Chapter 128: You Are Free

Regardless of the outcome, the glory bestowed upon her by the audience was already the greatest reward for her eighteen years of grueling training. She would spend her entire life cherishing this honor, one that belonged uniquely to her.

Shu Ran stood up, suddenly overwhelmed by an infinite sense of reluctance to leave the ice. Yet, she resolutely glided toward the exit, where someone was waiting.

Their eyes met.

A staff member nearby handed over her skate guards, but Shu Ran ignored them, instead throwing her arms around Fu Yiqing and clutching his neck tightly. Fu Yiqing, having long understood everything about her, lowered his body the moment she reached out.

Tears began to fall again, but this time, they were not out of emotion, but gratitude.

"Thank you, Coach," Shu Ran said.

Fu Yiqing patted her back gently, his voice soft and tender. "You are free now."

Qin Liubei chimed in from the side, "That’s enough. If you keep hugging, the netizens will start guessing again. Give me a hug too, so no one says you’re playing favorites."

The two separated.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Shu Ran said. This was her final competition; how the netizens perceived her or how the media wrote about her no longer mattered. As Fu Yiqing had said, she was free.

Qin Liubei gritted his teeth. "You're not going to thank me? I skipped my honeymoon just to accompany you through training."

Shu Ran laughed and gave him a hug as well. "Thank you, Coach Qin."

Qin Liubei nodded, looking very satisfied. "That’s more like it."

Dressed in red, Shu Ran was flanked by the two men in black as they walked toward the kiss-and-cry area. As soon as they sat down, the cameras focused on them. Shu Ran waved at the lens, smiling brightly.

The moment of suspense was at hand. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the giant screen.

Blue data boxes flashed, and the numbers appeared. Short program 81.74, free skate 161.67.

The crowd suddenly realized—this seemed to have broken the free skate record again.

People didn't have much time to ponder whether Shu Ran had broken the world record; they immediately shifted their gaze to the total score. 243.41 points.

In an instant, the entire arena was engulfed in cheers.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Women’s Singles Figure Skating World Champion—Shu Ran!

Everyone screamed in shock. Even though she had a premonition that she had skated well today, the moment she saw the result, Shu Ran covered her mouth in disbelief, unable to trust her own eyes.

Her vision blurred with tears once more. She was so happy she hugged Fu Yiqing, then Qin Liubei, back and forth.

The women’s singles event had concluded, but the media on-site were all waiting to interview Shu Ran. It wasn't just because she was a hot topic, but because she had finally become a world champion, simultaneously shattering both Soskova’s free skate record and the women’s singles total score record.

Countless lenses were aimed at her.

"Shu Ran, how are you feeling right now?"

"You were injured three months ago, and now you've broken both a single-event record and a total score record. Has your injury healed?"

...

Shu Ran answered each question, but she began to feel a sharp, growing pain in her foot. Her expression shifted, and she let out a sharp intake of breath, hissing in pain.

Fu Yiqing realized something was wrong, immediately rushed in front of the cameras, and scooped her up into his arms. With a grim face, he snapped, "Excuse us, please!"

The effect of the numbing injection had worn off; naturally, Shu Ran could no longer stand.

After examining her, Song Ziren concluded that Shu Ran’s injury could not be delayed any further and that she must return home immediately for surgery. Fu Yiqing wanted to send her to the hospital right away, but she insisted on staying until the awards ceremony the following day.

Everyone understood her wish.

Thus, a rare scene unfolded at the awards ceremony the next day. Shu Ran walked onto the podium on crutches to receive her gold medal. Many in the audience were moved to tears, but Shu Ran herself was smiling like a fool, even putting the gold medal hanging around her neck into her mouth to bite it.

After the ceremony, Shu Ran was flown back to China for surgery. On Weibo, the moment she won the title, her name remained at the top of the trending list.

@SportsNews: "Shu Ran is the World Champion! Congratulations!"

"Honor may be delayed, but it will never be absent. Congratulations!"

"I'm crying. She must have endured so much pain! Her face turned pale when she fell, but thank goodness she still took first place."

"Just to educate everyone, no mistakes doesn't necessarily mean a high score, and conversely, a fall doesn't mean a bad performance. The jump Shu Ran fell on didn't have a high base value anyway, and she followed it up with a 3A."

"Her journey hasn't been easy. My heart aches for her. She's only twenty-four; how young was she when she was being misunderstood?"

"Everyone, remember the honor Shu Ran brought to China today. On the strength of this alone, she could enter the entertainment industry to make money and I wouldn't care. From now on, if anyone dares to say a bad word about Shu Ran, I’ll hunt them down!"

"You really are the boss. Short program, free skate, total score—Shu Ran has broken records in all of them. I'm impressed."

"I'm leaving this here: if Shu Ran ever needs money, we’ll support her!"

After the netizens finished commenting on Shu Ran's page, they started checking whether their own idols had congratulated her. It was as if every celebrity and government account was celebrating the Lunar New Year—though, in fact, it was indeed the Spring Festival season.

Shu Ran’s surgery did not go very smoothly, and she eventually had to go abroad to find a renowned specialist to complete it. During her recovery, she opened Weibo by chance and was shocked to find that many netizens had sent her digital red envelopes. She checked the trending topics and finally understood why.

Resigned, she had no choice but to post on Weibo.

@ShuRan_ice: "Everyone, you don't need to send me red envelopes. I really don't lack money. As for those asking what my biggest feeling is after winning the gold, it’s probably regret. I’m a bit sad I couldn't participate in the final exhibition gala. I want to apologize to the fans who specifically bought tickets to see me."

"Wait, people actually sent red envelopes? Did you all misunderstand something? Figure skating is a sport you basically can't play if you're poor. Shu Ran’s father owns a company in D City."

"Heartbreaking. If a rich kid like Shu Ran works this hard, what excuse do we have for not working hard?"

"It's okay! We bought tickets to see you perform, but you couldn't help being injured. Just recover well; we’ll follow every one of your future competitions!"

Shu Ran’s injury was quite severe. Not long after the surgery, the wound became infected, and she was hospitalized again. During her recuperation, countless media outlets wanted to interview her, but Fu Yiqing turned them all down, wanting her to rest in peace.

Knowing everyone was worried about her, Shu Ran started a livestream to tell everyone not to fret. This move made netizens exclaim, "What a kind-hearted fairy!" But the main reason people became fans of hers was her flawless skin.

Netizens gasped: "She looks this good even without makeup?"

Shu Ran went through a crisis where she nearly lost her foot, and after nearly eight months of recovery, she finally returned to normal. By that time, the internet wasn't obsessively praising her as it had been during the Spring Festival, but any minor news about her was guaranteed to trend.

Sure enough, when she was filmed leaving the hospital, she trended again. Shu Ran’s survival instinct kicked in, and she posted another clarification: "Why am I trending again? I really didn't buy the search."

The comments were unanimous: "Sorry, every time I see the name Shu Ran, I just want to click in to see what it is. I contributed to the traffic."

Shu Ran was quite helpless.

Previously, the team had held off on a victory banquet because Shu Ran needed to recover. Seeing she was finally out of the hospital, they immediately booked a restaurant to celebrate. At the dinner table, Zhu Hongzhe sighed helplessly, "People are always fickle. They used to say I was the hope for the men's singles, but now that Shu Ran has won the championship, she’s become the hope for the national team."

Just as Shu Ran was about to use Wu Xincheng and Shen Yu as shields, they spoke up first.

Wu Xincheng echoed his frustration, "Who says it isn't? Shen Yu and I have won three Winter Olympic gold medals. Everyone was so excited the first time, but now..." She took a sip of juice. "They only see the new ones laugh; they never see the old ones cry."

Zhu Hongzhe’s face darkened, and he gritted his teeth. "Are you here to stir up trouble?" Three gold medals—and he didn't even have one Olympic gold!

Afterward, he gulped down his juice in frustration and looked at Shu Ran. "Ask your senior if he’s retiring or not? If he doesn't retire soon, I’m going to have to!"

Shu Ran nearly choked and began to cough violently. Hearing this, Fu Yiqing frowned, patted her back gently, and poured her a glass of water.

Huo Guang hadn't been paying attention to their conversation, only catching the last sentence from Zhu Hongzhe. He rolled his eyes. "Hongzhe, why are you bullying Shu Ran?"

Zhu Hongzhe felt like he'd been shot again, and the others couldn't help but laugh.

After the banquet, Fu Yiqing, having had some wine, looked slightly flushed. Qin Liubei dropped him off at his home before leaving. Shu Ran was about to head upstairs when Fu Yiqing called out to her.

"Shu Ran."

She stopped and looked at him. On the sofa, he was pressing one hand to his temple, his propped-up arm blocking his face, making his expression unreadable. Shu Ran intuited that Fu Yiqing was different today.

She thought back to five months ago when they had gone to France for medical treatment. On the Champs-Élysées, he had suddenly knelt on one knee in front of her wheelchair and produced a ring. She had given her answer before he could even speak.

Thinking of this, Shu Ran felt she should make things clear.

She walked slowly into the living room. "Coa—"

Fu Yiqing interrupted: "I left something in the trunk. Help me get it."

Shu Ran was stunned and didn't move. "What is it?"

Fu Yiqing looked up. His lips were moist, his eyes hazy, and the words "intentionally seducing" flashed through Shu Ran’s mind. She nearly fled in a panic, hurrying into the garage.

She patted her chest, her thoughts in chaos, only to find the garage lights were broken. She fumbled toward the car with a flashlight, unable to open the trunk for a long moment.

"Why haven't you opened it?"

Shu Ran shuddered. She turned around to see Fu Yiqing’s exquisite, handsome face. He said, "I suddenly remembered you probably couldn't lift it. I’d better do it myself. Open it."

Shu Ran nodded, hiding her secret thoughts, and opened the latch with her right hand while holding the light with her left.

*Click.*

A rush of fragrance hit her, leaving her stunned. Then, the dark garage was illuminated by tiny, warm-toned lights, as if she had stepped into a fairytale. An strange sensation stirred in her heart. She looked down, and instead of a toolbox, the entire trunk was filled with fresh flowers.

Fu Yiqing walked toward her slowly, reached into the heart of the flowers to take out a ring box, and then knelt on one knee, his gaze lingering and affectionate.

*Thump-thump.* Shu Ran heard her own heartbeat.

"Marry me," Fu Yiqing said. "We both understand each other's hearts. I have never once considered you a burden."

That was true. Back in France, she had rejected his proposal without giving a reason. At that time, her foot hadn't healed, and she thought she was going to lose it. She had refused him because she didn't want to be a burden.

Fu Yiqing’s eyes were sincere. "Do you remember when you were injured and asked me to help convince your parents? Haven't you always wanted to know how I managed it?"

Shu Ran was startled. Why was he bringing this up now?

A faint, enigmatic smile touched his lips. "I will take care of you for the rest of my life. That is my answer... Being your coach, I had ulterior motives."

It was no longer just about changing the rules of figure skating; it was for her. That was why he cared so much about her feelings and wanted to help her realize her dreams.

Memories flooded her mind. Shu Ran was momentarily dazed.

"Just say yes!" Qin Liubei's voice suddenly erupted in the garage. Shu Ran was startled and looked over to see him holding a party popper. "You have to say yes! Our little Goldfish has already called me three times asking where I am!"

Fu Yiqing glared at him fiercely, and Qin Liubei shrank back timidly. "Actually, it's not that urgent. You two continue."

Shu Ran covered her mouth, laughing uncontrollably.

"Ahem." Fu Yiqing was still waiting for her answer.

Shu Ran pursed her lips and looked down at him. Instead of reaching out for him to put the ring on her, she leaned down and pressed a light, dragonfly-kiss to his lips.

Fu Yiqing seemed frozen in place.

Shu Ran cleared her throat and straightened her expression. "Mr. Fu, I heard from Qin Liubei that your family situation is even more complicated than his?"

Fu Yiqing hurried to collect himself. "That’s only because Qin Liubei has no say."

Qin Liubei: "..."

The young woman smiled, her eyes bright. "Then... may I keep skating?"

He was taken aback, then calmly slid the ring onto her slender finger, pressed a graceful kiss to the back of her hand, and stood up to hold her close. "Of course, Mrs. Fu."