Wild Rose

[Psychologist x Shooter]

/The roses of the wilderness are not withered/

/I grow wildly on a thorn-covered wasteland/

/Little rose, don't lower your head/

Jiang Qinian first heard the name Song Juan after the Olympics.

The nineteen-year-old girl made her name in a single competition, claiming the championship. Her post-event interview video went viral across the internet.

Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her face was cool and composed. Her beautiful, peach-blossom eyes held a hint of frost. There was neither pride nor humility in her expression. In a voice as calm as water, she said to the camera, "Don't pay too much attention to me."

Praise and condemnation came flooding in together.

Some admired her clear-headed strength, while others criticized her for acting aloof and proud.

-

Two years later, Song Juan faltered at the World Championships. She qualified in last place and regretfully bowed out in the round of sixteen.

As if they had finally found her weakness, a fresh wave of abuse came crashing down.

Jiang Qinian went to the shooting team to provide post-competition psychological counseling. Late one night, he happened to see Song Juan training alone in the empty gym.

Her back looked lonely, yet resolute.

Jiang Qinian thought Song Juan was like a rose: dangerous, captivating, and soul-stirring, but also fragile.

Song Juan smiled and said, "Then I'm a rose growing on a thorn-covered wasteland."

"Why?" Jiang Qinian asked.

"Because I'm wild."

I don't need to be coddled. I can make my own way upward.

Theme: Growing wild on a thorn-covered wasteland