The Man Who Is Always First

She suddenly fired a ball at his forehead from less than three meters. Dynamic vision revealed its spin—and showed him that his injured body was too slow to dodge on reaction alone. Instead of wrenching himself aside, Lu read her intent and moved half a step early. The ball passed his ear. That step did not belong to Jiang. It came from three years of reading danger as a sparring partner. She smiled. “Third round of the city qualifier. I'll be waiting.” At weigh-in, former teammates studied Lu more than they mocked him. Some loudly discussed false morning schedules, hoping to mislead him. Luo brought a new contract. “Yesterday proved you have value. Return for thirty percent more pay. The club will promote you.”