Chapter 97

Emma, a former member of the world's top regiment, found this physical training trivial. Effortlessly, she performed dozens of one-handed push-ups in a single breath, then switched sides and continued. She then released four fingers, supporting herself with only her thumb, and executed one-finger push-ups.

The crowd erupted. "What kind of monster is this woman?" someone exclaimed. "Hundreds of push-ups without breaking a sweat, and now one-finger push-ups? Is she on drugs?"

Another voice retorted disdainfully, "Why don't you try it? With your 250-pound frame, you'd break your thumb even with drugs."

Emma's classmates joined in the ribbing. "That's right," one said, "take drugs, live forever!" Another added, "Maybe you could jump to the moon and impress the astronauts!"

The mocked classmate fell silent, seeking a hiding place. He thought, The genius class is ruthless; I'll never provoke them again.

Emma's one-finger push-ups continued effortlessly, dozens more in rapid succession. This time, Emma’s classmates turned their attention to Iris, challenging her team. "Can your team do one-finger push-ups?" one asked. Another added, "Let your captain compete."

Iris's face darkened. Having initially considered competing after seeing Emma's one-handed push-ups, Emma's subsequent feats left her dismayed. She couldn't match Emma's effortless performance, not even close. What kind of background does she have? she thought. Is she a demon?

The crowd's excitement mounted, but Emma showed no signs of stopping. Using both hands, she inverted herself and performed thirty handstand push-ups.

Iris, furious, sneered. "So what if you're the best? The competition is a team score. We'll still win."

With that, Dimonate College's team left arrogantly, a few girls lingering to ask Bob, a bystander, for autographs and photos.

Emma, noticing the commotion, asked, "Is he a celebrity?"

A classmate replied, "No, that's Bob Ball. A Troln City legend, a genius with an IQ of 160. Rumor has it his family has powerful military connections and they're pushing him into politics."

"Oh," Emma replied, uninterested, and turned to leave. She was soon surrounded.

"Miss, I'm a fan! Autograph!" one girl exclaimed. Another added, "Photo? Your physique is amazing; I need motivation to lose weight!"

Emma was surprised. Have I become a student idol? she wondered.

The group that had surrounded Bob moments before now flocked to Emma. The boys with Bob teased, "Bob, someone's as popular as you!" Another added, "You two would be a great couple; think about it!"

Bob, sighing, replied indifferently, "Don't joke." A boy retorted, "You're obsessed with studying; no interest in women. Let's warm up; it's almost showtime."

Bob and his group left, passing through the crowd. As Bob brushed past Emma, her number tag fell. He picked it up, gently patting her shoulder. "Emma, your number."

Emma turned, seeing Bob. "Thanks," she said.

Chapter 17

Bob simply smiled gently at Emma and left. The girls beside Emma buzzed. "Emma, Bob talked to you! He knows your name!"

Emma blushed. "You were shouting; of course he knows my name."

"Such a pity you're taken; you two would be great together," a girl said.

Emma was bewildered. Do students pair people up so easily these days? she thought.

The competition began. After several short races, the long-distance runners prepared. Emma's classmates cheered wildly, "Miss Wilson, win gold!"

Emma smiled confidently. "Don't worry." She aimed not only for first place, but to break the Troln City Games record. A record-breaking performance would double the event's points, potentially offsetting any loss to Dimonate College.