Chapter Four: Two Zhou Jibais

Someone knocked twice. Undertow's coach peered inside, barely containing his excitement. “The league approved an emergency registration. Shen Yan, the club is offering three months. The terms aren't pretty, but you can compete for a starting seat.” “I'll sign.” The coach blinked, his prepared speech suddenly useless. As Shen Yan wrote his name, Zhou pinned down a corner of the contract. “Returning to competition makes the dreams deeper. Every time I win, White Duke becomes clearer. It'll happen faster to you.” “Then I'll investigate while I can still tell myself apart.” That evening, Undertow announced Shen Yan's signing. Mockery outnumbered congratulations ten to one. Someone looped the two seconds of hesitation that had ruined his final.