CHAPTER 35: THE CHAMPION AND THE DOCTOR

The Qibao Dwith School students went wild.

It was the first time their school had ever taken first place in this event.

The students rushed onto the field led by his classmates who surrounded Rong Xingyu with cheers and laughter before lifting him high into the air.

In the crowd, Rong Zhenqiao clapped his hands along with everyone else, pride swelling in his chest. He was genuinely and deeply proud of his brother.

Amid the sea of celebration, Rong Xingyu was raised above the others, his face flushed whether from running or from excitement, no one could tell. His bangs were damp with sweat and his eyes shone like stars.

The brilliant smile on his face made it impossible to look away.

Rong Zhenqiao’s fingers twitched. He couldn’t resist to pulled out his phone and took a photo of the scene.

Then, for the first time ever, he posted something on his social feed.

[ My little brother won first place at his school’s sports competition. Seems he even broke a record. Not bad. ]

Many of his business associates followed his account and as soon as they saw the post, they filled the comments section.

[ Congratulations! ]

[ A record breaker? Impressive! Such talent at a young age! ]

[ Not bad? You’re too humble, Mr. Rong, he’s amazing! ]

[ ... ]

Meanwhile, the wealthy second generation crowd in the city’s elite circle nearly spat out their drinks when they saw the post.

Wait, did the eldest brother of Rong family actually just post on social media?

And this was what he posted? Wasn’t the rumor that he and that "fake" younger brother didn’t get along very well?

Because this definitely didn’t look like that.

As the comments poured in, full of praise for his "little brother," Rong Zhenqiao felt a strange but satisfying warmth in his chest.

For the first time, he suddenly understood those people who loved posting pictures of their kids or pets online every day.

After smiling to himself, he tucked his phone away completely unaware that he had just stepped through the gates of a new world, one that would lead him down the path of an incurable brother-complex show-off.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ding who is watching from a distance saw Rong Xingyu being lifted into the air and surrounded by cheering students. He simply shook his head, turned around and quietly left the field.

Just as Dr. Ding was about to reach the medical station, a clear, youthful voice suddenly called out from behind him.

"Dr. Ding!"

Ding Yixin’s footsteps stopped instantly.

He turned around and saw the young man who had just been surrounded by a crowd the one who had left behind the cheers, the applause and the flashing cameras now running toward him, alone.

Ding Yixin stood still while quietly watching Rong Xingyu approaching him, his expression unreadable.

"Dr. Ding!"

Rong Xingyu had seen the familiar figure walking away in the distance and, for some reason, acted on impulse and chased after him.

He caught up and walked beside the doctor. Together, they slowly made their way toward the medical station.

Rong Xingyu’s hands were clasped behind his back. Maybe it was because he had just won the championship, but he was clearly in a very good mood. His steps were light, his body swaying slightly as he walked. Even his bright, youthful voice carried an unmistakable energy.

"Dr. Ding, did you come to watch the sports meet too?"

Ding Yixin gave a low chuckle.

"Yes. I’m getting older, you see. Spending more time with young people like you keeps me feeling energetic."

"That’s not true!" Rong Xingyu glanced at the doctor’s perfectly sculpted side profile and shook his head in disagreement. "Dr. Ding, you’re so good-looking, how could you call yourself old? You look just like one of us! When I first saw you, I almost stared at you for too long..."

The doctor’s steps suddenly stopped.

Rong Xingyu halted as well and tilting his head in confusion.

Then he heard the man say softly, "Don’t say things like that to other people."

"Huh?"

Rong Xingyu blinked and looked up into his eyes.

There was something in Dr. Ding’s gaze, something deep, something he couldn’t quite understand. But whatever it was vanished almost instantly, too fast for him to grasp.

When he looked again, Dr. Ding’s expression was the same as always, it was calm, composed and smiling gently.

For a moment, Rong Xingyu wondered if he had imagined it.

Then Dr. Ding shook his head slightly and said in a teasing tone, "That sounded too fake. Don’t flatter people like that in the future. No one would believe you."

"...What?"

Rong Xingyu touched his nose, embarrassed that his thoughts had been seen through. He gave a sheepish smile. "I wasn’t flattering you. I meant it. I was being honest."

Dr. Ding chuckled.

Rong Xingyu lowered his head, his voice softer now. "Did you... see my race just now?"

Then, suddenly, he felt a gentle weight on his head, the warmth of a large hand softly brushing through his hair.

Feeling startled, Rong Xingyu lifted his head and saw the doctor’s warm smile.

"I did," Dr. Ding said. "You did great."

A faint heat spread to Rong Xingyu’s ears.

"Do you want a reward again, little Yuyu?" Dr. Ding teased.

"No, no, that’s not necessary!"

Rong Xingyu quickly waved his hands, refusing. The last time he had accepted a "red envelope" from the doctor, he hadn’t expected it to be that large, Dr. Ding was far too generous.

"Then I’ll let you get back to work, Dr. Ding. I’ll go now," he said hurriedly, worried the man might actually take out his phone to transfer money again.

After taking a few steps away, Rong Xingyu suddenly turned back.

The sunlight caught in his bright starry eyes.

"I’m running the 3000 meter race this afternoon. Will you come watch, Dr. Ding?"

"I will," Ding Yixin said with a small nod. "Do your best."

"I will! Thank you, Dr. Ding! See you later!"