Chapter 125: Attending the Wedding

Song Ziren insisted that Shu Ran’s treatment could not be interrupted, not even for a single day.

However, Xu Jingyu was a lifelong friend of Shu Ran’s, and since the groom was Qin Liubei, Shu Ran felt she had to attend, even if she was busy with training. After agonizing over it all morning, Liang Yue couldn't take it anymore.

"What is there to agonize over? Just bring us along," Liang Yue said.

Shu Ran’s eyes lit up. "You’re willing to go?"

Liang Yue replied, "I’ve already bought the high-speed rail tickets."

Shu Ran knew that Liang Yue’s tenacity was truly something else. And so, Shu Ran "dragged her entourage" back to D City for the wedding.

At the wedding venue, many friends and relatives came over to ask about Shu Ran’s condition. Shu Ran gave vague answers, careful not to reveal the extent of her injury. There were also many who came seeking photos and autographs, giving Shu Ran the surreal sensation of being at a book signing. Because the crowd was large and rowdy, and she was worried about accidentally consuming a banned substance, Shu Ran didn’t eat or touch anything at the banquet.

Liang Yue, in particular, knowing full well that Shu Ran couldn't eat, made a point of grabbing a chicken leg and gnawing on it. "It’s so good to be retired," she said between bites. "I used to be afraid to eat anything, but now I can eat whatever I want." She took a bite, looking satisfied. "So delicious!"

Watching everyone eat with such relish while she sat there empty-handed, Shu Ran decided to go for a stroll. Fu Yiqing, who was serving as a groomsman, was busy accompanying Qin Liubei for toasts and couldn't leave with her, so Shu Ran had to fend for herself. She skillfully spun her wheelchair and headed out of the hall.

The wedding was held on the first floor of the observation deck. With so many people coming and going, Shu Ran was repeatedly stopped for photos and signatures. She didn't have the heart to refuse such supportive faces, but the constant demands were exhausting, so she simply rolled into the elevator. After a moment’s thought, she pressed the button for the top floor.

Because the lighting on the roof was dim to facilitate views of the city and the fireworks, the other guests didn't recognize her. Shu Ran slowly turned her wheelchair and stopped on the west side of the observation deck. As night fell and the city lights flickered on, the sparkling lights of the buildings were mesmerizing.

Suddenly, Shu Ran realized that this city felt entirely unfamiliar. Even though she had grown up here, she couldn't recognize the buildings. A self-deprecating smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She didn't have many memories of this city; the only one that came to mind was the time she watched fireworks with Fu Yiqing. Thinking of this, a gentle warmth bloomed in her eyes.

"Why didn't you call me?"

The familiar, pleasant voice seemed to come from the depths of her mind, yet it was real. Shu Ran looked up, startled, to meet Fu Yiqing’s probing gaze. "Aren't you supposed to be at the toasts?"

Fu Yiqing’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I turned around and you were gone. Liang Yue said you went out for some air. There was no one outside, so I came up to try my luck."

Shu Ran looked enlightened. "I forgot to tell you." She took one last look at the city, her hands resting on the wheels. "Let’s go back, then."

Fu Yiqing countered, "Go back?"

"Don't you still have to toast?" Shu Ran asked.

At the mention of toasts, Fu Yiqing recalled the scene earlier. "You know how much I hate talking to strangers."

Shu Ran nodded. It wasn't just strangers; he seemed to hate talking to anyone at all. When they first met, she had thought he was a misanthrope!

"Then what about Qin Liubei?"

Fu Yiqing raised an eyebrow. "Helping him get to this point was already a favor based on my long-standing acquaintance with his family."

"So, it seems Qin Liubei owes you a thank you?" Shu Ran remarked.

Fu Yiqing was noncommittal. They stood in silence for a few seconds. Shu Ran felt her wheelchair move and realized Fu Yiqing was pushing her toward the center of the deck. Before she could ask, he explained, "There will be fireworks tonight. We’ll head to whichever direction they start from."

"I thought they only did that on holidays?" Shu Ran asked.

Fu Yiqing smiled. "Tomorrow is New Year’s Day."

So that was it. Shu Ran felt a surge of excitement. "Do you remember a certain game?"

Fu Yiqing’s brow furrowed as he understood immediately. He crouched down in front of her. "We aren't playing games. Let’s just watch the fireworks." The alarm was written all over his face.

Shu Ran chuckled. "It’s just a game. Why are you more superstitious than I am?"

Fu Yiqing coughed lightly and flicked her forehead. "You’re grown up now, still playing games."

Shu Ran insisted, "Give me a little hope. I have a feeling I’ll guess the direction correctly this year." After careful consideration, she pointed quickly to the east. "That way! This year’s fireworks will definitely rise from that direction!"

Well, there was no backing out now. "What time do they start?"

Fu Yiqing glanced at his watch. "About..."

Before he could finish, a loud "boom" echoed, and over a dozen beams of light shot into the eastern sky, bursting into colorful fireworks. The direction was exactly where Shu Ran had pointed.

The smile on Shu Ran’s face was radiant. She excitedly grabbed Fu Yiqing’s arm and shook it. "Did you see that? I did it! That means my wish for this year will definitely come true."

Fu Yiqing was infected by her joy. He pulled the corner of his mouth up and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Yes, it certainly will."

His fingertips brushed her cheek, making Shu Ran’s head spin; the long-dormant deer in her heart began to race again. She started to change the subject. "Do you want to guess what I wished for?"

"That your old injury won't affect you at the Winter Olympics and you'll win the world championship?"

She shook her head.

Fu Yiqing was surprised. Ever since he had known her, her wishes had only ever been about figure skating. Why had that changed today? Was she still worried about her foot? A flicker of concern crossed his eyes.

"That those I love, and those who love me, remain healthy and happy," Shu Ran said calmly.

"What?"

She repeated it, and seeing the surprise in his eyes, she added, "Wishes are only needed because they are difficult to achieve." Shu Ran smiled. "I believe in myself."

It wasn't about believing in Fu Yiqing, or promising to give her all—it was about believing in herself. Most people didn't believe they had the capability; successful people always did, but true strength was the decisive factor in that belief. She looked out over the observation deck, serene and composed.

Sparks rose into the sky, blooming like flowers, only to shatter like smoke. Although magnificent and beautiful, they were fleeting. Shu Ran suddenly realized that their sport was much like fireworks: those who couldn't persist gave up halfway, while those who persevered until they bloomed were breathtaking. Even if it was brief, at least they had once decorated this vast sky.

Fu Yiqing stood to the side, looking down at her, his peripheral vision tracing her profile. She felt both strange and familiar to him. Perhaps he had been drawn to this resilience in her bones all along.

"And what was your wish?"

Fu Yiqing’s pupils shimmered with the light of the fireworks. He smiled but remained silent. His original intention remained unchanged: his only wish had always been for hers to come true.

***

The intensive treatment finally came to an end; Shu Ran’s condition wasn't great, but it wasn't catastrophic either. Liang Yue simply moved herself and her grandfather, Song Ziren, into the national team quarters. Every day, after Shu Ran trained for an hour, Liang Yue would bring her grandfather over to check on Shu Ran’s foot.

If Shu Ran stayed on the ice for even one minute longer than allowed, Liang Yue’s face would darken. Shu Ran didn't dare linger. As she skated to the exit, her chin trembling, she looked at Fu Yiqing but spoke to Liang Yue. "Liang Yue, do you treat the little kids you teach to skate the same way?"

Liang Yue shook her head, her face cold. "Being harsh with you is beyond my own control."

Shu Ran: "..." Had being mean to her become a habit?

Shu Ran looked at Fu Yiqing helplessly. He gently patted the top of her head in comfort and whispered, "After the Winter Olympics are over, I’ll help you get revenge."

Shu Ran frowned. "That doesn't seem right. Liang Yue is just a bit harsh, but she’s been running around for me this whole time!"

"Then treat her to a meal," Fu Yiqing suggested.

Shu Ran nodded.

"Treat her to a meal you cooked yourself," he added.

Shu Ran lifted her gaze slowly, looking bewildered. Was Fu Yiqing trying to get revenge on Liang Yue, or was he mocking her cooking skills?

They had only been back to training for two days when the team welcomed two unexpected guests. Shu Ran was skating on the ice when she heard the heavy sound of blades nearby. She looked over and was shocked. "What are you doing here?"

Kristina smiled brightly, her beautiful long hair pulled back into a low ponytail, with a few strands dancing in the wind. She skated with elegant footwork, side-by-side with Shu Ran.

"Training with you, of course."

Shu Ran let out an "Ah," and her skating speed slowed. Kristina immediately surged ahead, leaving her far behind.

"I can't lose when it comes to skating speed," Kristina called out from ahead.

Hearing this, Shu Ran’s competitive spirit was ignited, and she sped up to follow. The two chased each other, neither willing to yield. This kind of competitive training was far less monotonous and much more interesting than before.

Fu Yiqing and Quentin stood off the ice, their smiles faint but genuinely happy. The two hadn't appeared together in private often, and Qin Liubei found it quite strange. He kept glancing between his notebook and the two men off the ice.

"Liubei, don't forget to take notes," Fu Yiqing reminded him.

Qin Liubei hurriedly looked down to record, then looked up half a second later, hissing, "No, I mean, if you two are letting Kristina and Shu Ran train together, what’s the point of the bet?"

Quentin shrugged. "The bet doesn't matter anymore."

Qin Liubei looked blankly at Fu Yiqing, mouthing the words: What does that mean?

Fu Yiqing didn't explain. Quentin’s gaze was fixed on the two figures chasing each other on the ice. "Because the result is already out."

"I used to think I was pretty smart," Qin Liubei muttered, "but today I feel like a total idiot."

"Because we were looking in the wrong direction from the start," Quentin said. "In figure skating, both technique and artistry are important; they are the molecules that make up the sport. I called technique the molecule, but what Barrow called 'art' isn't a molecule."

Qin Liubei asked, "Don't tell me the art Old Fu talks about is the denominator?"

Quentin nodded. "Exactly. I thought technique and art were two parts of a program, both indispensable. But the 'art' Barrow speaks of is the vital pursuit necessary for the long-term development of the entire field of figure skating. It is crucial; a program only has life once it has a soul."

He added quickly, "So, the bet regarding technique versus art has been resolved. All performers in figure skating must gravitate toward artistic soul."

Qin Liubei’s jaw dropped. "So we’ve been betting for eight years, and it’s just resolved so casually?"

"Of course not," Fu Yiqing said. "What comes next is the battle between the coaches and our students." His smile held the air of someone who had already secured victory.