Chapter 38: Wait, I’m getting out of the car!

What exactly limits a person’s speed?

Is it air resistance, gravity, or physical endurance?

When a person runs, the once calm flowing air turns into a wind blowing straight at them.

The larger the surface area exposed, the greater the resistance created by these air currents.

Opening one’s mouth, the cold air rushes in, and swallowing it brings a chill all the way to the lungs.

Underneath her down jacket, Su Xiaoyao’s close-fitting clothes were already soaked through with sweat.

Although they were usually warm when worn, during exercise they couldn’t dissipate heat or wick away sweat effectively.

The primary way humans cool down is through sweat glands spread nearly all over the body, releasing water to reduce temperature.

This system grants humans great endurance, but now it felt like a burden instead.

The cotton thermal wear clung uncomfortably to her skin, especially when the inner fibers absorbed sweat, causing an indescribable itchiness.

Plus, carrying those big bunny ears on her shoulders made them ache terribly.

After so many days, she still hadn’t gotten used to wearing that kind of clothing and still felt a strong sense of embarrassment.

Usually, she had to actively block out such thoughts just to barely endure it.

The bunny ears were also miserable being trapped in the “nest” after sweating; Su Xiaoyao really wanted to let them out for some fresh air.

Of course, that could only happen at home.

Long-distance running consumed a massive amount of oxygen.

She was already breathing through her mouth at maximum efficiency, her heartbeat far exceeding normal, and her brain was starting to falter due to the gradual lack of nutrients.

At this moment, Su Xiaoyao couldn’t help but wonder, what exactly is the purpose of running?

What meaning does it hold?

Then a phrase she had heard from somewhere came to mind.

Running is a struggle against the fate bound by gravity.

But that didn’t seem to apply to her.

So why was she still running?

So tired…

“Run, don’t slow down.”

Mu Nanqiu’s voice mercilessly pulled Su Xiaoyao out of her reverie.

As adrenaline began to wear off, exhaustion crept in.

She had wanted to push harder, but she really couldn’t anymore—there was no strength left.

Su Xiaoyao thought, just stop then.

So her steps gradually slowed until she finally stopped in place, crouching down with the look of someone resigned to the end.

Mu Nanqiu jogged over steadily and calmly. Standing before her, catching her breath lightly, she glanced at the motionless Su Xiaoyao, tidied some messy strands of hair, rested briefly, then said.

“Not running anymore? Weren’t you good at this? Get up and keep going.”

Su Xiaoyao, on the verge of vomiting acid, had no energy left to argue, struggling to withstand the overwhelming nausea caused by intense exercise.

Mu Nanqiu’s stamina was excellent—she could’ve easily gone another round.

But she hadn’t lost control like this for a long time, and actually, the feeling wasn’t bad at all.

She stepped forward, pulled the hood off Su Xiaoyao’s head, then cupped her under the armpits and lifted her up.

Su Xiaoyao’s face flushed bright red; her clear, watery eyes looked like she was about to cry.

She was about to cry, but only pretending.

Mu Nanqiu reached out and pinched that slightly chubby, warm little face.

It was both infuriating and amusing, but she deliberately kept a cold expression and said.

“Su Xiaoyao, try running for me one more time.”

“……”

Su Xiaoyao tried to turn her head away, but Mu Nanqiu’s hands held her face firmly, forcing her to look at her.

Su Xiaoyao could only give an awkward, ungracious smile.

Xiaoyao, I’m doomed!

After stopping, the two of them caught their breaths.

Unconsciously, they had run to a secluded spot inside the school.

There weren’t many people around—if it were later, some might be out for a walk, but now most were probably still having dinner.

Mu Nanqiu pulled Su Xiaoyao toward the parking lot.

Neither spoke along the way.

The heavy atmosphere made Su Xiaoyao feel uneasy.

“Say something, senpai, otherwise what kind of new-style interrogation is this?”

They reached the second floor of the underground parking lot and stopped in front of a car.

Mu Nanqiu finally turned to look at Su Xiaoyao, who was following closely but no longer running.

She took a deep breath and said.

“Su Xiaoyao, you must be wondering why I treat you so differently, right?”

Hearing this, Su Xiaoyao lifted her eyes to Mu Nanqiu’s deep gaze.

There was a flicker of resentment in them.

She froze for a moment, then quickly shook her head, indicating she didn’t know anything and didn’t want to.

Knowing too much never ended well.

Seeing Mu Nanqiu’s mouth slowly open, Su Xiaoyao knew something forbidden was about to be revealed.

She really wanted to cover her ears and not hear the truth, but that was clearly impossible.

Even if she covered her ears with her hands, Mu Nanqiu would pry them open and repeat it right by her ear.

Su Xiaoyao thought, if senpai treats me a little differently, there must be some terrifying conspiracy!

“Remember the question you asked me last time?”

“Ah?”

Su Xiaoyao was momentarily stunned, not recalling which question it was.

Mu Nanqiu answered it herself.

“You asked if I had any relatives around thirty years old. I said I had a cousin who was exactly thirty and liked playing games. Now I have to amend that answer—he actually died in a car accident caused by speeding ten years ago. If he were still alive, he would indeed be thirty now.”

“Ah?”

Su Xiaoyao was completely baffled.

But Mu Nanqiu wasn’t finished.

“So, the one who plays games is me. I don’t really like gaming, and as for why I keep playing…”

Mu Nanqiu squinted slightly and took a step forward, placing both hands on Su Xiaoyao’s shoulders, speaking calmly.

“Because of Yao Xiaosu. Because of you. Got it now?”

“Ah!”

Su Xiaoyao exclaimed, but not because she was shocked by the truth—instead, Mu Nanqiu had taken advantage of her distraction to lift her down jacket and deliver a harsh smack to her butt.

Though protected by three layers of pants, the unprepared slap still startled Su Xiaoyao, making her jump up.

Triumphant, Mu Nanqiu smiled proudly and said to Su Xiaoyao, whose ears flushed red from the spanking.

“This is a mild punishment for daring to run away.”

“Ugh…”

Su Xiaoyao admitted she was startled again, rubbing her poor, innocent little butt.

Although scolded by senpai, she didn’t feel annoyed—in fact, she felt much better.

At least now she didn’t have to feel nervous about breaking a promise.

She was about to speak when Mu Nanqiu pulled her into the car, dropping her into the back seat.

Mu Nanqiu quietly returned to the driver’s seat, inserted the key, warmed up the engine, and turned on the air conditioning.

Soon, the car started moving. Su Xiaoyao still looked tense and reserved.

Mu Nanqiu glanced at Su Xiaoyao through the rearview mirror.

Pretending to look outside while occasionally darting glances, Su Xiaoyao’s eyes made the corner of Mu Nanqiu’s mouth lift into a slight curve.

Tapping the car’s screen a few times, Su Xiaoyao’s hair stood on end at the sound she suddenly heard.

She felt like she was about to explode.

Right now, all she wanted to say was:

I want to get out!