With all the afternoon's matches over, the spectators gradually filed out of the venue. When Liu Qing emerged from the competitors' passage, he spotted Ash and the others, along with Jun, who had called out to Paul. He did not yet know what Jun wanted to say, but he was delighted to see that Jun had recovered from his silence after the match. After giving Paul a slight nod, he stood behind Ash and the others, ready to hear Jun out.
"Um..." Jun looked at Paul in silence for a moment, then smiled. "I lost, but I gave it everything I had, so I have no regrets!" As he finished, he rubbed his nose sheepishly.
Paul's expression softened at those words. "That really was a good battle!"
"Really? I'm so glad!" Jun immediately broke into a smile. With renewed enthusiasm, he gave a thumbs-up. "Someday, let's battle again with the title of world's strongest on the line!"
"Jun, you've grown up!" Liu Qing nodded in approval and stepped out from behind Ash and the others. Standing beside Jun, he rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled, then turned to Paul. "Paul, congratulations on advancing to the fourth round. That gives us another chance to meet in the next round."
"Yeah!" A flicker of excitement flashed through Paul's eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. He nodded silently, then turned and left.
"Liu Qing, congratulations on reaching the fourth round too!" Jun said sincerely as he turned to him. After a moment's thought, he added, "Liu Qing, Ash, when I was battling Paul, I felt like I was burning with everything I had!"
"Yeah, that guy really does make you feel that way!" Ash agreed wholeheartedly.
"Whether it's you or Ash who faces Paul later, give it your best! I'll be