Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The path of an athlete was a tough one to begin with. No matter who it was, they would be sure to be filled with a world of pain as they trod on this path of thorns, with many of them forced to drop out midway due to injuries.

For those that did stand victorious, almost all of them would have some lingering scars they carried with them for life.

As an athlete herself, it was only natural that Shi Guang could feel a sense of agony and melancholy in her mood right now as well.

“The life of an athlete has always been similar to that of a summer flower—bedazzling yet short-lived. It’s not that you can’t swim anymore, you just can’t compete. There will come a day when I’ll be the same as well. There’s no athlete that can stay on forever without retiring.”

A sharp, sour feeling surged through Xu Zixian’s heart as her eyes welled up with uncontrollable tears once more. “I’m sorry, Shi Guang…”

Shi Guang remained silent. “…”

“… I was stupid. It was all because I was stupid that I was made use of by others… foolish to a point where I would even agree to work together with her. I thought that working together with her meant that I would be able to get what I desired… Therefore, I did whatever she asked of me. In truth, I had truly just wanted to befriend you right at the very beginning. I don’t know what got over me that I would agree to her… I’m sorry…”

The greed of man was insatiable. Shi Guang scoffed out coldly, “Once upon a time, I had truly taken you as a friend as well. Back when I first suspected you, I really wished that it wasn’t you.”

Xu Zixian asked softly, “When did you find out…?”

“You’re so upset because you’re unable to compete. Back when I was locked in the restroom and missed such an important event, how could I not be as upset as well? The only person who had known that I went to the restroom that day was you,” Shi Guang gave a bitter smile, “No matter what competition it is, there can only be a single champion. After suffering once, there’s no way I would be that foolish again. In the face of such an important competition, the only one I trust is myself.”

Xu Zixian shook her head in confusion. “But I had clearly seen you drinking the water. You shouldn’t have been fine.”

“The moment I walked out, I had already poured away some of that water. When I caught sight of you later on, I pretended to act as though I was drinking it.”

Everything became clear to Xu Zixian in that moment. “I only saw you moving as though you were drinking the water, but I did not actually see you drink the water. I merely thought that you drank it because there was less water in the bottle by then. I see…”

She was the one with the guilty conscience back then.

When one is living, the Heavens are watching. The cycle of life goes through reincarnation and so does karma—what goes around comes around.

Everything that one did would pave the foundation for their paths in the future.

For those that lived life with a guilty heart, their roads would never be straight, true, or right.

Before long, they would have a taste of the seed that they had sown.

Even if she were indignant, so what?

Even if she were frustrated, so what?

Even if she were in agony, so what?

Everything was of her own doing.

She laughed out bitterly before crying out once more, “Shi Guang, I’m sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”

Shi Guang looked at her firmly for a good two seconds before turning around. “Everything that you’ve done to me did not stop me from getting into the provincial team eventually. I accept your apology and I forgive you. Even though I am not someone that repays kindness with ill will, I am not that magnanimous either. Therefore, I can’t continue being friends with you again.”

With that said, she walked off, preparing to leave.

Xu Zixian closed her eyes, with her tears flowing down silently.

Gone! She had lost a really good friend just like that. As though she was seeking redemption, she cried out after Shi Guang, “Shi Guang, Yang Sitong was trying to find out about your sister the entire time! It’s as though she wants to do something to your sister! You must definitely be wary of her!”

Shi Guang had long noticed that strange attitude that Yang Sitong bore toward her sister.

It was just that… what grudges did she have with sister?