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"Ruan Mian, the race is about to start. We should get to the waiting area."

Qiao Yi's arrival interrupted Ruan Mian's thoughts. She looked at the girl in front of her. "Okay. Thank you."

Ruan Mian followed Qiao Yi to the waiting area. She was running the final leg of the 400-meter relay. Standing farther down the track, she watched the girls sprint toward her. Their faces contorted with effort, but their eyes shone with determination...

She was captivated by the ambition and hunger to win in their eyes. By the time she snapped back to herself, Qiao Yi was right in front of her, radiating heat and expectation.

With no time to think, Ruan Mian snatched the baton and charged forward.

She had decided to enter the race, so she would give it everything she had. Her team was in first place, nearly two meters ahead. As long as she ran steadily, the championship would be theirs.

Ruan Mian sprinted toward the finish line. Beneath the roar of the crowd, her heartbeat thundered in her ears... Closer! Closer!

...Victory was right ahead. Then a tremendous force slammed into Ruan Mian from behind. Before she could understand what had happened, she flew a full meter and hit the ground, her head ringing...

For the first few seconds, Ruan Mian was dazed. Then she saw Qiao Yi and the others running toward her in horror. She seemed to sense something. Hesitantly, she touched her chin and looked down. Her hand was covered in blood...

She was hurt.

Ruan Mian moved her arms and legs. They burned with pain, but no bones or tendons seemed damaged. One runner after another passed in front of her.

Without hesitating, she picked up the baton and began to run, limping with every step.

She would