Chapter 211: All Is Fair in War
Translator:TransnEditor:Transn
Win it next time!
Lin Que nodded slightly upon hearing Lou Chengs words. A faint but pure willfor battle replaced the disappointment and unwillingness, burning in his eyes.
Sun Jian was approaching towards them. He said with a jibe at himself, only half-jokingly,
I always complained you guys together would kill my opportunity to shine in the ring. But right now I wish you two could save me from having to go in the ring
If they were having a conversation online, he would add a laughing with tears emoji here.
Lou Cheng was close to a laugh. He tried to talk with due solemnity,
Do your best. Enjoy the moves of a trueProfessional Ninth Pin rival.
Enjoy?Sun Jian shivered unconsciously. Taking a glance at Zhuo Yanjun who was calm and breathing evenly, he felt like a frog about to challenge a viper.
A competentProfessional Ninth Pin rival in nearly perfect status What can I do?
Theres nothing to enjoy. Im about to be tortured
However, how could I find my exact problemswithout confronting one Professional Ninth Pin rival in person? How could I face my father after graduation?
He took a deep breath and reached out his right hand toLin Que.
The usual coldness had recapturedLin Ques face. He lifted his arm and slapped Sun Jians right palm.
As a student of psychology, he knew very well that suchan action was a way to cultivate collective consciousness and enhance the group cohesion. He didnt want to uncover it or exclude himself.
Sun Jian passed the two teammates and went up the flight of stairs, less nervous than Li Mao but just as anxious.
The gap betweenZhuo Yanjun and him was too big to be narrowed by crying out slogans or burning up enthusiasm.
Last year whenChen Changhua issued a challenge to Lin Que, he was one of the better Amateur First Pin fighters, feeling great about himself and getting ready for the Professional Ranking Event. In the end, he suffered a bitter rout. After six months of hardcore training, he was finally qualified for the Professional Ninth Pin level at the end of last month. A long-sought dream had come true.
Named one of the capable ninth pin fighters, Zhuo Yanjun should be of a similar level as Lin Que six months ago if not slightly better. Ive got the Amateur Third Pin certificate and am probably of the Second Pin at my best, still much weaker than Chen Changhua six months ago. The gap can easily be imagined.
Whatever. Ill just show mystyle and spirit Sun Jian tried to comfort himself as he got in a starting stance.
Once the referee called the beginning of the match, he launched a surprise attack as planned instead of moving about, dashing at his rival like a tiger coming down a hill, his back bent and knees straightened.
Zhuo Yanjun apparently didnt see this coming, but she was confident and capable, taking one stride forward calmly to block Sun Jians footwork. Her right shoulder pulled a sudden strength, throwing her arm out downward like a sword.
Bam!Sun Jians right arm muscles inflated, exerting strength to throw a fierce punch out to block the rivals slash.
His knuckles made a sudden sound. Five fingers sprang open with an abrupt explosive force, turning the fist into a claw and biting on Zhuo Yanjuns forearm in a split second.
Flower-tearing and Willow-striking Hand!
Zhuo Yanjuns arm softened like a noodle and then suddenly shook with great might, tightened up like a sword or an iron stick. Sun Jians hand was shaken off.
She then turned her body sideways, her abs inflating andfascia tugging, pushing her left elbow out rapidly like a dagger.
That was an infusion of theFly Fall Punchs continuation and the Blackwater Swords melee piercing, fast and compact.
Sun Jian had no time to duck or to exert strength from his feet. He struggled to drive his shoulders to swing his arms to block the elbow.
Bam He was forced to take one step backward but Zhuo Yanjun went on with more strikes, pushing him into a frantic status. Eventually, her sword hit him right in the chest, almost knocking him out of consciousness.
Round Five, Zhuo Yanjun won!
The final result. Dongling Squad wins!
The referees announcement was welcomed by Zhang Jingyes silence and the hometown crowds restrained claps.
Phew Lou Cheng andYan Zheke both heaved a sigh, rather gloomy.
The defeat had been predicted and the chance of turning the table was still there. However, a loss is a loss, an upsetting result.
Seeing a Donglin Television Station reporter approaching, Lou Cheng quickly gathered himself together and turned to ask Yan Zheke, Do I look alright?
You look great!Yan Zheke smiled, her eyes beautifully shining. Good luck!
Yes. Lou Cheng took off the big white towel from his shoulders and stood up.
Hello, Lou Cheng. ImZhang Hai, a reporter from Donglin TV. May I ask you a few questions? The reporter sounded the note of stereotyped fanaticism.
Lou Cheng didnt try to conceal his disappointment for the defeat.
Of course.
Zhang Hai, a young man in his early 20s, very approachable, put on a smile.
Lou Cheng, you guys did great today. I would give you a 9/10.
Ive read your information. This is your first time confronting an eighth pin Dan stage rival in nearly perfect status, isnt it? What do you feel?
Lou Cheng took a moment to reflect on it. Hes very powerful, suppressing me in every way. However, I think I could have done better.
Ohh? What made you say that? asked Zhang Hai, seemingly very interested.
Lou Cheng forced a bitter smile. I guess I cared too much about it and didnt have much experience. I was rushing it a lot in the first fight, intending to finish the opponent quickly. I made many mistakes and the emotion went on to the second match. I couldnt make a better, wiser choice at the critical moment.
He didnt revealHou Yues supernatural ability and acted as if he didnt notice it at all to trick Dongling Squad to bet heavily on this in the next round.
All is fair in war!
Understood. Youve only trained for under a year. Its perfectly normal that you dont have enough experience. Take it easy. Zhang Hai gave some comfort before continuing with his list of questions.
He stopped politely after a few more questions and turned toLin Que.
Lou Cheng took a few steps back, getting closer to Yan Zheke, and asked in a low voice, Ke, did I do okay?
Could anybody tell I was lying? WouldDongling Squad be alarmed?
Yan Zheke smiled and nodded, showing her dimples. Very sincere and real.
Her limpid eyes rolled as she wiped her smile partially off. You look like a great liar. Would you lie to me like that?
Err Lou Chengs mouth opened slightly, speechless.
That was very different from what I was expecting!
Shouldnt you give me some compliment?
Thisdeceiving strategy was from you!
Feels tricked again
After a brief thought, he started to find it amusing. How can my small thoughts ever get away from Coach Yan? I can fool everyone but you!
Hmm Yan Zheke nodded first but soon her pretty face straightened. You fool everyone but me? Tell me, which girl do you plan to fool?
Another trickLou Cheng was stunned, afraid of giving an answer.
Yan Zheke burst into a laugh looking at the stunned Lou Cheng. The gloominess from todays loss completely faded away.
The silly Cheng is so adorable!
On the other side,Zhang Hai had just finished his opening remark in front of Lin Que, about to get on his first question.
Lin Que, today you experienced the eighth pinDan stage rivals continuous explosions. What do you think?
Lin Que holding a white towel to wipe the sweat answered calmly,
Very powerful.
A man of few words indeed Zhang Hai kept his smile. What would you comment on your own performance?
I lost.Lin Que squeezed two words out of his mouth before leaving for the visiting team locker room.
I lost? What kind of answer is this? I was asking for a comment.Zhang Hai was totally lost.
Yan Zheke in a distance sighed and lowered her voice to Lou Cheng.
In my cousins dictionary, a loss means a terrible fight.
A loss means a terrible fight?Lou Cheng pondered on the line.
I also hate to lose but I cant beextreme like Lin Que.
Different people have different personalities
He felt bad for the reporter. He needed an interpreter to complete an interview with Lin Que
The trip back was tiring, constantly on the run. The crew arrived at Songcheng University new campus around 9 pm. They ate on the train to save time.
Seeing weariness onYan Zhekes face, Lou Cheng didnt want to drag her to a lakeside stroll. He held her hand on the pedestrian walkway and slowly walked her to her dorm building.
Shortly before they arrived, he intended to askYan Zheke out tomorrow to go shopping as the award money had sat in his account, ready to pay for a ring.
In a close relationship as them, a date shouldnt be a difficult thing to ask. But Lou Cheng was trying hard to make an excuse in hopes of creating a surprise.
Yan Zheke looked up, a bit shy as she was also thinking about asking Cheng out on a date to shop for a ring as a surprise.
What should I say ifI want to ask him out?
Her lips pursed, eyes looking into the distance. When she was finally ready to bring it up, she heard Lou Chengs voice, Ke, could you go shopping with me tomorrow? Mymartial arts shoes are worn out again. I need a new pair or two
Lou Cheng hadnt finished his excuse,a beautiful smile already climbed on Yan Zhekes face, darkening all the street lamps.
Okay!
Hmm!Lou Cheng didnt know why the girl seemed so pleased but her smile totally moved him.
Back in his empty dorm, he realizedZhao Qiang and other roommates would spend the night in Donglin to have a social meetup there tomorrow.
Hmm Only girls can temporarily pullQiang away from study. He shook his head with a smile and grabbed a thermos bottle to wash up.
He heard the sound of the key turning in the lock and sawCai Zongming walk in.
You are back? Lou Cheng said, shocked by his sudden appearance.
Cai Zongming answered with a smirk, Surprise?
Damn your surprise!Lou Cheng looked behind Mings back, puzzled. Where is Qiang?
InDonglin. They will take the train tomorrow 5 pm. Cai Zongming sounded as if it was a matter of course.
How come you are back early? Lou Cheng let out a laugh and asked.
Cai Zongming clicked his tongue. I have the special training tomorrow morning. Also, I have a girlfriend already. Setting up for them is enough. Why should I stay there and watch the Model Worker show off his love?
Ohh Lou Cheng showed his understanding with a smirk and commented, Talker, I didnt think you could stick to the special training!
Cai Zongmings face suddenly turned.
Of course! Ima man who lives up to my words!
He switched to an aroused voice,
Cheng, Ill be on the bench next term!