Tianhai City—core metropolis of the Tianhai Alliance, one of the Solar Federation's 18 Tier-1 cities, central hub of the eastern coastline.
Home to the Federation's largest port and headquarters of the Donghai Fleet, Tianhai rose steeply from coastal mountains, its skyscrapers clinging to cliffs, shrouded in mist, resembling celestial ladders piercing the heavens.
Donghai City's delegation completed handover protocols with Tianhai officials.
Donghai Academy's team was housed in a luxury seaside hotel—every room boasting panoramic ocean views, as if embracing the sea itself.
Room assignments sparked quiet tension:
Both Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan wanted to share with Fang Yang—but Dean Long Hengxu dictated the roster:
- Fang Yang & Xie Xie (one room)
- Gu Yue & Xu Xiaoyan (another)
- Wu Zhangkong & Tang Wulin (third room)
Tomorrow: Opening Ceremony + Draw Lots—then competition begins.
Wu Zhangkong's briefing was brutally concise—no pep talks, no battle strategies.
---
Back in their room, Xie Xie flopped onto his bed, bored.
"Fang Yang—let's explore!"
He sprang upright, energized. "Wasting this ocean view indoors is criminal!"
Fang Yang stood by the window, watching the sunset gild the waves.
He turned, nodding. "Good idea. I'll ask Gu Yue if they'll join."
"I'll get Tang Wulin!" Xie Xie dashed out.
Fang Yang knocked on the girls' door.
Ding-dong!
"Who is it?" Xu Xiaoyan called.
"Fang Yang."
The door swung open—Xu Xiaoyan peeked out, damp hair dripping, jasmine shampoo scent lingering.
"Big Sis Gu Yue showering," she pointed to the bathroom, water rushing inside. "Need something?"
Fang Yang smiled. "Want to explore the city?"
Her eyes lit up—she dashed to the bathroom door.
"Big Sis Gu Yue! Fang Yang's inviting us out!"
"Too tired… skipping," Gu Yue's voice muffled by water.
Xu Xiaoyan returned, pouting. "She's out…"
She hesitated, then added softly: "I… should rest early too."
Fang Yang nodded understandingly. "Rest well. See you tomorrow."
As he turned—tug!
Xu Xiaoyan grabbed his sleeve, cheeks flushed.
"On the bus… you and Big Sis Gu Yue…"
Fang Yang opened his arms. "Need a hug?"
She leapt into his embrace, jasmine and salt on her hair.
After ten heartbeats, she reluctantly pulled away.
"Have fun," she whispered, shutting the door with a sweet smile.
---
In the corridor, Fang Yang met Xie Xie and Tang Wulin.
"Just you two?" Fang Yang asked.
Xie Xie shrugged. "Zhang Yangzi says Wang Jinxi's asleep."
"Perfect—three of us," Fang Yang decided.
"Yes!" Xie Xie agreed.
Tang Wulin's eyes gleamed—Donghai's notorious foodie, modest eater but passionate gourmet.
"Tianhai's a metropolis—must have legendary street food!"
He rubbed his hands, already salivating.
They stepped into the night, sea breeze salty and cool.
"Don't worry—I'll feed you till you burst," Xie Xie slapped Tang Wulin's back.
"What are we waiting for?!" Tang Wulin dashed ahead, eager as a hound.
Fang Yang shook his head—amused.
THUD!
A round figure slammed into Xie Xie, knocking him back.
"Hey! Watch where you're—!" Xie Xie rubbed his shoulder, irritated.
Tang Wulin stared, puzzled.
Fang Yang's eyes narrowed—"Ah… Xu Lizhi—future Shrek Seven Devil."
Before them stood a chubby boy in green academy robes, ten years old, round face beaming with innocence, weight far exceeding his peers—no wonder Xie Xie stumbled!
"Sorry! Was daydreaming about food—didn't see you!" the boy apologized earnestly.
Xie Xie sighed, waving it off. "Just watch your step next time."
"You're hunting for food too?" Tang Wulin's eyes sparkled.
"Yeah—but I'm clueless where to start!" the boy scratched his head, distressed.
"Same!" Tang Wulin nodded vigorously, lost in culinary contemplation.
Xie Xie gaped. "Can you two acknowledge your injured comrade?!"
"Oops—sorry, Xie Xie!" Tang Wulin blinked, finally remembering.
Xie Xie groaned. "Tang Wulin—I'm telling Senior Sister!"
Tang Wulin paled, recalling Xie Xie's past betrayal of Fang Yang.
"Young Master Xie!" he bowed dramatically. "Forgive this humble sinner!"
"Hmph—better," Xie Xie preened.
Then—heat prickled his neck.
"Why's it suddenly hot?" Xie Xie muttered, confused.
Tang Wulin and the chubby boy fell silent, eyes darting behind him.
"Wulin—you guys okay?" Xie Xie called.
The boy whispered urgently: "Look behind you…"
Xie Xie froze—memory crashing back—slowly turned.
"Xie Xie…"
Fang Yang's voice dripped with lethal calm.
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