Chapter 10: Pebbles
Today's morning classes were Chinese, English, physics, and physical education.
Unlike in Xue Jing's previous life, education in Zhu Xia seemed to place significant emphasis on physical education as well, at least at Qing Affiliated High School. Not only were there many PE classes each week, but there was also no excuse for the PE teacher to be 'absent'.
After three academic classes, the elite class headed to the changing rooms during the brief break to change out of their uniforms and into their indoor sportswear.
"Hey, look at those abs."
A tall, bespectacled classmate exclaimed in surprise as he saw Xue Jing take off his shirt.
"Nice, Xue Jing! When did you get so fit? I never noticed before."
As soon as he spoke, all the boys in the changing room turned to look.
"Wow!"
"You're amazing, Xue! Teach us how you got those awesome abs, bro!"
"First of all, I'm not Nan Tong. Secondly, can I touch them?"
"I envy the future Mrs. Xue."
"Can I take a picture? It's not that I want to look, but my teenage sister at home is curious."
Xue Jing quickly pulled on his short-sleeved sports shirt, looking exasperated. "Could you guys not be so gay, please?"
Li Gao, who was changing next to him, had already changed and was teasing him. "If you're scared of a little joke, you're obviously hiding something. With your looks, if you don't get a girlfriend, don't blame us for jumping to conclusions."
Xue Jing kicked him, making him stumble. "Get lost."
...
"Nice shot!"
In the gymnasium, Xue Jing took a long-range jump shot, releasing the basketball from his hand. It flew through the air and landed perfectly in the basket, eliciting cheers from his teammates.
After a quick celebration with high-fives, Xue Jing caught his breath and glanced at the panel.
【Precise shot, Aiming Experience +2】
【Aiming Lv1 (78/300)】
The Aiming skill he had activated last night was incredibly effective in basketball, a sport that required precision.
Within the three-point line, he could make nine out of ten shots even with defenders trying to block him. He also had a high probability of scoring from beyond the three-point line. Based on his shooting ability alone, he was already at a professional level.
Even without relying on his enhanced physical abilities to dominate through sheer force, he still made his classmates feel dejected.
Especially with the girls from the class watching from the sidelines.
Although the girls were subtle and didn't cheer out loud, the embarrassment of feeling like a prop for Xue Jing's display lingered.
Xue Jing wasn't the type to show off. He had only intended to play casually and not bully his classmates.
That thought lasted until he scored his first basket and saw the 'Aiming Experience +2' notification.
"Come on, we can do it! We can still turn this around!"
On the opposing team, Li Gao clapped his hands, encouraging his teammates and trying to boost their waning spirits.
As soon as the PE teacher's whistle blew, the game resumed.
"Block him! Stop him! Swat his shot!"
"Hey..."
The elite class students were immersed in the basketball game, and none of them noticed a few figures in school uniforms walk into the gymnasium.
The leader of this group was a tall, somewhat plump boy. He took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and casually took one out and put it in his mouth. Someone next to him immediately produced a lighter and lit it for him, the whole scene resembling a movie where underlings light their boss's cigarette.
The boy held the cigarette between two fingers, inhaling and exhaling smoke skillfully, his eyes narrowing as he watched the basketball game. "Which one is Xue Jing?"
Someone immediately pointed at Xue Jing and said, "It's him, the one who just took the shot!"
The plump boy stared for a moment and clicked his tongue. "This pretty boy has a pleasing appearance. No wonder Shi Yu likes him."
Someone next to him hesitated and said, "Brother Pei, why don't we forget about it? Xue Jing is from the elite class, and the school..."
Pei Youguang turned to look at the speaker, who immediately shut his mouth.
"What's there to be afraid of? Even the principal would be polite to my dad. What's so scary about the elite class? If I, Pei Youguang, want to mess with him, who can stop me?" Pei Youguang took a drag on his cigarette, his voice resonating with confidence and dominance.
The lackeys beside him were immediately awestruck by his charisma, their faces filled with admiration.
"Let's go. Now that we've identified him, this isn't a good place to make a move. We'll deal with him after school." Pei Youguang turned and walked away, his lackeys following a step behind, creating an impressive scene.
...
By the end of the PE class, Xue Jing's Aiming experience had reached (158/300), progressing rapidly.
The growth of skill experience was reflected in real-time on Xue Jing's body, so the more he played basketball, the smoother his shots became, and his accuracy steadily improved, causing his male classmates to wear expressions of pain.
"Damn it, if I have to play basketball with you again, I might as well be a dog!"
In the classroom, Li Gao cursed aloud.
He quickly added, "Unless you let me be on your team."
Xue Jing, who was packing his things into his bag, smiled and said, "Alright, I'll carry you to victory next time."
Practicing darts at home only gave him 1 point of experience for hitting the bullseye, but making a basket outside gave him 2 points. The panel clearly didn't encourage solitary practice.
After a while, Li Gao also finished packing his things and slung his bag over his shoulder. He walked up to Xue Jing, his expression solemn. "Let's go. I'll walk you home."
Xue Jing looked at his seemingly determined expression and found it a bit funny, but also somewhat touching.
Unlike Xue Jing, Li Gao saw Pei Youguang through a lens of terror. In his eyes, Pei was a thug who could kill and burn, and despite knowing that this thug might cause trouble for Xue Jing after school, he was still willing to accompany him, which could be considered very loyal.
Xue Jing shook his head and said, "No need, I can go back by myself."
But Li Gao insisted, "You don't have to say more. I'm not that kind of person. I said I'll walk with you, and I will!"
"Alright then," Xue Jing relented.
He added, "But remember, I'll handle this myself. You just watch from the sidelines, understand?"
Li Gao was a bit confused but nodded anyway.
The two of them walked out of the classroom toward the school gate.
While Xue Jing's expression was unchanged from usual, Li Gao's steps were heavy, and his face was filled with worry, as if he were marching to his execution.
As they walked across the playground, Xue Jing suddenly remembered something.
'Hmm... I think he practiced some martial arts? Just in case, I should prepare.'
Xue Jing thought to himself.
He lowered his head and searched the ground for a while, then walked to a path paved with cobblestones.
Li Gao watched as Xue Jing suddenly crouched down and picked up a few pebbles, putting them in his pocket. Curious, he asked, "What are you doing?"
Xue Jing felt the pebbles in his pocket, checking their size and texture, and casually replied, "Showdown. I'm actually a descendant of Li Xiaoyao, the master of the Little Li Flying Dagger."
"Ah?" Li Gao exclaimed in surprise.
...
(End of Chapter)
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