When Jiang Ning became the first to cross the finish line, accompanied by a thunderous roar, the crowd surged forward like a tide, as if to swallow him whole.
Camera flashes went off nonstop. Reporters thrust microphones toward him, firing off questions in rapid succession.
Amid the chaos, Jiang Ning's Spiritual Sense caught sight of a beautiful figure behind the crowd.
Bai Yuxia had changed out of her volunteer uniform. Dressed in a white gown, her skirt swayed gently with each step, like a white lotus.
Years of dance had given her a slender, graceful figure, while her refined upbringing lent her a composed air. Holding a bouquet of flowers, she smiled softly, dimples appearing at the corners of her mouth. She looked like an ancient maiden who had stepped out of a painting.
Standing amid the crowd, Jiang Ning met Bai Yuxia's eyes.
Then, facing the surging crowd, Jiang Ning raised a hand. His Spiritual Sense spread outward, and the people around him seemed to be blocked by an invisible force, all coming to a halt at once.
The scene was somewhat eerie, yet it also seemed perfectly natural, because he was the champion.
Jiang Ning stepped forward. The crowd instinctively backed away, clearing a path for him.
Ignoring every reporter and spectator, Jiang Ning gradually quickened his pace, passing through the crowd toward Bai Yuxia, who stood holding the flowers.
Nearly everyone at the scene stared without blinking at Jiang Ning and the girl who seemed apart from the world.
Jiang Ning stopped before Bai Yuxia, looked down at her, and smiled.
Bai Yuxia held out the flowers. The bouquet's colors were warm and bright.
"Congratulations, champion."
The cameras captured the moment, and the city television station broadcast it.
The marathon champion draped in the national flag contrasted