Chapter One: The Last Light

The next evening, the lower tier of Lanjiang Sports Center was far from full. Yet the Blue Whales supporters’ drums drowned out the few dozen Falcons fans. Three minutes passed without a Falcons shot. At five minutes, still none. The commentator politely praised their restraint. Xiaoman’s face reddened with frustration. Every time the Whales passed across the back, she remembered Jianxia’s instruction and remained in the center. In the seventh minute, the Whales captain finally lost patience. She feinted with her right, then released number nine on the weak side—exactly as she had in the recordings. “Now!” Jianxia shouted. Chen Sui intercepted early and sent the ball down the line without looking.