in the fine rain. Su Lian remained silent the whole way, not speaking again.
Staring at his angry expression, Chi Wang's survival instinct kicked in slightly, and he bumped him with his arm: "Hey, are you really angry? It's not that serious, is it?"
Su Lian sat back in his seat with a cold expression, and after a while, he finally spoke through gritted teeth: "I'm going to find out who this Number 1 is."
The rest of his words were left unsaid, but it felt like it would either end in destroying the body or a bloodbath.
The autumn wind was desolate, a chill swept by, and Chi Wang already sensed an unstoppable murderous intent.
This alternate account must be kept secret at all costs. The day his identity is exposed would undoubtedly be the day of his death.
Chi Wang tugged at his lips: "What are you going to do when you find them? Aren't they a girl? You can't exactly fight them, can you?"
Indeed, he hadn't thought about what to do next. Su Lian pondered for a few seconds: "We'll see when we find them."
"So, you haven't really thought about how to handle it either." Chi Wang couldn't help but laugh.
"After all, it's a girl. If it were a guy, I'd definitely beat them up first before anything else," Su Lian said coldly, looking towards the high jump area in front.
Chi Wang sighed inwardly, being a girl really was preferential treatment. If the truth were known, putting everything together, Su Lian would definitely not go easy on him.
Just as he finished speaking, the falling raindrops suddenly grew larger. What was previously a fine drizzle instantly turned into a downpour, splashing water flowers on the track. People in the stands began to put on raincoats and open umbrellas, each looking quite miserable.
This rain was quite fitting, probably mourning in advance for his bitter ending in the future.
Chi Wang took an umbrella from his seat and handed it over, changing the subject: "I'm about to go run the thousand meters. Will you come cheer for me?"
Opening the umbrella and holding it over his head, Su Lian lifted his eyelids and asked: "When are you running?"
"In an hour. I'm going to warm up first. You can come down when it's time," Chi Wang said as he rolled up his sleeves to his forearms, revealing a section of his muscular wrists.
"Mm, got it," Su Lian slightly raised his head, his gaze falling on Chi Wang's wrists. "Your hands must be sore from swinging the rope so hard earlier, right?"
"Ah, pretty sore. Why don't we massage each other?" Chi Wang said, making a move to grab Su Lian's wrist.
Su Lian quickly dodged, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets: "Are you sick? Hurry up and go get your number. And wipe your hair, be careful not to catch a cold."
Tough on the outside but soft on the inside, this little Teacher Su. Chi Wang put his hands back in his pockets, lowered his head with a smile, and said: "Got it."
Chi Wang stood in place for a moment, then turned and went down the stands with Qi Tian, walking side by side towards the thousand-meter gathering point.
Su Lian thought to himself that with an hour left before the long-distance run, there was more than enough time to deal with that damned Number 1.
He sat in the corner, secretly logging into his alternate account and entering the fan club group chat.
There were too many chat records, his finger scrolled until it was tired before he finally saw Number 1's full submission from last night.
"Chi Wang and Su Lian's rope jumping sparked passion, created tacit understanding, kindled entangled love, and forged an eternal bond. It ignited thunder in the sky and stirred fire in the earth. It shook the ground and mountains, causing the heavens to crumble and the earth to split. This is a red string of love, tightly binding the two young men together, never to be separated in this life or the next..."
No wonder it was cut off, it would be a miracle if this could be broadcast.
Su Lian pursed his lips and opened a private message to type: Classmate, didn't we agree not to dance in front of the main characters? The content of your submission is really a bit too much. As the group owner, aren't you being a bit irresponsible?
Chi Wang was stretching his legs under a rain shelter next to the track, staring at that private message in a daze.
Was it a coincidence? Su Lian had just said he wanted to find someone to settle accounts with, and this message was sent over, not even five minutes apart.
The next second, this thought was self-denied again.
Such a cool little Teacher Su probably wouldn't do something like pretending to be a girl behind a mask, it would be out of character for the cool guy.
He lowered his eyes and replied: I'm so sorry! I was really too excited and lost control a bit. It won't happen again! QAQ
His use of emoticons was becoming increasingly skillful, even his own mother wouldn't recognize him.
Seeing that the other party had a pretty good attitude, the anger that had welled up in Su Lian's heart subsided quite a bit.
[Taro Bubble 500]: Go emphasize in the group again that we shouldn't post any extreme comments these days. The teachers are around~ It wouldn't be good if they saw it~
[Taro Bubble 1]: Okay! You're really a rational CP fan, the only clear-headed one in the whole group!
Su Lian thought to himself that apart from Gu Anjiu and Chi Wang, the whole world seemed to be going crazy. He was probably the most rational one.
However, Gu Anjiu clearly failed to live up to his brother Su's expectations. Sitting to the side, facing high risk, he was frantically typing on his screen:
[Taro Bubble 222]: Inside scoop, these two will definitely become real! Trust me! Dig up this post in the future!
[Taro Bubble 213]: Really, sister? With your word, I can rest easy!
[Taro Bubble 93]: I saw them hanging the same pendant on their schoolbags today. Is this a love token?
[Taro Bubble 119]: What couple pendants? Let me see!
[Taro Bubble Tea 222]: Yes, I'm a classmate of theirs. They have red and blue racing car pendants - you can tell they're a couple at a glance!
Staring at the scrolling group messages all focused on the pendants, Su Lian's brow twitched. This 222 was immediately added to his mental assassination list.
Judging by the familiarity of the message, it was likely a classmate from Class 6. Their class really had quite a few spies.
But since the group was all girls, it wasn't easy to take action. He could only issue a warning.
Left with no choice, Su Lian privately messaged 222, advising wearily: "Sister, I think you should be more careful with your words. If you expose yourself, Su Lian will probably kill you..."
[Taro Bubble Tea 222]: Oh right, thanks for the reminder sis! I definitely won't hide my identity well, pinky promise!
The two men exchanged fake sisterly emoji stickers, ending the conversation.
Gu Anjiu quickly put away his phone, pretending to look around before slightly turning his head, just in time to see Su Lian turn off his screen.
He chuckled, "Lian bro, were you just surfing the web?"
"Mm, weren't you too?" Su Lian replied calmly, as if the one who had just called him "sister" wasn't his 500th personality.
"Ah yes, I was helping you check if anyone leaked videos of your rope skipping online." Gu Anjiu appeared thoughtful on the surface, but felt nervous inside.
Luckily he had acted quickly. If Su Lian had discovered him chatting in the group, he'd probably be lying dead on the field in an instant.
The chubby boy looked into the distance, letting out a small sigh of relief.
People were coming and going in the stands. Nearby, Liu Youyou was handing out milk tea to her girlfriends one by one, as happy as if it were New Year's.
"Here's your taro bubble tea." Liu Youyou reached out, handing over a warm cup of milk tea from her bag.
Su Lian looked up, hesitated for a few seconds before taking it. "Thanks, don't buy it next time. It's too expensive."
Liu Youyou showed her neat row of eight teeth: "I'm not the one treating this time. I'm glad you like it."
She thought to herself that there were now over a thousand sisters backing her, averaging only one or two yuan per person. But facing the person in question, she swallowed her words.
Su Lian bit the milk tea straw, taking a perfunctory sip.
Whether it was because he had gotten used to the taste, this time it wasn't too sweet. The flavor was just right.
-
An hour passed, and the 1000-meter race was about to begin.
Su Lian rested his chin on his hand, watching from afar as Chi Wang took off his outer tracksuit, wearing only a simple black T-shirt. His flashy neon running shoes were so bright they reflected light, dazzlingly eye-catching.
He stood on the outermost lane doing final stretches, with a large number 1 taped to his back.
Today seemed to have some karmic connection to the number 1, though thankfully this 1 was different from that other 1.
Su Lian stood up holding his umbrella, pinched Gu Anjiu's arm to pull him up from the bench. "Let's go, we can see better from down there."
"Alright, Yan bro, little monkey, let's go cheer for Wang bro." Gu Anjiu hooked one arm around each of them, walking towards the center of the field through the light rain.
Chi Wang saw the group from afar and waved, smiling brightly.
Su Lian, being naturally aloof, didn't react much, only mouthing silently: "Good luck."
"Okay, Teacher Su." Chi Wang replied across the long distance, completely uninhibited.
The contestants on all ten lanes crouched down, taking their starting positions. At the sound of the starting gun, they shot off like arrows released from bows.
The 1000-meter race was always a highlight of the sports meet. Besides the intensity of the competition itself, there were many handsome sports aces who rarely appeared in public. Just looking at their physiques was quite a feast for the eyes.
In the stands, each class was cheering themselves hoarse, the noise almost deafening.
"Chi Wang, Chi Wang, you're the best! Shine brightest in the thousand-meter test!"
A few off-beat male voices stood out amidst the screaming female voices.
Su Lian raised his hand to wipe his face, feeling embarrassed on Chi Wang's behalf.
Gu Anjiu held back his laughter and said, "It's still that group of Wang bro's buddies. Their shouting is really earth-shattering, quite impressive."
Su Lian complained, "Don't they ever change their lyrics? It was the same for the group exercises last time."
"Well, their literary skills are lacking. Coming up with this much is already using up all they learned in nine years of compulsory education." Gu Anjiu sighed, his face full of helplessness.
Su Lian: "..."
So among them, Chi Wang was actually the best at Chinese? What a tragedy.
The race was in full swing, and the broadcast booth had quieted down a bit. Most people were secretly taking photos with their phones.
Su Lian looked up at the stands, then scanned the runners giving their all. For a moment, he couldn't tell if these girls were here for the CP or if they were Chi Wang's personal fans.
It's just running, how is it so attractive? Su Lian stared at those pairs of shining eyes, feeling quite displeased.
He lowered the umbrella handle a bit to block the view, openly focusing his gaze on Chi Wang.
They had already completed one and a half laps. Chi Wang was in third place, maintaining a very steady pace as he passed by.
The heavy rain had soaked his hair. The wind lifted his bangs, revealing the young man's slightly lowered chin, looking rebellious and arrogant, as if he had the whole world under his feet. He truly lived up to his name, which meant "reckless."
Even though he was still behind two others, for some reason, Su Lian had an inexplicable confidence that Chi Wang would take first place.
The rain was falling harder, and a layer of puddles had formed on the ground. Su Lian felt a bit worried. The track was very slippery after rain, and he wasn't sure if those flashy running shoes would be effective.
With half a lap left before the final sprint, there was a risk of slipping if he ran too fast.
As Chi Wang passed by on his second lap, Su Lian couldn't help but call out softly, "Be careful, the track is slippery."
The person had already brushed past, but a voice came from ahead, breathless from running: "Thanks for your concern, Teacher Su."
Su Lian's lips curved slightly upward. He thought Chi Wang hadn't heard, but his ears were quite sharp.
He quickly walked to the finish line position, waiting for the final result among the sea of people. Everyone was cheering their lungs out for their classmates, waving flags and shouting for the last stretch.
With 400 meters left, Chi Wang was still in third place, a short distance behind the top two.
Gu Anjiu was so anxious he was fidgeting on the spot, grabbing Su Lian's sleeve and shaking it frantically: "Lian bro, hurry and cheer for Wang bro! He's out of energy, probably can't overtake them."
Su Lian stared at Chi Wang's increasingly heavy steps, his brows furrowed: "Will my cheering make a difference?"
"Of course! You really underestimate your own charm." Gu Anjiu realized his slip and quickly glossed over it, "Hurry, hurry, the first place is about to reach the finish line."
It was so noisy around them that one had to shout with all their might to be heard.
Su Lian suddenly took two deep breaths, grabbing the megaphone from Liu Youyou's hand: "Chi Wang, sprint to first place and I'll give you a reward."
The cool, indifferent voice traveled down the track through the amplifier, precisely reaching that person's ears, with quite an effect.
Hearing these words, Chi Wang suddenly raised his head to look towards the finish line. His previously exhausted legs instantly found new strength.
He adjusted his breathing, mustering his last burst of energy to sprint at full speed. Water splashed from under his feet as he accelerated faster and faster.
300 meters, the distance to second place suddenly closed.
200 meters, he quickly overtook second place, aiming for first.
20 meters, 10 meters, 9 meters, 8 meters...
The air seemed to solidify, and the world fell into silence.
Even the raindrops in the sky seemed to freeze in midair.
Su Lian's heart beat faster and faster, his palms clenched, unable to tell if the moisture was from rain or sweat.
That black figure, like a beam of light, broke through all the obstacles frozen around him, leaving time and space far behind as he raced towards the finish.
Chi Wang pressed his lips together, overtaking first place in the final second, crossing the finish line in the posture of a victor.
"Wang bro is awesome!! Wang bro is the strongest in the universe!!" Gu Anjiu jumped up and down on the spot, so excited his voice cracked.
Chi Wang slowed to a jog, his posture gradually relaxing as he circled back along the track towards the crowd, getting closer and closer to Su Lian.
Su Lian stood rooted to the spot, his mind blank. In his haste earlier, he had blurted out something about a reward.
So now Chi Wang was coming to claim his reward. What would he make him do?
He opened his mouth, but before he could ask, a hand reached out and pulled him into a fiercely beating embrace.
Su Lian's black T-shirt was already soaked through by the rain, and even his tracksuit was dampened. He allowed himself to be embraced, watching Liu Youyou in the distance, who was so excited she could barely speak.
After a moment, she decided to block the locker door and turned to explain to Li Guoqing, "Hey, I'm just too happy, giving a hug to celebrate."
Li Guoqing's face beamed with satisfaction, not thinking in that direction at all: "Hug, hug for a while longer. The encouragement from a desk mate really works. Just one sentence, and he's able to overtake and get first place. Amazing, is this the power of friendship?"
Gu Anjiu thought to himself, "Teacher, you don't understand, this is love." He was almost suffocating, so he pinched Lin Yan's arm to distract himself.
Under everyone's gaze, the two still maintained their embrace.
Chi Wang's voice still carried a hint of breathlessness: "Mr. Su's cheering is really powerful. Asking for a hug isn't too much, right?"
"Mm, congratulations on getting first place." Being so close, Su Lian could feel the vibration of Chi Wang's heartbeat, even sensing the slight movement of his Adam's apple as he spoke. It was as if he had just completed a kilometer-long run himself, feeling a bit short of breath.
"... Am I impressive?"
"No one is more capable than you."
Su Lian went along with the praise, his fingertips clutching the hem of Chi Wang's shirt as he said softly, "Let go, many people are watching."
"Old Li said to hug longer to celebrate, didn't you hear?" Chi Wang shamelessly used this as an excuse, refusing to let go.
The light sweat, heat, humidity, and rainwater all mixed together, making one feel dizzy and weak-limbed.
Su Lian rested his head on Chi Wang's shoulder and said resignedly, "Chi Wang, the rain is getting heavier."
"Then you can't catch a cold. Alright, no more hugging." Chi Wang instantly released his long arms and casually took the umbrella Gu Anjiu handed over, tilting most of it towards Su Lian's direction, completely shielding him from the rain.
"Come on, use the towel to wipe off, well done, well done." Li Guoqing quickly came over and gave each of them a long towel.
Chi Wang raised his hand to wipe the rainwater from his face, his lips slightly curled: "Old Li, us underachievers can be pretty damn impressive sometimes, huh?"
Li Guoqing glanced at him and warned, "Impressive yes, but swallow that dirty word back, you little rascal. Don't get cocky."
Chi Wang bent slightly, laughing harder: "Sorry, slip of the tongue."
As noon approached, they returned to the dormitory to change into dry clothes, then went to the cafeteria for a quick bite, waiting for the afternoon's four-person relay.
Because of Chi Wang's mischievous act of writing the registration form that day, Su Lian was forced to participate, and another person dragged into this predicament was Lin Yan, who was utterly miserable.
Qi Tian stood at the side, half-squatting by the flower bed to arrange the strategy: "I'll run the first leg to create a lead. Lin Yan will take over from me. Chi Wang already ran a thousand meters this morning, so just perform normally in the third position, don't push too hard. Su Lian, can you handle the last leg?"
"No problem," Su Lian nodded slightly in agreement.
Chi Wang frowned at him: "Can you manage? Why don't we switch positions? I can push myself a bit more."
"Don't push it, I'm not that delicate," Su Lian said slowly as he bent down to stretch his tendons. "It's just 200 meters per person, we can sprint the whole distance and be done with it."
Chi Wang was still worried and pressed his hands on Su Lian's shoulders to help him stretch: "It's a high-intensity relay, don't get injured. The last leg is usually run very fast. If you really can't keep up, it's okay to give up, understand?"
"You're so nagging, I get it," Su Lian said with his eyes slightly lowered, feeling the pressure coming down on him, bending his knees a bit more forward.
With ten minutes left before the race, the participants from various classes gradually entered the field and stood at their starting positions.
Chi Wang was in the position before Su Lian's leg, so the two had to gaze at each other from across half the field.
Before separating, Chi Wang repeatedly cautioned: "Don't push yourself, I'll try my best to give you more space."
Su Lian looked up and said calmly: "Getting cocky after winning the long-distance run, aren't you? I should be the one telling you this. Don't push yourself, trust me."
By now, the sound of rain was getting louder, accompanied by several thunderclaps, so dense that it was almost impossible to see the road ahead.
The two smiled at each other under the pouring rain. Chi Wang raised his hand and ruffled Su Lian's rain-soaked hair, the gesture very natural: "See you in a bit."
The people in the stands quickly caught this scene, nearly going crazy, each one shipping them hard.
Number 27, responsible for photography, hadn't stopped pressing the shutter: "I've already taken no less than a thousand photos. Today's sugar content is off the charts, with hugs and head pats. This sweetness will sustain me for a year!"
The person next to her happily chimed in: "Really, the love in Chi Wang's eyes is about to overflow. It's not just our imagination, I can't believe this couple could have a bad ending."
"It's starting, it's starting, don't talk. I'm going to capture the hand-holding moment later," Number 27 once again aimed her lens at Su Lian's direction, ready to capture the upcoming handover.
The starting gun fired, and the athletes on the tracks sprinted out. Qi Tian, being the sports representative after all, pulled ahead by a large margin in the first half, putting the sixth class far in the lead.
By the second leg, the relay runner from the neighboring eighth class was a specialist, and they caught up to the lead that had been created. By the time Lin Yan reached his position to start the handover, they were already far behind.
"Wang, go for it!!! Beat them!!!" Gu Anjiu stood on the grass, shouting at the top of his lungs, afraid that Chi Wang couldn't hear him, his voice nearly splitting in two.
Chi Wang quickly took the baton and began the third 200-meter sprint.
Most classes would put their fastest runner in the last leg for the final sprint. To create more space for Su Lian, he increased his speed, running with all his might, forcefully catching up to that distance and even pulling ahead a bit.
The broadcast booth enthusiastically provided real-time commentary: "Today's four-person relay is particularly exciting. Class 6 of the second year, despite falling behind, has actually managed to overtake thanks to Chi Wang's powerful effort. As expected from the man who won first place in the second-year boys' long-distance run this morning. The fourth leg handover is about to happen, let's wait and see if Class 6 can maintain this advantage all the way to the finish line!"
Another broadcaster picked up with precise diction: "For the final leg, each class will send out their most capable sports talent. It looks like it will be a very exciting battle. The currently first-ranked Class 6 is just seconds away from the handover—"
Chi Wang slowed down, extending his right hand with the upper half of the baton left free, suspended in the air as he passed it to Su Lian.
Their eyes didn't meet, but Su Lian instinctively reached back with his left hand, their fingertips briefly touching for a second before he quickly grasped the baton, adjusted his posture, and sprinted off.
"Go, Mr. Su!" Chi Wang didn't stop, keeping a short distance as he ran alongside Su Lian for the entire leg.
Su Lian gripped the baton tightly, held his breath, and splashed through the water, swiftly swinging his arms as he raced forward.
The gap with the neighboring class wasn't too large. The advantage that Chi Wang had fought so hard to gain must be maintained until the end.
In the downpour, he caught a glimpse of the adjacent track in his peripheral vision. Someone was vaguely catching up, and the two were almost side by side as they sprinted towards the last hundred meters.
Liu Youyou held an umbrella in one hand and a megaphone in the other, having long since abandoned her usual reserve: "Where are the people from Class 2-6! Cheer for Su Lian, show your spirit!"
At the class beauty's call, all the boys immediately responded in unison: "Go Su Lian! Su Lian first! Class 6 is the best in the universe!"
Broadcaster One excitedly slapped the table: "In the last fifty meters, Class 6 and Class 5 are still neck and neck. Could we possibly have dual first place winners?"
Broadcaster Two nearly jumped out of his seat: "Incredible, Su Lian has accelerated! In this extreme sprint situation, he can still speed up! The last five meters—will there be a miracle?!"
Su Lian pressed his lips tightly together, pushing his speed to the maximum. The wind whistled past his ears, stinging his cheeks. His vision was already blurred by the rain, relying entirely on instinct to judge.
For the first time, he felt a strong sense of collective honor. Everyone had tried so hard; they couldn't lose, couldn't lose on his leg.
Using all his strength, he took a big step across the finish line in the last meter. A split second after his body crossed the red line, the neighboring runner also arrived.
The broadcasters repeated the final results throughout the field: "Let's congratulate Class 6 for winning first place in the second-year four-person relay by a narrow margin! Due to the heavy rain, today's competition will end early. Please exit in an orderly manner, thank you."
The entire field was submerged in cheers and screams, both for the boys they adored and for this unyielding fighting spirit.
After crossing the finish line, Su Lian had to slow down gradually, taking several dozen meters to finally come to a stop due to his high speed.
It had been a long time since he'd exercised so intensely. He bent over slightly, hands on his knees, gasping for air. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might jump out of his throat.
Chi Wang quickly caught up and grabbed Su Lian's wrist, pulling him forward. "Keep walking for a bit, don't stop completely. Your heart can't take it otherwise."
Because of the intense sprint earlier, Su Lian's limbs felt weak and he could barely stand, his whole body drained of energy.
He struggled to take a couple steps, clutching at the soaked hem of Chi Wang's shirt, his face completely pale.
Chi Wang crouched down slightly, hooked an arm under Su Lian's, and lifted him onto his back in one smooth motion. He strode quickly towards the rest area.
"Is Su Lian alright?" Li Guoqing hurried over, patting Su Lian's back with concern written all over his face.
Su Lian's head drooped, his arms draped limply over Chi Wang's shoulders, supported entirely by the other's arms.
He said softly, "I'm fine, just need a moment to recover."
Chi Wang's tone was anxious as he kept walking, "We need to change clothes first. This rain is too heavy, we'll catch colds if we stay wet."
Remembering the high fever Su Lian had developed after being punished with running laps last time, Li Guoqing didn't say anything more and just urged them to hurry back to the dorm.
After being carried for a while, Su Lian felt his strength gradually returning. He patted Chi Wang's back, saying, "I'm okay now, you can put me down."
"Don't push yourself, we're almost there." Chi Wang carried him up the stairs to the fourth floor and into their dorm room, carefully setting Su Lian down on a chair.
Su Lian relaxed, stretching out his long legs and letting out a soft sigh. Finally in the mood to joke around, he said, "See, I told you to trust me. I got first place, didn't I?"
Chi Wang looked up. The young man before him still had water dripping from his hair, clothes completely soaked. But there was a slight smile on his lips, chin raised proudly, his usual coolness completely gone. He looked like a child waiting to be praised.
Chi Wang chuckled softly, his voice fond as he praised, "Little Teacher Su is the best. I'm so proud of you."
Su Lian hummed in acknowledgment, responding in kind, "You weren't bad yourself."
"I wasn't just 'not bad'," Chi Wang leaned against the bedpost, "I was the star of the sports meet today, okay?"
"Enough showing off, let's change clothes. We're soaked through from the downpour."
Su Lian slowly stood up, turning to pull a clean shirt from the wardrobe and hang it on the back of the chair. His fingers paused briefly as they touched the damp hem of his current shirt.
Before he could ask Chi Wang to leave, the other had already stripped completely naked right in front of him, left wearing nothing but black briefs.
Having just finished exercising, the beautiful lines of his muscles were clearly defined, his slim waist and long, straight legs on full display.
Following those subtle curves, there were still some remnants of rainwater on his skin. His whole body exuded an irrepressible masculinity, looking sensuously caught between boyhood and manhood.
Su Lian's gaze fell on the tantalizing mole on Chi Wang's lower abdomen. His throat went dry, and he stood rooted to the spot, forgetting to move.
His mind blanked, and he quickly turned his head away aimlessly, only to bang it loudly against the half-open wardrobe door.
Chi Wang, still not dressed, rushed over and closed the wardrobe firmly. "How can you be so careless? Does it hurt?"
Trapped between Chi Wang and the wardrobe, Su Lian's breath hitched. He responded a beat late, "It... doesn't seem to hurt much."
"Don't move, let me rub it for you." Chi Wang stared intently at the reddening forehead, carefully covering it with his palm.
The warmth from his palm transmitted through the skin, covering the bruised spot. The earlier bump to the head made Su Lian feel even dizzier.
Chi Wang bent slightly, asking in a low voice, "Feeling better?"
As he spoke, Su Lian could see his Adam's apple bobbing up and down just inches away. The warm breath washed over him like waves, threatening to drown him.
He pushed at the shoulders pressing close, his voice sounding as if soaked by the rain: "I'm fine. You should put your clothes on first."
Chi Wang slowly lowered his gaze to the face that had been so pale from running earlier. The usually cool expression was now visibly and rapidly reddening, a faint pink tinge spreading across the fair cheeks.
He refused to move away, arm bent as he leaned against the wardrobe, drawing even closer as he called out softly, "Su Lian."
Though he didn't use the nickname "Little Teacher Su" and called him by his full name instead, there was a strange, winding intimacy to it that sounded oddly flirtatious.
"What are you calling me for? I told you to go put on clothes." Su Lian kept his eyelashes lowered, trembling slightly, not knowing where to look.
Chi Wang's lips curled into a smile as he tilted his head, moving close to Su Lian's reddened ear tip. "We're both guys. What are you blushing for?"