Wei took the first timed tray. He held it with his left hand beneath the center and walked the route quickly. Water trembled at the bowls’ edges through the first turn. He shortened his step at the second, then took the wider lane Pei had cleared. A few drops escaped at the final turn, but most of the water remained.
“Time recorded,” Luo called. “Two spills.”
Wei set the tray on the stand and looked at the bowls. “I can do better.”
“You may not repeat without a fault in the course,” Luo said. “This is your timed attempt.”
Wei nodded and stepped aside. Yan took the next tray. He set his feet, then used the same slow footwork he had practiced along the work-yard stones. The familiar method warmed his legs and settled into steadier control. The internal strain of holding the form became a comfortable strength in his tendons.
He started at a measured pace. The first turn was smooth. At the second, the stone shifted under his heel.
Yan adjusted his stance before the tray could tilt. One bowl sloshed over, but the others stayed full. He reached the next stand, placed the first bowl down, and completed the route with the remaining three.
