Physical Education Class

At this moment, the chef brought out the dishes. Ye Shuang picked up his chopsticks, dipped them in wasabi, and took a bite—he chewed lightly, paying no attention to the taste on his palate. His mind was entirely elsewhere.

The girl named Zhou Min was picking up the sashimi she didn’t like and placing it into Chen Hai’s bowl. The latter didn’t say much, simply eating it without complaint.

If this were Chen Hai and his wife, it wouldn’t be strange at all, but…

“I’m going to the restroom,” Zhou Min said, offering Ye Shuang a faint smile before getting up and leaving temporarily.

Once the girl disappeared around the corner, Ye Shuang finally spoke up. “Alright, what’s the deal with her? Don’t tell me you’re cheating.”

Chen Hai didn’t answer immediately, just let out a deep sigh. His chubby fingers fidgeted with the chopsticks, stirring the soy sauce dish absentmindedly, his furrowed brows looking like they could crush a fly.

Ye Shuang waited silently, then said, “Time’s running out—she’ll be back soon. Or do you want to talk about this alone tonight?”

“I don’t know what to do,” Chen Hai finally admitted. “Zhou Min says she’s pregnant… and it’s mine. My head’s a mess right now.”

Ye Shuang asked, “Does your wife know?”

“Of course not,” Chen Hai said with a bitter laugh. “How could I tell her? I haven’t even dared to mention it to Chen Qin… I’m afraid she’d kill me.”

Ye Shuang sighed. “Why?”

Knowing Chen Hai as he did, Ye Shuang found it hard to believe he’d cheat. Sure, Chen Hai’s wife had a temper, and he was a bit of a pushover—but only a man who truly loved his wife would be like that. If he didn’t care, no amount of temper would matter.

It was like going on a hunger strike—only effective if someone actually cared.

“We had a company gathering, drank way too much… When I woke up, Zhou Min was in bed with me,” Chen Hai continued. “There was blood on the sheets. I vaguely remember something happening, but it’s all hazy…”

“Then, a while later, Zhou Min told me she was pregnant. Said I was the only one she’d been with.”

“Ye Shuang, I really don’t know what to do.” Chen Hai stuffed a few pieces of meat into his mouth, chewing aggressively as if to suppress his unease. “If my old man finds out, I’m dead.”

“And Qiaoqiao’s still so young. She thinks her dad’s the most reliable man in the world. I don’t want to let her down.”

Ye Shuang thought for a moment. “If it was just an accident, why not have her get rid of it? Pay her off and be done with it.”

Chen Hai scratched his head. “That’s what I thought at first…”

“But Zhou Min said she’s had feelings for me for a long time. She refuses to abort.”

Ye Shuang: “……”

“So why’d you call me out here? For advice?” Ye Shuang said dryly. “You got married way before me because of an ‘oops’ pregnancy with your wife. Now you’re doing it again? At this rate, you’re more potent than a prize stud—maybe you were one in a past life.”

“Screw you.”

“So, what’s the plan? Keep the kid and raise it in secret?” Ye Shuang asked.

“I don’t know. She won’t get rid of it. Says she’ll raise it alone if she has to.”

Seeing Chen Hai’s distress, Ye Shuang wasn’t sure what to say. After a pause, he asked, “Are you sure it’s yours?”

“She said we can do a paternity test after the baby’s born—swears it’s mine. The timing adds up too.” Chen Hai had considered this, but Zhou Min’s conviction seemed genuine.

Just then, Zhou Min returned from the restroom, smiling. “What were you two talking about? You looked so serious.”

“Just guy talk.”

With Zhou Min back, Ye Shuang and Chen Hai dropped the subject. Clearly, this lunch had been Chen Hai’s way of introducing Zhou Min to Ye Shuang, hoping for some kind of solution.

Once the meal ended, Ye Shuang had to head back to school.

Sitting in his car, he watched Zhou Min cling affectionately to Chen Hai before rolling up the window. Before driving off, though, he suddenly remembered something and pulled out his phone.

On his social media feed, Chen Hai had posted the night before:

[Happy birthday to my little princess!]

Below were nine photos of Chen Qiaoqiao, with the center one showing the happy family of three gathered around a cake.

“What a mess,” Ye Shuang muttered, staring at Chen Hai in the photo. After a moment’s thought, he set his phone aside and started the car.

He’d have to talk to Chen Hai alone another time.

Back at school, lunch break was nearly over.

The campus was still buzzing—the anniversary celebration was just days away, and decorations were mostly up. Student council members bustled about, hanging lanterns.

“Teacher Bai, what are you looking at?”

A voice came from beside him. Ye Shuang turned to see a PE teacher he’d spoken to before.

“Just checking out the preparations for the anniversary,” Ye Shuang said. Then, casually, “Which class do you have next?”

“Class A’s PE, but it’s free play these days. I’ve got to help set up for the event.”

Ye Shuang smirked. “Want me to cover for you?”

“Really? But don’t you need to file a substitution notice?”

“It’s fine. I’m free this period—just helping out.” Ye Shuang figured it’d be a good chance to stretch his legs. He’d been meaning to play badminton with Yu You anyway.

“Nice!” The PE teacher clapped Ye Shuang on the back—a little too enthusiastically. “I like you, man.”

Ye Shuang’s eye twitched at the overly friendly gesture but waved it off. “Go handle the setup. I’ll take Class A.”

“Sweet. Just do a warm-up, two laps, then free play.”

“Got it.”

Ye Shuang checked the time—first period was about to start.

He headed to the field, waiting at Class A’s usual gathering spot.

The boys, having changed in the classroom, arrived first. A few recognized Ye Shuang from his role as the school nurse and proctoring their exams, greeting him with nods.

When they learned he’d be their substitute PE teacher, they exchanged glances but didn’t comment.

Is the school that short on staff? How many jobs does this guy have?

Soon, other students noticed the boys assembling and joined them.

Then, near the stairs, Ye Shuang spotted the ponytailed girl walking over with a petite companion—like a little potato next to her.