Outrun The World

Chapter 36

Back when He Tian learned to de-husk coconuts using bolo, he found it easy and fun. Naturally, he thought that the other was going to be a breeze. Now, after five consecutive coconuts, he realized he wasn't going to be as graceful as he imagined.

It's ironic how much effort one should apply in order to make it look like he's doing something effortlessly. Those who have been doing the same thing all their lives could pull it off and it's up to He Tian to watch in awe or be threatened by how competitive these people are. He was threatened, but even so, he was mostly in awe.

Even as Mo Guan Shan's cheers floated right to his ears, his brain took charge by shutting everything out and focusing on the most difficult task he had ever done his whole life. Sweat stung his eyes and he stopped to wipe it with the shirt slung around his neck. Finally giving up, he took it off, glanced at Mo Guan Shan with his knitted brows and slightly gaping mouth, blew some air and finally tied the shirt on his head, just over his eyebrows to keep his sweat from actually blinding him for good. He even gave his redhead a big smile to color his cheeks. It all happened in a second, because they were in a race and his burly opponent swept through his coconuts like it was made of bundled rags.

It was all muscle-memory for the other guy. And that he lacked. His own expertise required him to have precise command and manual dexterity. He was also physically fit and strong for the more demanding works involving huge slabs of stones and he's adept at controlling his strength while handling precious materials. But de-husking needed a different kind of technique, one that he thought he could learn after a few tries but if his sculpting skills were for meticulous craftsmanship, this kind of work needed brute force. It was the complete opposite of what his muscles learned to do.

Was he actually making excuses for himself? He's obviously losing now and for a moment there he wanted to just kick the metal pike and call it quits. Not like he needed the money. Everybody knew that. The bragging rights were just talk too. Nobody expected them to win. These people would never hold their loss against them because they knew they participated just to have fun. Was he having fun? This is all wrong. 

"Ah, crap," he groaned when he realized that instead of having fun, he was so fucking close to being pissed and it was not the purpose of this game in the first place.

A loud cheer erupted in the air and He Tian let out a defeated sigh and dropped his coconut, before turning to his opponent with a wide grin. At least it was over.

"Eighteen ain't bad," the older guy said, rubbing his hands together to get rid of the coir pieces stuck in his hands before offering it to He Tian.

"Yeah. Kinda proud of myself, to be honest," he answered, shaking the man's hand. "Seriously thought I was gonna faint."

"Well kid, you should be proud. You're getting there, just a few more tries."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

They laughed. Rica announced the winner and called the next pair. The man looked really glad and his little kids bounced up to him as if he just won the grand prize. It wasn't over yet. 

"Don't mind!" Rica said after the next pair took into their pikes. Clapping He Tian on the back, she stood back with her arms akimbo. "How's the arms?"

"I still have arms? Can't fucking feel them," He Tian whined and Rica pursed her lips while rolling her eyes.

"Aww boo-hoo. Go cry to your wife," she said and pushed him towards Mo Guan Shan who was already up and waiting for him with a bottle of Coke. Nato was also nearby, chatting with his friends while waiting for his turn.

"Chill, Kuya. I got this. You'll get your balato later," the boy called with a mischievous grin as he bounced on his heels, too excited to sit still. His friends even made a show of massaging his shoulders while he playfully jabbed the air like a boxer warming up his engines. "I never lose! Never ever!"