Brother, I Really Like This One

The next day, at the school sports festival, 6 a.m.

Shen Nian had just returned from the park. On the way, he got distracted watching two stray dogs fight—ninety-three glances too many—which made him a little late.

After casually collecting his laundry and showering, Shen Nian changed into his class uniform.

For some reason, the uniform felt a bit shrunken. He stood in front of the mirror and checked himself out. Honestly, the outfit had a pretty youthful vibe.

Buzz buzz buzz!

Usually, it was Shen Nian waiting for Xia Yanchun, but today, she was the one pinging him. His phone lit up with two "poke" notifications from her. Shen Nian immediately replied with a sticker, slipped on his shoes, and headed out.

Xia Yanchun had been waiting outside for a while. Shen Nian was running late today—no surprise, he’d probably gone for his usual workout.

Why did he work out so much anyway? His build was perfectly healthy, neither too thin nor too heavy.

Not that she wanted to be some controlling weirdo, but she was genuinely curious about his motivation. What kind of high schooler sacrifices precious sleep to exercise in the morning? That’s just bizarre.

Shen Nian wasn’t the type to fuss over his appearance either. He’d just throw on whatever and call it a day. As he stepped out, Xia Yanchun couldn’t help but give him a once-over.

"Looking almost presentable for once."

"Wow, insulting me right out the gate, huh?"

"Take these two punches as my apology."

"Wow, hilarious. I get insulted and beaten? What am I, your simp? My lawyer and I won’t say another word until you show me those legs."

Ugh, this awful woman had zero manners. He ought to turn her into a cream puff.

Shen Nian glanced at Xia Yanchun too.

Her white blouse hugged her waist, and her short skirt swayed, revealing slender knees. Her skin was as pale as porcelain soaked in cool water, and her ponytail, tied with a red ribbon, bounced with every movement.

Same as always—her fresh-faced beauty needed no makeup. When expressionless, she resembled a freshly peeled lychee, exuding a subtle, sweet aura.

Damn it, bros… I’m genuinely into this one.

"Damn, not bad."

"Like I needed you to tell me?" Xia Yanchun flipped her hair. She was a certified cutie, after all.

"Could you not be so full of yourself? I was just being polite." Shen Nian scoffed, sneaking another peek at her exposed calves. Heh.

"Let’s go. I don’t have time for you."

"Hold up, I got you breakfast."

The sun had just risen. Shen Nian stayed close to Xia Yanchun, itching to fiddle with her hair—a daily habit he couldn’t shake.

Damn, this hair’s got frostbite or something.

Xia Yanchun sipped warm soy milk through a straw, then suddenly tilted her head.

Her fluffy ponytail slipped through Shen Nian’s fingers. He frowned. "What?"

"Help me carry my chair to the field later."

"You’re really treating me like your errand boy, huh? We’re both adults. If you’re asking for a favor, show some sincerity, sis."

"? Why do you sound so creepy right now?"

"Do I?" Shen Nian rubbed his chin. Wasn’t his persona supposed to be "sunny, happy-go-lucky guy"? Since when was he creepy?

Talk about stereotypes. Sure, he was a bit of a horndog and had survived a few personal disasters, but deep down, he was still a radiant, cheerful dude.

"‘Show sincerity’ doesn’t mean ‘strip.’ Buying me a bottle of water would’ve been enough. Xia Yanchun, your mind is filthy."

"You’re the filthy one!" Xia Yanchun glared. "You’re the one who left me with a terrible impression!"

"What impression?"

"Perverted degenerate."

"Where’s the ‘degenerate’ part?"

"?"

Oh, so you’re just ignoring the "perverted" bit?

During homeroom, the school administrators held a brief assembly, granting students a luxurious 25-minute extended break. Xia Yanchun used the time to buy an ice-cold Coke and plopped it on Shen Nian’s desk.

Shen Nian returned from the bathroom, looking grim. "Who took a dump on my desk?"

"Take it or leave it." Xia Yanchun crossed her arms. "I already bought it. Whether you drink it or not, you’re still carrying my chair."

"Extortion, huh? Drinking Coke is no different from eating sh—"

Their front-row classmate, Ma Mingfan, perked up instantly, spinning around with an unsettling grin. "I love eating sh—! I love it! Give it to me if you don’t want it!"

Shen Nian: ?

Xia Yanchun: ?

Chen Dong: ?

Even Chen Qiuyu, who’d just walked over to refill her water bottle, slowly turned her head.

What kind of explosive confession was this? Were all guys this hardcore?

"Ahaha, I meant cola! You all knew that, right? Hah, yeah, the one Shen Nian’s holding."

"Stop looking at me like that. C’mon, you know I meant cola, right?"

"I don’t eat sh—! Let me explain!"

"Bro, I believe you." Chen Dong’s eyes were profound as he gave Ma Mingfan’s shoulder a solemn pat.

"Believe my ss! I can see the judgment in your eyes!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

Xia Yanchun was at a loss. How could guys just casually say they loved eating sh—?

After two study periods, the break ended, and the assembly broadcast rang out. Xia Yanchun stood at the podium to brief everyone on the schedule, then instructed the class to line up as rehearsed and follow the other grades downstairs.

As class monitor, Xia Yanchun led the procession, holding their class placard. Each grade marched in orderly lines, pausing at the stage to face the administrators and chant their slogans.

Freshmen and sophomores had to prepare extra performances, mostly dances. This was when the back-row elites stepped up.

Iron Mountain Charge! Lightning Five-Strike Whip! Even the emcee couldn’t hold back laughter, though they still had to praise the performances with forced enthusiasm.

"Next up is Class 5 of Grade 10! With spirited strides and unwavering determination—"

"Grade 10, Class 4! Grade 10, Class 4! Psych! We’re Class 5!"

"Class 5’s slogan rings with conviction, declaring their resolve to dominate the sports festival… Next, we welcome Class 6 of Grade 10!"

"Ahhh Class 6! Ahhh Class 6! You’re just Class 5 plus one!"

"Class 6’s passionate chant embodies the boundless energy of youth—"

Shen Nian: ???

Where was the "conviction"? Where was the "boundless energy"?

Funny? All I see are abstract memes incarnate, stone-faced administrators, and an emcee on the verge of cracking. If they laugh on air, their career is over! (Sobs)

Who wrote these slogans? Next time, make them submit for approval first.

The sophomores and juniors kept it normal—all "championship" this and "hard work" that. Pure, unfiltered positivity.

This year’s freshmen had suffered enough cleaning duty. Next year, let the sophomores take over.

Yan Xi reminds you: Due to Tomato Novel’s daily 3M+ traffic overwhelming the servers, we now recommend switching to other sources provided by fellow enthusiasts.