The P.E. class was still taught by the same teacher from last semester, a former athlete, as rumored.
Without needing much introduction, they jogged two laps with the teacher, who then promptly dismissed the class.
On the grassy field in the center of the track, Ning Chu sat in front of Wen Yang, comfortably leaning back against his broad chest, basking in the winter sunlight and the warmth of Wen Yang’s gentle embrace.
It would have been perfect if there wasn’t something digging into her lower back.
“Classes are so few this semester.”
“Only three classes a day~ We get to sleep in till ten on Wednesdays and Fridays; just thinking about it feels great~”
Last semester, they had a packed schedule with four classes almost every day, battling sleepiness and the cold early in the morning. Each day felt like a struggle to break free from the warm covers.
But ever since Ning Chu’s transformation, staying up late wasn’t an issue anymore; she didn’t feel the same exhaustion the next day. Nighttime was... exhausting, but by morning, she was bright and refreshed, ready to face the day.
However, Wen Yang soon delivered bad news. “School policy says everyone has to pick at least one elective.”
“What?”
“If you don’t complete three electives by graduation, you won’t have enough credits,” Wen Yang added, “Plus, you need to pass two certification exams, and there’ll be classes for those, too.”
Ning Chu deflated, resting her head on Wen Yang’s shoulder with a sigh.
“Elective sign-ups are next week on the school website. I’ll remind you, and we’ll pick an easy one.”
“Mm, thanks.”
A few classmates with a basketball walked by, calling out, “Wen Yang! Want to come play?”
“Not this time.”
The group looked disappointed as they headed to the court, bantering with each other.
“He’s got his girlfriend with him; no time to play with us!”
“Damn! If we’d known Ning Chu was a girl last semester...”
“Forget it! Take a look in the mirror. Are you on Wen Yang’s level, or even close to matching Ning Chu?”
“Why couldn’t she have stayed a guy? I don’t believe it!”
Ning Chu glanced at their retreating figures, chuckling as she teased, “You’ve got some admirers, huh?”
“Just a joke,” Wen Yang replied, shrugging.
Like a contented cat, she nestled her head closer to his chest, enjoying the faint scent of him—a subtle, comforting aroma that put her at ease. The winter sun cast a golden glow on her pale skin and hair, warming her chilly limbs.
Ning Chu let out a relaxed yawn, murmuring, “Wen Yang, you’re not one of those guys, are you?”
“Why would I be?”
“Even back when I was still a guy, it felt like you were kind of into me~” She poked him in the side. “So, when you found out I was actually a girl, were you disappointed?”
“Uh... if anything, I was thrilled?”
“Oh, I see how it is! So you didn’t like me when I was a guy, huh?”
“???”
Wen Yang blinked, scratching his head. “I... never really thought of you as a guy?”
“...”
Failed miserably as a man, huh?
Ning Chu rolled her eyes at him.
Back then, with her softer, more innocent face, she did look somewhat adorable—not at all like now, where everything about her exuded allure.
A faint guilt crept over her, as if indulging in guilty pleasures while knowing it wasn’t healthy but being unable to stop.
At least she wasn’t pregnant or anything, so she hadn’t fallen that far... yet.
“Ning Chu! Wen Yang!”
A loud, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts as Zhang Shaoqing jogged over, oblivious to his role as a third wheel. He plopped down beside Wen Yang, grinning widely. “Man! Qianqian hasn’t called or texted me in four hours!”
Wen Yang asked, confused, “Why are you happy about that?”
“’Cause I don’t even like her anymore! I would’ve broken up with her ages ago if I wasn’t worried about hurting her feelings. The silent treatment works perfectly.”
Ning Chu turned her head away in disdain. Qianqian really needed to move on from this guy; he was beyond saving.
“Alright then,” Wen Yang sighed, shaking his head.
“Hey! Are you guys coming to the dinner tonight? Then KTV for some singing?” Zhang Shaoqing grinned mischievously at Ning Chu. “Don’t worry, no ‘hostesses’ or anything, just us guys hanging out.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Fine, whatever. Wen Yang, doesn’t it bother you that she controls you this much?”
Trying to stir up trouble, huh?
Ning Chu picked up a small pebble and tossed it at Zhang Shaoqing’s face.
But he dodged it easily, leaning back and sprawling out on the grass.
“I don’t mind. I like it this way,” Wen Yang replied, tightening his hold on Ning Chu.
If he’d had any resentment before, learning about Ning Chu’s “forbidden romance novels” had made him fully understand her need for control.
He could hardly imagine what ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) his life would be like if he turned into the shameless male lead in her novels—constantly getting involved with every pretty face.
Though, admittedly, there was a part of him that found the idea... intriguing.
“You know, it’s weird,” Zhang Shaoqing muttered, staring up at the blue sky. “Now that Qianqian isn’t reaching out, I kind of miss her...”
“You’re just asking for it,” Ning Chu scoffed. “Don’t come crying if she gets herself a new boyfriend.”
“No way! I’ll break that guy’s legs!”
“Didn’t you say you didn’t like her?”
“...”
What was even going on in this thick-headed guy’s mind?
Ning Chu couldn’t be bothered with him and got up from Wen Yang’s arms.
Her tone softened when she looked back at Wen Yang. “Shall we go get some bubble tea?”
“I can’t get up, pull me up,” he murmured, yawning as he sat on the grass.
“You’re so heavy!” Ning Chu grabbed his arm, trying to pull him up as if she were pulling a stubborn root out of the ground.
Her shoes slipped on the grass, and despite her best effort, Wen Yang didn’t budge.
“Hurry up!”
“Alright, alright.” Wen Yang chuckled, standing up and casually brushing some dry grass off her skirt with a light pat.
The touch sent a sudden shiver up her spine, and Ning Chu’s face flushed as she quickly covered her lower back, shooting Wen Yang a glare while scanning their surroundings nervously.
“Pervert!”
His hand had landed right at the base of her tail!
Wen Yang blinked, surprised at her reaction. “I was just getting the dirt off.”
Without another word, Ning Chu seized his arm, looking down as she pulled him along. “Let’s go! Enough talking!”
“???”
As the two walked off, Zhang Shaoqing remained lying on the grass, staring at the sky, caught in his own inner debate on whether to reach out to Qianqian.
