When the dance party was halfway finished, a few muscular fighters walked to the center of the stage. Despite their perilous life, sparring remained one of the fighters' favorite pastime.
The winner of the fight also came with a perk: he would have the right to name a girl among the crowd. If he got the girl's consent, which happened quite often, then the winner would be able to spend a romantic night with his chosen companion.
Wang Tong's refusal of Ye Zi's invitation had avoided much unnecessary jealousy. Martians were well known for their xenophobic protectionism, and the adolescent drama of an outsider winning the favor of a camp flower would only add fuel to their aversion toward Wang Tong.
