Lin Zhixia wasn’t wrong. Nie Tianqing was indeed planning to raid Group A’s base.
This was because Group A had collected far more bubble balls than Group B.
Nie Tianqing said to Ding Yan: “Group A has several times more bubble balls than us!”
However, Ding Yan only replied: “I’m not going to Group A.”
Ding Yan and Gan Shuli had already given up the struggle. The two of them had returned to a peaceful life, bending down to pick up balls like diligent farmers. If Ding Yan could pick up more than one bubble ball at once, his face would light up with the joy of harvest.
Ding Yan was no longer the same person who had shouted about fighting and killing.
He seemed to have seen through the conflicts of the world. He vowed to no longer be a bandit or a highway robber. Ding Yan’s sweat would flow only for himself!
So, Nie Tianqing had to fight alone.
Nie Tianqing quietly infiltrated a pipe and headed toward the slide. With lightning speed, he suddenly descended into the castle. Dong Sunqi, who was guarding the base, was startled and roared: “Who are you!”
Nie Tianqing answered: “I’m Nie Tianqing from Group B!”
Dong Sunqi spread his arms, resolutely blocking his way: “Nie Tianqing from Group B! I am Dong Sunqi from Group A! I warn you! If you want to steal the bubble balls! You’ll have to step over my body first!”
“We’re neighbors, we’re good friends,” Nie Tianqing looked at him, “for a few bubble balls, you…”
Jiang Yubai stood at the bottom of the castle stairs, shouting upward: “No! Those aren’t just bubble balls, they’re the justice we protect in our hearts!”
“Right! It’s justice!” Dong Sunqi raised his arm high and shouted.
Lin Zhixia was also waving the flag and cheering: “It’s justice! We fight for justice, for the glory and dignity of Group A! For Group A’s long-lasting prosperity, for Group A to never be invaded by Group B! At this critical moment of life and death, facing Group B’s sneak attack, we never retreat, never fear! Never give up an inch of territory, never willing to be weak slaves! We don’t fight alone! Behind us, we have the bubble balls, the embodiment of justice! Charge forward, my companions! The horn of victory will sound for the brave, and the dawn’s sunlight will eventually shine in all directions!”
These shouts brought tears to Dong Sunqi’s eyes.
Nie Tianqing was shocked and tried to win Dong Sunqi back: “Don’t get too into character, we’re not filming a war movie.”
“Ah!” Lin Zhixia exclaimed, “Nie Tianqing from Group B! He’s using a divide-and-conquer strategy against us!”
“How despicable!” Dong Sunqi loudly condemned. He had completely forgotten who had brought Nie Tianqing over as a guest today.
Lin Zhixia commanded: “Class Monitor Dong, go protect the bubble balls quickly, I’ll handle Nie Tianqing from Group B!”
But Dong Sunqi said: “I’m the class monitor! The monitor can only leave last!”
The chandelier cast white light down, shining on his head. His figure was thin, but his shadow loomed large.
At this moment, Jiang Yubai even thought of the Anglo-French allied forces’ Dunkirk evacuation. The fierce German army bombed repeatedly, pressing step by step, while the allies’ hope for survival remained in the English Channel to the west.
Jiang Yubai took three steps at once, leaping toward the top of the castle: “Nie Tianqing! Come at me! Don’t hurt my companions!”
Nie Tianqing also got into character: “Too late, Jiang Yubai from Group A! You’re too late!”
Jiang Yubai trembled and stepped back: “Impossible!”
Not just Jiang Yubai, Nie Tianqing was actually quite surprised too. Just as Jiang Yubai was going upstairs, Nie Tianqing and Lin Zhixia played a round of rock-paper-scissors, and Lin Zhixia lost.
Lin Zhixia lost!
How could Lin Zhixia lose?
To the left of the pipe slide, on the castle floor covered with soft padding, Lin Zhixia stood motionless. She said: “Everyone, don’t be sad for me. My spirit is with you. Facing powerful enemies, we never retreat.”
Dong Sunqi shouted: “Never retreat!”
He reached out his right hand toward Nie Tianqing: “Rock-paper-scissors!”
Dong Sunqi clenched his fist, while Nie Tianqing opened his five fingers.
Dong Sunqi lost! He stood frozen in place, sadly roaring towards the sky: “Why! Why doesn’t heaven give our Group A a way out?”
His cry even reached Group B’s base.
Ding Yan and Gan Shuli both leaned over the terrace railing. They watched as Nie Tianqing defeated Lin Zhixia and then defeated Dong Sunqi, both feeling it was incredible.
The sun and moon chandeliers hung in the middle, and Nie Tianqing’s gaze passed over them. He looked at Ding Yan from afar and shouted: “I’ve defeated Group A!”
“You’re wrong,” Jiang Yubai promptly replied, “Group A still has me.”
He walked toward Nie Tianqing.
He was 9 years old, and Nie Tianqing was 13.
Nie Tianqing was several centimeters taller than Jiang Yubai, and Jiang Yubai had to look up at him. This feeling wasn’t pleasant. Jiang Yubai was determined to grow taller and taller, to become as tall as his father.
“Make your move,” Nie Tianqing said.
Jiang Yubai waved his hand, and Nie Tianqing responded. In this round, Jiang Yubai showed scissors, and Nie Tianqing showed paper.
“Victory!” Lin Zhixia applauded on the spot, “Justice is the ultimate reward, unity is our medal!”
Nie Tianqing glanced at her: “What… kind of books do you usually read?”
Lin Zhixia asked back: “Which subject?”
Nie Tianqing hesitated: “Language arts?”
Lin Zhixia continued to explore: “Literature or linguistics?”
“You’re only 9 years old,” Nie Tianqing frowned and said, “you look like 9, yet not like 9.”
Lin Zhixia lazily replied: “You’re 13, do you look like a 13-year-old every day? What should a 13-year-old look like, and who defined it? Must you comply?”