The college sports festival lasted three days, from Wednesday to Friday.
On the first day of the event, Shen Yuqing arrived at school yawning. Before he could even enter, he ran into Lin Sui.
Lin Sui had a competition today and was dressed in full athletic gear. Spotting Shen Yuqing from afar, he called out, “Hi, bro!”
Shen Yuqing waited for him to approach, then gave him a once-over and grinned. “All that gym time really paid off, huh?”
Lin Sui flexed his arm muscles proudly. “Damn right. When I show up later, I’ll have all the Omegas swooning.”
Shen Yuqing gave him a thumbs-up, and the two walked inside together. Lin Sui glanced around. “Wonder if Le Jin’s here yet.”
The atmosphere during the sports festival was livelier than usual.
And it wasn’t just about the games overnight, the campus had sprouted countless student-run stalls. Shen Yuqing looked around curiously; some were already swarmed with people, buzzing with excitement.
Hearing Lin Sui’s muttering, he said, “No idea. Just message him and ask.”
Lin Sui shook his head. “Nah, I’ll check with him later. Besides, it’s still early he can come whenever.”
With no classes, the usual strict arrival times didn’t apply, but most students showed up early to soak in the energy.
Shen Yuqing hummed in agreement. Come to think of it, he wondered if Song Wangzhuo had arrived yet.
Lin Sui sighed. “Only when there’s no class do; I actually have the time to appreciate the campus properly.”
“Yeah,” Shen Yuqing echoed.
Too bad Pei Yiyan wasn’t here. It would’ve been nice for him to experience the lively atmosphere.
As they neared their destination, Lin Sui’s communicator pinged. Shen Yuqing glanced over it was a message from Song Le Jin, asking where they were.
Lin Sui immediately replied with their location, and seconds later, Song Le Jin called.
Lin Sui answered cheerfully. “Le Jin, where are you?”
Song Le Jin’s voice came through. “I’m almost there. Are you and Yuqing both there, A-Sui?”
“Yeah, we’re both here. What’s up?” Lin Sui asked.
“Nothing much. I’m bringing some water just wanted to confirm the headcount. Alright, I’m on my way.”
After hanging up, Lin Sui turned to Shen Yuqing. “Hold on, Le Jin’s coming soon.”
Shen Yuqing nodded. It wasn’t like they had anything else to do right now.
Sure enough, within minutes, Song Le Jin arrived carrying bottles of water. He was dressed sportily today too, wearing a gray baseball cap that made him look bright and energetic.
The moment he stopped in front of them, he said, “Sorry I’m late.”
Lin Sui grinned. “Not at all.”
Song Le Jin handed out the water. Shen Yuqing took his bottle. “Thanks.”
Song Le Jin smiled warmly. “What’s your plan for today? Cheerleading?”
“Something like that,” Shen Yuqing replied.
He’d just find a good spot and quietly enjoy the games as a spectator.
Song Le Jin suggested, “I saw some food stalls over there earlier. Let’s go check them out. I woke up late and haven’t eaten yet.”
Lin Sui immediately agreed. “Sure, let’s go now.”
No way was he letting Song Le Jin go hungry!
Song Lejin turned to Shen Yuqing again: “Yuqing, come with us.”
Shen Yuqing nodded: “Sure.”
Upon hearing his agreement, Song Lejin gave him a few extra glances, though Shen Yuqing didn’t notice.
Carrying his water, Shen Yuqing lazily walked to the side, listening as Lin Sui prattled on to Song Lejin like a peacock displaying its feathers. Uninterested, he looked around and began observing the nearby stalls.
This area was all food stalls, just like the snack vendors outside. Some had even brought fuel to cook various delicacies, including one stall serving insects.
After glancing at it twice, the stall owner called out: “Hey, student! Want to try my hometown’s specialty? It’s delicious!”
Shen Yuqing had eaten insects in his past life a classmate’s family had run an insect-based snack shop, and he’d tried it once. The texture was peculiar, and he hadn’t liked it much. “No thanks.”
Just as he was about to leave, someone hurried past behind him carrying a bucket of water. When Shen Yuqing turned, he startled the person, and his leg bumped into the bucket, causing water to splash out and thoroughly soak his pants.
The other person froze in shock, speechless.
He recognized Shen Yuqing the notorious “bully” of the academy. Now that he’d doused him with water, his days ahead would surely be miserable. Though his family had some money, it was nothing compared to the Shen family.
When Shen Yuqing looked up, he saw the other person on the verge of tears. He couldn’t help but ask his system: [What’s with his expression?]
The system replied: [The original host’s reputation precedes him. He’s probably terrified.]
Shen Yuqing cleared his throat, but before he could speak, the other person stammered: “S-sorry! A-are you okay?”
Shen Yuqing frowned slightly but said: “It’s fine.”
The other person looked ready to kneel, stunned by Shen Yuqing’s response and unsure how to react.
Shen Yuqing glanced down again, his brow furrowing lightly. “Go on.”
The other person blinked, then, realizing what Shen Yuqing had said, stammered: “I—I’ll pay for your pants.”
“No need,” Shen Yuqing said. “I won’t cause trouble for you. Go.”
The student quickly grabbed his bucket and scurried away; afraid Shen Yuqing might change his mind.
Lin Sui and Song Lejin, who had walked ahead, turned back upon hearing the commotion. Lin Sui gasped at the sight of Shen Yuqing: “Are you okay?”
Shen Yuqing remained calm. “It’s fine. I’ll just have Xiao Zhao bring me a change of clothes.”
Lin Sui blinked in surprise. Why wasn’t Shen Yuqing losing his temper?
Meanwhile, Song Lejin’s gaze remained fixed on Shen Yuqing. He’d been right all along!
Shen Yuqing sensed a sharp, unfriendly stare, but when he looked up, he only saw Song Lejin’s concerned expression.
Song Lejin asked: “Are you alright?”
Shen Yuqing replied: “I’m fine.”
Had he imagined it earlier?
Before he could dwell on it, Song Lejin spoke again: “I have spare clothes in the classroom. If you don’t mind, you can change into them first. Once your clothes arrive, you can change back. It’s cloudy today the wind might make you catch a cold.”
Shen Yuqing shook his head. “No need. My clothes will be here soon.”
He called Xiao Zhao, who answered quickly, but unexpectedly, Xiao Zhao had returned to the Shen family today to report on his recent work and was quite far from the academy. Wu Yi and Pei Yiyan were also out and not at home.
If they had to wait for Xiao Zhao to deliver the clothes, it would likely take at least two hours.
Shen Yuqing frowned, wondering who else he could ask to bring him a change of clothes.
Song Lejin spoke up again, “Just wear mine for now. The clothes are clean and loose-fitting you should be able to fit into them.”
Lin Sui also nodded. “Yeah, just borrow Lejin’s for the time being.”
Shen Yuqing took a deep breath. “Alright.”
After telling Xiao Zhao to hurry back, he hung up.
Just as the three of them were about to head to the art department together, the broadcast announced that athletes needed to register.
Song Lejin said, “You should go. Yuqing and I can manage on our own.”
Shen Yuqing also hummed in agreement. “Go ahead and take care of your business.”
Lin Sui thought about it—it was true, there wasn’t much he could do to help anyway.
After Lin Sui left, Song Lejin’s gaze returned to Shen Yuqing, this time with a hint of scrutiny.
Even when Shen Yuqing met his eyes, Song Lejin’s expression didn’t waver. He said, “Let’s go, Shen Yuqing.”
Shen Yuqing observed Song Lejin’s demeanor, his own expression unchanging. He nodded. “Let’s go.”
He had a feeling Song Lejin had something to say to him.
And whatever it was, it was very likely related to Song Wangzhuo.
