Events moved forward

Lou Cheng returned to the grandstand just as the flickering flames went off. Smiling, Peng Leyun extended his right fist and bumped into his.

"Impressive!"

A compliment rather than a consolation.

"Bravo!" Ann Chaoyang greeted him in a similar way, in terms of action and choice of words.

Ren Li gave him a thumbs-up after the fist-bump.

"Thanks." Lou Cheng smiled and shook his head, the gloominess in him diminishing.

"How is it? How's your injury looking? You need a trip to the emergency room?" Zhong Ningtao asked worriedly.

Just a moment ago he had seen Lou Cheng spit out blood, and even then the unwashed wound on his left fist looked hideous, though it had already been staunched.