Chapter 13: Everyone Else's Turn to Suffer
There's something uniquely satisfying about watching other people go through the same traumatic experience you just survived. Maybe that makes me a terrible person, but hey - I earned these bruises, I might as well enjoy the show.
"Next match," Senior Sister Liu announced as Wei Lin stepped into the combat area. "Try to last longer than five seconds."
"Senior Sister, you wound me!" Wei Lin clutched his chest dramatically. "I'll have you know I've invested heavily in premium defensive techniques specifically for this evaluation."
Zhou Ming's smile hadn't lost any of its predatory edge. "Wonderful. Show me what your family's money bought you."
I settled carefully against a pillar, trying to find a position that didn't aggravate any of my new collection of bruises. Lin Mei sat beside me, sorting what looked suspiciously like medicinal herbs.
"Is it wrong that I'm looking forward to this?" I asked, watching Wei Lin assume what he probably thought was an impressive combat stance.
"Only if it's wrong that I brought healing supplies specifically for the entertainment value," she replied, laying out various plants with practiced efficiency. "Also, you might want these soon. Your face is starting to swell."
"My face is fine- ow!" I touched my cheek and immediately regretted it. "Okay, maybe some healing wouldn't hurt."
"Begin!" Senior Sister Liu's command was immediately followed by Wei Lin demonstrating that, contrary to popular belief, throwing money at a problem sometimes actually works.