Chapter 23: Abandoning the Exam
Sha Sanlang, do you know you’ve just used the term ’innocent bystander’ a thousand years too early?
Li Ang listened to Sha Sanlang’s enthusiastic promotion with an embarrassed expression, feeling just like when you meet the only reader who comes to support you at a book signing.
It was so awkward it was like he could scratch out a two-bedroom apartment with his toes.
Fortunately, Sha Sanlang didn’t stay for too long. As the dazzling fireworks burst in the southern sky, the dragon boat teams on both banks, along with the crowd, quickened their pace.
"The dragon boat race is about to start,"
Sha Sanlang apologized, cupping his hands, "Mr. Li, I’m afraid I can’t accompany you any longer. Once we win the championship, we will bring the prize to Security Hall to express our thanks."
"No need, no need, hurry along now, don’t be late."
Li Ang waved Sha Sanlang off, then turned to pick out a couple of hairpins from a jewelry stall. He said goodbye to the mother and daughter whose names he didn’t know and walked with Chai Chai towards the dragon boat racing site to the south.
At the sound of a whistle, a hundred boats raced across the water amid the rousing cheers of the Yizhou common people. The championship went to the Shipbuilding Guild, while Sha Sanlang and his buddies regretfully came in third.
The folks from the Shipbuilding Guild were overjoyed, handing out zongzi, cured meat, and candy along the street. Li Ang also got a pack of caramel, basking in the festive spirit.
By the time the fireworks celebrating the championship ended, Li Ang’s first festival in Yu Country since his awakening had drawn to a close.
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