Just as Lou Cheng ambled back, bare-footed, most of the lights in the Shengxiang stadium went off, except for the ones that illuminated the area connecting the arena and the China representatives' side. In the darkness, a dreamy and radiant path emerged, which fitted quite well with the resounding chants of "Lou Cheng".
It was a commendation to the victor—a homage to the underdog hero.
Lou Cheng felt amazing, his pace growing brisker, as if he was back in his own country, back in the Songcheng University Martial Arts Club. He put his hands up in the air and clapped in the direction of the surrounding crowds, as a form of appreciation.
The voices grew louder, until he reached the grandstand, when all the lights switched on again.
"Not bad!" complimented Peng Leyun, restraining his competitive side, he extended his hand with a smile and high-fived his teammate.
"It's your time to shine," Lou Cheng replied, happiness written all over him.
