The joint sports meet between Yangshan University and Hongshang University was scheduled for the end of September.

Ruan Yu had informed Teng Hao in advance that she would need a day off for the sports meet. When Teng Hao asked which event she had entered, she said the 3000 meters, nearly causing his jaw to drop.

Two days later, news that the Top Scholar excelled in both academics and athletics spread throughout the practice room. When Xiao Qing and others met her, they each had to confirm it personally, as if her slim frame running 3000 meters was something inconceivable.

Under such intense attention, Ruan Yu suddenly felt pressured.

She hadn’t even volunteered for this—whether she could finish was still uncertain.

The end of the month arrived quickly.

Students and faculty from neighboring Hongshang University gathered at Yangshan, and following the principle of “friendship first, competition second,” began their athletic competitions and exchanges.

The sports meet lasted two days, with the 3000-meter event scheduled for the second morning. So Ruan Yu spent the first day in the library, joining her dormmates at the field the next day.

Colorful flags flew over the field, with “Young Battlefield” playing on a loop through the speakers. The autumn wind carried all the “ideals and ambitions racing toward the future” and all the “passionate and wild breaking of bounds” echoing throughout campus, raising everyone’s spirits. Students from Yangshan and Hongshang mingled on the track and lawn, chatting and laughing, full of vigor.

Ruan Yu tilted her head back, eyes closed, feeling the sunlight.

Clear skies and crisp air—a perfect day.

“Let’s go to the base of the grandstand, the lawn there is shaded,” said Jian Xiangxiang, carrying a bag of snacks as if on a picnic.

“Let’s stay in the sun, it’s good for calcium,” Xia Qiaofeng suggested.

“No way, the UV rays will cause spots.”

Chen Manbai and Jian Xiangxiang reached a consensus, forcibly dragging Ruan Yu and Xia Qiaofeng toward the grandstand.

Many beauty-conscious female students had already gathered on the lawn behind the grandstand, sitting in clusters that looked like small flowers blooming on the grass from afar.

Jian Xiangxiang chose a spot near the edge, laid out a cloth, scattered snacks, and invited Ruan Yu and the others to sit.

Well, now it did feel like a picnic.

“Does Han Zuo have an event today?”

“Eight hundred meters.”

“Don’t forget to bring him water later.”

“Hmph, as if we’d get the chance.”

Several girls behind them chatted openly.

Jian Xiangxiang glanced back discreetly, then leaned into their circle, whispering: “Han Zuo is Hongshang University’s campus heartthrob, he’s super handsome.”

“You would know!” Chen Manbai peeled an orange and stuffed it whole into Jian Xiangxiang’s mouth. “Just eat and stop gossiping all day.”

“I ran into him yesterday. His looks rival Teng Yi’s,” Jian Xiangxiang jerked her head backward. “Why else would so many girls be thinking about him?”

“Oh, isn’t that Teng Yi?” Xia Qiaofeng pointed at the grandstand. “Look quick, isn’t that him?”

Ruan Yu followed Xia Qiaofeng’s finger with her gaze.

Indeed, it was Teng Yi.

He wore black sportswear and a baseball cap, his left leg propped on the stone steps as he half-leaned against the grandstand railing, his gaze fixed on the center of the field.