19th september, 2000
The schoolyard had transformed into a battlefield of practice drills. Whistles shrieked like war cries, ropes slapped against the ground in quick, merciless rhythms, and the shouts of classmates carried through the cool September air. It wasn't just exercise anymore—it was strategy, survival, and pride. Every class wanted victory. No one was willing to lose face in front of the entire grade.
At the edge of the field, some students were already drenched in sweat, their determination stronger than their exhaustion. Others wore scowls of frustration, forced to repeat failed drills until their legs gave out. The atmosphere wasn't playful—it was charged, like the days before a real war.
Back in the classroom, Teacher Liang entered with his usual brisk steps, carrying with him an aura that demanded silence. He set his roll book on the desk, clasped his hands behind his back, and surveyed the room.
"Everyone, listen up," he announced. His sharp voice cut through the low chatter and immediately quieted the students. "We have only nine days left before the competition. Nine days to sharpen your bodies, nine days to strengthen your resolve."
His words struck like hammer blows, leaving no room for daydreams.
"Engrave this into your mind—you will win, you will win! That is the belief you must carry every single day until the competition. Doubt has no place here."
The classroom erupted into murmurs. Some students clenched their fists under their desks, fired up by his words, while others looked pale, already weighed down by the pressure. Teacher Liang had a way of igniting the spirit of competition, whether students liked it or not.
But two people were far from inspired.
Wang Zixuan leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed tightly, his jaw set in stone. His eyes held a cold glint, unreadable but dangerous. He was still seething from the earlier announcement—being forced to partner with Su Nian was the last thing he wanted. To him, it wasn't partnership, it was punishment.
Su Nian, meanwhile, had her eyes cast downward, her hands tangled together under the desk. Anxiety gnawed at her chest. She knew what everyone else knew: Zixuan hated her. How was she supposed to practice with him for days on end? Just the thought made her palms sweat.
When the bell finally rang and class ended, a ripple of relief swept through the students as they rushed out. But Jiang Moxi, with her usual composed stride, made her way directly to Zixuan, Minghao, and Chenbo, who were gathering their things.
"Let's go," Moxi said to Su Nian, who hesitated at her desk. The tomboy's tone left no room for refusal.
So, the two girls walked together to the trio.
"What's your plan for the practice schedule?" Moxi asked directly, her eyes steady as she stood before Zixuan.
Zixuan didn't even spare her a glance. "None of us are interested in participating with you." His voice was sharp, dismissive.
Moxi's brows lifted ever so slightly, but she didn't flinch. "That's fine. It's your choice. But let me remind you—if you refuse, your pride will fall down like…"
She stopped mid-sentence, letting her words hang heavily in the air, baiting him.
Zixuan's head snapped toward her, his voice low and cutting. "What do you mean by that?"
Moxi folded her arms across her chest, her expression calm but edged with steel. "I know exactly who your true rivals are in this school. And they're strong. Skilled, disciplined, and hungry for victory. If you waste your energy fighting us instead of preparing, they'll crush you without mercy. And when that happens…" She leaned forward slightly. "The whole school will watch your so-called pride crumble."
Her words landed like a blade. Even Chenbo and Minghao stiffened at her tone.
The silence stretched for a beat too long. Finally, Chenbo coughed lightly, leaning toward Zixuan. "Zixuan, let's put the rivalry aside for now. If we want to win, we need to focus on practice."
"Yeah," Minghao quickly added, glancing between them. "This isn't the time to fight amongst ourselves."
Zixuan's jaw tightened. He hated it—hated being cornered, hated conceding—but after a tense pause, he gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. We'll talk about practice."
The invisible tension thinned, though it didn't vanish. It was like a storm cloud hovering overhead, waiting to break at the smallest spark.
Later, as the group stepped out of the school gates, the late afternoon sun had begun to dip, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet. The chatter of students faded behind them as the streets grew quieter.
Everyone seemed ready to part ways when Su Nian suddenly slowed, then gathered her courage. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear. "Wait."
They all turned.
"Why don't we discuss our practice in someone's house?" she suggested, her fingers curling slightly around the strap of her bag. "It'll be easier to plan properly without distractions."
The idea met immediate rejection.
"No outsiders are allowed in my house," Zixuan said coolly, his tone final.
"Same here," Minghao muttered, avoiding her gaze.
"Mine too," Chenbo added, shrugging.
For a moment, the group fell into silence. Their words left Su Nian standing awkwardly in the middle, like she had no place among them. Her chest tightened at their dismissiveness, and the familiar sting of isolation pricked her heart.
But this time, she didn't let herself shrink back. She drew in a breath, her voice soft but firm enough to cut through the silence.
"…Then, you can all come to my house," she said.
The words surprised even her, but once spoken, she didn't take them back.
The others blinked at her in unison. Even Zixuan's expression flickered—just for a second—with something other than disdain. Minghao and Chenbo exchanged looks, caught off guard, while Moxi gave Su Nian a small, approving glance.
For the first time, Su Nian wasn't hiding behind silence. She wasn't waiting to be pushed away. She had taken a step forward, opening her door to them all.
And though none of them said it out loud, something subtle shifted in that moment.