Two days passed like this. On Wednesday, the first class was physical education. After applying sunscreen, Wang Muman met up with He Lele. "For this first class, we'll start by measuring height and weight, then run a lap to warm up, and finally practice dribbling basketballs," the PE teacher announced. After lining up to get their height and weight measured, they waited for the next activity. "Manman, you're so thin, I can't even imagine," He Lele commented. "I have good digestion. Look at you, you gobble down your food every time, as if afraid someone will snatch it." He Lele pouted, "I eat like this, and I really wish I could stay inside longer. It's so hot outside." "Let's go, it's time to run." The sun outside was quite fierce, making sweat stream down their faces.
"Next, the people in the front two rows, the boys will take the balls first. Since there are fewer basketballs, the boys will practice first, and then we'll give them to the girls. The girls can rest in place for now. Don't talk loudly," the PE teacher instructed. The boys dribbled the ball and circled twice before the girls were allowed to. Watching the ball roll over from the opposite side and being picked up by other girls, Wang Muman felt a bit lost. She looked ahead, and the sunlight stung her eyes. She raised her hand to shield them, thinking about getting a ball. Then she lowered her hand. She felt a basketball appear at her feet. Wang Muman picked it up and looked ahead. Although the light was still dazzling, she saw those puppy-dog eyes. She couldn't quite describe her feelings, only that in that moment, her mind went blank, and the sound of her heart beating was incredibly clear. "Manman, come on, it's time to dribble," He Lele pulled her along. She repeated the action of dribbling, following the group. "Manman, Manman, during the break later, shall we go to the snack shop to buy something to eat? I'm a bit hungry." Seeing Wang Muman looking a bit dazed, He Lele shook her. Wang Muman came back to her senses and immediately nodded, "Okay."
"Boss, two bags of Toffees, and a bag of cucumber-flavored potato chips," He Lele said. The place was crowded, and Wang Muman was pushed aside. The smell of sweat filled the air, and Wang Muman couldn't stand it, coughing to the side. "Classmate Wang Muman, are you alright?" Seeing the person who had appeared again, Wang Muman shook her head. "I'm fine, I just choked on some saliva." "Manman, here are the Toffees. Your face is so red, are you okay?" "It's fine, it's fine, I choked on saliva." Wang Muman looked at their similar expressions, her face turning even redder. "It's good that you're fine. I was scared when I finished paying and couldn't find you." He Lele opened the potato chip bag and offered some to Wang Muman. "Thanks, Xiaole. There were too many people, and I got pushed out." "Here, Yan Cheng, little brother, do you want some?" Yan Cheng shook his head. "Big Brother gave this to me, you don't need to be polite." He Lele said generously. Yan Cheng still took one. "Hey, where's the other tagalong?" "He's buying ice water," Yan Cheng replied. "Oh, then we'll head back first." He Lele linked arms with Wang Muman and they returned to the classroom.
"Xiaole, I'll treat you to grilled sausages tomorrow. How much food have you bought me? I'm too embarrassed." Wang Muman looked at the snacks she had been feeding her in the desk drawer for days, looking at her helplessly. "Manman, that's not right. My parents give me a lot of pocket money, and they worry I won't eat enough. You're so thin, eat more. We're like sisters, but I can still accept the grilled sausages." "Then if you're hungry, you can take some from my desk drawer. I can't eat this much." Wang Muman seemed to have only snacks left in her desk drawer. "Okay."
That night, when Wang Muman returned to the dormitory to sleep, she couldn't fall asleep. Her heart was restless. She finally drifted off to sleep only when she saw those puppy-dog eyes even in her dreams.