Lin Mo was ambushed.
Though Xie Yuling's movements seemed slow in his eyes, he still fell for the sneak attack.
He felt a little happy about it—after all, Xiao Chunan was just like that.
But Xie Yuling was even quicker than Lin Mo.
She dashed back home in a flash, shut herself in her room, and gasped for breath.
"What was I even thinking?! How could I do something like that!"
After calming down, Xie Yuling began to regret her impulsiveness.
"Will he hate me now? Or think I’m too forward?"
At this moment, she picked up her phone but had no idea who to confide in.
Chu Miaomiao?
She could tell how much Chu Miaomiao relied on Lin Mo—that kind of dependence could easily turn into romantic feelings.
If she brought it up, it might even spark ideas in Chu Miaomiao’s mind.
So Xie Yuling glanced at the little fox by her bed and pulled it into her arms.
"Little fox, oh little fox, I kissed him! Well, just on the cheek, but still… Will he think I’m some kind of loose woman now?"
The little fox stayed silent, but its curved eyes and smile made it look utterly adorable.
"Mm! I get it now! I have to learn to go after what I want!" Xie Yuling grinned, her eyes crinkling like a mischievous little fox herself.
......
Basketball, soccer, badminton—all these competitions had to determine their finalists before the school sports meet, with the championship matches taking place on the last day.
Whoever came up with this schedule must have been a genius.
Unlike other schools, Guangba Middle School placed great emphasis on students' physical education.
That’s why the sports meet was packed with events, lasting three full days, with participation open to all grades from freshmen to seniors.
For the third-years, this would be their last chance to join a collective school event.
After this, any remaining fun would have nothing to do with them.
The opening ceremony was, as always, long-winded. Unlike other schools, Guangba Middle School skipped the athlete parade at the start and saved it for the closing ceremony instead.
Because the closing ceremony was when medals were awarded—completely flipping the usual order of events.
Principal Shen Zhongping stepped onto the stage, holding a prepared speech.
"Respected teachers and students, good morning!
On this crisp, sunlit autumn day, we gather for Guangba Middle School’s annual fall sports meet.
First..."
The opening ceremony was just a parade of administrators droning on.
Everyone treated it like standing at military attention.
After roughly half an hour, it finally ended, and students were dismissed to haul their classroom desks and chairs down to the field to set up their home bases.
Each class had its own territory.
The quality of the spot could affect the morale of its "soldiers."
Luckily, Class 8’s base was under a patch of shade—a natural oxygen bar.
Add the large sunshade every class was assigned, and it became the perfect summer retreat.
The boys were in charge of moving supplies—desks, chairs, drinks, and the like.
Meanwhile, the girls who weren’t competing handled logistics.
Tasks like notifying participants, tracking people down, or writing encouraging notes.
Lin Mo carried three crates of drinks to the home base by himself.
"Seriously? Just because you’re strong doesn’t mean they should dump everything on you."
Jiang Yunlu lifted the top crate of Red Horse energy drinks off the stack.
"It’s fine. The only real issue is the blocked view."
Lin Mo hadn’t even broken a sweat.
But Jiang Yunlu had already twisted open a cold drink and handed it to him.
"Still, they shouldn’t treat you like a pack mule."
Lin Mo took a sip—icy cool, refreshing to the core.
Goat City’s autumn was still over 30°C. Other than stronger winds and yellowing leaves, there was no hint of fall in the air.
"Huh? Where’d this cooler come from?"
Lin Mo spotted an insulated box in the corner, packed with ice.
"I had someone bring it. Figured everyone could use cold drinks."
Jiang Yunlu puffed out her chest proudly.
"Nice thinking. You’re really on top of things."
Soon, the desks and chairs were all in place.
Thanks to ample class funds, Class 8 had enough drinks to cover both competitors and support staff.
Then Lin Mo stood, brushing off nonexistent dust.
"Alright, two of you—come with me. We’re heading to Class 12 to collect a debt."
The whole class already knew about Lin Mo winning a crate of Red Horse.
Since Huang X. Lin hadn’t delivered it willingly, Lin Mo was going to claim it in person.
Fang Jun and An Yuexin volunteered immediately, but a bunch of other guys who’d just finished moving supplies also rubbed their hands in excitement and tagged along.
Openly demanding payment? Now that was something new.
When they reached Class 12’s territory, the students there eyed them warily.
"What… do you want?"
Fang Jun stepped forward. "We’re here for Huang X. Lin. He owes our class a crate of Red Horse."
The Class 12 students exchanged glances, scanning the group.
Then a boy stepped out.
"Huang X. Lin isn’t here. Whatever’s between you and him isn’t my business, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t crowd our base. It’s bad optics."
He had an arrogant air about him, like some kind of leader—probably a class officer.
Fang Jun whispered to Lin Mo, "That’s Class 12’s monitor. Way more competent than our Ma Ruixiang. Pretty well-respected."
Class monitor, huh? Too bad I’m the ball monitor.
With a sweep of his spiritual sense, Lin Mo immediately located Huang X. Lin crouched in a corner, back turned to the crowd.
So he pointed directly at the figure.
"Alright, Huang X. Lin, if you’re not planning to honor the bet, then don’t blame me for what comes next."
The Class 12 monitor blocked Lin Mo’s line of sight.
"What ‘comes next’? Are you threatening him? Bullying a classmate?"
"Listen to yourself. Monitor, you might want to watch your tone. Your classmate here challenged me to a badminton match during class, and agreed to donate a crate of Red Horse if he lost.
How is that bullying?
Did I seek him out to play?
Maybe check your own dignity before playing the protector."
When it came to street-level arguments, Lin Mo relied on pure skill.
Cultivation? Irrelevant.
Who said immortals had to act all lofty? He liked mischief, he liked teasing, he was the Homelander of this world!
The Class 12 students collectively shuddered.
Lin Mo smirked. "Fine. If Huang X. Lin wants to welch, that’s on him. You can shield him all you want—our class isn’t desperate for one crate of drinks. We’ll just take it to the school forum."
Without waiting for a response, he waved and led his group back.
Now, either Huang X. Lin would deliver the Red Horse himself, or Class 8 would roast Class 12 online.
Lin Mo had the moral high ground.
And it wasn’t like Huang X. Lin couldn’t afford it—a crate of Red Horse was pricey, but well within his means.
Returning to the Class 8 headquarters, Fang Jun couldn't help but curse, "That Huang X-lin has no honor—no wonder the author didn't give him a full name."