Chapter Forty-Three: Never Give Up

"It's over!" Feng Shang exclaimed as he and Fang Zhe returned to their dormitory. He let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto his bed, utterly spent.

"So, how did it go?" their classmates asked with concern.

Fang Zhe sat silently to one side, and even Feng Shang, who was usually so expressive, decided to play it mysterious this time, deepening the others' curiosity. No matter how much they pleaded, neither of them would utter a word, and eventually the group gave up their questioning.

Before long, Han Tianyue returned to the dorm.

"Han Tianyue, how did the big competition turn out?" Da Peng asked eagerly.

Han Tianyue smiled and replied, "We made it through!"

"Really?" The classmates' voices trembled with a mixture of disbelief and delight.

Han Tianyue nodded. "Of course it's true. Now we have to prepare for the final round!"

At Han Tianyue’s words, Fang Zhe and Feng Shang both looked at him, their eyes brimming with unsaid thoughts, though they kept their silence.

Han Tianyue walked over to them and said, "No matter if we win or lose, we must not give up!"

It was as if this struck at the very core of Fang Zhe and Feng Shang. They jolted upright, as though a key had just unlocked a door inside them, and together they declared, "Yes, we must not give up!"

Inspired by Han Tianyue, Feng Shang regained his confidence, recounting his exploits from the past few days with passionate enthusiasm, narrating in detail how he had managed to defeat his opponent with a single brilliant move.

The classmates listened with skepticism as Han Tianyue and Fang Zhe confirmed Feng Shang’s story. Though Feng Shang’s account was perhaps a bit exaggerated, it was true that he had won the match. Han Tianyue nodded in affirmation.

Praise erupted around the room. "Feng Shang, you’re incredible!" "Feng Shang, you’re my idol!" The compliments poured in, making Feng Shang scratch his head in embarrassment, though inwardly he was elated beyond words.

The group immersed themselves in Feng Shang's tale, while Fang Zhe approached Han Tianyue and said earnestly, "The three of us will never give up, but as for Mao Xuanzi..."

Han Tianyue shared the same worry—he didn't know if he could persuade Mao Xuanzi.

The autumn wind was brisk, and soon the group dispersed. Han Tianyue and Fang Zhe went to bed, while Feng Shang spent a little more time chatting with Wen Pin, Qing Mu, and Da Peng before they too surrendered to their fatigue.

The next morning, Han Tianyue, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang went to the Quiet Room as usual, but Mao Xuanzi was nowhere to be seen.

Han Tianyue couldn’t sit still. He stood up and said, "I’m going to find him!"

"We’ll go with you," Feng Shang and Fang Zhe replied, rising as well.

But just as the three of them reached the door, Mao Xuanzi appeared, coming toward them. "Where are you all headed?"

"To find you," Han Tianyue replied.

"Oh!" In truth, Mao Xuanzi had been wrestling with his thoughts for a long time, but at last, he’d come. "Don’t worry. I know what kind of person my sister is, and I know what sort of person she’s looking for. I came here for her sake!"

Han Tianyue smiled and extended his fist.

Mao Xuanzi reached out and bumped his fist against Han Tianyue's.

Fang Zhe joined in.

Feng Shang followed.

The four of them shouted together, "Never give up!"

That very morning, Teacher Song, their advisor, had hurried to the Quiet Room’s outer corridor, having spent the previous night deep in thought. Hearing the passionate cry of Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"I underestimated these kids," he murmured. But soon, a shadow of worry chased away his smile.

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