Chapter 51: The Evolution of a Class Flower

Chapter 51: The Evolution of a Class Flower

Shen Lingsi was sitting in the front row. When he saw Pu Yu suddenly turn around and make that gesture, his instinct was to look behind him.

All the boys in their school were cheering wildly, as if Pu Yu's action was meant for them.

Everyone was wearing the same school uniform, so Ning Song wasn't particularly noticeable among the crowd. But Shen Lingsi had an instinctive feeling that Pu Yu was doing it for Ning Song.

Is Pu Yu's vision really that sharp?

Qiao Qiao also saw the "OK" gesture and said, "He must know we've been spreading rumors about him being sick, so he's telling us not to worry. Looks like there's nothing to be concerned about; Brother Yu seems confident!"

Ning Song laughed while filming the video. Sheng Yan turned his head to glance at Ning Song's phone, seeing Pu Yu on the screen. His unease grew, feeling that even if their school lost today, Pu Yu would still shine brilliantly.

And indeed, it turned out just as he thought.

No, even more spectacular than he imagined!

Pu Yu has always been the star of the rugby field. He could play professionally, and in a high school league, he stands out even more. Handsome, academically excellent, and the grandson of Pu Mingke, he's practically stacked with buffs. Even though he doesn't win every game—having lost to Holy Grace School before—his personal charm remains undiminished regardless of the outcome or team performance.

Because even in the worst games, he is the only one who remains impeccable.

But today, Pu Yu's performance was even better!

Pu Yu started off strong. As Upper East School took the first offensive, it took less than ten minutes for their boys to go wild with excitement.

Pu Yu, the quarterback, excels at long-distance passes. In rugby, a long pass can instantly change the game's momentum. Pu Yu has delivered countless classic long passes in previous games, but today, his long passes were not only precise but his ball-carrying charges were unparalleled. He scored the first touchdown, breaking through the defense with unstoppable force, pushing the game into its first climax.

This isn't playing while sick; this is playing like he's on steroids!

Li Qingyuan slapped Sheng Yan's thigh. "Damn, he's still this fierce even when sick."

Sheng Yan found the game exhilarating yet felt that Pu Yu was showing off. Just as he got caught up in the excitement and cheered, he suddenly realized how dazzling this rival was. Turning to look at Ning Song, he saw Ning Song already standing up with clenched fists.

Pu Yu broke through the defense again, scoring another touchdown. Qiao Qiao grabbed Ning Song's arm. "Aaaaaahhhh!"

Deng Xun: "..."

Ning Song didn't scream, but he shook his arm fiercely, eyes wide with amazement.

Sheng Yan: "!!!"

Ning Song had completely forgotten about his relationship with Pu Yu, fully engrossed in the intense violence of rugby. This sport leaves no room for breath, with violent collisions and players flipping in the air, flying three meters away. Tackles and charges made his adrenaline surge, and each collision left his heart pounding. When their school was winning, he joined in the excitement; when they were losing, he felt like digging his nails into his flesh. Initially, he found the game thrilling, but as it intensified, he felt like it was a battlefield. He asked Qiao Qiao anxiously, "Why are they all ganging up on Pu Yu?!"

"He's the quarterback. Tackling the quarterback is called a sack! Once the quarterback is sacked, our offense ends!"

No wonder!

He thought it was because Pu Yu was famous and played exceptionally well, so the other team targeted him.

Knowing this rule, he couldn't fully immerse himself in the game anymore. Every time someone tackled Pu Yu from all directions, he held his breath. Rugby tackles are more accurately described as assaults. Players on the field are tall, strong, powerful, and fast. A collision could displace internal organs. When Pu Yu fell with the ball, everyone pounced on him, and Ning Song feared he might not get back up.

The coach roared and clapped on the field, while the audience cheered outside. Qiao Qiao touched Ning Song's hand, noticing the sweat, and smiled. "Congratulations, your first rugby match is such an exciting one, directly maxing out your thrill threshold!"

Ning Song was speechless.

Because the game was too intense. Sheng Yan handed him water, which he forgot to thank him for, experiencing the charm of competitive sports for the first time.

Previously disabled, he had no interest in sports and rarely watched the Olympics. He never expected watching a live competitive sport to be so thrilling.

It might be because rugby is known as the sport of violent beauty, or perhaps... because there was someone he knew on the field.

If Pu Yu weren't playing, his first rugby match wouldn't have been so awe-inspiring.

Today, Upper East School was full of fighting spirit. Young Master Pu seemed to be using all his skills, putting on a dazzling show that left the opponents stunned.

By the fourth quarter, Upper East School had a significant lead over Holy Grace School. The Upper East players ran forward, drenched in sweat, hearing the Holy Grace players cursing and panting, "Is it necessary to go all out in a preliminary match?!"

They wanted to ask Pu Yu the same thing.

Just a preliminary match, with such a large lead, is it necessary to push so hard?!

Just then, a beautiful long pass flew past them. On the Upper East side, even their principal stood up, clapping loudly. Shen Lingsi also stood up, clapping, confirming that Pu Yu was indeed showing off.

The big screen focused on Pu Yu, charging forward with the ball. His helmet almost covered his face entirely, revealing only his dark eyes and wet hair. He carried the ball with one hand, his legs strong and agile, veins bulging on his hand. Everyone stood up, and Ning Song joined them, raising his flag high.

So handsome, so handsome, his heart was pounding, and his blood was surging uncontrollably!

Pu Yu once again charged into the opponent's territory, and the whistle blew. Ning Song couldn't contain himself, screaming along with everyone else!

"Is this really playing while sick? Brother Yu is going all out!" Qiao Qiao shouted in Ning Song's ear.

Ning Song smiled, looking at the field, his eyes bright and nearly teary, wishing he could rush down and give this hero a big hug.

The game ended, and the preliminary results were announced immediately. Their principal was delighted, leading the school leaders onto the field to congratulate the team. The atmosphere in the stands had changed significantly from before the game. Before, Upper East and Holy Grace were equally competitive, but now, Holy Grace was deflated, with only a few dissenters shouting across. Meanwhile, Upper East School was jubilant.

"Thought we'd win, but didn't expect it to be so decisive!"

"Brother Yu was truly amazing today."

"We should keep pressing them, teaching those Holy Grace kids a lesson!"

"How can Senior Pu be so handsome? I'm getting weak knees!"

Who is this little bottom?

Ning Song looked back, seeing the crowd filled with victory's arrogance. He didn't see the weak-kneed bottom but spotted Jin Yang in their class.

Jin Yang was crying with excitement, his gaze at Pu Yu more fanatical than any fan's.

He was watching when he saw a rather handsome boy bend down and run through the crowd toward them, stopping in front of Sheng Yan. "Bro, can I add you on FB?"

Sheng Yan said rather awkwardly, "Sorry."

The guy smiled but didn't persist, leaving awkwardly. Qiao Qiao laughed and said, "Bro Yan, how many is that now?"

Sheng Yan: "…"

Ning Song: "What do you mean, how many?"

"Before you came, four girls and one guy ran over to ask Bro Yan to be friends," Qiao Qiao said.

Ning Song, still excited, spoke with a high pitch, "So popular!"

Li Qingyuan pursed his lips, patted Sheng Yan's shoulder, and said, "Ah Yan dressed like a peacock today; it backfired."

Only then did Ning Song notice that Sheng Yan was indeed wearing something eye-catching—a white jacket, a new green T-shirt, and a head of white hair. He truly shone even sitting among people.

"That last guy was really handsome," Ning Song chuckled.

Sheng Yan: "What's so handsome about him…"

Qiao Qiao saw some spectators following the school leaders off the field and immediately pulled Ning Song's arm. "Let's go too!"

He had intended to bring Ning Song and Pu Yu together… No, God Yu!

Ning Song was dragged off the field and suddenly felt embarrassed. Fortunately, there were too many people around the players, so Qiao Qiao squeezed in while Ning Song was left outside. Shen Lingsi looked back at them, stepped out of the crowd, and talked to Ning Song, who stood next to him, looking inside, their gazes crossing with Pu Yu's over the heads of the school leaders.

Pu Yu had taken off his helmet, his hair wet and face flushed. Up close, Ning Song noticed that his hand was scraped, and his arm seemed injured. The team doctor was examining him, and he let them do so, turning to look at Ning Song with dark, electrifying eyes. So silent, yet burning with hormones.

Still feeling the excitement from the game, Ning Song felt Pu Yu's sweat dripping into his heart, hot and damp. He couldn't describe how he felt and turned to jump onto the steps.

Pu Yu pursed his lips, lowered his head, and answered the doctor's question, saying, "Just a little dizzy."

"You pushed yourself despite not being fully recovered from your cold. Dizziness is just a minor issue."

The coach added, "Even if you held back in the second half, they would have struggled. Didn't expect Holy Grace School to be so weak this season. Without Gao Wei and the others, they're really no match."

Pu Yu caught sight of Shen Lingsi standing outside the crowd, looking at the stands. Most of the spectators had already left, but Sheng Yan and Li You hadn't gone yet. Ning Song walked toward them, then looked back.

Qiao Qiao squeezed next to him, eyes shining with excitement. "Bro Yu, you're amazing! Aning came to watch your game!"

Qiao Qiao feared Pu Yu didn't know.

Pu Yu nodded and said, "I saw him."

With the school leaders around, Qiao Qiao whispered a few words to Pu Yu and squeezed out of the crowd. Seeing Shen Lingsi, he called out with a smile, "President!"

Shen Lingsi smiled, but his heart felt heavy, turning back to look at Pu Yu, sensing he was about to rise again. This game was his personal show, destined to leave a vivid impression on many.

Today, Upper East School's boys were elated. Winning a preliminary match wasn't crucial, but beating Holy Grace School and crushing those brats' spirits was worth celebrating!

"The principal invited their whole team for dinner. Otherwise, I'd call Bro Yu over and toast him properly! His performance was incredible!" Qiao Qiao said.

"Yeah, before the game, everyone was saying he was sick and not in good shape. I thought if we lost today, those Holy Grace brats would gloat forever," Fan Duoduo said.

They ate at a nearby restaurant. It looked ordinary but was surprisingly busy. By eleven, the main hall was full. Few people used private rooms unless hosting guests, so most upstairs rooms were empty. They chose a large one since they were many.

When going to the restroom, Qiao Qiao ran over to Ning Song and whispered, "Pu Yu said he saw you."

Ning Song nodded.

Qiao Qiao continued, "Can't you two make up? What could be such a big deal?"

Ning Song remained silent, seeing Li You come out of the restroom, unsure if he heard their conversation.

With many people, Deng Xun reserved a large private room. While eating, Qiao Qiao went out and returned, proudly saying, "The hero of the day is here! Everyone, toast him!"

Ning Song turned and saw Pu Yu standing at the door, straightening up instantly.

Fan Duoduo exclaimed, "Why is Bro Yu here!"

Deng Xun said, "Your Bro Yu should be asking why you're here."

Of course, it wasn't a coincidence. Qiao Qiao had heard the principal's group was dining here and followed.

"Waiter, please add another chair!" Feng Xiang shouted.

"No need, I'm just here to say hello."

Pu Yu glanced at Ning Song, noticing Sheng Yan sitting next to him, and looked away. Qiao Qiao, seeing him about to leave, said, "At least let us toast you."

He took a cup and got others to stand. Li You poured juice into a plastic cup and handed it over. Pu Yu accepted it, clinked cups with them, and asked which room they were in, chatting like an older brother before leaving.

His hand had purple medicine on it. When they clinked cups, Ning Song noticed the wound wasn't deep, but his arm was bandaged, unsure how serious the injury was.

Pu Yu didn't return to his table but stood alone in the corridor. On the field, the hour was filled with passion. People are strange; even in this situation, he still wanted Ning Song to see all his skills.

The restaurant's second floor had six private rooms, only two large ones at each end of the corridor. A teammate came out of the left room, and as the door opened, they heard their coach's loud voice. He had been drinking and was talking to the principal. The room was filled with smoke and alcohol. Shen Lingsi heard the noise and looked back, seeing Pu Yu standing in the corridor.

Wei Zhuang came out to smoke. Though the leaders smoked, the students dared not join them but were tempted and sneaked out with a pack. Seeing Pu Yu, he moved aside.

Pu Yu, of course, didn't accept. Having been with the school rugby team for two years, he never joined their drinking or smoking.

Laughter came from the other room, lively and boisterous. He asked Pu Yu, "The guy who came to our room looking for you is also eating here?"

Pu Yu nodded, finding the laughter annoying. Just as he was about to return, his phone rang. Rong Jiahe's voice came through, "Are you done eating? I'm leaving tonight."

Pu Yu said, "Send me the address. I'll be there."

"I'm just outside the restaurant."

Pu Yu heard the car horn beep twice and walked to the window to look down. He saw Rong Jiahe leaning against a blue sports car.

He went downstairs, and as soon as Rong Jiahe saw him, he said, "How about it, your first dream car?"

He was a year older than Pu Yu, and as soon as he turned eighteen, he immediately got his driver's license and bought the car he had longed for.

Pu Yu responded with a "Hmm" and asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"Had a little something," Rong Jiahe replied, then asked, "Can you leave? I want to meet that classmate of yours, Ning Song."

Pu Yu said, "He doesn't have time to see you. Wait while I tell the coach and we'll go together."

As he spoke, he returned to the restaurant. Inside, he saw Ning Song and Qiao Qiao at the counter on the first floor getting some juice.

The service at this restaurant was indeed average; it was peak hour, and several people were waiting outside on small benches. The counter staff told them to help themselves and pay. Ning Song held the juice while Qiao Qiao paid with his phone. Ning Song said, "I'll head upstairs first."

As he started to run up, he ran into Pu Yu and paused.

Qiao Qiao was about to follow but stopped when he saw the two of them, watching them go upstairs.

Pu Yu reached out, but Ning Song said, "No need, I can manage."

Pu Yu withdrew his hand.

He couldn't figure out what Ning Song was thinking and didn't dare to act rashly.

Ning Song asked him, "Is your arm okay?"

Of course, it was just a minor injury, nothing significant on the rugby field, but he only said, "It's not very painful."

These days, he had been keeping his distance, not because of resentment or unwillingness to fall into hopeless love again, but because he feared Ning Song didn't know how to interact with him. Knowing that Ning Song didn't like him was already a huge blow; if Ning Song also found him annoying, it would be unbearable.

If Ning Song could put aside their differences and rebuild their friendship, he would actually be quite pleased.

Ning Song felt their current situation was strange and knew that taking another step forward might ease their relationship. But if he didn't like the other person, would such an easing be good? He saw that Pu Yu still seemed to like him.

But if he ignored Pu Yu completely, seeing him so lonely and pitiful was also distressing.

Moreover...

After witnessing Pu Yu's peacock display, now seeing him again made him feel a bit estranged. Pu Yu no longer seemed like the quiet, reticent boy he used to be.

Like a surge of youthful hormones, full of vibrant life force.

Today, Pu Yu had performed exceptionally well, deserving praise, so he finally said, "I heard you were sick, yet you were so impressive today."

Pu Yu replied, "I did it to show off to you."

Ning Song paused, not saying anything more.

Pu Yu pursed his lips, watching Ning Song enter a private room with the juice, thinking that even if Ning Song ignored him, it was his own doing. He had wanted to restore their friendship, but now that Ning Song had given him a chance, he had overstepped.

Ning Song put the juice down, and Qiao Qiao followed closely behind, smiling at him.

They both seemed oblivious to his presence.

"I did it to show off to you," he said to Ning Song.

It was as if this brilliant game was a gift from Pu Yu to him.

Ning Song felt a wave of emotion, understanding why everyone loved uniqueness, double standards, and contrasts. A quiet person suddenly showing off was indeed captivating.

After dinner, they parted ways at the restaurant entrance. Ning Song was going home to accompany Liu Fen and Ning Wei to his aunt's house. Deng Xun was taking Qiao Qiao home, and the others were heading back to their respective homes. Except for Deng Xun, who drove, the rest were taking taxis, standing by the roadside waiting for their rides when another girl approached.

This time, everyone smiled at Sheng Yan, and Li Qingyuan felt embarrassed for his childhood friend, trying hard not to laugh as he watched Sheng Yan turn red and politely refuse her.

Ning Song laughed, "It's all because Brother Yan dressed too flamboyantly today, attracting too much attention."

Li Qingyuan finally burst out laughing.

Sheng Yan thought he shouldn't have come out today, not only watching his rival show off but also leaving Ning Song with an impression that wasn't entirely positive.

Feeling anxious, he still said, "Being handsome, what can you do?"

Ning Song accompanied Liu Fen to a relative's house. After returning, Liu Fen went back to the Pu family mansion, and he headed straight to school without eating dinner, going directly to the classroom to do homework. Upon entering the classroom, he saw Jin Yang standing next to Pu Yu's seat.

There weren't many people in the classroom, but none of them were studying. They were gathered around Jin Yang and Pu Yu. Behind Jin Yang stood two guys who didn't seem to be from their class, leaning against the table.

Pu Yu had been frowning as he listened to Jin Yang speak, but upon seeing Ning Song enter, his body stiffened visibly.

Ning Song: "..."

Damn, what is this scene?

Why did he have to walk in right now!

Seeing Pu Yu's expression change, Jin Yang and the others quickly turned around and saw Ning Song silently walking to his seat with his backpack.

Jin Yang's eyes were red, and there were tears on his face.

Ning Song hesitated for half a second. Instead of sitting down, he took two books, put them in his backpack, and without looking at them again, slung the bag over his shoulder and left the classroom.

Pu Yu immediately stood up, visibly panicked, instinctively wanting to chase after him to explain.

Ning Song quickened his pace and saw a soccer ball rolling towards him.

He tapped it with his toe, stopping it with his canvas shoes, and looked up. There sat Sheng Yan in a green jersey, smiling broadly on the flower bed, his legs spread wide, strong and straight, wearing knee-high socks, beautiful like a fireworks display welcoming summer.

"Been waiting for you for half a day." Sheng Yan smiled.

Author's Note

Qiao Qiao: At the wedding, I definitely have to be at the main table.