Waterbound Love - Chapter 12

After a short break, the match continued, and it was Du Bai’s turn to break.

Du Bai wiped the chalk and walked over calmly. After aiming, she struck the balls with a decisive force, causing a commotion among the spectators. Everyone knew that snooker tested patience the most, and breaking conservatively was key. Whoever broke the balls without a guaranteed shot lost their advantage.

Qin Yulong, recognizing that Du Bai was a formidable opponent, became cautious. Surveying the layout of the table, he was surprised. Although the balls scattered, the cue ball was surrounded by black (red) balls, making him hesitant to attempt any powerful shots. He lightly tapped a nearby black (red) ball, yielding the turn to Du Bai amidst a chorus of boos from the crowd. Qin Yulong was somewhat taken aback.

With a smirk, Du Bai glanced lazily at Qin Yulong. Her eyes, filled with a provocative gleam, reflected her confidence as she approached the table casually. She examined the cue ball, and her eyes sparkled. With a delicate high shot, she easily potted two adjacent black (red) balls. Her clean and swift move caused the tightly packed black (red) cluster to break apart, and the cue ball came to rest to the side.

Du Bai checked the alignment between the cue ball and the pink ball, curling her lips into a smile. With a “thunk,” the pink ball found the pocket at a tricky angle, thrilling the spectators. Without giving Qin Yulong a chance to touch the cue, she smoothly secured the second frame.

Yet, she still didn’t sink the final red (black) ball.

“Break!”

“Break!”

“Break!”

The third frame began with Qin Yulong breaking. Following Du Bai’s impressive high-spin opening shot in the previous round, the crowd was energized, chanting for Qin Yulong to break the balls. Gripping his cue tightly, his fingertips turned slightly white. He knew well he couldn’t match Du Bai’s technical prowess. Nonetheless, he also understood the importance of saving face in their circles; losing composure would mean significant future challenges. Gritting his teeth, he struck the balls forcefully, scattering them across the table. One ball lingered near the pocket, embodying his high hopes yet refusing to move.

Failing to match the previous round’s impressive break, the audience sighed collectively. Du Bai couldn’t help but smile knowingly, things were just going as she had planned.

Actually, from the start, Du Bai was playing a psychological game. Observing Qin Yulong’s previous matches, she noticed his victories came from his relaxed approach; facing Wei Qingqian’s strength, he became even bolder. She figured a little psychological pressure might dampen his spirits. Being looked down on by an opponent would surely stir anger, preventing him from focusing and showcasing his skills. The crowd, eager for thrilling shots, would add to the pressure by pushing Qin Yulong to avoid risks, all while she subtly set the stage for her next move.

Snooker tests not only technical skills but also psychological resilience; only the strongest can triumph.

Du Bai carefully applied chalk to her cue, approached the table, and amidst a chorus of cheering, skillfully played her shot, leaving only the last red (black) ball. She secured the third frame.

Winning three frames in a row, Du Bai pushed the match to a heated climax. The final deciding frame drew intense attention from both players. Where Qin Yulong once felt confident, now sweat glistened on his forehead. Meanwhile, Du Bai maintained her composed demeanor, her half-closed eyes revealing little emotion and no trace of anxiety, calmly polishing her cue by the side.

Perhaps that’s what true mastery looks like, thought Wei Qingqian, feeling as though he had learned a lot in an instant, though he couldn’t quite articulate what it was. It felt like a fleeting sense, elusive and intangible.

It might be because Du Bai never sinks the red (black) ball. One of Qin Yulong’s sidekicks seemed to notice something. “Bro Long, that girl doesn’t seem to hit the red ball.”

Upon hearing this, Du Bai paused for a moment, looking up at the person before continuing to nonchalantly polish her cue. Qin Yulong observed her movements carefully but found nothing unusual. Already temperamental, the current situation only made him more frustrated. The opportunity slipping away before his eyes and the potential consequences weighing on him made him seethe with anger. He shot a fierce glare at the guy, “Didn’t that woman already say she doesn’t like it? Or do you want me to lose ten grand? Stop bothering me, or I’ll deal with you later.”

The sidekick wanted to say more, but seeing Qin Yulong’s rising temper, he fell silent. Losing the game was a minor issue; losing his life was a major one. He dejectedly retreated to the side.

Du Bai smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Thanks to Qin Yulong’s arrogance and hot temper, she knew how to proceed. Her eyes glinted with determination. His fiery nature was sealing his fate.

The deciding frame began with Qin Yulong breaking. The crowd was particularly enthusiastic, shouting for him to break the balls. Although it was April and the weather in Fanyang wasn’t hot, Qin Yulong’s back felt drenched, his sweat trickling down. Glancing around, his eyes briefly rested on the ten grand placed nearby. Gritting his teeth, with veins bulging, he lightly pushed the cue ball to nudge the black (red) balls. The crowd responded with a chorus of boos, but he ignored them, sitting at his spot, thinking that even the best luck and skills run out eventually. He refused to believe this woman could always be so fortunate.

Du Bai glanced at Qin Yulong, raising an eyebrow, ignoring the jeering crowd. In her mind, nothing existed but the game. She, like Qin Yulong, gently nudged the ball cluster with the cue ball, causing the spectators to erupt.

Du Bai’s three consecutive wins had completely subdued Qin Yulong, making him excessively cautious and conservative in this game. The slow progress seemed to conceal an underlying turbulence, like a calm lake awaiting a storm. With each turn, Qin Yulong grew more irritable and sullen, his patience wearing thin, poised on the edge of an outburst. In stark contrast, Du Bai’s eyes gleamed with sharp focus, her demeanor as serene and unruffled as ever. Occasionally, a sly smile played on her lips.

To a true connoisseur, the outcome was already clear.

It was almost inevitable that the mounting tension would lead to an eruption. Finally, Qin Yulong could no longer control himself and forcefully scattered the balls. By sheer luck, two balls found their way into the pockets. Qin Yulong’s brief moment of triumph was shattered when the cue ball also rolled into a pocket, resulting in a foul and giving Du Bai five points. It was her turn.

Dejected, Qin Yulong slumped in his seat while Wei Qingqian cheered. Du Bai glanced at him briefly, then, dropping her polishing cloth, she gracefully approached the table.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. With every ball Du Bai potted, the crowd called out the points in unison.

Red ball in, 6 points.

Pink ball in, 12 points.

Each announcement felt like a dagger to Qin Yulong’s heart. He gripped his cue tightly.

Red ball in, 13 points.

Pink ball in, 19 points.

Du Bai’s focus remained unwavering, although waves of dizziness started to wash over her. She wanted to shake her head, to clear the overlapping images of the balls and the oily, sweaty feel of the room. Hang on, she told herself, just two more sets, and you can rest.

A sudden bout of dizziness hit her hard. Du Bai bit her lip, using the pain to maintain her consciousness. As she took her shot, she knew immediately that it was off-target. She silently cursed. Although six red balls remained, it wasn’t yet a guaranteed win, and she really disliked these uncertain moments.

With steady steps, Du Bai walked back to the resting area. The onlookers had no idea that each step took a monumental effort to maintain her composure. For Du Bai, maintaining this façade of calm required immense energy.

Qin Yulong opened a bottle of water, took a sip, then poured the rest over his head to steady his nerves. He shook his head roughly, flinging off the excess water, wiped his hands with a cloth, and grabbed his cue with determination, striding confidently towards the pool table. As a Hall Master of the Qing Gang, he hadn’t ascended to his position without skill and resilience. Meanwhile, Du Bai sat pale-faced in the resting area, sipping from a cup Wei Qingqian held for her. She seemed too drained to even lift the cup herself, focusing solely on conserving her energy, oblivious to Qin Yulong’s situation.

Qin Yulong tried to quell the turmoil inside, telling himself to stay calm and manage his emotions. He had faced countless challenges before; surely, he wouldn’t be bested by a woman now. All he needed was to make the next shot. Ignoring the murmurs from the crowd, he began a painstakingly long process of aiming.

“Click.”

The black (red) ball went in, 1 point.

He watched the cue ball spin and settle in the center of the table. Not a bad spot, better than hugging the cushion. He carefully evaluated the spread. The red (black) ball had a higher point value but was far down a pocket path-a long shot, and not his strong suit. It wasn’t the time to take risks. He then glanced at the nearby yellow ball, turned his focus, aimed carefully. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t bother with such an easy shot, but now he appreciated every opportunity.

The yellow ball went in, adding two points, 3 points.

Turning back to the black (red) ball, he aimed with precision.

The black (red) ball went in, adding one point, 4 points.

The red (black) ball went in, adding seven points, 11 points.

Another black (red) ball, adding one point, 12 points.

The blue ball went in, adding five points, 17 points.

Another black (red) ball, adding one point, 18 points.

The red (black) ball went in, adding seven points, 25 points.

Another black (red) ball, adding one point, 26 points.

The red (black) ball went in, adding seven points, 33 points.

Slowly but surely, Qin Yulong’s composure returned. His shots grew smoother and more accurate, showcasing his stable prowess.

The black (red) ball went in, adding one point, 34 points.

The red (black) ball went in, adding seven points, 41 points.

With all six black (red) balls pocketed, Qin Yulong sighed in relief. He reminded himself that he had weathered many storms before and convinced himself that he would ultimately emerge victorious.

Wei Qingqian was growing anxious. He nudged Du Bai, only to find her still feigning sleep. Tears of frustration welled up in his eyes. The commotion caught Qin Yulong’s attention, and when he turned around to see Du Bai seemingly asleep, he was incensed. Biting his lip, he glared at Du Bai with fury. Just wait until I beat you fair and square, and then I’ll have my fun, he thought bitterly.

Despite her appearance, Du Bai was keenly aware of everything happening on the table. She slowly opened her eyes, her tired but strikingly deep gaze fixing on the game. Fear could be an opportunity, she thought, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Wei Qingqian noticed her smile and felt an odd sensation, almost inexplicable, stirring within him. What could Du Bai possibly find amusing in this situation? Following her gaze, he saw the pink ball on the table but couldn’t grasp its significance.

When he accidentally glimpsed Qin Yulong’s arm, he swallowed nervously.

Du Bai glanced at Wei Qingqian, then rolled her eyes at his oblivious expression. She gave him a sharp flick on the back of the head, catching him off guard. He winced in pain, thinking, Couldn’t this damn woman go a bit easier?

“Does it hurt?” she asked.

“No kidding, want to try hitting yourself?” Wei Qingqian snapped back.

“Give me your Swiss Army knife,” Du Bai demanded, unaffected by his irritation.

Without another word, Wei Qingqian dug into his bag, though he couldn’t help but ask, “How did you know I had one?”

“I saw it when I rescued you the last time. It’s always useful to know what you have so I can claim my due rewards, isn’t it?”

“Hmph,” Wei Qingqian pouted, handing her the knife. “Can you get any more shameless?” he muttered.

Raising an eyebrow, Du Bai didn’t take the knife. “Open the sharpest blade,” she ordered.

Confused, Wei Qingqian saw the determination in her eyes and complied. Handing it back to her, he asked, “What do you need it for?”

Du Bai inspected the blade, and a calculating smile appeared on her face, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Here’s your chance to get some payback,” she said. With those words, she guided Wei Qingqian’s hand to cut into her right leg.

Wei Qingqian was stunned. He watched in shock as crimson blood started to flow, and he couldn’t help but scream, “What are you doing?”

Many eyes turned toward them, but Qin Yulong only narrowed his gaze at them briefly before nonchalantly resuming his aim at the brown ball.

Du Bai smiled faintly, “Keep it down,” she murmured, her focus never wavering. She didn’t look at her wound even once. What kind of bitterness was she hiding beneath such composure?

Pain indeed has a way of sharpening the mind.

As the brown ball rolled into a pocket, Du Bai whispered to the visibly panicked Wei Qingqian, “Listen, there’s no time for idle talk now. In about 4 minutes, I’ll be back in the game. This is our last chance to strike back. I can’t look at the wound, so you’ll have to bandage it for me. Do it quickly and tightly.”

Seeing Wei Qingqian struggling to steady his trembling hands, Du Bai sighed softly, realizing he was still just a kid. She gently placed her hand on his head, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ve studied medicine; the wound didn’t hit the femoral artery. It’s just a minor cut.”

Her touch and words inexplicably calmed Wei Qingqian, who began to focus and stop panicking. He carefully ripped open the fabric around the wound and tightly bandaged it, occasionally glancing at Du Bai. Her eyes were closed, her face pale and expressionless. If not for the beads of sweat on her forehead, no one would have known the pain she was enduring.

Once the bandaging was done, the tension eased. Realizing how intimate his actions had been, Wei Qingqian’s face turned bright red. Du Bai, however, paid it no mind.

Sure enough, Qin Yulong missed his shot on the pink ball, and it was Du Bai’s turn. She took her position, her eyes sparkling with a predatory excitement.

The score was 54:55.

Qin Yulong was ahead.

But only ahead, nothing more.