China’s top-ranked fencer, Cai Junyan (Ryan), was eliminated from the National Games men’s individual foil quarterfinals, but the loss was immediately tempered by an impromptu and jovial interview conducted by his close friend and former university roommate, pop idol Lui Cheuk-an (Edan) of the popular group MIRROR. The unexpected encounter followed Cai’s defeat to Xu Jie of Fujian, transforming the typical somber post-match routine into a playful exchange that underscored their deep, enduring friendship.
Cai, the world number one in the discipline, lost his quarterfinal bout, ending his bid for an individual medal at the quadrennial event. While the defeat was a setback, his disposition during the unexpected media appearance suggested a level of maturity and emotional resilience that impressed his interviewer.
Pop Star Surprise Eases Elimination Sting
The unexpected interview began when Cai completed his routine media session, only to find the television reporter for VIUTV was none other than Lui Cheuk-an. Cai, visibly surprised, greeted his friend with a question acknowledging his presence: “You came?” Lui, who did not manage to see the earlier match, responded that he had planned to watch the competition.
The conversation quickly devolved into good-natured ribbing, a hallmark of their friendship. When Cai asked why Lui had arrived “so late,” Lui instantly retorted with a joke about Cai’s early exit from the tournament: “I didn’t expect you to finish so quickly.” The easy, unreserved back-and-forth between the friends suggested a reunion more than a formal interview, demonstrating an intimacy that few genuine media sessions allow.
The subject eventually turned to Cai’s feelings about the loss. Lui asked if his friend was disappointed. Cai seized the opportunity for another playful jibe, stating he was too “grown up” to be upset over a defeat, drawing a humorous comparison to Lui’s professional hurdles.
“I’m not unhappy. I’ve grown up; I won’t get lost or upset just because of a defeat—just like you don’t get upset every time you sing off-key,” Cai quipped. “If you got upset every time, it would never end.” Lui, laughing, responded that he was relieved to see Cai handling the loss with such maturity. “I thought you would be upset, but you really have grown up,” Lui said.
Focus Shifts to Team Gold Medal Bid
As the interview concluded amidst laughter, Lui, unsure of standard journalistic practice, had to seek guidance from his crew on further questions. Prompted by an off-camera colleague, Lui managed to ask Cai about the experience of competing on home turf and receiving fan support. Cai, maintaining the lighthearted tone, jokingly suggested that most of the cheers were likely meant for his celebrity friend.
Cai reaffirmed his commitment to the remaining competition, stating his focus was now entirely on the men’s team event, where he aims to secure the gold medal. He even extended a challenge to his friend, asking Lui if he would come to watch the team final. Lui’s humorous, stuttering response provided yet another moment of levity before the unconventional interview wrapped up.
Despite missing the individual bout, Lui Cheuk-an’s post-match appearance served as a powerful emotional release for Cai Junyan after a demanding competition. The exchange highlighted the athlete’s ability to compartmentalize setbacks and reinforced the crucial role of personal support systems, illustrating that sometimes, a good laugh with a close friend is the best response to defeat. Cai now prepares to lead the team, hoping to dominate the collective event alongside his teammates, fulfilling his stated aspiration to monopolize men’s foil medals in future competitions.
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