Figure Skating: Waltz on Ice

On the day of the competition, Du Liangchen had recovered to 80% of his physical condition.

Du Liangchen's match was scheduled for the front of the table, and it was almost his turn. He looked at the audience, who were all sitting in the stands. Although none of them were his fans, he was still very happy to be able to compete in such a place.

He went onto the ice when the coach had no hope for him.

At this moment, Du Liangchen felt his heart, which had been restless for a week, become incredibly calm, and the pressure that had been surrounding him disappeared.

When Du Liangchen heard his name and nationality announced on the radio, his adrenaline surged. He felt honored to stand there as a national athlete, and the result seemed unimportant.

Listening to the coach's encouraging words, Du Liangchen smiled and nodded in response. He pushed off the ice and slid a long way, reaching the center position within a minute and posing for the music.

Gradually, Du Liangchen forgot he was in a competition and seemed to return to his usual training sessions, not thinking about the score, but just focusing on doing each movement well.

Unbeknownst to him, as he immersed himself in the music, his body became more relaxed, and his movements became more graceful and beautiful.

The fans of the other athletes in the stands, who had initially watched without much hope, gradually became unable to look away.

"Who is this? They skate so well!"

Wow! This boobies can go down so deep!!!

……

Du Liangchen was unaware of all this. Just as he was making his sixth jump, he accidentally got stuck in the ice hole. Although he landed with full stride, he fell and crashed heavily onto the ice.

The audience gasped, watching the figures on the ice with concern.

Du Liangchen knew he was going to fall when he jumped, so he was prepared. Although the fall looked heavy, it didn't affect his ability to continue the competition.

Du Liangchen got up the next second and continued gliding to the music until the end of the performance, without making any more mistakes.

Panting heavily, Du Liangchen was covered in sweat, which streamed down his cheeks to his chin and then dripped onto the ice.

Du Liangchen bowed to the audience, and someone threw a bouquet of flowers at him.

Seeing this scene, Du Liangchen knew that he had gained recognition in a foreign land, and even just one person gave him great encouragement.

Quickly skate over, pick up the bouquet, bow deeply in the direction the flowers were thrown, and then quickly leave the ice. This is timed and cannot affect the next person's race.

Coach Qian, who was waiting for him at the exit of the barrier, looked at him happily.

"Coach, I tried my best."

Coach Qian handed him the scabbard and patted him on the shoulder: "I know you skate very well, you're great."

The two arrived at the waiting area to be scored, and Du Liangchen put on a coat to avoid catching a cold.

The score for the short program on the monitor is 74.38.

Du Liangchen covered his mouth excitedly, looking completely incredulous.

Coach Qian, who was standing nearby, happily hugged him, not minding that he was covered in sweat.

The two left and went backstage. Professor Qian had a smile on his face the whole time, and asked him with concern if he was thirsty or hungry.

Du Liangchen waved his hand and refused. He felt very tired. He had been on edge for the past few days. His first competition ended with a pretty good result, and now that his tense nerves had relaxed, exhaustion washed over him, and he just wanted to find a place to sleep.

When he arrived backstage and saw Hao Shuxue, he happily came forward to congratulate him.

"Sirui, I knew you could do it! Let me share in your good fortune and win first place!"