Chapter Two: The Red Line Painted Green

Tang looked at her strangely. “You're different today, Sister Xinglan. Like you've already lost once.” The ball paused in Xinglan's hands. “Then assume I don't intend to lose twice.” That evening, eighteen thousand people flowed into Harbor Arena. When the lights fell, blue glow sticks became an ocean. The announcer called Xinglan's name, and the cheers were still warm. She stood in the tunnel and almost forgot to breathe. For the last years of her former life, she had heard this sound only in recordings where viewers waited for her to fail. Qiao bumped her shoulder. “Don't drift away. Agreeing to that ridiculous plan doesn't mean I approve. If Zhou wrecks the game, I'm blaming you first.” “Fine.” “Why are you smiling?”