Chapter 87 - The Race

Ready on the track, Xia Xinya glanced at Lin Ruoxi on the adjacent lane, who looked relaxed, and let out a displeased snort.

Lin Ruoxi didn’t mind; instead, she smiled at her and said, “Good luck.”

Xia Xinya gritted her teeth in anger. She disliked Lin Ruoxi’s nonchalant attitude, whether it was this race or anything else. Seeing her so confident always made her upset.

“Bang.”

As the starting gun fired, Xia Xinya didn’t rush out immediately but followed in the middle of the pack.

This made Lin Ruoxi look at her with a bit more respect. She had thought Xia Xinya’s personality would have her charging ahead from the start.

Seemingly guessing Lin Ruoxi’s thoughts, Xia Xinya snorted disdainfully. After all, she had years of experience with morning runs. How could she not know such basic tactics? Rushing out like Tang Huaijin, that fool, would quickly exhaust one’s energy.

Passing by Tang Huaijin, she heard him shouting encouragement. Although he didn’t specify for whom, Xia Xinya instinctively believed it was for her, and her expression showed some satisfaction, further solidifying her determination to beat Lin Ruoxi.

She certainly wouldn’t let that rascal be taken by Lin Ruoxi.

After a few laps, those who were just there for fun had fallen far behind, leaving Lin Ruoxi, Xia Xinya, and two other girls running at the front.

At a bend, Lin Ruoxi took a breath, stepped outward, and suddenly accelerated, her long legs quickly widening the gap between her and the others.

Xia Xinya, ultimately lacking calmness, saw Lin Ruoxi speeding up and gritted her teeth, accelerating to follow.

The two girls competed fiercely, leaving the others far behind.

Lin Ruoxi gasped for breath, glancing at Xia Xinya still stubbornly following her, feeling a bit surprised. This girl could really run.

With only the last lap remaining, she took a deep breath, accelerated again, preparing for the final sprint.

Seeing Lin Ruoxi’s speed increase again, Xia Xinya’s face turned extremely unpleasant. Actually, she had been pushing herself from the start. The insufficient warm-up led to cold air entering her stomach during her first acceleration, causing a stitch. Xia Xinya thought it would ease after a while, but her stomach only hurt more, turning her face pale.

Yet, thinking of their bet, Xia Xinya gritted her teeth, desperately following.

There was indeed a difference in strength. Lin Ruoxi’s acceleration was far superior to most people. Xia Xinya gave her all but could only watch the bouncing ponytail drift further away.

The finish line was not far ahead. Although Xia Xinya was unwilling, she had to admit she was about to lose.

Xia Xinya was already breathless, her throat dry, and the stabbing pain in her stomach covered her forehead with cold sweat. Her body protested, and her pace instinctively slowed.

But seeing the familiar figure outside the finish line, imagining him hugging Lin Ruoxi, Xia Xinya felt a pang of bitterness, gritted her teeth, and despite the discomfort, pushed herself towards the finish.

Tang Huaijin stood outside the finish line, watching the two girls not far apart, his expression complex. He could see they both gave their all. Two beautiful girls, running desperately for his embrace, stirred indescribable feelings in his heart.

The first place ultimately went to Lin Ruoxi. The ponytail girl crossed the finish line, her steps unceasing, rushing straight to Tang Huaijin, eyes closed, crashing into his arms like a bird returning to the forest.

Tang Huaijin staggered back a few steps, letting Lin Ruoxi cling to him like a koala. After hesitating for a moment, he gently patted her shoulder and softly said, “Come down, there are too many people.”

Lin Ruoxi showed no intention of coming down, rubbing her head against his chest, greedily inhaling his scent, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction, “Jin, I knew you would catch me.”

Not far from the finish line, watching Lin Ruoxi and Tang Huaijin tightly embrace, Xia Xinya felt all her strength drain away. Unable to endure the stabbing pain in her stomach, she stumbled and fell to the ground, her face pale as she clutched her stomach.

“Xinya!” Tang Huaijin’s pupils shrank, quickly breaking free from Lin Ruoxi’s embrace and sprinting towards the fallen girl.

The sports teacher at the finish line was also startled, noticing before Tang Huaijin, and ran towards the fallen girl. Suddenly, a gust of wind passed by, and a figure swiftly reached Xia Xinya.

Tang Huaijin crouched down, supporting Xia Xinya, letting her lean against him, his face anxious, “Xinya, what’s wrong?!”

Seeing Tang Huaijin’s worried and anxious expression, Xia Xinya felt the stabbing pain ease slightly, instinctively clutching his shirt.

Despite the pain, Xia Xinya had remained silent, but upon seeing Tang Huaijin, her emotions broke, her eyes reddened, and she began to cry, feeling wronged, “It hurts, my stomach really hurts.”

Seeing Bai Yuerou also running over with concern, Tang Huaijin comforted softly, “It’s okay, it shouldn’t be serious. She probably ate too much and then ran so hard. Don’t worry, tell the counselor, I’ll take her to the school clinic.”

Bai Yuerou glanced worriedly at her pale best friend, bit her lip, nodded, and ran back to her class area.

Looking at the crying little girl, Tang Huaijin didn’t have time to blame her, lifting her through her legs and carrying her, trying to keep a steady pace to avoid causing Xia Xinya pain, heading quickly to the school clinic.

Passing Lin Ruoxi, Tang Huaijin paused, his expression complex, and softly said, “It’s urgent, don’t overthink.”

He knew Lin Ruoxi must feel bad, but he had no choice. Even if his sister were here, he had to help Xia Xinya, even if it meant facing his sister’s wrath later.

Lin Ruoxi’s face turned pale, saying nothing, watching their departing figures with a blank expression, biting her lip hard, her fingers clutching her clothes turning white from the force.

She understood the stakes, knew Tang Huaijin’s character, and believed if she had fallen, he would have helped her too.

But understanding didn’t mean easy acceptance. Watching the boy who was supposed to be hers carry another girl, her heart couldn’t help but ache.

She must win Tang Huaijin back, no matter what it takes, no matter how difficult, she must hold him tightly, never letting him leave her.