Chapter Four: The Knee He Chose Not to Heal

“Absolutely.” Han smiled. “So pass to me twice more next game.” Warmth entered his lungs and heart. His knee remained swollen, but when he straightened, his breathing was calm. The board updated: Wildfire, city rank eight. A physical invitation fell at their feet. Its black cover bore a familiar tide emblem. BLACK TIDE CITY CHALLENGE. WINNER RECEIVES AN INTERNATIONAL BERTH. On the back, someone had written: Zhou Ye, you never learned how to lose. This time I'll teach you myself. It was signed by Chen Feng, Black Tide's current captain—and the first witness who had accused Zhou two years ago. Zhou folded the invitation into his pocket. “Extra practice tomorrow.” Su glanced at him. “Scared?” “That he'll lose too quickly.”