She slowed down without realising it. Rows of seats rose around the bright green field in endless waves, filled with people wearing jerseys, scarves, painted faces, and expressions far too serious for a game that had not even begun. The floodlights poured white brilliance over the grass, making the field look almost unreal, while the sound of the crowd rolled through the air and entered Cixi's chest like thunder. Vendors moved through the aisles calling out snacks and drinks; children waved flags with complete devotion, and somewhere nearby two men were already arguing about the referee before he had even made a mistake.
Cixi stared at everything with wide eyes. "Lily, this is amazing."
Lily tried to smile. "I told you it would be..... fun."
"No, you said soccer match. I imagined people sitting quietly while men kicked a ball from one side to another."
Lily looked horrified. "Please do not say that loudly. These people will murder us before the match ends."
