Chapter 17: Lee Hyun's revenge

The bell rang, signaling the end of the morning classes. Song Yujin sighed in relief. His boredom was starting to provoke his brain into doing something mischievous again, especially when he was just within reach of his target.

Lee Hyun never glanced at him even once, much to his disappointment.

However, lunch break was the only time he could use to confront his brother and Lu Yuze, so he abandoned his initial plan to annoy the vice president and glanced over Kim Hajun, who was already talking with Lu Yuze.

They seemed to be getting closer by the day, and Song Yujin felt like being left out. He had been looking forward to talking with them, so he stood and approached the two.

But he hadn't reached them yet when his name was called out by someone from the door.

"Song Yujin! Is this where Song Yujin is?"

Everyone turned to the PE teacher, Mr. Choi, who appeared in the doorway, his stern face displayed eagerness and curiosity.

Song Yujin lifted his hand, earning the teacher's attention. The middle-aged man scrutinizes him, before nodding slowly. Song Yujin furrowed his brows, wondering what was the teacher's intention.

"Did you do something again?" Kim Hajun asked, giving Song Yujin a suspicious look. The latter shook his head and walked to the door, adhering to the instructor's call.

He passed by Lim Nahye who gave him a sorry look, which put Song Yujin in confusion.

"Song Yujin, let's talk for a bit," Mr. Choi said, his tone brooking no argument.

Caught off guard, Song Yujin followed Mr. Choi down the hall to the faculty office, his curiosity piqued. As they entered the office, Mr. Choi took a seat on his desk, and Song Yujin stood beside him.

"Mr. Han told me you transferred here along with Kim Hajun, and he already joined a club. Have you?" Mr. Choi began.

Song Yujin, baffled and somewhat and somewhat dreading where the conversation would lean, shook his head reluctantly. He didn't want to admit the truth, but lying to a teacher might not be good.

He had no desire to join any club at all, as he found them bothersome. But if it's customary, then he'll join the Paper Crafting Club and suggest implementing a regular cleaning of their machines, so their papers will be safer to eat.

"So, you haven't. Do you have any specific club in mind?" Mr. Choi asked again, observing Song Yujin's physique and posture.

Song Yujin shuddered at the teacher's scrutinizing eyes. He gulped and answered, "I'm thinking of joining the Paper Crafting Club, sir."

He added in his head, that's the only club I know! Why didn't Hajun tell me that he joined a club already?

Mr. Choi's eyes sparkled with something like excitement. He immediately replied, "Sadly, the Paper Crafting Club has reached its desired members, so there won't be a spot for you."

Song Yujin, "Eh?"

"And I've been informed that you have a natural talent for running. I'd like you to consider joining the track and field club, Song Yujin," Mr. Choi added.

Song Yujin's eyes bulged. Track and field?! That's the last club I'd be joining! It's not only tiresome, bothersome, and sweaty, but running under the hot sun too! No, no! I decline!

He wanted to shout those words but reminded himself he was talking to a teacher.

So, Song Yujin swallowed them instead and forced a smile, despite his eye twitching in utter refusal, "Track and field, sir? I never really thought about it. I mean, I do run, but I'm not fast enough to compete. But who exactly recommended me, sir?"

Mr. Choi's smile faltered slightly as he shifted in his seat. He could tell the student had no interest in running, but the person who recommended him was a trustworthy one and had eyes for talent as he was an athlete himself, so he couldn't just let Song Yujin go without testing his capability.

The teacher sighed, "Why don't you try out? Not everyone in the track and field club competes, although you may have if you're one of the fastest. Think of it as an opportunity. Being an athlete has many good incentives and if you're a talent, you'll receive offers from sports universities."

Song Yujin hid his dismay. Mr. Choi deliberately did not answer his question. He had initially no interest in being an athlete, however, upon hearing that it has many incentives, his ears perked and he inquired.

"Like what incentives and offers, sir?"

Mr. Choi, "The club offers various benefits to the members – scholarships, advanced training facilities, and even a chance to represent our school in regional competitions. The school also offers free or subsidized tutoring services to help athletes with their studies, but that depends on the club's performance, of course."

The teacher sighed; his eyes saddened for a moment. "Honestly speaking, the track and field club hasn't been doing well these past two years. The good and talented runners had graduated and now the members are diligent in training and all, yet, they still couldn't even win the divisional competitions and enter regional, so it's kind of frustrating.

"Ah, besides being the second year's PE teacher, I am also the track and field club supervisor. So, I've been looking for talented runners, but of course, talent isn't everything. It's only one of the requirements, you still need to undergo rigorous training and must have unyielding commitment, expert guidance, mental resilience, and other things.

"The club has all that, but they lack in talent. And because of the past year's performance of the club, the new members' morals are declining. If this goes on, the school might just abolish the club and focus on other sports thriving in the athletic field."

Song Yujin remained quiet after the club supervisor explained everything to him. Mr. Choi understood that it might be a sudden proposal for the kid, so he silently waited for Song Yujin's answer.

On the other hand, Song Yujin saw the incentives as an opportunity to help out his adoptive parents who worked as corporate slaves to big companies. Although their salaries must be enough to send the three of them to that prestigious school and give them enough allowance, Song Yujin still feels sorry.

He wanted to help in the least possible he could, so he carefully considered the offer.

After several minutes, Song Yujin broke the silence. "Sir, if I made it to the club, will that mean I'll get a scholarship this year and my third year? What would happen to the initial enrollment fee that my parents paid?"

Mr. Choi's face beamed. The uninterested kid before him showed interest now, so he earnestly answered, "They will be refunded, of course. And yes, once you become an official member of the club, you'll receive the scholarship on the course of your high school studies."

Song Yujin nodded, "Then, what kind of training are you giving?"

Mr. Choi leaned forward; his eyes gleaming with the promise of opportunity. "Excellent coaching, top-notch equipment, and a supportive team environment. But first, you need to demonstrate your running abilities."

Song Yujin pursed his lips. It was a good opportunity. Whoever recommended him, the initial thought of that person getting punched by him if he learned who they were, was replaced by gratitude.

He slowly nodded, "Alright, Mr. Choi. I'll give it a shot."

"Great!" Mr. Choi even sprung on his feet after receiving Song Yujin's final answer. He had faith in the prodigy of the archery club, Lee Hyun, who went and told him about the new transferee, Song Yujin's, running abilities.