At night, on the balcony of Room 1101 of the Yundu Hotel.
"Cheers!"
Four disposable cups filled with "happy water" clinked together in a belated celebration of their recent qualifying victory.
Shao Zifeng and the others sat on the floor, surrounded by a disarray of snacks and drinks, recounting their experiences against the backdrop of Yundu City's bustling night scene visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
As the evening wore on, their enthusiasm began to dwindle, and a silence fell over the group.
"When are you guys leaving?" Shao Zifeng asked, his hand trembling slightly as he held his beverage.
Not long after the morning's competition, Shao Zifeng had passed out as well and had even missed the award ceremony.
