CHAPTER 986: CHAPTER 569: WHAT A CRAP QUESTION (2)

’I should have gone with Jiang Ning to be a volunteer.’

...

In the class group chat, Jiang Yanan sent another message: "Quick, turn on the TV!"

Hearing this, students turned towards their home TVs. The camera was now on the leading pack, led by a lean-built black man, with his feet pounding forward.

Right behind him was an unfamiliar young man, who was vigorously chasing, sticking closely to the black athlete.

These two were currently the frontrunners.

Behind them, a pack of several dozen people trailed, with the camera sweeping over them.

Tang Fu’s long legs were particularly eye-catching, straight and slender, each stride full of grace.

Sunlight spilled over her, illuminating her healthy, smooth skin, exuding a vitality of life.

"Whoa, is that Tang Fu?" Cui Yu exclaimed, recalling when he provocatively challenged her at the school’s sports day opening ceremony!

Liu Chuandao said: "Those legs are amazing!"

Close behind Tang Fu, Jiang Ning’s silhouette emerged, running towards the light, gleaming brilliantly.

Jiang Ning’s appearance surprised many, especially Chai Wei in front of his TV, who looked extremely displeased.

He had previously disparaged them in the group, and now it was like a slap in the face.

Duan Shigang commented: "Yang Sheng, look at Yang Sheng, she’s in the top ten in the women’s group, isn’t she?"

You could sense his astonishment through the screen.

Just like the men’s group, the women’s top ten also received generous prize money.

Many realized this: "Yang Sheng might be getting rich, right? She’s still accelerating!"

...

By now, the race had reached the 19-kilometer mark, and marathon runners on the scene caught a faint scent coming from the 20-kilometer supply station.

As they ran ahead, that aroma became increasingly distinct, causing many to impulsively increase their pace, disrupting their originally steady rhythm.

As they got closer, the aroma of barbecue finally displayed its irresistible pull.

A comical scene unfolded at the marathon as the leading runner rushed straight to a barbecue stall, grabbed a piece of meat from the blackened arm.

This black runner, with his prominent cheekbones and lean frame, exuded wildness; even under sunlight, his features remained obscure.

Innate talent allowed them to dominate in various competitions, and with long-term victories and many monetary rewards, their hearts became filled with arrogance.

In fact, many marathons, to boost event standings, would invite them and give them spots.

Thus, they became more brazen, grabbing meat without concern for hygiene or other participants.

However, at this moment, two security personnel appeared, blocking his reaching hand.

The black runner missed the meat, unable to satisfy his craving, and couldn’t stand the aroma’s temptation. He doubled back, gesturing with his hands, asking the chef to cut the meat for him.

At this moment, a security staff brought over a board, unveiled the black cloth covering it, and pointed to the question on it.

A translator said: "You must answer the question to eat!"

The black runner understood, and looking at the board, he saw a simple and clear diagram.

The question was: "Filling a pool with water using an inflow pipe takes 3 hours.

Draining the pool using an outflow pipe takes 4 hours.

Assuming the flow rate of filling and draining remains constant, how long will it take to fill the pool while simultaneously draining it?"

The black runner immediately wore a perplexed expression.

Soon, the second-place national runner approached the 20-kilometer supply point, unable to resist the tantalizing aroma, and stopped too, being informed that he had to answer the question to eat.

"What is this?" The runner was baffled. He had never encountered anything like this in any marathon!

But looking at the ready security guards, the runner pondered that unless the question was answered correctly, he wouldn’t get to eat the barbecue.

Staring at the enticing golden barbecue, the aroma was too much to resist, especially when exhausted. He truly wanted to take a bite.

Moreover, nearby a few girls were drinking juice, eating barbecue, which was unbearable.

Gritting his teeth, the runner began calculating mentally.

The black runner didn’t leave either, standing by waiting for his answer.

Due to their pause, many following runners caught up, all succumbing to the temptation and halting here.

Live television broadcasted this bizarre scene, leaving viewers astonished.

Yu Wen asked in the group chat: "Why did they stop running?"

Jiang Yanan replied: "Are they waiting to eat meat?"

"Isn’t it cooked already? Look how Chen Siyu and others are enjoying it, making me want to get up and eat," Cui Yu lamented in the group chat.

"Compared to barbecue, the prize money is more important, right?" said Duan Shigang.

They weren’t on site and couldn’t smell the barbecue aroma.

The formerly second-place runner took two minutes without calculating the answer.

He cursed: "What kind of idiotic question is this, who would fill a pool while draining it at the same time?"

At the picnic table, Chen Siqing silently unplugged a phone plugged into a power bank and playing a video.

In a rush, until the first pack was completely overtaken, no one calculated this question mentally.

The black runner, with immense willpower, turned and continued running, despite the enticing food, as the prize money of 660,000 was also important.

The marathon pack stretched forward once more.

Soon, Jiang Ning and Yang Sheng approached, and as they passed the barbecue, Jiang Ning quickly calculated the answer: "12 hours."

Yang Sheng was determined to win the prize and ran ahead.

Jiang Ning received a plate of barbecue, leisurely enjoying it and downing a glass of fresh juice before continuing the race.

...

Beyond the 20-kilometer mark, only 1 kilometer remained.

Jiang Ning picked up his pace again, surrounded by cheering spectators on both sides of the track, with the TV host’s voice becoming invigorated.

The final 1 kilometer, 800 meters, 600 meters...

Jiang Ning overtook Yang Sheng, spreading his arms like wings, and with increased speed, passed over a dozen leading runners.

meters, 300 meters, Jiang Ning and Yang Sheng were getting close to the first-place black runner.

Victory was imminent.

Suddenly, at the edge of the track, a middle-aged man rushed out, raising a bright red flag and running towards Jiang Ning.

As he ran, he waved the red flag.

In Class 8’s group chat, Chen Qian commented: "Uh-oh!"

Jiang Yanan quickly replied: "What’s wrong? Isn’t it good to give out flags?"

Chen Qian responded swiftly: "When marathon runners reach the final stage, they have their own pace. If they take a flag, it increases resistance and disrupts their rhythm."

With her explanation, classmates realized that a small flag could cause such a significant impact.

"Is it not okay to just not take the flag?" asked Xin Youling.

Chen Qian didn’t reply.

Marathons don’t have security at every point, so in sudden situations, nearby security couldn’t stop it promptly, all they could do was watch the flag handover helplessly.

Jiang Ning glanced at the person handing him the flag and smoothly took it.

He gave it a gentle flick, letting the flag billow in the wind. Jiang Ning held the corners, tying it around his neck. When he released his hands, the bright red flag unfurled like a cape behind him.

A few more strides, and Jiang Ning sped up, quickly passing the leading black runner.

The TV presenter excitedly shouted: "First place! First place!"

The audience around watched the young figure, his flowing red flag like a burning flame, a shooting star across the track.

"Go! Go!"

Thousands of clapping hands and cheering calls congregated, creating a resounding wave that propelled Jiang Ning forward.

In 1 hour and 7 minutes, Jiang Ning crossed the finish line with a lead.

Immediately, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, surging like a tide, with spectators pouring in from all directions, their faces beaming with pride.