Wei asked to repeat the plinth course after Yan’s run. He said he did not want to beat the score. He wanted to see whether the orthodox route could match the quick method if he stopped trying to copy Yan’s speed.
“You can use the safe curve,” Luo said. “It remains part of the trial.”
“I want the plinths again.”
“You already finished the safe route and the timed run,” Yan said. “What are you testing now?”
“Whether I can improve without changing my method.”
“That’s not as exciting as a new technique.”
“It’s more useful than chasing one.”
“You say that because you know your form.”
