Chapter Seventeen

Chen Siyu led Yuli to an open area of the arena. Yuli was puzzled as to why they had come here, but as Chen Siyu’s smile grew wider, Yuli sensed that something significant was about to happen.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.” The birthday song shattered the quiet of the arena. It was only upon hearing the song that Yuli remembered it was her own birthday. She had grown so used to neglecting herself that she had even forgotten her own birthday.

Yuxingyue smiled and signed, “Happy birthday!”

In truth, it was Xiao Jian who had proposed this celebration. Coach Tian Nan had mentioned that since Yuli had joined the Tianyuan Team, she had never celebrated a birthday. Xiao Jian suggested they give her an unforgettable birthday party. Everyone poured their hearts into the event, though none of them knew what Yuli liked best. Knowing she was close to Yuxingyue, they asked her for advice. Even so, Yuxingyue didn’t know much, but she had already prepared a birthday gift for Yuli, which she intended to give her privately.

Yuli was deeply moved, her gaze filled with gratitude for Yuxingyue. She believed Yuxingyue had arranged this celebration for her, especially given the complicated relationship between them.

Xiao Jian declared, “Everyone, let’s just have fun today!”

There was a collective cheer, and the party went on without much ceremony.

When everyone had left, only Yuxingyue and Yuli remained. Yuli wondered why Yuxingyue hadn’t gone home yet, but then Yuxingyue took her by the hand and led her outside the gym, where no one else was around.

Yuxingyue signed, “Do you remember the promise between us?”

Yuli nodded excitedly; she knew exactly what Yuxingyue was referring to.

“Since it’s your birthday today, I’ll make an exception—you’re my little girlfriend now.” Even as Yuxingyue said it, she found it rather absurd. There was a five-year age gap between them, and she had already prepared herself for Yuli’s refusal. If Yuli said no, nothing more would be said.

But Yuli didn’t refuse. A promise made is a promise kept. Elated, she threw herself into Yuxingyue’s arms. Now that Yuxingyue was her boyfriend, how could she not be overjoyed?

Yuxingyue signed, “If you regret being with me in the future, will you blame yourself for choosing me?”

Yuli shook her head, indicating she wouldn’t regret it. It all depended on what Yuxingyue would do; if one day Yuxingyue stopped loving her, it would only be a matter of time—something to be dealt with when the time came.

As it was already late, and Yuxingyue didn’t know where Yuli lived, she escorted her to the station before heading home herself.

A month passed. The competition Coach Tian Nan had mentioned was now only a month away. Yuxingyue was to serve as a judge, and she was determined to remain fair and impartial, never favoring her own team.

During that month, Yuxingyue observed everyone in the Tianyuan Team preparing in earnest. Xiao Jian and Lin Zimo were, of course, standouts in her eyes. She had faith in their abilities—especially Xiao Jian, who had already mastered half of the “Rogue Lightning Kick” technique she had taught him.

From Coach Tian Nan, Yuxingyue had learned that the kicking technique Lin Zimo used last time against He Jianhua was called “Blossoming Heavenly Maiden.” She thought Lin Zimo could improve further. Four kicks per second was the “Four-leaf Clover”—but if she could manage five, it would be the true “Blossoming Heavenly Maiden.” Unfortunately, four per second was Lin Zimo’s limit, and improving further would be extremely difficult.

This time, their opponents were the “Breaker Team” from Canada, so named because they supposedly could overpower the abilities of any team they faced. Their reputation was formidable—judges had said they were unbeaten in Canada and claimed to be unrivaled worldwide. Yuxingyue thought them rather arrogant, but perhaps they were simply putting on an act and weren’t as strong as they seemed.

Tianyuan Team’s lineup was set: Lin Zimo, Yuli, Huang Feifan, Xiao Jian, and Zhang Yi.

As for the Breaker Team, their order was William, Adam, Stephen, Ralph, and Elsietman.

During the handshake, Elsietman spat at Xiao Jian, infuriating the Tianyuan Team. Such arrogance made them want to teach the Breaker Team a lesson, if only it weren’t a formal competition.

Coach Tian Nan was absent due to an emergency, so Lin Ling led the team. She had studied the Breaker Team’s members and briefed the five on her findings. The one who spat—Elsietman—was, in fact, their female captain.

Lin Zimo’s first opponent was William.

Both fighters took their positions at the center of the mat, bowed to each other, and at the referee’s call, the match began.

For the Tianyuan Team, this match was crucial—the world taekwondo championship was still just out of reach. They’d only ever taken second place, never the championship itself. Even Yuxingyue felt the weight of their hopes.

As soon as the match began, both sides fought at full strength. It was a matter of team honor—no one held back. William was clearly superior in strength, while Lin Zimo had the edge in speed.

Yuxingyue analyzed the situation: William’s relentless attacks hardly drained his stamina, while Lin Zimo’s defense gave him no opening to strike back. William’s disadvantage was his speed—Lin Zimo could use that to suppress him, or so Yuxingyue believed. But for Lin Zimo, it wasn’t so easy.

In the end, it was clear Lin Zimo lost. During her defense, William landed several heavy blows, leaving bruises on her arms and body. Lin Ling decided they should concede, giving the first round to the Breaker Team.

Huang Feifan and Zhang Yi tended to Lin Zimo’s injuries, joking that William had no sense of chivalry—how could he strike such a beautiful girl so hard?

Since it was a relay match, Yuli was originally supposed to go next, but both Yuxingyue and Lin Ling realized the issue of height—Yuli simply didn’t match William physically. So they substituted Huang Feifan instead. Yuli’s height was more suited to facing Elsietman, the Breaker Team’s captain.

The second match began: Huang Feifan versus William.

Huang Feifan controlled the pace beautifully, toying with William as if he were in the palm of his hand. Having already anticipated William’s brute-force attacks, he relied on dodging.

Huang Feifan was convinced William would tire eventually. He waited patiently, knowing his moment would come once William’s strength was spent. Still, each of William’s kicks was punishing. After receiving three of them, Huang Feifan was nearly at his limit—William’s power was indeed terrifying. If Xiao Jian had faced him, it might have been a different story.

Lin Ling had planned for Xiao Jian to go last—he was their ace, and aces were always saved for the final, miraculous moments.

With only a minute left, William was exhausted, barely able to defend himself. Huang Feifan seized the opportunity and launched his attack. Drained from the fight with Lin Zimo, William could no longer keep up.

With a single decisive kick, Huang Feifan sent William sprawling. The referee began the ten-second count. William couldn’t get up, so the second match went to Huang Feifan.

At this point, the contest paused for a break. It had taken two competitors from the Tianyuan Team just to bring William down, and the score was now tied at one to one.

During the intermission, Yuxingyue visited the team’s rest area to check on Lin Zimo. Her arms were covered in bruises from William’s kicks. Lin Ling said that if Lin Zimo had taken a few more of those hits, she’d have needed casts on both arms.

Yuxingyue spoke gravely, “Everyone, listen to me. The next three matches won’t be easy.”

Xiao Jian asked, “Why?”

“I’ve read the Breaker Team’s profiles. That Elsietman is especially tough. She’d do anything to win—Yuli, you need to be careful.”

Lin Ling explained Yuxingyue’s warning to Yuli, who understood that Yuxingyue was worried for her and didn’t want anything bad to happen.

“Team Doctor Yu, what should we do?” Zhang Yi asked.

Yuxingyue propped her chin thoughtfully. “You’ll have to change your tactics—especially the rest of you. Listen to me: when Zhang Yi, Huang Feifan, and Xiao Jian go up next, start by testing your opponents’ abilities and confirm…”

After the break, spirits were high. However, during her earlier discussion with Lin Ling, disagreements had surfaced—most of the team supported Lin Ling’s plan. After all, Yuxingyue was only their team doctor; what weight did her opinions carry? Only Yuli and Xiao Jian stood by her, while the others sided with Lin Ling.

The big screen announced, “Next is Yuli from the Tianyuan Team versus Elsietman from Canada’s Breaker Team. Please prepare.”

Lin Ling patted Yuli’s back, signaling her to get ready. Yuli stretched before stepping onto the mat. Across from her, Elsietman didn’t even bother to hide her contempt—she saw Yuli as no threat at all.

Yuli responded to Elsietman’s fierce glare with a gentle smile. She understood her opponent’s intent, but she simply refused to be provoked. Let others be as they were; it had nothing to do with her.

Once both competitors were on the mat, Yuli could feel Elsietman’s formidable presence. Yet she did not shrink back; instead, her fighting spirit was kindled.

“Prepare!” the referee shouted.

After bowing to each other, the match began.

Neither side rushed to attack. Elsietman tried to intimidate Yuli with fierce glares, but Yuli paid no mind, focusing instead on observing Elsietman’s rhythm.

This had been Yuxingyue’s advice: read the opponent’s rhythm before deciding how to act.

Yuli trusted Yuxingyue’s counsel. She remained wary of Elsietman’s probing attacks—one moment of distraction could cost her points.

Elsietman grew anxious when she saw Yuli unmoved by her aura or glare; she was used to intimidating opponents with her presence.

“Why aren’t you afraid?” Elsietman demanded. But she did not know that Yuli was deaf and mute—she couldn’t hear a word, nor did she react.

Elsietman’s anger flared at being ignored. This little girl had no manners at all—she deserved to be taught a lesson.

Sensing Elsietman’s impending attack, Yuli reacted instantly, blocking a potentially devastating kick—one as powerful as William’s earlier blows. Had it landed, Yuli would have been knocked out cold. The Tianyuan Team watched with bated breath.

Yuli could not hear sound, but she could feel vibrations through the floor, allowing her to anticipate her opponent’s next move. This was her secret advantage.