Chapter 5, The Sports Meeting Focused on Participation

In the last class of the morning, just before the end of the lesson, Xu Motou cleared his throat, drew attention, and slowly said: "As you all know, the school is about to hold a sports meeting. Although our class is small, we must participate, that is certain. Some have suggested a collective waiver, which is absolutely unacceptable. In the past, when we were at 'Shanglin No. 1 High School' and had a 'Youth Science and Technology Class', a group of thirteen or fourteen-year-old college entrance examination candidates never waived their participation. Are you all not as good as those children?"

He wiped his sweat and gasped, saying, "Consolation items." Zhong Yue pointed to the stands, "Aren't there some?" The drinks and fruits had already been delivered. He untied the rope and said, "Old Xu paid for it out of his own pocket, and it's also a reward for the students participating in the competition." It was rare that he didn't praise the demon lord. He then directed everyone, "Zhong Yue, you move that box of water to the stands; Yuan Lin, you take the apples and oranges—" He then pointed at He Ruchu with a smile and said, "Don't just stand there watching, lend a hand as well. This is a sports field, not your home, and you shouldn't act like a young lady from a wealthy family."

Han Zhang blurted out: "What’s there to be nervous about? You have such limited potential, destined to be last anyway, whether you run fast or slow doesn’t matter." This provoked a round of scolding from her.

Han Zhang, the class monitor, smiled wryly: "Our class has so few people that even gathering a cheerleading squad is a problem, let alone participating in the sports meet. There are only six girls, three of whom are completely absorbed in their studies, believing that watching the sports meet is a waste of time, not to mention participating in training; the other two are frail and easily toppled by the wind, and I can't expect them to compete; as for the last one, He Ruchu, if you have the ability, you can ask her to join, but I dare not call her to participate again. As for the boys, there are hardly any who genuinely want to join. Take Zhou Jianbin, for instance; at most, he would serve as a cheerleader, which is already quite good."

She was infuriated and turned around to look for him. Zhong Yue stood beside her and gently tugged at her sleeve, whispering, "Focus on your own path and don't worry about others. Let's walk our own way and not overthink it." Gradually, her anger subsided.

She clapped her hands vigorously along with the crowd, her face flushed from the sun. As soon as he came off the stage, she immediately rushed over, looking up at him and praised, "Zhong Yue, you are amazing—standing there, oblivious to everyone around you, like a celestial being, so cool!"

After delivering a lengthy motivational speech, he then asked, "Who would like to volunteer?" Han Zhang was the first to raise his hand, as the class monitor, he naturally had to take the lead. Then Zhong Yue stood up and said, "I was an athlete in track and field at Meixi No. 1 Middle School, and I can represent the class in the competition."

Han Zhang shrugged: "Today is the deadline for submitting the list for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Sports Meeting, I believe Master Xu will have arrangements by then." Zhong Yue initially wanted to say something, but after thinking it over, he decided against it and chose to wait and see what Master Xu would say.

Lin Danyun is a warm-hearted and straightforward person. Hearing her speak made me feel a bit sorry for her, so I nodded and said, "Alright, I will cheer for you, but you mustn't embarrass me." With my hands on my hips, I grinned and asked Han Zhang, "Class monitor, do you think it will work?" Her bright eyes and beautiful teeth sparkled as she moved gracefully under the sunlight. Since childhood, she has been a well-known beauty at "Shanglin No. 1 High School," talented in many areas.

She placed her hands on her hips and said: "If I were Sun Erniang, would I allow you to live until now? I would have long since put you on the skinning stool, scalded you with boiling water, and skinned you alive!"

Han Zhang pulled Zhong Yue and said: "Did you hear that? This kind of woman is even more fierce than a female Yasha; who would dare to want her in the future!"

Unfortunately, most students in Class Zero show little interest. The reputation of Class Zero from "Shanglin No. 1 High School" has spread throughout the city, but when it comes to the sports meeting, they are like wilted eggplants. Other classes are enthusiastically discussing the competition events, selecting participants, and organizing cheerleading and logistics teams, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone is eager to bring glory to their class. In stark contrast, Class Zero remains indifferent, as if they are bystanders, showing no signs of engagement and appearing ready to distance themselves from the event.

First, there was the opening ceremony. All athletes lined up in formation according to their classes and gathered at the sports field. Other classes had around twenty to thirty participants, and as they walked past the podium holding their banners, their respective cheerleading squads shouted encouragement, creating a spectacular atmosphere. Even the least favorable liberal arts key class managed to gather around eleven or twelve people. However, Class Zero, including the banner holder, had only six members and was the first to enter the field from the senior year group. As they stepped onto the field to the march music, they sparked a wave of laughter. People in the stands continuously pointed and laughed at them. Class Zero, including the banner holder, had only six members and was the first to enter the field from the senior year group. As they stepped onto the field to the march music, they sparked a wave of laughter. People in the stands continuously pointed and laughed at them.

Han Zhang rushed over, casually grabbing a handful of her hair, and disdainfully shouted: "I have never seen someone as troublesome as you. It's almost time to go on stage, why are you fixing your hair? Hurry up, stop dawdling—"

Once the opening ceremony concluded, the official competition began. A few individuals stacked themselves together like a tower, shouting encouragement three times before dispersing. He Ru initially asked Zhong Yue, "Which events are you going to participate in?" He raised his eyes slightly and replied, "Men's 50 and 100 meters sprints, 800 meters and 5000 meters long-distance runs, standing long jump, shot put, and javelin..." Since everyone knew he had been a school-level athlete, they entrusted him with the heavy responsibility. Although he smiled wryly, he could only grit his teeth and take it all on his shoulders. "Men's 50 and 100 meters sprints, 800 meters and 5000 meters long-distance runs, standing long jump, shot put, and javelin..." Since everyone knew he had been a school-level athlete, they entrusted him with the heavy responsibility. Although he smiled wryly, he could only grit his teeth and take it all on his shoulders.

After a pause, he said: "In a sports meeting, the emphasis is on participation, friendship comes first, and competition second. Our class does not require us to achieve rankings; to put it bluntly, as long as we can score, that would be sufficient. A tutoring class has hundreds of students, and there are many athletic talents, not to mention the specially recruited national-level athletes, so it is only natural that we cannot win. However, since everyone is a part of the senior class zero, we should actively participate and strive to bring glory to our class... A tutoring class has hundreds of students, and there are many athletic talents, not to mention the specially recruited national-level athletes, so it is only natural that we cannot win. However, since everyone is a part of the senior class zero, we should actively participate and strive to bring glory to our class..."

She nimbly dodged, made a disgusted expression, and frowned as she said, "Don't touch me—your hands are filthy." Tightening her headband, she headed to the track. Standing there, she saw others with their bodies bent like bows, poised and ready to spring, while she stood so upright that it looked like she was being punished. Clumsily trying to imitate them, she didn't even have time to get into position before the gunshot went off. The outcome was predictable; she finished second to last—along the way, a girl fell down.

"Empty words, I cannot believe. Since you have sympathy, then come be my cheerleader. Our class can't even organize a cheerleading team, so for the sake of our past friendship, at least give me a couple of cheers." This statement sounds a bit pitiful.

Han Zhang immediately bowed his head and said with a smirk, "Alright, alright, with such a beautiful and stunning lady like you standing there, everyone else from other classes would surely pale in comparison, something that cannot be sought after even if one tries!"

Zhong Yue was the first to break the zero record, finishing seventh in the 100-meter sprint and earning 0.5 points. In the afternoon, he also finished last in the shot put, coming in eighth. The next day, during the dart competition, due to his keen eyesight and skillful hand, he surprisingly achieved a ranking, which greatly exceeded everyone's expectations. Because the dart competition posed certain dangers and there were concerns about injury, students were prohibited from gathering around the venue. As a result, everyone's enthusiasm grew even higher, with half of the attendees coming specifically to watch the competition for this reason. The dart competition posed certain dangers and there were concerns about injury, so students were prohibited from gathering around the venue. As a result, everyone's enthusiasm grew even higher, with half of the attendees coming specifically to watch the competition for this reason

He stood on the viewing platform, observing him standing in the center of the arena, as steady as a mountain, with a demeanor as profound as the depths of the ocean. The dart in his hand flew like lightning, striking the bullseye with precision, causing a warmth to rise in his heart. The audience erupted in an uproar, with some leading the applause, and soon everyone joined in, the sound of clapping falling like raindrops. Zhong Yue, oblivious to it all, seemed as if everything outside of him had ceased to exist, calmly picking up another dart.

He Ru Chu interrupted him, sighed, and said, "Poor fellow, we are in the same boat." His buddy patted him on the shoulder to offer comfort. Han Zhang, drenched in sweat, pulled a small cart towards them. He Ru Chu pointed at a large pile of items and asked, "What are you doing? Are you planning to open a grocery store?"

Han Zhang is one of the top players in basketball, his short-distance running is barely acceptable, but he struggles with long-distance running. However, if he wants to place in short-distance events, it is exceedingly difficult without professional training. On the other hand, in high jump, relying on his long legs, he secured sixth place, earning 1 point for his class. The next day, in the standing long jump, he again achieved seventh place

He Ruchu said with irritation, "What are you laughing at? Are you so happy to see me in such a miserable state? You have no sympathy at all!" Lin Danyun stuck out her tongue and said seriously, "Amitabha, I am very sympathetic."

Seeing the cheerleaders from other classes carrying banners and waving streamers, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and joy. Turning to look at her own class's formation, she found only a few people had shown up, and they were either sitting listlessly or staring blankly at the sports field. One of them was even memorizing English vocabulary! She felt utterly hopeless, her confidence shattered, and was already contemplating withdrawing before the event had even started

Zhong Yue brought it up again: "Isn't there going to be a sports meeting at school? Why is no one from our class participating?"

Han Zhang approached and said, "Am I not a hero of the class? Why don't you treat me so well?" She slapped him and replied, "Haven't you eaten enough? Look at the ground beneath your feet, it's covered with banana peels." Han Zhang covered his head and fled, cursing her as the fierce woman, Sun Erniang.

How to tease at first: "Look at you, all flustered! The moment you see a beautiful woman, you lose your mind—" When it was her turn to take the stage, she became nervous, patting her chest and saying: "My heart is pounding, and it hurts a lot." The tense atmosphere of the competition still affected her.

She rolled her eyes and said, "Has it bothered you for long!" In fact, it is not particularly long; it is just that female students in the sciences tend to have short hair, which makes her stand out.

In a low voice, she asked Lin Danyun whether her hair was tied tightly, wondering if it would come loose while running with the books later. Lin Danyun took two steps back, glanced at it, and hesitantly shook her head: "I don't know. However, you should probably put your hair up; it would be more convenient while running—after all, your hair is so long!"

Zhong Yue watched the two of them banter and bicker playfully, their innocent camaraderie evoking a sense of emptiness within him, leaving him somewhat unsettled without understanding why. He forced a smile at Han Zhang's complaints and turned to grab his clothes

Zhong Yue and Han Zhang are also tasked with multiple competitions, and the competition schedules overlap. The two of them cannot manage everything anyway; they will just focus on their own tasks when the time comes. Despite efforts to mobilize, only two people were persuaded to participate, while the others declined, claiming they are not athletic talents and do not want to embarrass themselves. At most, they are willing to handle logistical work.

Zhong Yue saw her laughing carefree, like a blooming flower, and couldn't help but smile along. Many years later, when recalling that time, a mere smile seemed so pure and transparent.

From the initial disbelief to the eventual numbness, after the shock, she had lost all feeling. Everyone understood tacitly; all she needed to do was bring someone on stage, as participation was what mattered. No one expected her to place, and she herself held no hope.

On the day of the sports meeting, the sky was high and the clouds were light, with a gentle breeze and bright sunshine, as if the heavens had specially shown mercy, for the continuous drizzling rain of the past few days had all ceased. He Ru, having just received her silly numbered uniform, was number 4. From the moment she got her number, she began to feel unhappy, for you see, "four" sounds like "death" in Chinese, how inauspicious!

Upon first glance at this square formation of mine, with only a handful of people present, I felt truly embarrassed when I passed by the podium and did not even hear a single word of encouragement such as "Keep it up". As I was about to finish, I unexpectedly heard someone loudly booing, clearly because Class Zero was too conspicuous; having finally made a fool of themselves, they did not hesitate to add insult to injury.

Zhong Yue finished the 100-meter preliminary race, walked back to the camp, and attentively listened. At that moment, she said: "Then try to take a deep breath, like this—" and demonstrated inhaling and exhaling. She followed along a few times, found it amusing, and remarked that it was like blowing up a balloon. Zhong Yue laughed and said, "Who cares what you blow? Just as long as you don't blow away," gesturing with her hands and making comical movements, which made her burst into laughter. In the midst of their joking, the tension in the air was inadvertently eased. Zhong Yue laughed and said, "Who cares what you blow? Just as long as you don't blow away," gesturing with her hands and making comical movements, which made her burst into laughter. In the midst of their joking, the tension in the air was inadvertently eased.

In the end, the unfortunate He Ru had no choice but to become the sole representative of the senior three zero class girls' group. She had to participate alone in four essential events: the 100-meter sprint, the long-distance 800-meter run, the women's shot put, and the standing long jump. The 4x100 meter relay had to be forfeited as she was the only participant.

Lin Danyun smiled and said, "I don't know why I feel jealous." Lin Danyun was never stingy with her compliments about her hair, yet she herself was indifferent and did not care much. At that moment, she untied her headband, bit it in her mouth, and casually grabbed her hair with her right hand, trying to put it up. Her hair, like clouds, spread out under the autumn sunlight, shimmering brilliantly. Zhong Yue stood a few steps away, feeling a strong impulse to touch it; was it as warm as the sunlight?

Xu Mo-tou slammed the table and said loudly, "Right, how could I forget you! You were the champion of the 5000-meter race, weren't you? Now our Class Zero doesn't have to worry about breaking the ice! Who else, who else is willing to participate? All class leaders, stand up and set an example..." He began to enforce it. Other classes take a week just to select athletes, but Class Zero decided on the spot, truly a case of 'swift resolution'

He Ruchu struck him with a punch and cursed, "Go die." Everyone was busy when Lin Danyun gracefully walked over, clapping her hands and laughing, "Your class is truly interesting; there are only a few people at the opening ceremony, yet you are the focus of the entire venue—" She then turned and laughed, "He Ruchu, even you have been dragged onto the stage; the heavens are just, and retribution is inevitable, hahahaha—"

After dozens of exams, both big and small, October has arrived, marking the annual sports meeting. This is a traditional event of "Shanglin No. 1 High School," and the school motto includes the phrase "Strengthening the Body and Health," which is why the school leadership places great importance on it, organizing it with great enthusiasm and liveliness. The school is also generous, granting a three-day holiday. During this season, all students of Shanglin are filled with joy and anticipation.

After the event, she eagerly handed out drinks and fruit, humming a tune and laughing as she said, "You are the great contributor of our class, eat more, eat more. If it weren't for you, our class might not have even broken through to a score of zero." He looked at the overflowing apples and oranges with a mix of amusement and helplessness, unable to carry them all.

Zhong Yue sighed and said, "But such a significant event as the sports meeting, our class wouldn't collectively forfeit, would we?" Looking at the current situation, it seems that half of the people have such thoughts. That would truly be an unprecedented occurrence for 'Shanglin No. 1 Middle School', and we would surely be laughed at by students from other classes, further ridiculing Class Zero as a group of bookworms who only study.