Chapter 115: Reap What You Sow

Shu Ran felt a lump in her throat and a stinging sensation in her nose.

However, even though this netizen supported her, it did not mean all netizens felt the same way. Clicking on the comments, it was clear that more than half of the people still believed Shu Ran was merely attempting to whitewash her reputation. Shu Ran lost the desire to continue reading and quickly logged out of Weibo.

Fu Yiqing had already seen the comments and anticipated her reaction. He comforted her, saying, "Regardless of everything else, this person is right. There is only one way for an athlete to prove themselves."

Shu Ran’s expression, previously somewhat dejected, shifted as her wavering gaze met Fu Yiqing’s. The timidity in her eyes was gradually replaced by firm determination. She composed herself, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Just as she was about to declare her resolve, she was interrupted.

"Don't be so upset just yet, things have taken a turn."

Shu Ran and Fu Yiqing looked up simultaneously. Qin Liubei yawned, one hand resting on the stair railing. "Take another look at Weibo."

The two exchanged glances, unable to fathom how the situation could possibly turn around. Shu Ran, feeling skeptical, tapped back into the trending topic and scrolled down a few times. "There's nothing here."

"Log out and refresh," Fu Yiqing suggested.

Shu Ran did so with a look of suspicion. Fu Yiqing scanned the screen rapidly and quickly locked onto the target. "Look at the eighth trending item."

Their eyes moved down.

Liang Yue had posted a reveal.

Shu Ran’s heart skipped a beat; she wondered if she had been set up by Liang Yue again. Upon clicking and reading the content, she felt apologetic for having judged a noble heart with her own petty thoughts.

@Liang Yue: "Everyone wanted to know how she and I really got along, right? I can tell you all here that our relationship was indeed poor, which is why I deeply regret my past actions. I have apologized to her for the wrongs I committed and have received her forgiveness. However, her words made me realize that forgiveness is one thing, but the harm was indeed done. To make amends for my sins, I want to speak up for her.

"I can testify here that everything she said in her livestream is true. But there is one thing you don't know and she didn't mention: before the 2020-2021 GPF season, she was suffering from allergies and diarrhea. That is the reason for the rumors netizens started about 'Shu Ran's dead-fish face' and 'slacking off during competition.'

"Later, before the World Championships, she was already injured, but she endured it to compete. I believe many athletes have faced such situations, but I must make everyone understand that figure skating is different from other sports. The feet must bear the pressure of one's body weight, and those jumping movements that look so impressive to everyone cause even greater damage to the ankles.

"For example, the pressure on the ankle when landing a perfect triple jump is four to five times one's body weight. Do you realize what that means? Even without an injury, it’s easy to get hurt; let alone jumping on an already injured foot—she was essentially gritting her teeth through every jump. Anyone who has watched every one of Shu Ran's competitions should have noticed that at the 2020-2021 World Championships, her jump height was much lower than before. During the Winter Olympics short program, Shu Ran performed well, and everyone thought she had recovered, but the fact that she hadn't regained her jump height showed her injury hadn't healed. It wasn't until the World Championships a month ago that her jump height finally returned to its former level. There is video footage for all of this. I welcome any trolls to challenge me; I am ready to face you at any time."

There were indeed trolls in the comments, still fixated on the fact that Shu Ran had withdrawn from the free skate.

Liang Yue personally entered the fray, replying to the trolls: "Do you even understand anything? If Shu Ran had continued to skate, it would have surely aggravated her injury. If she ends up unable to walk, will you take responsibility? I once heard the head coach mention in passing that she had prepared herself for the possibility of losing a leg to compete in the Winter Olympics. But at that time, her pain-blocking injections had lost their effectiveness. Even if she risked her life, she couldn't have achieved a good ranking. Should she have sacrificed her health just for the sake of the 'competitive spirit' and 'respect for the game' that you trolls keep preaching about?"

Shu Ran had seen Liang Yue’s temper before; anything she said could hit someone’s nerves, and if you offended her, she would berate you until you were completely lost. The trolls in the comment section were scolded into silence by Liang Yue and didn't dare to pop up again.

Netizens exclaimed, "Liang Yue is a one-woman army; her combat power is way too strong."

Liang Yue’s confrontation with the trolls drew in many onlookers, and because the truth she told matched what Shu Ran had said, the netizens who were still accusing Shu Ran no longer stood on firm ground.

Shu Ran stared at her phone for a long time, unable to snap out of it. A large hand waved before her eyes, bringing her back to her senses.

Fu Yiqing smiled faintly and gently stroked the top of her head. "You reap what you sow, in a good way."

If Shu Ran hadn’t forgiven Liang Yue back then, the only people believing in her today would have been her close friends.

Because Liang Yue had stepped in, other team members also reposted the Weibo to speak up for Shu Ran. There were also a few bottom-tier celebrities who popped up, reposting Shu Ran’s two-year-old post—which contained only the words "I'm sorry"—with the caption, "There’s nothing to be sorry for; it’s everyone else who owes you an apology," though they were labeled by netizens as "clout-chasers."

Professional commentators also weighed in on her performances after her injuries, ultimately confirming Liang Yue’s account.

The situation finally reversed.

Although netizens now understood Shu Ran’s plight and no one accused her anymore, she did not return to Weibo. It wasn't out of fear, but because Shu Ran wanted to focus more intently on her training.

With her mind at ease, Shu Ran put all her energy into the competition. The 2024-2025 season was about to begin, and the World Championships, which would determine the qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics, were in 2025. Her performance this season was crucial.

Just a few days after returning to the national team, May arrived, and Shu Ran accompanied Fu Yiqing to Canada to choreograph her new programs.

As soon as they met, Belus gave Shu Ran a big hug. Belus was burly, and Shu Ran’s entire face was pressed into his solid chest, nearly suffocating her. When she finally inhaled fresh air again, she felt a sense of relief at having survived.

Shu Ran looked up, only to be startled by Belus’s expression. "What’s wrong?"

Although Belus was smiling, tears were streaming down his face. The phrase "a tender heart in a tough man" flashed through Shu Ran’s mind.

He shook his head, wiped away his tears, and once he straightened his expression, he was back to normal. He smiled and gave Shu Ran a light push. "Go on, skate a lap and let me see if you’ve regressed after two years without training."

Shu Ran was standing at the entrance of the rink. For Belus, it was a light push, but for the petite Shu Ran, it provided a significant thrust, sending her sliding forward three meters. She looked back at Fu Yiqing in confusion, her eyes saying, "But I’ve been back in training for nearly a year!" The latter gestured with his eyes for her to skate the lap.

Having gone through so much, experiencing both the good and the bad, Shu Ran’s mindset was much better than before. Following the instruction, she pushed off the ice, treating it like a normal training session, demonstrating her skating, jumps, footwork, and spins.

Belus nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face, and immediately moved to the next chapter.

"In the past, the deepest impression your programs left was their slow tempo and the shadow of sadness that always shrouded them. Although your last short program, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, was faster-paced, the emotional tone of the entire performance was still melancholic." Belus’s furrowed brows suddenly relaxed. "So, for this season, I want you to change your style."

Shu Ran asked, "A fast-paced one?"

Belus nodded. "A *Masquerade Waltz*."

Seeing that Shu Ran didn't react, he pressed, "What? Are you under pressure?"

Shu Ran paused, her gaze imperceptibly sweeping over Fu Yiqing, and then she quickly shook her head. "Okay."

Belus was very satisfied with Shu Ran’s performance today. He, who rarely praised others, couldn't help but pat Shu Ran on the shoulder and said with relief, "Then for the free skate..."

"Wait, Belus."

Fu Yiqing suddenly spoke up, interrupting him. Both of them looked at him, only to hear him say, "The short program can use the *Masquerade Waltz*. As for the free skate... the program for this season is essentially the same one for the Winter Olympics two years from now, so I hope this choreography will have the strength to compete for the championship."

Figure skating is different from other sports in that track and field events are purely about the athlete's strength, though there is a certain element of luck involved. Figure skating has an extra factor: if there is a problem with the choreography of the program itself, it is equivalent to dropping out of the championship race in advance.

Generally, a set of programs is used for at most two seasons. Since the Winter Olympics are two years away, it means that for most athletes, this season's program is essentially the same as their Olympic program, with only the choreography and difficulty levels changing. Of course, some athletes might feel the program doesn't score well and might create a new one before the next season starts.

But for Shu Ran, given her recurring injuries, it was safer to choreograph a championship-level program in advance, in case her condition flared up again next year.

"So, do you have any ideas for the free skate?" Belus rolled his eyes and turned the topic to Shu Ran.

Fu Yiqing also turned his gaze toward her. "After competing in so many events, is there any music you’ve wanted to perform to?"

Shu Ran moved her eyes, speaking slowly in a tone of discussion, "If the short program is fast-paced classical music, how about something slow for the free skate?"

Fu Yiqing replied, "Classical, opera, musical? In short, if there's any music you like, you can tell me. I can edit it into a free skate arrangement of over four minutes and thirty seconds."

Shu Ran said, "I'll listen to some music over the next few days."

Belus clapped his hands, drawing Shu Ran's attention. "Alright, then the old rules apply. Learn the short program first. You find the music for the free skate in these three days, and give me the edited arrangement in a week. I will study it and then choreograph the free skate."

Half of the new season's program planning was settled.

Two days later, in the afternoon, Shu Ran was listening to music while stretching her arms. As soon as the intro of the music in her headphones began, it seemed to resonate with her heart; a warm current surged through her body, and her hand holding the resistance band pulled back as if in slow motion.

Fu Yiqing returned from the washroom to find Shu Ran with a vacant look in her eyes. Before he could ask what was wrong, she slowly lifted her gaze to look into the mirror, where Fu Yiqing was reflected behind her.

She looked a bit dazed, but her thoughts were clear. "Coach, I found the music, but..." She furrowed her brows, looking very troubled, "...I don't understand it."

Fu Yiqing was stunned. "What?"

Isn't music for listening? "Don't understand it?"

Shu Ran looked down, scrolled through her phone a few times, and handed it over. Fu Yiqing looked down, and a smile blossomed on his lips. He didn't speak for a long time, his eyes filled with shattered light, yet his expression was particularly serious. "The Courage to Love."

Shu Ran paused. "What?"

"The Courage to Love," he repeated, his face devoid of any smile, his gaze as deep as if a lifetime were contained within it.

She hid the inner chaos and said seriously, "Is that the name of the song?"

Fu Yiqing finally came back to his senses and smiled, pressing his lips together. "Yes. *The Courage to Love* is the title of the song. Do you know which movie this song is from?"

In front of Fu Yiqing, Shu Ran was always the "illiterate" one. She asked, as was her habit, "What?"

"*A Man and a Woman*."

For some reason, Shu Ran always felt that Fu Yiqing had hidden meanings in his words today. She replied blankly, "Oh."