Down in the spray-filled gorge, the roaring white water gradually gave way to the deep, turquoise tranquility of the finish pool. Both rafts bobbed gently on the calm surface, drifting under the massive red banner strung across the riverbanks.
On Team A's lightweight canvas raft, Zhou Yaya let out a long, trembling breath, collapsing back against the dry cedar braces with a tired laugh. "We... We made it! I can't believe we didn't flip!"
Yang Muchen pulled his paddle from the water, his dark hair damp with river spray, but his expression relaxed as he looked toward the bank. Beside him, Chen Ying calmly wiped a drop of water from her cheek, her posture as composed and upright as if she had just taken a stroll through a quiet garden.
