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"We have to go to school soon, Aunt."

Xie Liuzheng struggled to open her eyes. "School!"

She kicked her legs and sprang up. "Time to get up!"

Her sudden movement startled Shen Baili and Shen Wan. Both instinctively reached out to catch her.

"Careful."

"Xiao Zheng, don't fall."

Standing on the big bed, Xie Liuzheng could see how much they cared.

"I've learned self-defense too."

Every child in the Xie Family, boy or girl, had been taught martial arts by a dedicated instructor. It kept them fit and gave them a way to save themselves in a crisis.

"Let's get changed, then have breakfast." Xie Liuzheng had their morning planned out.

Neither Shen Baili nor Shen Wan objected.

"What's for breakfast? Seafood Congee?"

Shen Baili said, "I want soy milk and fried dough sticks."

"Why don't we eat near the school gate?"

"Great idea!" Xie Liuzheng was immediately sold.

Once the three of them were ready, they headed to Haicheng No. 1 High School. They ate at a breakfast shop by the gate and reached the sports field right on time.

As class monitor, Shen Baili had plenty to take care of. Shen Wan and Xie Liuzheng left her to it, found good seats in the stands, and settled in to rest and chat.

At ten sharp, the girls' 400-meter relay began.

Second-Year Science Class 1's runners were Shen Baili, Qiao Yi, Ruan Mian, and Ran Zhao.

Compared with petite Shen Baili and Ruan Mian, Qiao Yi and Ran Zhao were tall. Shen Baili envied their long legs terribly.

Zhu Zhitao was running for Liberal Arts Class 1. It was the only event she had entered.

The PE representative had pestered her for a week before she reluctantly agreed to take part in a slightly easier event.

Zhu Zhitao and