Chapter Three: Three Minutes, Thirty Days

Ghost grew impatient. He had been paid to handle an amateur streamer. Every extra second humiliated him. At 2:40, he feinted a low kick and curved a heavy punch toward Lin Ran’s temple. “Back!” the crowd screamed. “Forward!” Han Zheng roared. Lin Ran entered the strike. The range collapsed before Ghost could extend. Shoulder against chest, Lin Ran turned with Deflection Step, and both men lost balance. Ghost could have finished with a knee. He raised it, then stopped—the rules forbade it. Lin Ran did not exploit the pause to throw him down. He stepped back and raised his gloves. Nine seconds remained. Ghost found no pleading in his eyes and no invitation for the crowd to attack. He lowered his fists. “I’m done.” The bell sounded.