Chapter 15: Easy Way ain’t My Style
Editor: Sparrow Translations
After seeing her brother stand up, Ning Lingyu ran over and tried to carry the sandbag for him.
"Oh… Too heavy.." Ning Lingyu admitted before dropping the sandbag back to the ground.
Giving her brother a sheepish grin, the cute Lingyu poked out her tongue playfully. She finally realized the weight her brother had been shouldering all this while. Ling Yun raised his arm, revealing his muscular arm to his adorable sister before saying with confidence, "Leave it to me!" Just as he bent down to pick up the sandbag, he heard a loud voice from behind.
"Ling Yun! A man of many faces! You almost got me too!"
They did not know how long Ma Tianfeng had been standing behind them. His face was covered with a wide smile as he beamed at them.
"Hi, Mr. Ma!" Ning Lingyu greeted. Her face showed embarrassment from being caught skipping a lesson by a teacher.
After all, this was the first time Ning Lingyu had skipped a lesson. To be caught by Ma Tianfeng, she was prepared for some form of punishment from the PE teacher.
However, all Ma Tianfeng did was give a slight smile and nod towards her before turning his attention to Ling Yun.
"Ling Yun, I know you're not doing very well academically but after seeing you in action today, I have a proposal for you. I wish to take you under my wing and train you personally for two months."
Upon hearing this, Ning Lingyu hurriedly glanced at her brother. Seeing his uninterested face, Ning Lingyu was relieved. She refused to let her brother who had just wrecked his body undergo another similar ordeal.
However, as Ma Tianfeng continued his explanation, Ning Lingyu's eyes began to light up!
"In turn, this means that you will be eligible to undergo the test to enter a sports university as a sports elective student. What do you say?"
Ning Lingyu knew that with her brother's academic results, he had little chance of entering a university. However, with Ma Tianfeng's proposal, Ling Yun would have a higher chance of getting into university, even though it might be a little too late.
Yet, Ling Yu's reply to Ma Tianfeng left both Ning Lingyu and the teacher hopping mad.
"Getting into university through sports? How is that any different from taking the back door? I'm not interested."
Ma Tianfeng was momentarily stunned. He then racked his brain. How exactly is using one's physical abilities to enter university the same as taking the back door? At the same time, he was also shocked to see Ling Yun, who was always hiding from him during lessons, talk back to him with such arrogance.
That being said, Ling Yun's performance today was just too superb! Having seen the physical strength, monstrous stamina and willpower of his, Ma Tianfeng was not ready to give up just yet.
"Come on, champ. Don't think of it that way. You've really got a knack for sports. Even though we're a bit behind time, with your talent and my special training, you can make it in time! You'd be able to do sports like shot put, discus throwing and even judo!"
Ma Tianfeng had already taken Ling Yun's height of 180cm and his weight of above 100kg into consideration in his sports proposal.
On the contrary, Ma Tianfeng was unaware that Ling Yun was actually planning to reduce his weight by another 30kg. This was so that his cumbersome body could become agiler. Ning Lingyu, who was now in favor of the proposal, attempted to convince her brother.
"But, brother, Mr. Ma's proposal isn't bad, you should…"
"No! Like I said, taking the back door ain't my style… I will get into university by the proper way! From the front!" Ling Yun answered even before his sister finished.
"Enter university fairly?" Ma Tianfeng laughed with contempt.
Your results are first from the back in the entire school! How exactly do plan to get into any university? Ma Tianfeng thought.
Hearing her brother's signature phrase, "It ain't my style", it stirred a laugh within Ning Lingyu but she instantly suppressed it. She did not want Ling Yun to think that she was making fun of him.
"If only it was that easy." Ning Lingyu thought in response to her brother's statement.
After all, the reason she had been studying so hard and getting first in every exam was all for the sake of getting a good university placement. This was so that she could get a good job, make their mother proud and take good care of her brother.
Therefore, as much as she wanted her brother to get into university, she was aware that two months was not enough to accomplish such a feat. At least, it wasn't enough for the last in school to get into university. His hope of getting in would be no different from dreaming.
Seeing that his persuasion had failed on the seemingly nonchalant Ling Yun, Ma Tianfeng's face showed great pity.
"Let me tell you what. I'll give you three days. Think about it properly before giving me an answer," the teacher said with a bitter smile on his face.
Ma Tianfeng turned to Ning Lingyu. He gave her a look that seemed to hint her to try and convince her stubborn brother. Understanding his intentions, she winked and nodded her head in reply.
Since the conversation was over, Ling Yun got up and with a single hand, he lifted the bag before swinging it onto his shoulder.
Ma Tianfeng's eyes lit up with passion after seeing that single motion. To act like that after running 4.4km with the sandbag was beyond amazing. Right now, this sports teacher was even more determined to get Ling Yun under him.
"Where should I put this?" Ling Yun asked Ma Tianfeng.
"Just leave it here. I'll get some students to return it to the storeroom after school," Ma Tianfeng replied with a bubbly smile.
Ling Yun's shoulder wavered slightly. He then dropped the sandbag onto the ground.
"Thanks, Mr. Ma! Adios!"
With that said, Ling Yun then turned to his sister and motioned for her to return to the hostel with him.
"Adios? This brat… Interesting…" Ma Tianfeng mumbled under his breath as he shook his head while looking at Ling Yun with a bitter smile.
Across the field.
A pair of eyes followed the movement of the siblings. That person was in a daze.
Ohh… Ning Lingyu's happy smile is as beautiful as always…
It must be because she won my 10,000 dollars. Look at that despicable Ling Yun smiling.
Surely they did not plan this, did they?
Tang Meng racked his brain as his facial expression wavered between distress, anger, and regret. He then turned to his errand boy, Zhao Lei, who did not have any fourth period lesson as well. He asked in anticipation, "How much earnings did we get from today's wager pool?"
"9,500 dollars worth of bets. We've collected 3,500 dollars without including the 6,000 dollars that Xie Junyan and Cao Shanshan owe us as payment."
"My God. Only 9,500 dollars? If I pay Ning Lingyu everything, I will have to fork out a thousand dollars! Just when I thought I might be able to cover my loss!" Tang Meng cried out. He was on the verge of crying. Tang Meng was filled with frustration. For the Little Gambling God, such a loss was a first!
Tang Meng had a vexed look on his face before it turned into one of laughter.
"Boss, are you alright?" Zhao Lei asked worriedly.
"What do you know? Let me tell you, if I were to hand that stack of hundred dollar bills to Lingyu's delicate hands, she would surely be over the moon! With that, I am sure she would fall head over heels for me!"
"This is known as 'lose the battle to win the war'! Understand?" Tang Meng said as his head filled up with lascivious thoughts of Ning Lingyu.
After seeing that Ling Yun and Ning Lingyu had left the field, Tang Meng stood up and signaled to Zhao Lei.
"Let's go to the bank. It's just 10,000 dollars. Who cares…"
"Playing hooky again?" Zhao Lei whispered beside Tang Meng.
"Don't worry, it's just a short trip and back."
"Besides, I'm sure little Lingyu will be over the moon and treat me to lunch. Let's go!" Tang Meng replied while walking.
Just as Tang Meng walked past Li Lei, he spat on the floor and glared at him with an icy cold demeanor.
"Go back and tell Xie Junyan that his actions will have the rightful consequences!"
After hearing that, Li Lei, who had been sitting on the ground, turned ghastly pale. His lips quivered. He was unable to answer Tang Meng.
Towards the hostel.
The pair of brother and sister were happily chatting before Ning Lingyu finally decided to bring up Ma Tianfeng's proposal again.
"Big brother, Mr. Ma's suggestion is a really good deal! He was formerly from Yan Jing Sports University, so I'm sure he has a foolproof plan to get you in. Furthermore, if I get into Yan Jing University, we will be able to study together in the same city!"
"Is Yan Jing University the best university?" Ling Yun asked.
"Of course!" Ning Lingyu replied with a smile. For Ning Lingyu, getting into Yan Jing University was already something already set in stone, which would explain her proud look in front of her brother.
"Very well. I shall enter Yan Jing University as well!" Ling Yun proclaimed as he nodded his head, expressing his determination.
After all, to the great Ling Yun, when entering a sect, one should always enter the best in order to get access to the best resources. That was Ling Yun's logic. In his words, 'entering a mediocre place just ain't my style!'
"Brother… Are you sure you aren't too exhausted from the run?" Ning Lingyu looked at Ling Yun anxiously as she waved her hands in front of his eyes.
Ning Lingyu was the top student in her grade, so naturally, entering Yan Jing University was a piece of cake. In contrast, her brother was the last in his grade and had only two months left to the entrance exams. No matter how hard he studied, it was obvious to anyone that he would not be able to enter such a prestigious university. As such, when she saw her brother announce confidently that he would enter Yan Jing University, Ning Lingyu could not help but worry that he had a screw loose.
Ling Yun could sense his sister's thoughts. He stretched out his hand, wanting to pat her on her head but she avoided it after seeing how dirty his hand was.
"Don't worry, I'm not crazy or anything. You'll understand what I mean when the time comes."
By no means was Ling Yun boasting. Compared to concocting medicine, crafting talismans, as well as researching arrays, how hard would taking an entrance exam be? Even though Ling Yun no longer possessed magic and he could no longer utilize his divine sense until the end of his training, he still possessed one thing. He still had his powerful spirit of the Tribulation Stage.
With his insane memorizing ability, two months were more than enough for him to memorize the entire high school syllabus. In addition, he also possessed the ability to comprehend all materials in the world. This was something every cultivator envied. With all these abilities, it was only natural that he did not want to waste it on sports.
"Now go tidy yourself up. Let's meet here in half an hour. You are in for a feast!" Ling Yun lovingly exclaimed to his sister.
"Uhn!" Ning Lingyu nodded, smiling blissfully.
Chapter 16: Differing Last Names
Editor: Sparrow Translations
Having just returned to his room in the hostel, Ling Yun finally noticed how dehydrated he was. His parched throat felt like a desert and his eyes were dried up. He hurriedly drank half a jug of water before opening the window and taking his clothes off.
"It's all wet…" Ling Yun mumbled to himself as he stripped. Before anything else, he decided to take a bath to cleanse his body of its pungent smell. As he walked to the showers, Ling Yun could not hide his surprise as he remembered how his sister was able to withstand such a smell without a single complaint when wiping his face a while ago.
After 15 minutes, a refreshed and clean Ling Yun came out of the bath. After soaking his dirty laundry in the basin, he went back to his room with his slippers on.
Back in the hostel, Ling Yun touched the pants he had hung up yesterday. They were still wet. Ling Yun let out a sigh.
"I'm in trouble now…"
Not giving up, Ling Yun started to search his wardrobe. He clearly recalled seeing a spare blue shirt while searching for money that morning. After a long search, Ling Yun finally found the uniform.
"I knew it! When there's a will there's a way! After all, my memory never fails me!" Ling Yun exclaimed proudly as he put on the spare uniform he had not worn for a long time.
"This must be the uniform!" There is the school crest! It's a bit tight though…"
Ling Yun then proceeded to tidy up the clutter of clothes on the floor. Once done, he put the remaining 70 dollars into his pocket and was on his way to meet Ning Lingyu. Just as he exited the boys' hostel, Ling Yun took a natural glance towards the female hostel.
His eyes were instantly captivated by the beautiful sight of Ning Lingyu. Such beauty! As for Ning Lingyu, she could not remember when was the last time she had a meal alone with her brother. However, after interacting with him at the field, she realized that Ling Yun was still the same doting and loving brother from six years ago. To her, his eyes still had the same tenderness and kindness in them. Even when he scolded, his eyes had the same reproachful gaze as before. When she had been chatting with him, his tone had still been the same, albeit with just a bit more humor than before.
This time, not only did he not avoid her, he even took the initiative to invite Ning Lingyu for a meal. That scene had brought her back to the time they spent together six years ago. That same brotherly love and sense of security she felt when she was with her brother. It felt as if they had gone back to six years ago.
That was why she wanted to look her best and show her most adorable side to her brother for this very meal. To do that, she made sure to clean every nook and cranny of her body and chose to wear her favorite snow white shirt and blue jeans. (This attire was one that she only wore during special occasions.) After tidying up her appearance, she then decided to go down.
To make the day even better, the weather was perfect. The sky was clear and the sun was shining magnificently in the sky. As Ning Lingyu walked towards Ling Yun, the bright sunlight danced upon her body, projecting an image of a goddess's descent. From a distance, a young Grade 11 male student saw Ning Lingyu by accident and was left in a daze. So much so that he was unfazed even after a basketball hit him square in the head.
"Brother? Brother!" Ning Lingyu, who noticed how entranced her brother was by her sight, felt a mixture of shyness and satisfaction.
"Ah… oh…" Ling Yun regained his composure after being shocked by the magnitude of his sister's beauty.
"What are you looking at ?" Ning Lingyu teased her brother despite knowing the answer.
"Nothing…" Ling Yun replied, his face flushed from his sister's straightforwardness.
"So how do I look?"
"Beautiful, very pretty…"
"As pretty as Cao Shanshan?"
"Whoever Cao Shanshan is, you sure look a thousand times prettier than her…"
If Cao Shanshan had heard that, she would probably have vomited blood from agitation and anger. However, at this moment in time, Ling Yun had really forgotten who Cao Shanshan was.
Satisfied with the answer, Ning Lingyu laughed. Taking the initiative, she wrapped her arm around Ling Yun and started walking towards the cafeteria.
"Anyway, why did you wear the school uniform? No one wears it nowadays." Ning Lingyu asked curiously.
Smelling the fragrance of her perfume coupled with a whiff of spiritual energy, Ling Yun could not focus his thoughts.
"Well… it's a long story…" he stuttered.
Of course, Ling Yun had no intention of telling his sister about last night's accident. Instead, he told her that his original clothing was gone because of a jog yesterday night. He mentioned that he came across someone who had lost his footing and fell into the water. After rescuing the drenched person, he gave 'him' his dry shirt to keep 'him' warm.
Ning Lingyu raised her long eyelashes and asked further, "If that was the case, that means you have been wronged this whole time. Why didn't you explain yourself to everyone?"
"Explain? That ain't my style. In the whole world, the only one I need to explain to is you!" Ling Yun replied arrogantly.
That single phrase made Lingyu's day. The exceedingly refined smile on her face stopped even the cafeteria staff in their tracks.
A short while ago, before they had reached the cafeteria, a male student had still been looking at Ning Lingyu's figure. His eyes had been unable to leave the beauty.
"It's over, I'm over, she's just too beautiful! I think I'm in love…" the male student mumbled dreamily.
"Throughout the whole school, who isn't in love with Ning Lingyu? But you better give it up lest you incur the wrath of Xie Junyan." His friend replied as he picked up the ball.
"What? Are you blind? Isn't she holding on to that fatty tightly? Isn't that guy her boyfriend?" The male student retorted.
"Idiot, that's her brother, remember? The dude that ran eleven rounds around the track with the sandbag!"
"That being said, it is true they are not related by blood. They are just brother and sister in name." The friend replied in a jealous tone, seeing how intimate they were.
"Hey, you guys! Did any of you see Ling Yun and Ning Lingyu ?" A thunderous voice roared from behind them. Turning around, the male student hit by the ball only saw a tall and burly long-haired male student standing near them.
The Little Gambling God, Tang Meng had just returned from the bank with 10 thousand dollars. Unable to find the siblings at the hostel, he decided to ask these students. The friend who had picked up the ball was a gossip, thus, he naturally recognized Tang Meng. Stunned momentarily, all he managed to stutter was, "Boss Tang, they were walking towards the school cafeteria not too long ago."
Back in the cafeteria.
"If that is so, pass me your soiled clothes after the meal. I will wash them for you since you never ever wash such things properly."
Deep down, Ning Lingyu was thinking how she wanted to save up and buy more clothes for her brother.
However, even her last 500 dollars had been spent on the bet with Tang Meng. She was now full of regret, blaming herself for putting up a strong front. Now, she would have to borrow money from her roommates again to survive the month. Yet, she did not dare to tell Ling Yun for fear of upsetting him.
As for the promised 20 times rate, Ning Lingyu did not believe a word of it. Even if it was true, she was sure Tang Meng would not give her a single cent. Furthermore, even if she did win 10 thousand dollars, she would not have the guts to accept it. If her mother knew how she got the money, she would probably be skinned alive!
At the end of that thought, Ning Lingyu could not help but stick out her tongue at her brother playfully.
"By the way, why did you bring me here? Is there even any nice food here ?" Ling Yun asked as he surveyed the cafeteria. It was noisy and the food choices seemed boring.
Ning Lingyu, who felt closer to her brother by the second, smiled with her lips curling up to the perfect angle as she batted an eye at Ling Yun.
"Don't worry, I won't let you have a chance to save money. Let's go to the second floor for our meal." She replied with a cheeky smile.
The second floor was similar to a hotel lounge. The atmosphere was much more tranquil and it was a place frequented by students who had more money on hand to spend for a meal. It was the place often visited by classes and clubs whenever they wanted to celebrate any special events.
As for the really rich kids celebrating their birthday, of course, they would leave the school for big and luxurious hotels.
"Hey, this isn't bad at all." Ling Yun said while nodding his head in approval.
His only memory of the second floor belonged to the previous Ling Yun. It was one where the boy had to visit the two tyrannical bullies of the school once every month to hand over the 'protection fee'. It was a place of humiliation and ridicule for the previous Ling Yun.
Returning to the present.
Just as the two found a table, Ning Lingyu started ordering dishes as if she was chanting a long incantation.
"Roasted pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, chicken mushroom stew…"
Hearing all the orders rapidly flowing out of his sister's mouth, Ling Yun started to feel some anxiety. He did not have enough money!
However, he didn't want to spoil his sister's good mood at this moment. Moreover, Ling Yun knew that the dishes ordered by Ning Lingyu were all his favorites.
I'm sure Lingyu would have brought some money with her too, right? Let's eat first and borrow from her later…
I really need to find a way to earn some money soon. Otherwise, there is no way I'll be able to continue living.
*Ring* The bell signaling the end of lessons for the day rang, interrupting Ling Yun's thoughts.
At that same moment, Tang Meng entered the second floor.
Tang Meng did not stay in school. Thus, he consumed his breakfast and dinner at home. As for lunch, he either had it outside or on the second floor of the cafeteria. Therefore, most of the staff recognized him.
"Oh, guys, Tang Meng's here. What would you be having for lunch today?" A staff asked politely.
Ignoring the staff, Tang Meng scanned across the floor before seeing Ning Lingyu ordering food and Ling Yun sitting across at a corner.
"I'll decide later." Tang Meng replied softly before walking straight towards Ling Yun's table.
"I've got to say, fat turd, you really got me there! You've really changed my opinion of you! To be able to run 4.4 km with that 25 kg sandbag, what kind of crazy spirit possessed you?"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone 
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