Natural Disaster: Back to the End of the World

Part 3

Yao Ziqing had barely run a lap around the track before he was left gasping with his hands on his knees.

Since childhood, his stamina had been poor, and his resistance was weak. He took medicine more often than he ate, and only as he grew older did his health improve a bit.

In his previous life, at the refuge base, he could only rely on his physical strength to earn just enough food to survive. Because of his frail appearance, he often had his food stolen and had to go hungry.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead and taking a deep breath, Yao Ziqing didn't want to repeat the tragedies of his past life. He gritted his teeth and finished the remaining half-lap.

With three years left, if he kept up with his training, his physical fitness would surely improve.

After his morning run, he brought breakfast for his roommates and took a shower before sitting down to eat.

Cheng Tao was the first to wake up. He was surprised to find Yao Ziqing's bed empty and even more surprised to see him come back with breakfast.

"This is unusual," Cheng Tao remarked. "Seeing you up so early, I thought you must have found a part-time job again."

"I think he found another job, maybe delivering milk or newspapers. Getting up this early is impressive," Su Li said, taking a bite of his food while continuing to tease him.

Wu Wenqing frowned slightly and said seriously, "Qingzi, you should stop taking on these part-time jobs. You need more sleep. Your body can't handle these early mornings and late nights. Don't think that being young means you can neglect your health."

Yao Ziqing, munching on a bun, sighed. "I told you, I'm not working part-time. I'm just getting up early to exercise. If you don't believe me, come run with me tomorrow morning."

Cheng Tao looked even more surprised, finishing off a piece of fried dough.

"Did something happen? It feels like ever since school started, you've been acting a bit unusual."

Su Li pinched Yao Ziqing's soft shoulder and said, "Well, if you're running, that's one thing. But if you're doing part-time jobs while running, that's a different story. But delivering newspapers could be done while running, I suppose."

Yao Ziqing sighed and decided to change the topic. "I'm planning to buy a laptop today. Does anyone have time to come with me?"

Immediately, the other three in the dorm turned their attention to Yao Ziqing, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

They knew a bit about Yao Ziqing's family situation and how they might be in debt to support his college education. Despite his scholarships and frugality, he seemed to push himself hard, almost like a machine.

In the two years they had known him, Yao Ziqing had never bought any new clothes. His wardrobe consisted mostly of what he brought at the start of the school year or what his family sent him.

He rarely ate out, often making do with a bun or two a day.

They often felt sorry for him and wanted to take care of him more.

Fortunately, Yao Ziqing wasn't the type to feel self-pity. He'd admit when he didn't have money and never pretended otherwise.

Sometimes they'd buy extra food to share with him, and Yao Ziqing would always accept graciously, finding ways to return the favor in other ways.

This was part of Yao Ziqing's charm—his refined appearance coupled with a warm, melting smile. He had a gentleman's grace but didn't come across as aloof. Despite his poverty, he never hid it or felt ashamed, and people were naturally drawn to him.