"Yes, so in the world of competitive sports, our biggest enemy is always ourselves."
Xie Shi'an tilted his head and smiled.
"However, I have a feeling she will win today."
The moment she finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in cheers.
The commentator couldn't hide his excitement.
"My God!!! Jian Changnian actually rallied from a set down to win two sets in a row, achieving an incredible comeback!"
Explanation B.
"This match was so dramatic, I almost thought that the Chinese team's journey in this World Championships had come to an end!"
"A young man who remains silent until he speaks out is sure to amaze everyone!"
The two of them said in unison.
"Let's congratulate the Chinese team on advancing to the semifinals, and congratulate Jian Changnian on securing her first major victory at the World Championships!"
She was still a little dazed when the scoreboard lit up, until the referee finished announcing the results.
The boy, completely exhausted, knelt on the ground, letting out a roar from deep in his throat, his eyes slightly wet with tears.
"Coach Yan, Shi'an, I...did it."
***
Early in the morning, there was a lot of clanging and banging in the kitchen.
Qiao Yuchu yawned as she got out of bed. When she opened the kitchen door, she saw Jin Shunqi wearing an apron and busy at the stove.
He kept glancing down at the recipes on his phone as he prepared the ingredients, and Qiao Yuchu went over to help him.
"I'll do it."
Jin Shunqi, holding a kitchen knife, avoided her movements.
"It's alright, it's alright, I'll take care of it. You go and keep Auntie company."
Mrs. Qiao also got up and was watching TV in the living room.
Qiao Yuchu glanced back. Ever since she decided to divorce Qiao Zishan, those people hadn't come to cause trouble anymore. Her mood had been relatively stable these past few days. She had put away all the sharp and angular things in the house. Letting her sit on the sofa alone for a while shouldn't be a problem. It was Jin Shunqi who worried her the most.
The man slicing the potatoes was incredibly delicate and cautious, making Qiao Yuchu watch with trepidation.
“I always felt that an orthopedic surgeon’s hands shouldn’t be used for this kind of thing.”
Jin Shunqi didn't even look up.
"I quit my job."
"What—" Qiao Yuchu almost cried out in surprise, but then lowered her voice, mindful that her mother was outside.
"How could you just quit such a good job like that? When did you do that?"
“That’s what I said when I was on the phone with the dean that day. I can’t keep taking leave and being absent from work. It’s better to quit. Once this matter is resolved and Aunt’s condition improves, I will find a job in Jiangcheng City.”
As Jin Shunqi spoke, he shrugged and put the shredded potatoes into the sink to rinse them under the tap.
Qiao Yuchu looked at him, somewhat moved, and reached out to wrap her arms around his waist, pressing her head against his firm back.
"I'm sorry, if it wasn't my fault..."
Jin Shunqi turned to look at her, a gentle smile on his lips.
"Don't say that. Even if it weren't you, I would still leave when my contract in Beijing expires."
Qiao Yuchu was filled with indescribable emotion.
"Sometimes I really don't know... how to repay you..."
Jin Shunqi glanced at Qiao's mother, who was watching TV outside.
"Yu Chu, can you close the door? I have something I want to tell you."
Qiao Yuchu let go of him, walked over quietly, and left the door slightly ajar. The television in the living room was loud, so they could barely hear what they were saying.
"What is it? Tell me."
Jin Shunqi turned around and pulled the person into his arms.
“I have already hired my lawyer friend and decided to sue them over the compensation. My friend is a partner at one of the top law firms in China, and there is a high probability that we will win, so that we will not have to pay so much money.”
A look of surprise welled up in Qiao Yuchu's eyes.
"Really?! That's wonderful!"
"Also, isn't Auntie's divorce case going to court next week? After the court hearing, we can take Auntie abroad to see more of the world, and it'll be a good trip too."
In recent days, she had finally seen a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom, or at least that's what she thought at the time.
Qiao Yuchu smiled broadly.
Is there anything else?
Jin Shunqi tightened his arms around her waist and lowered his head.
"And also—"
I want to kiss you.
***
After securing his first victory, Jian Changnian seemed to have unlocked his full potential, becoming increasingly formidable in the subsequent matches.
"Let's congratulate Jian Changnian on defeating the American player 2-0, winning a crucial point for the team!"
"After three intense games, Jian Changnian finally defeated the Singaporean professional player 2-1, adding another point for the Chinese team!"
"Jian Changnian and Yin Jiayi are both in top form, giving us a fantastic start to today's semi-final!"
"Let's congratulate the Chinese team on breaking through the ranks and securing the only ticket to the finals in the upper half of the bracket! Congratulations to these brave and fearless young Chinese girls!"
"The best way to deal with doubts is to fight back with strength. Jian Changnian is standing here today, which has already proven herself. From falling to the bottom to making a name for herself, she has shown us with her perseverance that who says a substitute can't take on important responsibilities!"
"She is the rising star of the competition! Let's look forward to Jian Changnian's even better performance in the finals!"
As the music symbolizing victory played, the Chinese team members rushed forward, hugged each other, and cheered with joy.
Jian Changnian's eyes were slightly moist, and a genuine smile finally appeared on her face, as if she had been relieved.
Looking at the empty flagpole in front of the podium, she secretly hoped that she would raise the national flag to the highest point tomorrow.
During the days that Jian Changnian was competing, Xie Shian also stopped staying in bed and started trying to get out of bed and walk to rehabilitate.
She slowly walked along the hospital corridor, supporting herself against the wall, with Yan Xinyuan following closely behind, afraid that she might fall.
"Shi'an, why are you in such a hurry? The doctor said your wound hasn't fully healed yet."
Xie Shi'an gritted his teeth and walked forward step by step with difficulty.
“If I lie down any longer… I feel like I’m going to be ruined… And… about Yu Chu… Coach Yan… I want to go back to Jiangcheng to be with her as soon as possible…”
Yan Xinyuan sighed deeply, at a loss for what to do with her.
"You're such a stubborn child."
Before he could finish speaking, the doctor came out of his office and called out.
"Bed 13, come and get your test results."
"Hey, you're here, Shi'an. Please sit here for a bit, I'll be right back."
Yan Xinyuan turned around and helped the person to a seat in the corridor.
As soon as he left, Xie Shi'an couldn't sit still any longer. He gritted his teeth, stood up, and walked step by step while holding onto the wall.
She walked about ten meters without any problems. The wound was still healing and was a little sore and itchy, but it was within her tolerance.
Xie Shi'an tried to take a few steps on her own. She slowly let go of the wall and lifted her right foot. Her knee went weak and she suddenly lost her footing. She fell forward without warning.
"Please rest in peace!"
At the critical moment, a figure sprinted over at top speed and caught her in his arms.
Jian Changnian breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the head resting on her shoulder, asking, "Are you alright?"
"..."
Xie Shi'an was fine, except that her chin hurt a little from being hit by Jian Changnian's shoulder blade. To maintain her balance, she instinctively grabbed Jian Changnian's clothes when she fell, while Jian Changnian's hands were wrapped around her waist.
"I'm fine."
She quickly let go of her hand, glanced at her waist, and gestured for her to let go as well.
Jian Changnian didn't understand.
"ah?"
Seeing that her eyes were growing colder and colder, as if she wanted to torture her to death, she was slow to realize what was happening. Xie Shi'an didn't like physical contact with others, so she quickly let go of her.
"Oh, okay... then stand firm."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xie Shi'an swayed, and Jian Changnian quickly caught her arm, smiling somewhat arrogantly, as if she could see the fluffy tail wagging behind her.
"Tsk, you see, this is the consequence of being stubborn."
Xie Shi'an looked up at her and hissed softly. Jian Changnian immediately stood up straight and solemnly presented the lunchbox she was carrying to her like a precious treasure.
"I misspoke, I'll shut up, but I brought you a big chicken leg from the cafeteria, I can't even bear to eat it myself."
The two returned to the ward, only to find it empty.
Jian Changnian asked curiously, "Huh, where's Coach Yan?"
Xie Shi'an plopped down on the bed. He felt a little tired after walking around for so long, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"He went to get the test report and hasn't come back yet."
"What report takes so long?"
Jian Changnian muttered to herself as she opened the lid of the lunchbox for her.
"Never mind, you eat first, otherwise it will get cold."
A violent coughing fit came from the stairwell.