But on the other hand…
Dou Xinshi, who had also glanced at the wall, looked as if something had physically struck him in the soul.
His eyes glazed.
Then, in one smooth motion, he dropped to one knee.
"Ten… ten Chicken-Flavored Instant Noodles… all mine…" he whispered in reverence, hands clasped together.
"This is it. My path. My calling."
Old Tiger Zhao leaned over his shoulder with a snort. "Pffft. Kid, dream on."
"Set your sights on five. I'm takin' the champ spot for myself."
He gave a confident nod, shoulders swaying.
To Old Tiger Zhao, ten instant noodles was cute.
He was dreaming bigger.
Go for the ice cream!
The games rolled on.
One after another, cue sticks were raised and chalked.
Yes, chalked.
Hao had taught them that too - how to chalk the tip properly, how it "channels energy," and how no one really knew why it helped, but it just felt right.
Feeling a bad shot coming?
Just chalk it.
Missed three balls in a row?
More chalk.
