"Withdraw from the competition," the three feeble words hit his ears but weighed a ton.
No, I can't withdraw from the competition!
Su Mianyan abruptly raised his head, "Director Liu, I don't want to withdraw."
His usually gentle voice took on a hint of firmness.
The dimly lit room felt slightly suffocating.
Director Liu's expression changed subtly, his tone growing heavier, "This isn't about what you want or don't want!"
"Why? I can apologize. Please don't make me leave, okay?" The young man's clear eyes showed urgency, his face pleading.
Director Liu looked away, his expression cooling, "If you don't withdraw voluntarily by tomorrow, then we'll have to 'help' you withdraw."
.....
Walking out the door in a daze, Su Mianyan returned to the training room.
Stray beams of warm sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, spilling onto the wooden floor.
They were blinding!
He drew the curtains shut, and darkness enveloped him. Su Mianyan sat curled up, looking lost.
