“Ah!”

Hearing a cry from behind, Qin Luo’s body reacted faster than his mind. His agile, workout-conditioned body stopped immediately. He turned around, and caught Jia Ting with his arm just in time.

It was a timely save, preventing Jia Ting from falling to the ground, where she could have at least scraped her hands on the rubber track.

Holding her close, Qin Luo felt the soft warmth of her body, a first for him in such intimate touch with a girl.

Looking into her beautiful, panic-stricken eyes and seeing the blush on her refined oval face—uncertain whether it was from shyness or exertion—Qin Luo felt his heart race unexpectedly. A gentle breeze lifted a lock of Jia Ting’s hair, adding to her allure.

“Her gentle bowing is like a shy water lily swaying in the cool breeze…”

This poetic thought flashed in Qin Luo’s mind before he noticed Jia Ting frowning, perhaps uncomfortable with their contact. He released her slightly, only to see her gasp in pain.

“What’s wrong?” Qin Luo asked.

“I think I twisted my ankle…” Jia Ting said, supporting herself on her left leg while slightly lifting her right foot off the ground.

A twisted ankle could range from a minor injury to something serious, potentially affecting the bone. It needed careful attention.

“Sit down and rest. Let me take a look,” Qin Luo said seriously, and helped Jia Ting to a nearby bench without waiting for her response.

Jia Ting, reluctant to have too much physical contact with a boy, instinctively wanted to refuse. But seeing Qin Luo’s worried, serious expression, she swallowed her words and let him help her sit down.

She then saw Qin Luo reaching for her shoe, causing her to exclaim, “Stop! Stop!”

“Uh…” Realizing his actions might be inappropriate, Qin Luo froze with his hands near her foot.

The situation became slightly awkward.

“I’ll take it off myself…” Jia Ting said, blushing even more. She bent down, carefully removed her shoe, and then her white sock.

Her small foot, almost the size of Qin Luo’s hand, was as fair as her skin. Her delicate toes, like tender bamboo shoots after rain, twitched nervously as if shy from being seen. Despite her efforts to remain calm, her toes moved uncontrollably.

Especially under Qin Luo’s gaze, Jia Ting’s blush deepened repeatedly.

She couldn’t take it anymore, so she asked, “Can you stop staring at me?”

“Okay,” Qin Luo replied calmly, turning his head as if it was no big deal, though he couldn’t help but marvel internally.

Girls were truly treasures, even their feet could be so beautiful. Despite not having a foot fetish, Qin Luo found it hard not to look.

What would happen if Jia Ting acted out of character? Would she reveal something more valuable than Ji Yan’s golden mine?

Qin Luo shook off these thoughts and focused on Jia Ting’s foot. Her ankle turned slightly red which was visible under her fair skin.

“Does it hurt a lot?” Qin Luo asked.

Jia Ting, not one to exaggerate, minimized the pain, “It’s not too bad…”

“Try moving your ankle.”

“…Hiss!” She groaned as soon as she moved it slightly, her pretty eyebrows knit together, making her dignified face look even more pitiful.

“You might have injured the bone. Let’s go to the infirmary.” Qin Luo decided, turning his back to her.

Qin Luo squatted in front of her, turning around like he was about to carry her.

Jia Ting panicked, and raised her voice, “No need, no need…”

Qin Luo looked back at her puzzled, “What do you mean, no need?”

“Aren’t you going to carry me?” Jia Ting asked blankly.

Qin Luo laughed, “I was just looking for the direction to the infirmary. What are you thinking? A twisted ankle doesn’t mean you’re disabled. Do I really need to carry you?”

Ah, this…

Realizing her misunderstanding, Jia Ting felt extremely embarrassed, sitting there silently like a wronged child.

Qin Luo asked, “Do you have any friends nearby? Maybe they can help.”

Jia Ting shook her head, “No, they’re all still sleeping.”

“Alright, I’ll take you there,” Qin Luo said, offering his hand. “Be careful, try not to put weight on your foot, or it will hurt even more.”

“Can’t you say something nice?” Jia Ting rolled her eyes. She then hesitated before taking his hand.

From a distance, the muscular men watching turned green with envy, their hearts filled with sour jealousy.

Qin Luo supported Jia Ting off the track.

Despite running over a thousand meters without breaking a sweat, he now felt oddly strained. Jia Ting, trying to avoid too much contact, kept a cautious distance from him.

Respecting her space, Qin Luo didn’t move closer, and stretched his arm out horizontally for her to lean on.

Jia Ting hopped beside him, using both hands on his arm. This awkward method was fine for a step or two, but not for the distance to the infirmary.

The effort was too much, both in terms of difficulty and energy.

“Ah!”

Jia Ting stumbled again, and Qin Luo caught her in his arms once more.

For the second time… the second time being held by a man…

Jia Ting’s face turned bright red, like she had a fever.

Qin Luo, losing patience, said, “Stay still, I’m speeding up.”

The confused Jia Ting felt herself lifted by strong arms before she could react. She instinctively grabbed Qin Luo’s neck for support, then released her grip, struggling slightly.

“Put me down, I can walk. Put me down…”

“Quiet.” Qin Luo said impatiently. He gave her a stern look and headed forward.

Jia Ting wanted to protest but, seeing his serious face and the sweat dripping from his chin, she fell silent, and her expression became subtly thoughtful.