9:00 AM.

School playground.

It was a combined PE class for two classes.

Amidst the groans of many students, the burly PE teacher gathered everyone and had them run laps together. This was a simple warm-up, requiring only three laps. For those who exercised regularly, 1,200 meters wasn’t much, but many college students lacked exercise and didn’t take PE seriously, so three laps left them panting.

Usually, Qin Luo would be among those out of breath, but today he felt like a new person. After three laps, he wasn’t even tired, and he felt like he could run more.

“Brother Qin, when did you get so fit? You usually gasp after three laps. Why aren’t you out of breath today?” Han Yiqun asked curiously. As a strong Dongshan native, he was usually the fittest in their dorm, so three laps were nothing to him.

Qin Luo casually replied, “Not too bad. I did some morning jogging to exercise.”

“Really? I don’t believe you.” Han Yiqun said, showing a disbelieving expression.

Li Xuan, who was panting heavily nearby, chimed in.

For someone who lived on a diet of chips and soda, 1,200 meters was nearly lethal. After catching his breath, he joked, “Well done, Qin Luo. You’re almost as impressive as me.”

The others looked at him like he was a fool.

“With that chubby figure, when were you ever impressive?”

“Don’t look down on me. I used to exercise regularly.” Li Xuan retorted with a regional accent.

Han Yiqun grinned mischievously, “So you’re saying you were brave?”

“Of course, I was super brave!”

“Really? Let me see.”

“No, stop it, Yiqun.”

“Stop talking nonsense and let me see!”

The atmosphere on the playground became charged with playful tension.

After the run, it was free activity time.

With summer vacation approaching, the PE teacher didn’t push them to exercise much, so the class was essentially free time outdoors.

Some students gathered to chat, while others sneaked back to the dorm to play games. Of course, those who loved sports were on the track, basketball court, or soccer field, sweating it out.

Qin Luo leaned on the horizontal bar, and watched everything peacefully.

Suddenly, he noticed many eyes turning toward the direction behind him, with a peculiar look in their eyes. Especially the male students, who were staring intently. One even stumbled while running and was now sitting on the ground rubbing his foot, still craning his neck to look.

“Brother Luo, Ji Yan is here.” Wang Chen nudged Qin Luo’s arm.

Qin Luo turned and saw Ji Yan standing not far away, holding a bottle of water and looking over at him. This scene was reminiscent of when she brought milk tea to the boys’ dorm and cola to the classroom. It was obvious who she was here for. Qin Luo felt the stares of others on him, making him uncomfortable.

The air seemed filled with a lemony scent of jealousy.

Qin Luo looked at Ji Yan with a complicated expression, not moving.

When he didn’t move, Ji Yan came over on her own. Today, she wore a white tank top with a black jacket over it, paired with black shorts. Her white, slender legs moved gracefully, attracting many eyes on the playground.

She walked up to Qin Luo and handed him the water. “This is for you,” she said softly.

You have gained Strength +1]

You have gained Speed +1]

You have gained Reflexes +1]

You have gained Jumping Ability +1]

You have gained Cash: 10,000 yuan]

The golden mine had struck gold again, but the rewards were rather ordinary this time. No large sums of money or special items.

Qin Luo accepted the water bottle from Ji Yan and, seeing she was about to leave, asked her, “Why?”

Ji Yan paused and looked at him quietly, “Why what?”

“Why do you keep approaching me? I already made myself clear that day. What’s the point?”

“Do you think it’s pointless?”

Ji Yan’s question stunned Qin Luo, as it echoed what he had asked her at the dorm entrance that day.

Seeing him speechless, Ji Yan seemed a bit pleased.

She smiled faintly but still spoke coldly, “Whether it’s pointless or not, it’s my business. Giving you water has nothing to do with you.”

Wow, this was the legendary “I love you, but it has nothing to do with you” logic?

Qin Luo was taken aback, and felt helpless. “Suit yourself.”

Just then, he heard a lively voice not far away.

“Hello! Hello, hello!”

Looking up, he saw Ji Yan’s roommates approaching. Hao Meng and Shi Yulu were there, supporting Jia Ting as they walked slowly over.

Hao Meng and Shi Yulu looked curious, as if wondering what Qin Luo and Ji Yan were talking about.

However, Jia Ting had a blank expression and didn’t dare look at Qin Luo, as if feeling guilty.

Normally, no one would have paid attention to her behavior, but Qin Luo suddenly asked her, “Does your foot still hurt?”

It was a reflexive question since he had taken her to the infirmary before. It was natural to show concern. But he didn’t expect this simple question to surprise Hao Meng, Shi Yulu, and Ji Yan.

As for Jia Ting, she glanced at him with a hint of reproach and replied softly, “It’s okay.”

Hao Meng asked instinctively, “Jia Ting, how does he know you’re injured?”

Qin Luo glanced at her, “Nonsense, I took her to the infirmary. Of course, I know.”

Hearing his words, the other girls were shocked.

Hao Meng widened her eyes, “You said a friend took you to the infirmary. That friend was Qin Luo?”

Shi Yulu added, “When did you two get so close?”

Ji Yan looked at Jia Ting and Qin Luo with suspicion. Her gaze finally settled on Jia Ting, silently questioning her.