“Trapped.”
The Physical Education Teacher walked to the edge of the sports field and poured himself a cup of cold water.
Then, he returned to the fence, watching the girl who was already running her seventeenth lap around the track.
…Sigh, maybe this is enough. Come to think of it, these girls are just skipping PE class. He himself had skipped classes before.
Besides, Wen Manman, the one he caught, was the only one who actually showed up for class. Punishing her like this might be too harsh.
Sigh, he really didn’t understand what kind of bond could make her willing to bear this punishment alone—running twenty laps around the track—without revealing the whereabouts of the others.
Looking at Wen Manman, whose figure was sturdy and strong but was still just a blossoming young girl, he couldn’t help but feel a little admiration.
Enough. That’s enough. If she keeps running, it’s no longer fitness training.
He also wondered what the others were doing. How could they just leave Wen Manman to be punished alone without even checking on her?
…Are friends like these really worth this kind of loyalty?
Just as the PE Teacher was about to step down from the stands to free Wen Manman from this cruel ordeal, two girls suddenly appeared at the edge of the field.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the one with pink hair should be Zhang Shiyu, and the other was Du Xinxin—both often seen hanging out with Wen Manman.
They immediately noticed his presence but only glanced silently in his direction.
Before he could announce their punishment, the two decisively went over to Wen Manman’s side and began running laps around the track together.
What, what is this…
Watching their silhouettes running under the sun, the PE Teacher was unexpectedly shocked.
So this is the bond between girls.
After hearing about such a harsh punishment, even though they hesitated at first and wanted to run away, after some consideration, they ultimately came to this cruel “execution ground” to face it alongside their friend.
He sighed, twisted open two bottles of mineral water, and walked down from the stands.
“That’s enough. You don’t have to run anymore.”
The PE Teacher stood before the finish line, blew his whistle sharply, and waved at them.
“I forgive you this time. I won’t report this to the Homeroom Teacher! But from now on, make Wen Manman sign in for a few fewer people. Save me some face!”
However, even after he said that, they didn’t even look at him. They silently kept running with Wen Manman.
W-What?
Even without any consequences, they still kept running?
Looking at Du Xinxin’s pained expression, it was clear physical fitness wasn’t her strength, yet she still forced herself to keep going to empathize with her punished friend.
So that’s it. I misunderstood you. Though you act like troublemakers who skip class, your hearts burn with such a strong bond.
Since that’s the case, I can’t just stand by and watch!
The PE Teacher took a deep breath, quietly took off his jacket, tossed it aside, and stepped onto the field with the three girls, leading them in a run.
One two one two one two—
His loud whistle echoed over the empty Baiying Academy sports field.
Behind him, Wen Manman quietly wiped the sweat from her face and looked at the two girls running beside her.
“Pfft, why did you come? How’s the plan going?”
Xiao Fen took small, quick steps while rubbing her chin.
“…Well, I think it should be very successful. Now the whole school is spreading the story of Old Boss Qingfen and Meng Wange. We must have created an excellent Confession Atmosphere…”
“Heh heh, I’ve already… eliminated all the bad endings from over twenty versions—those with a third party intervening, those with Old Boss taking the right spot, and finally organized six different versions into a PPT and sent it to every group.”
Du Xinxin struggled forward with dull eyes. No, it was less running and more dragging her body with the momentum of her steps.
Zhang Shiyu held Du Xinxin’s waist with one hand and frowned.
“But why is Old Boss still so angry, punishing us with five laps around the track?”
“It must be because you said something wrong when spreading it offline!”
“No way! Then she should have punished me alone! It must be your version in the group that didn’t please her! Maybe Old Boss actually wanted to stand on the right spot, who knows!”
“Business.”
Du Xinxin recalled Su Wanli’s behavior in class and silently shut her mouth.
“Well, I think Old Boss might just want to tone it down a bit, not wanting us to make a big deal out of this.”
Wen Manman supported Du Xinxin on one side, rubbing her arm while thinking aloud.
“After all, you all know, Su Wanli seems quite shy in front of Meng Wange. Spreading this kind of news is basically putting the fact that Old Boss likes Meng Wange right in front of them. It’s like forcing Old Boss to confess. It’s only natural she’s angry.”
Zhang Shiyu rubbed her temples with her free hand and pondered.
“Huh, that makes sense? But is Old Boss really this awkward? Potato Thunder, what do you think?”
“I think… she’s just… embarrassed, so she’s taking it out on us…”
Zhang Shiyu and Wen Manman’s eyes lit up and they both patted Du Xinxin’s shoulder.
“Ah, exactly! As expected from you!”
“Stop, stop patting! I really… am dying…”
Ahead, the PE Teacher waved at the three girls, who were almost at a standstill, and continued blowing his whistle.
“Hold on, keep going! One two one, one two one, one two one!”
As for the “Old Boss” they spoke of—the First Delinquent of Baiying, Su Wanli—she was still inside Baiying Academy’s Cafeteria, silently sighing while looking at the few remaining open windows.
…Damn Xiao Fen and Potato Thunder, choosing such a lowly way to spread rumors about Meng Wange’s love life!
But spreading rumors was expected from the villain’s subordinates. Being underhanded was normal…
But why did they have to drag me into this? They even proudly told me! It’s just ridiculous!
Fuming, Su Wanli didn’t even bother to buy food and rushed to the sports field to make them run laps.
Sigh, at 12:30 the Cafeteria windows were still quite busy. If I’d known, I would’ve bought what I wanted first before punishing them, but now I have to endure hunger.
Now only a handful of windows remained open, and those leftovers were probably not very appetizing…
Su Xiaoli shook her head and walked to each open window.
One—Shrimp and Crab Roe Soup Noodles. The toppings only had a few shrimp shells left. Might as well just close this window.
One—Osmanthus Wine Brew. Isn’t this just a dessert after meals? Charging 16 yuan for this? Do they think my family’s money grows on trees?
One—Legendary Black Lotus Italian Noodles… if you aren’t left to the last, who else is?
One—Wait, Spicy Pepper Ice Cream? What is that?
For some unknown reason, the aunts at those remaining windows had been lazily yawning. But when they caught Su Wanli’s gaze, they panicked, hurriedly pulled the curtains, or gave her a forced smile, gesturing that they were sold out.
It’s not like I’m here to sabotage the place. Why are they acting like this?
At the end, only one window with two people still in line remained.
Su Wanli stepped forward and glanced sideways—
This is… Meat Bun?
I thought Baiying Academy’s Cafeteria would only have upscale dishes or some ridiculous homemade stuff. Didn’t expect a few down-to-earth windows here.
Su Wanli stretched and quietly stood behind the two students in line.
“Ah, Miss Wanli…”
“Hey, didn’t they say Miss Wanli was taking Meng Wange out of school for a lavish lunch at noon? How come she’s here?”
The Cafeteria aunt glanced at the end of the line and casually called out.
“Ah, the student at the back, there are only two portions of Meat Bun ingredients left!”
Before Su Wanli could frown, the two students in front immediately reacted, waving their hands at the aunt.
“No, no, no need, Auntie! We suddenly felt full already! Sorry, Auntie, we don’t want it! See you tomorrow!”
With that, they quickly left, leaving Su Wanli and the aunt standing there awkwardly.
“Ah, Miss Wanli… ahem, haha, I mean, miss, do you want one?”
Su Wanli silently rolled her eyes and pointed to the last two buns left.
“Fine. Just wrap these two up for me.”