After half a month of anticipation, the First Year's spring outing at Fourth Middle School had finally arrived.
Even Ma Shicheng, who usually arrived at school just in time, got up half an hour earlier, showing the spring outing's attractiveness.
Such organized group outings were rare, and many students might only have one chance to go during their three years of high school.
When Ma Shicheng arrived at the classroom, the room was filled with an excited atmosphere. His classmates were all geared up as if they were heading into battle, and the mood was infectious, making Ma Shicheng's spirits rise as well.
At the back of the room, many students gathered, all dressed in loose-fitting, comfortable sports clothes.
Wu Xiaoqi was sitting on Ma Shicheng's stool, showing off a pair of shoes:
"See this? These shoes are specially designed for walking!"
"Can you believe it, shoes designed just for walking? You've never heard of that, have you?"
"With these shoes, walking is effortless!"
Dan Xiao circled around him, eyeing Wu Xiaoqi's shoes:
"How much do these shoes cost then?"
Wu Xiaoqi had been waiting for someone to ask this question, and Dan Xiao really hit the spot. He timely mentioned the price:
"Two thousand eight hundred."
At this, everyone at the back gasped in surprise.
Hu Jun exclaimed, "My entire outfit costs only two hundred yuan!"
"Isn't that the truth," said Guo Kunnan.
Dan Xiao remarked, "These are truly a pair of treasure shoes!"
Hu Jun, eyeing Wu Xiaoqi's shoes, asked, "Brother Qi, can I try your shoes on?"
"I've never worn such expensive shoes before."
Wu Xiaoqi, who was originally basking in the attention, now faced Hu Jun's hopeful expression and couldn't really refuse, could he?
Otherwise, wouldn't that make him look petty?
Biting back his pain, he handed over his treasured shoes to Hu Jun.
Hu Jun quickly took off his own shoes and sat down on the stool, picking up Wu Xiaoqi's shoes. He rubbed the shoes' opening with his foot a couple of times and then, in front of Wu Xiaoqi, said,
"Brother Qi, I'm sliding them on!"
The next second, Hu Jun's feet slipped into the shoes and he released a hiss,
"Brother Qi, this feels amazing!"
Hu Jun looked immensely satisfied, as if experiencing something indescribably wonderful.
Wu Xiaoqi watched, wide-eyed, as Hu Jun stepped into his beloved shoes.
Somehow, he suddenly didn't want these shoes anymore...
Noticing Ma Shicheng's arrival empty-handed, Wang Longlong pointed out,
"Brother Ma, have you bought your stuff yet? We're hiking this time, better bring more water bottles!" Wang Longlong showed his carry bag.
Hearing this, Guo Kunnan patted his bag,
"We bought ours last night, not just water but also bread."
Ma Shicheng had forgotten all about it as he had been at an internet cafe playing games last night. Slapping his forehead, he exclaimed,
"I haven't bought anything yet."
Wang Longlong urged, "Hurry, there's still some time before we gather, but it'll be too late if you delay any longer."
Glancing at the time, Ma Shicheng knew they still had a few minutes before assembling in front of the teaching building, so without another word, he headed out.
On the main campus path, many students carried bags stuffed with bottles of drinks and snacks.
Initially a bit panicky, seeing others relaxed him somewhat.
Ma Shicheng arrived at Yucai Supermarket, and due to the spring outing, many students crammed the store, all buying things.
Wei Xiu Yuan, from Class 1 of the experimental group and the son of the supermarket owner, stood at the entrance helping, making sure no student made off without paying.
Ma Shicheng grabbed a bag, picked a few bottles of water, two packets of Taiwanese-style sausages, and some instant noodles before lining up to pay.
With nothing better to do, he took out his phone, connected to WiFi, and browsed some joke apps.
As he played on his phone while waiting in line, everyone queued up properly, but suddenly, the girl who had been behind him, somehow moved in front of him!
The girl was fairly attractive, and an average guy probably wouldn't argue with a girl over her place in line, opting instead to show some magnanimity.
He might even use the opportunity to meet her and get her contact information.
However, Ma Shicheng was the last person to indulge such behavior.
He put his phone in his pocket and tapped the girl on the shoulder:
"Yo, you're buying stuff too? You must be going on a spring outing today – be sure to carry extra water; the weather looks quite warm."
The girl turned around, saw Ma Shicheng, and frowned with displeasure:
"What's the meaning of this? Do I know you?"
Ma Shicheng's expression soured, "If you don't know me, why are you cutting in line? Go back and wait your turn!"