#also yes the regular dose of knives for xia yan fans

[tiramisiyu]

【未定事件簿】 Tears of Themis: 【惊心一刻】 Xia Yan’s Shocking Moment Date Translation

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Translation Masterlist | Xia Yan Masterlist

Video: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Hh411Z7qk

I love how Mihoyo takes every opportunity to remind us about Xia Yan’s three years. (I do not)

PART 1

Detective Office

MC: Today’s recommendation: “Extreme Rock Climbing” – a documentary that’ll make your palms sweat wildly…

I flipped through the magazines on Xia Yan’s desk and couldn’t resist making a sound in surprise.

MC: So amazing, how do people climb up this…

I had just finished speaking when a little black figure, accompanied with the sound of a few crisp chirps, flew towards me. It then stably landed on my shoulder.

MC: Peanut? Are you very interested in this? I feel like Xia Yan would also like this a lot.

Xia Yan: What is it that I’d like? What are you whispering to Peanut…

Xia Yan walked in front of me, holding a tiny little box.

Xia Yan: This is for you – Peanut’s baggage is all in here. Its birdcage and bird frame can be folded into a light, portable shape.

Xia Yan: These few days when I’m gone, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of it well.

MC: No problem. What about your luggage, then? Have you packed it all?

Xia Yan: Don’t worry, I’ve packed all of it. Though I’d just finished packing when I heard you two talking about something interesting – quick, tell me.

MC: There’s a film review in this magazine about a documentary on barehanded rock climbing.

MC: So I thought that you’d like this kind of sport!

Xia Yan: Is that so? Show me the magazine!

I handed the magazine I was holding to Xia Yan, specifically pointing out the illustration for this review. A man without any protective measures on was barehandedly scaling a cliff that barely had any footholds.

Xia Yan: Mm… it is very impressive, but it’s too dangerous. I won’t go try it.

MC: Even if you wanted to go, I would definitely hold you back anyways. 

MC: I’m guessing that what you would be interested in would be the more typical rock climbing activities with safety measures.

Xia Yan: Is it that… you want to go rock climbing?

I was completely befuddled until Xia Yan handed the magazine to me and pointed to the rock climbing club advertisement, published behind the film review…

Ads these days really are unpredictable…

MC: I hadn’t seen that side…

I was just about to explain that I didn’t mean it that way, until I saw Xia Yan’s slightly worried expression. Was it because rock climbing is troublesome? Something that could make him feel that it was difficult… I’m suddenly looking forward to it a lot! I’ve never seen him in an activity that he’s not good at!

MC: Although, it’s not like I mind trying it out! 

Just when I was looking forward to seeing Xia Yan admit defeat for the first time, he instead laughed and nodded.

Xia Yan: It’s just rock climbing. Since you want to try it out, then let’s go after I return!

MC: Eh?!!!

--

One week later.

Novice Rock Climbing Area

On the weekend, there were a lot of people at the location, but most of them were all at areas of different difficulty levels, so the novice area seemed somewhat calm.

As for me, when I saw the rock climbing walls that I’ve only seen in magazines and entertainment programs, I inhaled a deep breath.

MC: I never would’ve thought that we really would come.

Although, I’m lucky that Xia Yan found this outdoor rock-climbing site. I’d originally thought that we really would go out into the wild to climb a cliff.

MC: We’re here anyways. If I don’t experience it properly, I’ll be letting myself down.

MC: I’ll do some warm-up exercises first.

Right then, Xia Yan walked towards me, holding two bottles of mineral water.

Xia Yan: I’ve bought the water. How are your warm-ups?

MC: Almost done!

Xia Yan: Let me see. Mm… raise your arms a little more, your elbows should be leveled with your shoulders…

My posture didn’t seem to be up to standard, so Xia Yan directly walked behind me to help me adjust my movements.

Xia Yan: That’s right! Remember to flex your fingers after finishing those.

MC: Mhmm!

After warming up, a coach headed over with rock climbing gear to instruct me on novice rock climbing techniques. But after the coach finished with his instructions, he didn’t seem to intend on leaving – instead, he looked over Xia Yan and I back and forth.

Coach A: The two of you must have come here together. Are you interested in participating in today’s rock climbing speed competition?

MC: Competition?

 PART 2

Novice Rock Climbing Area

 Coach A: We often hold some interesting competitions. Today is the two-person speed competition, where the competition scores are based on the total duration rankings of the individual climbing of the two.

Coach A: Signups for the competition are done at one’s will. Whether you participate or not, either is fine. The prizes are four journals, specially designed and custom-ordered by this rock climbing place.

I’d originally been completely disinterested in the competition, but when my attention was perked as soon as I heard that the prize was journals!

MC: Are they rock-climbing themed?

Xia Yan: I remember that you used to like to collect pretty stationery before!

Coach A: Of course. A lot of people who come to compete, come for the prize – after all, they’re limited-edition.

MC: I’m a little interested. Xia Yan, are you joining?

Xia Yan: Since you want the journal so much, then I’ll definitely join!

Coach A: The competition is happening at 3:30. Don’t be stressed, you can get a prize as long as you rank.

Coach A: Though I have to let you both know that the rock wall used in the competition is a bit different from what’s usually used.

Coach A: It doesn’t have that many routes. With pure speed and force, people with a foundation in sports won’t find it difficult to start with some more practice.

MC: Thank you, coach! It’s 2-o’clock right now – one and a half hours of time to practice.

Xia Yan: Want to try climbing the novice cliff first? We have time to compete after adapting to it.

MC: Mm, then I’ll try it out first. Are you going to do it with me?

Xia Yan: Me?

He seemed to have thought about something. After revealing a surprised expression for an instant, he very quickly smiled at me helplessly.

Xia Yan: The novice area is pretty safe, so I’ll observe here. If your posture is off somewhere, I can also immediately correct it.

MC: …Have you remembered all that the coach taught us?

Distracted by the journal and competition matters, I had already forgotten a good portion of those movements.

Xia Yan: Wanna guess? Although, no matter how much theory you listen to, it can’t compare to experiencing it yourself. Only practice results in true knowledge.

I nodded and began to apply slip-resistant powder to my palms. When I was preparing to stand in front of the rock wall, Xia Yan inspected the safety equipment I had on.

Xia Yan: Shouldn’t have any problems… try and see.

MC: Mm.

I stood in front of the rock wall, then reached out to grab the chunk of rock in front of me, then visually searched for a suitable foothold. When both of my feet had stepped on the rock points, my whole body had pressed against the rock wall. I followed Xia Yan’s instructions, gradually shifting my body. Though each movement was very slow, they were quite stable.

Xia Yan: How do you feel now?

MC: No problems whatsoever!

I had just spoken when my foot, which had just stepped on another rock point, applied the slightest bit of force and then slid. Luckily, my other foot kept my body stable.

MC: Good thing I hadn’t stepped completely onto it. I really can’t afford to be careless at all…

Xia Yan: Are you alright?

I turned around with difficulty and looked down at Xia Yan. His eyes were full of worry.

MC: I’m fine! The occasional mistake is also a part of accumulating experience.

Xia Yan: Seriously, you’ve never changed in how you are when you encourage yourself. 

Xia Yan: Although, being able to do this much for your first time rock climbing is already really amazing. Do you want to come down and rest for a bit?

MC: Xia Yan, do you think if I try a little harder now, I’ll be able to get to the top?

Xia Yan: You want to get to the top?

MC: Mhmm! Giving up halfway isn’t my style.

Xia Yan: Though it’s a bit hard for a novice to reach the top… but if it’s you, there definitely won’t be a problem!

Hearing Xia Yan’s encouragement, I turned around and looked at the rock wall in front and spurred myself on mentally. I can definitely do this!

--

Though my progress in climbing the wall was somewhat bumpy, I was still able to successfully get on the top of the rock wall in the end. After getting down from the rock wall, I immediately ran to Xia Yan.

MC: I understand why so many people enjoy rock climbing.

MC: The sense of accomplishment after getting to the top feels just like I’ve conquered both sky and earth!

Standing beside me, Xia Yan smiled as he looked at me, but he didn’t say anything.

MC: What are you looking at? Is there magnesium powder stuck on my face?

Xia Yan: There is a little.

Xia Yan raised his hand, seeming to want to wipe it for me, but he had only stuck out his hand halfway before putting it back down.

Xia Yan: Here, there’s a little bit rubbed on beside your lips.

I rubbed at it with the back of my hand.

MC: Any more left?

Xia Yan: No… ahem, I’m gonna go buy two bottles of water again. Rest a bit before the competition starts to restore your stamina. 

After speaking, Xia Yan left rapidly. No matter how you looked at it, it looked like he was running for his life. What’s up with him?

MC: …

I didn’t have the time to ponder over why Xia Yan’s reaction was so strange before my attention was drawn to a person nearby. That person was in the middle of climbing the other side of the rock wall quickly. The cohesiveness of his actions was absolutely smooth and natural – it was clear that he was a veteran.

MC: Though I signed up in a moment of interest, it’s really hard to achieve that level of familiarity within this short time.

Xia Yan: No matter how hard it is, you won’t give up, right?

MC: Xia Yan! When did you get back?

Xia Yan: Just when you were sighing about how familiar others were with rock climbing. Here, this water’s for you.

After taking the mineral water from Xia Yan, I opened the bottle cap and took a drink. Within the period of time when Xia Yan and I were talking, that person had already climbed to the top.

MC: He must be a professional to have gotten to the top so fast.

Xia Yan: It’s not that fast. The rock wall that he was climbing only had one route, so it’s supposed to be used for speed practice anyways. 

Xia Yan: If he wants to get on the level of a professional, he’s got to improve his speed by at least 50 seconds.

MC: Saying this, do you think you can do it faster than him?

Xia Yan: That’s for sure!

MC: Then why did you look so unwilling when I brought up rock climbing at the beginning…

Xia Yan: That was because…

MC: Because what?

Xia Yan: Ahem, that was because I wanted to surprise you. I’ll prove it to you now!

 PART 3

High-speed Rock Climbing Area

The rock wall that the person had just climbed up was from the high-speed rock climbing area, which was also the area where the competition would be held. Xia Yan and I walked over, and Xia Yan had me get on the top platform to wait for him.

Xia Yan: The competition will be held soon. The built-in timer for the rock wall needs to be reset to zero – I’ll need to trouble you to time me on the top platform.

MC: No problem. The person just now used around one minute – can you…

Xia Yan: Then I’ll be a bit conservative – 40 seconds.

MC: 40 seconds is conservative?

Xia Yan: Because I’m not too familiar with the equipment here yet.

Xia Yan: Hurry up there – I’ll start right after warming up!

MC: Mm.

Only when standing at the top of the rock-climbing wall and looking down did I truly feel how high the rock wall was.

MC: 50 metres… Xia Yan bragged that he could do 40 seconds, but is that too much of a rush…

I looked towards Xia Yan in the middle of his preparations. Maybe he felt my gaze, since he tilted his head up and smiled at me. Though Xia Yan had a lot of confidence, I still suspected that he was putting on a brave front, especially in how he wanted to climb up a 50-metre rock wall in 40 seconds.

MC: Xia Yan! Don’t force yourself, I’m worried…

I yelled in his direction.

Xia Yan: No way. When have I never successfully done what I’ve promised you?

Well, that was true.

He walked to the fixed spot two metres away from the rock wall, adjusted the position of the starting mat, and waved at me.

Xia Yan: I’m ready! After counting down from 3 seconds, start the time!

3, 2, 1… the moment I pressed the timer, Xia Yan got on the rock wall at a speed that surpassed my imagination. His movements were agile and smooth – it was clear that he was no novice.

MC: Is there anything that he can’t do…?

Other people who were resting all gathered around, watching Xia Yan climb up the rock wall at a high speed.

Bystander A: Who’s this expert – how come I’ve never seen him before? That speed really is something else!

Bystander B: The expert’s agile skill simply can’t be criticized! I bet the club’s records are gonna be broken very soon.

Bystander C: Breaking the record? That record has stuck around for three years – how could it be broken so easily.

In the blink of an eye, Xia Yan had long passed the middle of the rock wall.

His expression was focused and firm, and magnesium powder floated around him, sparkling brilliantly in the sun. The closer he got to the top of the rock wall, the more I couldn’t shift my attention away from him. Even the noise on the ground was nearly inaudible.

The more Xia Yan passed over that protruding rock wall, the more the endpoint became within his reach.

MC: Do your best, Xia Yan!

Hearing my voice, Xia Yan smiled slightly, then grabbed a rock point and rose up suddenly…

My heart suddenly tightened. Under the surprised gasps of the crowd, Xia Yan stably grabbed onto the last rock before the top. He, who’d just finished this with skill and ease, winked at me, not even forgetting to casually say a few words…

Xia Yan: It’s almost over. Watch the second timer and prepare to stop it.

MC: You haven’t gotten on the top – there isn’t much time left.

Xia Yan: This is just a warm-up – of course I won’t unleash my full ability.

Xia Yan: But since you’re using provoking methods, then I have to…

As he spoke, my eyes suddenly seemed to blur. I didn’t see Xia Yan’s movements at all when he successfully got on the top, appearing by my side.

Xia Yan: How was that – how much time did I take?

Time? Ah! I forgot to stop the timer!

MC: 34:57 seconds…

Even though I pressed it late by a few seconds, Xia Yan was still able to do as promised within 40 seconds.

MC: Congratulations, Great Detective Xia, you were successful!

Xia Yan: Now you believe that I really am amazing at rock climbing, right. 

MC: Yes yes yes, super amazing, I’m in complete awe!

Xia Yan: Then did you think that I looked really cool?

MC: Yes yes yes, the Great Detective was especially cool!

Xia Yan: Then, do I have the honour of being the private rock-climbing instructor for the Great Lawyer?

MC: Haha, no problem, this lawyer will definitely hire you!

Laughing, I high-fived Xia Yan. As our fingertips brushed over each other, he transmitted his warmth to me. The moment that our palms pressed against each other, I could even feel his beating heart clearly.

 PART 4

High-speed Rock-Climbing Area

After laughing together, I carefully thought back on Xia Yan’s movements as he got on the top. My eyes told me that I could do it, but my body… clearly wouldn’t be able to learn it…

Xia Yan: What are you thinking about?

MC: I was thinking that your movements in getting to the top are unsurprisingly very hard.

Xia Yan: I was showing off my skill – a typical person wouldn’t do that when getting to the top. I’ve got to perform in an eye-catching way to have you forget about that person just now.

Xia Yan: Although, I only dared to do those kinds of movements because I was sure of my success, so don’t worry.

Seeing Xia Yan’s happy expression, I thought again of his distressed expression that day.

MC: Now can you tell me why your expression was so odd back when I brought up rock climbing?

MC: I’d even thought that you weren’t skilled at this…

Xia Yan: This… one reason was that I was afraid that your stamina wouldn’t be able to catch up. After all, rock climbing isn’t like other sports – it consumes a lot of energy.

MC: Being a lawyer means that I often have to work overtime over several days, and I have to run around to different places to get evidence. I feel like my stamina should pass the standard.

MC: You said “one reason” just now, so there are other reasons?

Xia Yan scratched at his hair, seeming somewhat embarrassed.

Xia Yan: It’s not good... for my...

MC: Ah?

His voice became as quiet as a mosquito, and I didn’t hear what he said clearly.

Xia Yan: To a novice, falling down in the middle of rock climbing is very typical.

Xia Yan: As long as I imagine this, even if there are safety measures, I still feel very anxious.

Xia Yan: So… it’s not good for my heart!

MC: You’re worrying too much. Since you had me trust in you more, you also have to trust in me a bit more.

MC: Plus, with such an amazing Teacher Xia instructing beside me, I won’t fall down, right?

Xia Yan: That’s for sure. The Great Lawyer is right!

Thinking of Xia Yan’s skill just now, my confidence in the competition increased by a few points.

In the high-speed rock-climbing area, Xia Yan taught me for a while longer. Only after confirming that my start and acceleration all had no problems did he bring me to the rock wall to be used in the competition.

--

it was probably because the competition time was nearing, but the competition area was bustling with activity. It was much noisier than the practice ground from earlier.

MC: So many people… it must be very hard to rank…

Xia Yan: The prize journal must be very special for it to attract so many people to participate in the competition.

Xia Yan: This also proves that we were correct in choosing to join the competition, right?

MC: That’s also true.

MC: Ah, there’s no point in overthinking anymore. It’s better to not pressure myself too much, and to instead focus on participating.

Xia Yan: Are you really nervous?

I felt somewhat discouraged, being exposed by Xia Yan all at once.

MC: Even if this isn’t a field that I’m skilled at, the me who’s tried hard still hopes to get a good result.

MC: I know that this kind of thought process is a little willful and unrealistic, but…

Xia Yan laughed, then looked towards the faraway rock wall and spoke.

Xia Yan: Having a strong will to win is a good thing, especially for a lawyer like you…

Xia Yan: But sometimes, letting go of your will to win and simply enjoying the pleasure of competition is also an excellent choice.

Did Xia Yan say that? I didn’t hear wrong, right? This sort of sincere, earnest tone that would usually come from some old veteran doesn’t suit him at all!

In my past memories, Xia Yan was the most persistent and stubborn person, and having him admit defeat was basically an impossible task. Sure enough, something must have happened in those past eight years…

But seeing Xia Yan’s smile, I realized that this wasn’t the time to ask.

MC: If you’re saying these things to make me less nervous, then I’m so sorry, but you’ve gotten the opposite results. 

MC: Pleasure and victory – I’ll have them all!

Xia Yan showed an expression with “I knew you would say that” written all over it. I released a breath for my correct response.

Xia Yan: Ah… I never thought that it would become a way to provoke you.

Xia Yan: Since you want it all, then it’s time for me to show off my true strength!

MC: Don’t forget that this isn’t a single-person competition. There’s also the absolute novice that I am.

Xia Yan: Are you talking about the absolute novice who got to the top on your first time here? 

Xia Yan: With a teammate like this, isn’t my win basically guaranteed?

Just when I had been teased by Xia Yan until I was grinning from ear to ear, I heard the coach shouting at us.

Coach B: Team Xia Yan! It’s your turn, are you both ready?

MC: We’re ready!

Coach B: Who’s climbing first?

Xia Yan and I looked at each other for a moment. Immediately after, Xia Yan clapped my shoulder and strode forward one step.

Xia Yan: I’ll go first! Let me set a good foundation, so you can also confidently and freely do your thing!

MC: Do your best!

  PART 5

High-speed Rock-Climbing Area

After the sound of the coach’s whistle, the timer started. Like an arrow fired from a bow, Xia Yan climbed upwards, faster than the speed that I had seen earlier. The surrounding crowd, including me, were completely focused on Xia Yan. We hadn’t even recovered from our shock before Xia Yan arrived at the top.

The display screen beside the rock-climbing wall declared Xia Yan’s score – 9 seconds.

The same rock wall, yet he performed even better than last time by nearly 30 seconds! Looks like he really was just warming up earlier…

Enthusiastic applause suddenly sounded in the grounds, only dissipating when Xia Yan got down from the rock-climbing wall.

Xia Yan: I beat second place by nearly half a minute – not bad, right?

MC: Xia Yan, you’re too… I don’t even know how to describe it! 

Xia Yan: You’ve got a new recognition for how amazing I am, right!

Xia Yan’s eyebrows curved, and his smile was quite proud. If he had a tail, it would definitely be sticking up towards the sky.

MC: Mm! It’s my turn! I definitely will not hold back! I’ll do my best for our journals!

Xia Yan: Do your best!

After high-fiving and making the switch with Xia Yan, I stood ready and waiting in front of the rock wall. I had just placed my hands on the rock points, waiting for the start signal, when I noticed that Xia Yan had already put on the safety lock and was standing by my side.

What’s going on?!

Xia Yan made an “OK” hand signal towards the coach with a “let’s go again” expression, and looked at my totally confused face.

MC: Did the competition change rules? Why did you come again?

Xia Yan: I just sought out the coach and said that my partner was coming for the first time, so I wasn’t too at ease.

Xia Yan: The coach made a special allowance for me. Under the fair competition circumstances of no interference, I can accompany and protect you on the side.

MC: You really are too worried…

Xia Yan: An excellent detective will always consider all possibilities and carry out his plans after.

MC: … 

Xia Yan: Do you think I’m a hindrance? 

MC: How could that be? I’m just a little surprised.

Xia Yan’s joining in made me feel safer, as well as more courageous, with the desire to give it my all.

Xia Yan: That’s good!

Hearing the coach’s start order, I didn’t have time to reply to Xia Yan before I put all of my body and heart into the competition. The race start, a burst of speed… the high wall in front of my no longer seemed to be a hard-to-surmount obstacle. Everything happened very smoothly, and my condition was even better than when Xia Yan took me to practice.

In the middle of the competition progress, my arm suddenly felt sore when I applied strength.

It was probably because I was somewhat tired from practicing earlier. I stopped all my movements and tried relaxing my hand exchange.

Xia Yan: What’s wrong?

MC: Nothing, I’m just taking a bit of a rest.

As I spoke, I continued climbing up, but the soreness in my arm got worse and worse…

MC: I should be able to hold on until the end…

I muttered quietly to myself, took a few deep breaths, wanting to get to the top with a spurt of energy.

Xia Yan: MC, slow down a bit, there’s still time!

Xia Yan’s warning had me calm down slightly. Only then did I realize that I had been too impatient.

However, I had just slowed down when my arm suddenly went numb. As if it was a slow-motion playback, the motion of my powerless fingers releasing the rock point played frame by frame in front of my eyes, and my heart gradually went cold…

MC: Ah—

After I let go, I could no longer maintain my balance, and fell in midair…

During the sudden matter, I unconsciously closed my eyes, waiting to come down on the safety mat.

But the image I predicted never occurred. Something tightened abruptly around my waist, and I fell into a warm embrace.

Xia Yan: MC! Are you alright?

When I heard the familiar voice, I opened my tightly-closed eyes. Xia Yan’s face full of worry fell into my sight. One of his hands held tightly on a rock, and the other held me, with both of his feet placed squarely on the rock wall. His arm then tightened around my waist a little more, probably because he saw me not reacting.

I unconsciously reached my hands towards his chest and carefully took a few breaths. Only then did I get back my feeling of safety.

Xia Yan: I already told you…

Xia Yan’s raised voice seemed to be a little angry, but he had just started speaking when he frowned again.

Xia Yan: Ss—

Seeing the moment when Xia Yan frowned, my heart jolted.

MC: Xia Yan, are you alright? Were you hurt anywhere?

Xia Yan: Don’t worry, I’m not hurt.

MC: How could that be? I saw you frown just now. Did you get hurt when you caught me?

MC: I’ve been dieting for weight loss recently, but regardless, an adult shouldn’t be able to pull their arm muscle into a state of injury from the force of falling… 

Xia Yan: I really am alright. Look, does my expression look like someone who’s been hurt?

I stared at Xia Yan’s face. After confirming that he really wasn’t showing any signs of pain, I calmed down.

Right then Xia Yan and I reacted, realizing that the distance between us was so close.

Xia Yan: We… we should head down first…

MC: Mhmm…

 PART 6

Because of my mistake, Xia Yan and my competition score did not bear results, so ranking was out of the question. Plus, after seeing Xia Yan’s pained expression as he held me, I looked for the coach after landing safely for the infirmary’s location.

 Infirmary Hallway

MC: …

I sat on the chair outside the rock-climbing infirmary door, pinching my sore arms, waiting for Xia Yan’s examination report.

Xia Yan: The doctor said I didn’t have a single wound, so you can completely relax.

Xia Yan, who had just walked out of the infirmary, looked relaxed, forming a sharp contrast with the worry all over my face.

MC: Good thing you’re alright. Losing the competition isn’t a big deal, but if I hurt you…

Xia Yan: Even if I got hurt, it would just be a little wound – it’s nowhere near as important as your safety.

Xia Yan: You’ve already confirmed that I’m fine, so now you should be willing to find a doctor for an examination, right?

MC: You’re talking like I’m avoiding this on purpose. 

Xia Yan: No no, I know you had me get examined first because you were worried. 

Xia Yan: I’m also worried about you… so…

Seeing Xia Yan’s face, I didn’t know why, but the scene when we came down from the rock wall emerged again in my head.

MC: I’ll go do the examination – take a good rest here.

Xia Yan: Mm, I’ll wait for you.

I nodded, then pushed open the infirmary door.

--

After hearing the infirmary door close, Xia Yan sighed quietly. He hadn’t done any examinations in the infirmary – he just discussed an excuse with the doctor to prevent him from saying the wrong thing when asked.

Xia Yan: I don’t have much time left…

He clutched tightly at the key in front of his chest, until the joints had whitened from the force he was applying.

Xia Yan: …

After turning around to look at the infirmary door, he smiled helplessly, then closed his eyes.

--

After coming out the infirmary, I saw Xia Yan leaning on the chair, closing his eyes in rest. Probably because he heard my footsteps, he suddenly opened his eyes just as I was planning to play a trick to scare him awake.

Xia Yan: Seeing your movements… did you want to launch a sneak attack on me?

MC: Yeah, though I didn’t have time to carry it out before you noticed. 

Xia Yan: How were the examination results? What did the doctor say?

MC: The doctor said that I just pulled my muscle a little, and it’ll be fine after a few days of rest. Don’t worry.

MC: Although… I feel a little sad when I think about how we didn’t rank because of my mistake.

Xia Yan: Learn from our lessons of failure, and next time we come, we’ll definitely win!

MC: You’re right!

Just when we were about to leave the infirmary, the coach who instructed us at the beginning blocked us.

Coach A: Please wait, are the two of you Team Xia Yan? There’s a gift that the club wants to give you two.

MC: Present?

I took the present in the coach’s hand. When I opened it, I saw – two journals?!

Coach A: The prize pack with four journals was prepared for the athletes who were the ranked winners of the competition. However, Mr. Xia Yan broke our single’s speed rock climbing record.

MC: He broke the record? Then how many seconds was the last record?

Coach A: 11:57 seconds. That’s basically the limit for typical people who haven’t undergone professional training. After all, the world record is 5:58 seconds.

I looked at Xia Yan. Though I knew a long time ago that he was very amazing, I never would’ve thought that he was this amazing…

Coach A: Mr. Xia Yan, would it be alright if you let me know what your occupation is? Me and my colleagues are all very curious about exactly where such skill comes from.

Xia Yan: That’s easy, I own an antiques shop. Here’s my name card – if you’re interested, you can come take a look.

He took out a name card and stuffed it into the coach’s hand.

Coach A: Antiques shop? Strange…

The coach muttered quietly as he left. Xia Yan shook his head, then sidled up beside me, carefully scrutinizing the notebook.

Xia Yan: The design of the layout isn’t bad – it looks pretty good!

I handed one to Xia Yan and flipped through one myself. The workmanship really was very good.

MC: In the end, we still had to rely on you to get the prizes… 

MC: But I won’t admit defeat. The next time we come, we definitely will take the other two books!

Xia Yan: I’ll accompany you anytime! Although, we have to wait until your arm has completely healed.

Thinking about how my arms might hurt so much that I wouldn’t be able to raise them after today, I silently postponed this promise.

MC: Then it’s a promise – we’ll challenge it again next time!

-END-