The buzz of the victory still clung to the air as the team regrouped in their locker room. Their second victory over Starlight in a high-stakes tournament was a significant one, and the atmosphere should have been light and celebratory. But there was a subtle undercurrent of something deeper, something heavier. Even in the thrill of the win, Tang Rou couldn't shake the strange sense of finality that had crept into her thoughts after the match.
Zhang Jiale stretched his arms, a wide grin plastered on his face. "That was some beautiful teamwork out there. I'm telling you, we're on a roll!"
Bao Rongxing chuckled in agreement, slapping Zhang Jiale on the back. "We're unstoppable! Starlight tried their best, but we broke them down again."
Su Mucheng, ever calm and collected, nodded, her fingers playing with the edge of her jacket as she glanced over at Tang Rou. "Yeah, but I think they're getting better. Shade's team has improved since the last time we faced them."
Tang Rou remained silent, her mind replaying the final moments of the match over and over. She had defeated Shade, but something about it didn't sit right with her. It hadn't felt like the explosive, triumphant moment she had expected. Instead, it felt like a step toward something bigger, something she couldn't yet grasp.
"You okay, Tang Rou?" Su Mucheng asked softly, stepping closer and placing a hand on her shoulder. "You seem a little distant."
Tang Rou blinked, breaking free from her thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking about the match."
Su Mucheng gave her a knowing smile. "You played great, you know. Shade didn't stand a chance once you got into your rhythm."
Tang Rou smiled back, appreciating the support, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that the rivalry with Shade wasn't over. She had seen something in his eyes, even behind the mask—a promise of more to come. He wasn't done, and neither was she.
Ye Xiu, who had been reviewing the footage of the match on his tablet, finally spoke up, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of thoughtfulness. "It's not over between you two, Tang Rou. You can feel it, can't you?"
Tang Rou turned to face him, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. How did he always seem to know exactly what was going on in her head?
"You beat him again today," Ye Xiu continued, his gaze steady. "But players like Shade don't just disappear after a loss. He'll come back, and when he does, he'll be even more dangerous than before. That's why you're feeling unsettled. You know this wasn't the final chapter."
Tang Rou nodded slowly, the pieces of her unease starting to fall into place. "I felt it during the match. He's improving, getting faster, more calculated. It's like he's learning from every encounter we have."
Ye Xiu smiled faintly, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "That's what makes him a rival worth having. He pushes you to grow, just as you push him. But don't let it weigh too heavily on you. You've come a long way since your first match with him. He might be improving, but so are you."
Tang Rou absorbed his words, the knot in her chest loosening slightly. She wasn't afraid of facing Shade again—in fact, she welcomed it. Their rivalry was a driving force behind her growth, and knowing that he was out there, getting stronger, only fueled her determination to keep improving.
"Thanks, Ye Xiu," she said softly. "I needed to hear that."
Ye Xiu gave a small nod, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of wisdom and pride. "Don't worry, Tang Rou. When the time comes, you'll be ready."
The rest of the team began packing up their gear, preparing to leave the venue after another long day of competition. Tang Rou joined them, the weight on her shoulders a little lighter, though her mind was still buzzing with thoughts of Shade and what their next encounter would be like.
That night, as they made their way back to the hotel, Tang Rou found herself wandering off to a quiet spot near the balcony overlooking the city. The night air was cool, and the view of the city lights flickering below gave her a sense of calm.
She leaned against the railing, staring out at the vast expanse of buildings and streets, her mind drifting back to the matches, to Shade, to the path she was on. Glory had become more than just a game to her. It was a part of her life, a place where she could push herself to the limits and beyond. But it was also where she had found a new sense of purpose.
As the breeze rustled her hair, she thought back to that moment on the stage—when Shade had given her that small nod of respect. It wasn't a gesture of defeat, but of acknowledgment. He had seen her growth, just as she had seen his, and that understanding between them felt deeper than any words could express.
The rivalry between them wasn't about winning or losing anymore. It was about pushing each other to be better, to reach new heights neither of them had thought possible. That was why it felt unfinished. Shade wasn't a roadblock to be overcome—he was the reason Tang Rou kept pushing forward.
As if on cue, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Tang Rou pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the message notification.
Message from Shade: "You're getting better. Next time, I'll be ready for you."
Tang Rou couldn't help but smile. There was no animosity in the message, only the quiet determination of someone who respected her as a rival. She typed out her response, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.
Tang Rou: "So will I."
The message sent, and for a moment, the silence of the night settled around her. She tucked her phone back into her pocket, feeling a renewed sense of clarity. Shade would come back stronger, and she would be ready to face him when he did.
The weeks following The Winter Clash passed in a blur of training and preparation. The team had more tournaments on the horizon, and with each passing day, Tang Rou found herself growing more comfortable in her role as one of Glory's top players. She had earned her place among the best, but she knew that staying there would require constant work, constant growth.
In the quiet moments of their training sessions, she often caught herself thinking about Shade. She knew he was out there, training just as hard, preparing for the next time they would meet. It wasn't a rivalry born out of hatred or animosity—it was a rivalry built on mutual respect, a shared understanding that they were each other's greatest challenge.
One afternoon, during a particularly grueling training session, Ye Xiu called for a break, motioning for Tang Rou to join him at one of the empty stations.
"You've been pushing yourself hard lately," he said, his tone light but knowing. "Still thinking about Shade?"
Tang Rou smiled, nodding as she sat down next to him. "I can't help it. Every time we face each other, I feel like I'm learning something new. I know he's out there, getting stronger, and it pushes me to keep improving."
Ye Xiu chuckled softly. "That's what a good rival does. But don't forget to pace yourself. It's not just about training harder—it's about training smarter. You've already proven that you can stand at the top. Now it's about staying there."
Tang Rou nodded, taking in his advice. "I'll keep that in mind."
As the team resumed their practice, Tang Rou felt a sense of balance returning. She would continue pushing herself, continue preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead, but she wouldn't let the weight of the rivalry consume her.
For now, she was content to focus on the present—on her growth, her team, and the tournaments ahead. But in the back of her mind, she knew that Shade was always waiting, always watching.
And when the time came, she would face him again.
This time, they would push each other further than ever before.
This chapter focuses on the aftermath of Tang Rou's victory over Shade in The Winter Clash, delving into her thoughts and reflections on their rivalry. It highlights the mutual respect that has developed between them, setting the stage for future encounters while emphasizing Tang Rou's growth as a player and person. The chapter also reinforces the idea that their rivalry is more about pushing each other to greater heights than simply winning or losing.