On June 17th, at 7:30 in the morning US time, Qin Chunxiao got up. It was the latest he had risen in recent days, while Er Leng was still sound asleep.
After the match against Serbia, the Chinese men’s volleyball team was completely exhausted, and no one could get up early for a morning jog today.
Qin Chunxiao put on his earphones, leaned against the headboard, and checked his phone. At this time, China had entered the night, and his parents and sister had sent him messages. He replied to each one and also checked the homework posted by the teacher in the class group.
High school assignments were quite numerous. Qin Chunxiao took out the papers from his suitcase and completed them, taking photos to send to the teacher.
He was quite efficient in doing his homework, but by the time he finished, it was already 10 o’clock in the morning. Er Leng had woken up, yawned, got up, washed up, and went out to eat breakfast, bringing one for Qin Chunxiao, who was now also doing his homework.
Because of the tight schedule and high energy consumption during the matches, Newton’s management of the team was somewhat relaxed. Mornings were left to the players to manage themselves, whether it was catching up on sleep, doing homework, or taking online classes. If it was a day without a match, they would have low-intensity training at the gym in the afternoon to maintain their competitive state. If there was a match, then all their focus was on the game.
Qin Chunxiao finished his homework before Er Leng. He was now exchanging sleep-time messages with Lu Xuandong. This guy only had time to chat between 10 pm and 11 pm, as he seemed busy the rest of the time.
Qin Chunxiao: [Did you really not spend any money on the tickets you gave me?]
Lu Xuandong: [No, I didn’t want to burden you.]
Lu Xuandong knew one thing for sure. Qin Chunxiao would never accept expensive gifts from others. It was a way for the young man to protect himself. For a public figure like him, reducing potential financial transactions with others could avoid many disputes.
Moreover, receiving benefits without reason might make one feel indebted to others. Lu Xuandong subconsciously believed that Qin Chunxiao didn’t like that, and he felt the same way.
Lu Xuandong’s reply made Qin Chunxiao believe him. In this regard, they had a strange kind of tacit understanding, built on their subtle mutual understanding.
But Lu Xuandong was indeed mature in handling matters, so Qin Chunxiao couldn’t help asking a question.
Qin Chunxiao: [Sometimes I wonder, are you really only 20 years old? You seem so mature.]
Lu Xuandong: [Regarding this question, it seems you’re not qualified to ask me, are you?]
Qin Chunxiao: [I’m different. Let me tell you a little secret; I’m actually 25 years old this year.]
In a joking manner, Qin Chunxiao mentioned his true age. In his previous life, he passed away at 22 years old, and since his rebirth, three years had already passed, making him 25 years old now.
Lu Xuandong: [My mental age is also 25, so I won’t call you “brother.”]
He thought that Qin Chunxiao was talking about his mental age when he said 25 years old, trying to coax Lu Xuandong into calling him “brother.” Qin Chunxiao didn’t explain further on this matter.
Lu Xuandong: [Good luck in the afternoon’s match.]
Qin Chunxiao: [Okay!]
Qin Chunxiao’s lunch was a corn tortilla with sliced tomatoes, fried eggs, and beef. The beef was slightly burnt. He skipped fried food and had a large cup of juice, gulping down three glasses in one go.
Having a sufficient amount of food provided him with enough energy to recover. Unfortunately, his teammates didn’t have the same recovery ability. After defeating the Serbian team, everyone was still in a tired state.
Facing the even stronger Polish team, despite their best efforts, Qiao Mingming’s jumping and attacking were significantly weaker. The team’s top scorer was already affected, let alone the rest.
Moreover, from the beginning to the end of the match, it lasted two hours and twenty minutes, but Qin Chunxiao and the others didn’t fight on the court the entire time. Newton employed a tactic of rotating the main players and substitutes during this match.
Firstly, the difference in strength between the main players and substitutes was not that significant. Sometimes, the impact on the scoring efficiency wasn’t that great when rotating. Secondly, facing Poland in a non-prime state, the probability of winning was too low. It was better to let everyone gain some experience against strong teams.
As for the real big battle, they could wait until they reached the finals. Newton studied the upcoming schedule and felt that their chances of entering the finals were high.
Although the Chinese team had consistently been at the bottom of the 16 teams in the previous men’s volleyball league, and their world ranking was only 18th, Newton was well aware that the newly formed Chinese men’s national team had touched the threshold of world-class level. As long as they continued to grow, they would definitely have a place in the top-level competitions. He was confident about this.
Newton made his decision, and when the match ended with a 3-1 score, he was already mentally prepared. However, he was worried that the players might not take it well. But to his surprise, although the group of boys felt down, they didn’t cry like they did when they lost to Brazil.
After the match, they adjusted their moods, shook hands with their Polish counterparts in a friendly manner, and even asked Sebastian for a photo.
Despite Sebastian being a famous comedian in the volleyball world, as the former number one handsome guy, he was highly popular. Many young players looked up to him as their role model.
Sebastian was interested in Qin Chunxiao because it was Qin Chunxiao who took his position as the number one handsome guy in volleyball.
Seeing Newton’s surprised expression, Chang Xiaole walked over to him and said, “They are growing fast, not only in their playing abilities but also in their mental adjustments and tactical understanding. I think when you started rotating players, they already knew that you didn’t intend for them to go all out today.”
The players respected and understood Newton’s decision, even if they were unwilling. Of course, another factor that led them to accept the decision was that they wanted to preserve their energy for tomorrow’s match against Iran.
After all, Newton had said that they needed to get two victories in the American leg to go together to Grant Park to see the concert. Moreover, winning more games would improve their world ranking and increase their chances of reaching the finals.
Newton was momentarily taken aback and felt a mix of emotions. “I feel like it hasn’t been that long, but how did they grow so much?”
Chang Xiaole replied, “Children always grow up without realizing it.”
Unbeknownst to them, their current expressions were similar to those of the parents of the group of players. Meanwhile, during the coaches’ chat, Sebastian raised his arm, allowing Qin Chunxiao to hang on it for a photo, which was then posted on Twitter.
Sebastian:
Who’s handsomer, me or him?
As a volleyball star who had played many matches on the world stage and had an outgoing personality, Sebastian had numerous well-known players among his social media contacts. After he posted this update, a group of players flooded the comment section, making fans scream with excitement.
They all replied: It’s definitely Misha Qin who’s handsomer.
Russian men’s and women’s volleyball teams, Chinese men’s and women’s volleyball teams, they all agreed that Qin Chunxiao was the handsomest, after all, he was one of them.
The world’s number one male setter, Mattia, straightforwardly said, “Misha Qin is handsome and cute.”
The captain of the Polish women’s volleyball team said, “Dear friends, be more open-minded. Although Misha is more handsome than you, you are better at making people laugh. Out of friendship, I love you more than I love him.”
Sebastian replied with several crying emojis but was not angry at all. In his words, his Lily had already agreed to become his fiancee. In this situation, he didn’t mind his fans having a crush on someone else. As long as he had Lily’s love, it was enough.
At this moment, a Twitter user with the ID “Lily” made a comment in Sebastian’s update: “Misha is handsomer.”
Sebastian’s expression changed, and he pointed at Qin Chunxiao, saying, “Misha, you must come to the VNL finals. I will definitely beat you again!”
Qin Chunxiao didn’t know what caused Sebastian’s change in attitude, but he straightened his chest and replied, “I won’t lose to you a second time!”
Li Ling, as Xiaozai’s good brother, stood beside them and enthusiastically joined in, “That’s right! Clean your neck and wait for the finals!”
Then, on June 18th, during the second match between China and Iran, Newton learned some news from Jiang Xiaohai – Poland had lost to Serbia.
Newton was shocked. “Are you kidding me? Poland is so strong, how did they lose? Did Serbia develop a tactic specifically targeting Sebastian?”
Jiang Xiaohai said, “Um, the problem is not with Serbia. They still played the same way as before. But Poland performed weakly as a whole today. It seemed like their energy was drained by bandits and hadn’t recovered, allowing Serbia to seize the opportunity.”
As for the bandits who drained Poland’s energy…
Newton and Jiang Xiaohai both looked at the group of Chinese boys, who were still entangled with Iran. Since they had dealt with a strong team like Poland yesterday, their physical condition hadn’t fully recovered, and they were having a tough time against Iran.
In yesterday’s match, although Poland won in four sets, each set was dragged by the Chinese team to over 30 points.
Newton let out a deep sigh. “I always feel like we can’t get rid of the title of robbing the rich and aiding the poor in the short term.”
Volleyball fans online started to play with the situation after hearing that Poland lost to Serbia.
[This time, China helped Poland by robbing them and aided Serbia!]
[Hey, these guys were playing too hard yesterday. If only they conserved some energy, today’s match against Iran would be easier.]
[It can’t be helped. Our kids are too young, they are not like those experienced old hands who know how to manage their energy during matches. When they face opponents, they just want to go all out, and the coaches can’t stop them from going head to head with Poland for over two hours.]
[If Coach Newton hadn’t rotated the players yesterday, today’s match would have been even tougher.]
[I declare that the biggest winner of the American leg is Serbia. Although they lost to China, they defeated higher-ranked Iran and Poland! What a blood-earning spree!]
[The most unfortunate one is Iran. I just checked the scores. Both sides are now playing the fifth set, and China is leading 13:10. Iran is about to suffer three consecutive losses.]
Although they had their energy drained by Serbia and Poland, the Chinese team’s desire for victory was still strong. This season, they were even stronger than last year. In the fifth set, with the players’ efforts, they finally secured the victory!
After the referee signaled that China had won, these passionate young men cheered excitedly.
Qiao Mingming raised his arm and shouted, “Lake Michigan!”
Liu Yuelou roared, “Concert!”
Mao Xunfeng said, “Big Fountain!”
Meanwhile, Fu Biyang and Li Ling lifted Qin Chunxiao and ran around the field with him.
At this moment, the Polish team probably had no emotional fluctuations.
Chang Xiaole raised his watch and laughed, “We still have over two hours before the concert starts. We have plenty of time for them to take a shower and have dinner before heading there.”
Newton shook his head helplessly. “I knew they could do it.”
Jiang Xiaohai took out a key and jingled it. “I’ve already rented the bus. We’re just waiting to take them there.”
That night, at Grant Park, after witnessing the waves of Lake Michigan, the Platinum Fountain shooting up to fifty meters, and the statues in the park, a group of tall, young people with yellow skin stood among the bustling crowd.
On the stage, the blond, red-lipped lead singer of the Band Perry held the microphone and sang a song called “Immortal.”
Under the shining lights, Qiao Mingming raised a selfie stick and shouted loudly, “Everyone, look at the camera!”
His teammates crowded around him, and Qin Chunxiao, being the shortest, had to be held up by Li Ling to get into the frame. Fu Biyang also lifted Jiang Xiaohai.
Everyone cheerfully called out, “Eggplant!”1
Snap.
The camera captured their youthful and radiant faces.
On June 17th, at 7:30 in the morning US time, Qin Chunxiao got up. It was the latest he had risen in recent days, while Er Leng was still sound asleep.
After the match against Serbia, the Chinese men’s volleyball team was completely exhausted, and no one could get up early for a morning jog today.
Qin Chunxiao put on his earphones, leaned against the headboard, and checked his phone. At this time, China had entered the night, and his parents and sister had sent him messages. He replied to each one and also checked the homework posted by the teacher in the class group.
High school assignments were quite numerous. Qin Chunxiao took out the papers from his suitcase and completed them, taking photos to send to the teacher.
He was quite efficient in doing his homework, but by the time he finished, it was already 10 o’clock in the morning. Er Leng had woken up, yawned, got up, washed up, and went out to eat breakfast, bringing one for Qin Chunxiao, who was now also doing his homework.
Because of the tight schedule and high energy consumption during the matches, Newton’s management of the team was somewhat relaxed. Mornings were left to the players to manage themselves, whether it was catching up on sleep, doing homework, or taking online classes. If it was a day without a match, they would have low-intensity training at the gym in the afternoon to maintain their competitive state. If there was a match, then all their focus was on the game.
Qin Chunxiao finished his homework before Er Leng. He was now exchanging sleep-time messages with Lu Xuandong. This guy only had time to chat between 10 pm and 11 pm, as he seemed busy the rest of the time.
Qin Chunxiao: [Did you really not spend any money on the tickets you gave me?]
Lu Xuandong: [No, I didn’t want to burden you.]
Lu Xuandong knew one thing for sure. Qin Chunxiao would never accept expensive gifts from others. It was a way for the young man to protect himself. For a public figure like him, reducing potential financial transactions with others could avoid many disputes.
Moreover, receiving benefits without reason might make one feel indebted to others. Lu Xuandong subconsciously believed that Qin Chunxiao didn’t like that, and he felt the same way.
Lu Xuandong’s reply made Qin Chunxiao believe him. In this regard, they had a strange kind of tacit understanding, built on their subtle mutual understanding.
But Lu Xuandong was indeed mature in handling matters, so Qin Chunxiao couldn’t help asking a question.
Qin Chunxiao: [Sometimes I wonder, are you really only 20 years old? You seem so mature.]
Lu Xuandong: [Regarding this question, it seems you’re not qualified to ask me, are you?]
Qin Chunxiao: [I’m different. Let me tell you a little secret; I’m actually 25 years old this year.]
In a joking manner, Qin Chunxiao mentioned his true age. In his previous life, he passed away at 22 years old, and since his rebirth, three years had already passed, making him 25 years old now.
Lu Xuandong: [My mental age is also 25, so I won’t call you “brother.”]
He thought that Qin Chunxiao was talking about his mental age when he said 25 years old, trying to coax Lu Xuandong into calling him “brother.” Qin Chunxiao didn’t explain further on this matter.
Lu Xuandong: [Good luck in the afternoon’s match.]
Qin Chunxiao: [Okay!]
Qin Chunxiao’s lunch was a corn tortilla with sliced tomatoes, fried eggs, and beef. The beef was slightly burnt. He skipped fried food and had a large cup of juice, gulping down three glasses in one go.
Having a sufficient amount of food provided him with enough energy to recover. Unfortunately, his teammates didn’t have the same recovery ability. After defeating the Serbian team, everyone was still in a tired state.
Facing the even stronger Polish team, despite their best efforts, Qiao Mingming’s jumping and attacking were significantly weaker. The team’s top scorer was already affected, let alone the rest.
Moreover, from the beginning to the end of the match, it lasted two hours and twenty minutes, but Qin Chunxiao and the others didn’t fight on the court the entire time. Newton employed a tactic of rotating the main players and substitutes during this match.
Firstly, the difference in strength between the main players and substitutes was not that significant. Sometimes, the impact on the scoring efficiency wasn’t that great when rotating. Secondly, facing Poland in a non-prime state, the probability of winning was too low. It was better to let everyone gain some experience against strong teams.
As for the real big battle, they could wait until they reached the finals. Newton studied the upcoming schedule and felt that their chances of entering the finals were high.
Although the Chinese team had consistently been at the bottom of the 16 teams in the previous men’s volleyball league, and their world ranking was only 18th, Newton was well aware that the newly formed Chinese men’s national team had touched the threshold of world-class level. As long as they continued to grow, they would definitely have a place in the top-level competitions. He was confident about this.
Newton made his decision, and when the match ended with a 3-1 score, he was already mentally prepared. However, he was worried that the players might not take it well. But to his surprise, although the group of boys felt down, they didn’t cry like they did when they lost to Brazil.
After the match, they adjusted their moods, shook hands with their Polish counterparts in a friendly manner, and even asked Sebastian for a photo.
Despite Sebastian being a famous comedian in the volleyball world, as the former number one handsome guy, he was highly popular. Many young players looked up to him as their role model.
Sebastian was interested in Qin Chunxiao because it was Qin Chunxiao who took his position as the number one handsome guy in volleyball.
Seeing Newton’s surprised expression, Chang Xiaole walked over to him and said, “They are growing fast, not only in their playing abilities but also in their mental adjustments and tactical understanding. I think when you started rotating players, they already knew that you didn’t intend for them to go all out today.”
The players respected and understood Newton’s decision, even if they were unwilling. Of course, another factor that led them to accept the decision was that they wanted to preserve their energy for tomorrow’s match against Iran.
After all, Newton had said that they needed to get two victories in the American leg to go together to Grant Park to see the concert. Moreover, winning more games would improve their world ranking and increase their chances of reaching the finals.
Newton was momentarily taken aback and felt a mix of emotions. “I feel like it hasn’t been that long, but how did they grow so much?”
Chang Xiaole replied, “Children always grow up without realizing it.”
Unbeknownst to them, their current expressions were similar to those of the parents of the group of players. Meanwhile, during the coaches’ chat, Sebastian raised his arm, allowing Qin Chunxiao to hang on it for a photo, which was then posted on Twitter.
Sebastian:
Who’s handsomer, me or him?
As a volleyball star who had played many matches on the world stage and had an outgoing personality, Sebastian had numerous well-known players among his social media contacts. After he posted this update, a group of players flooded the comment section, making fans scream with excitement.
They all replied: It’s definitely Misha Qin who’s handsomer.
Russian men’s and women’s volleyball teams, Chinese men’s and women’s volleyball teams, they all agreed that Qin Chunxiao was the handsomest, after all, he was one of them.
The world’s number one male setter, Mattia, straightforwardly said, “Misha Qin is handsome and cute.”
The captain of the Polish women’s volleyball team said, “Dear friends, be more open-minded. Although Misha is more handsome than you, you are better at making people laugh. Out of friendship, I love you more than I love him.”
Sebastian replied with several crying emojis but was not angry at all. In his words, his Lily had already agreed to become his fiancee. In this situation, he didn’t mind his fans having a crush on someone else. As long as he had Lily’s love, it was enough.
At this moment, a Twitter user with the ID “Lily” made a comment in Sebastian’s update: “Misha is handsomer.”
Sebastian’s expression changed, and he pointed at Qin Chunxiao, saying, “Misha, you must come to the VNL finals. I will definitely beat you again!”
Qin Chunxiao didn’t know what caused Sebastian’s change in attitude, but he straightened his chest and replied, “I won’t lose to you a second time!”
Li Ling, as Xiaozai’s good brother, stood beside them and enthusiastically joined in, “That’s right! Clean your neck and wait for the finals!”
Then, on June 18th, during the second match between China and Iran, Newton learned some news from Jiang Xiaohai – Poland had lost to Serbia.
Newton was shocked. “Are you kidding me? Poland is so strong, how did they lose? Did Serbia develop a tactic specifically targeting Sebastian?”
Jiang Xiaohai said, “Um, the problem is not with Serbia. They still played the same way as before. But Poland performed weakly as a whole today. It seemed like their energy was drained by bandits and hadn’t recovered, allowing Serbia to seize the opportunity.”
As for the bandits who drained Poland’s energy…
Newton and Jiang Xiaohai both looked at the group of Chinese boys, who were still entangled with Iran. Since they had dealt with a strong team like Poland yesterday, their physical condition hadn’t fully recovered, and they were having a tough time against Iran.
In yesterday’s match, although Poland won in four sets, each set was dragged by the Chinese team to over 30 points.
Newton let out a deep sigh. “I always feel like we can’t get rid of the title of robbing the rich and aiding the poor in the short term.”
Volleyball fans online started to play with the situation after hearing that Poland lost to Serbia.
[This time, China helped Poland by robbing them and aided Serbia!]
[Hey, these guys were playing too hard yesterday. If only they conserved some energy, today’s match against Iran would be easier.]
[It can’t be helped. Our kids are too young, they are not like those experienced old hands who know how to manage their energy during matches. When they face opponents, they just want to go all out, and the coaches can’t stop them from going head to head with Poland for over two hours.]
[If Coach Newton hadn’t rotated the players yesterday, today’s match would have been even tougher.]
[I declare that the biggest winner of the American leg is Serbia. Although they lost to China, they defeated higher-ranked Iran and Poland! What a blood-earning spree!]
[The most unfortunate one is Iran. I just checked the scores. Both sides are now playing the fifth set, and China is leading 13:10. Iran is about to suffer three consecutive losses.]
Although they had their energy drained by Serbia and Poland, the Chinese team’s desire for victory was still strong. This season, they were even stronger than last year. In the fifth set, with the players’ efforts, they finally secured the victory!
After the referee signaled that China had won, these passionate young men cheered excitedly.
Qiao Mingming raised his arm and shouted, “Lake Michigan!”
Liu Yuelou roared, “Concert!”
Mao Xunfeng said, “Big Fountain!”
Meanwhile, Fu Biyang and Li Ling lifted Qin Chunxiao and ran around the field with him.
At this moment, the Polish team probably had no emotional fluctuations.
Chang Xiaole raised his watch and laughed, “We still have over two hours before the concert starts. We have plenty of time for them to take a shower and have dinner before heading there.”
Newton shook his head helplessly. “I knew they could do it.”
Jiang Xiaohai took out a key and jingled it. “I’ve already rented the bus. We’re just waiting to take them there.”
That night, at Grant Park, after witnessing the waves of Lake Michigan, the Platinum Fountain shooting up to fifty meters, and the statues in the park, a group of tall, young people with yellow skin stood among the bustling crowd.
On the stage, the blond, red-lipped lead singer of the Band Perry held the microphone and sang a song called “Immortal.”
Under the shining lights, Qiao Mingming raised a selfie stick and shouted loudly, “Everyone, look at the camera!”
His teammates crowded around him, and Qin Chunxiao, being the shortest, had to be held up by Li Ling to get into the frame. Fu Biyang also lifted Jiang Xiaohai.
Everyone cheerfully called out, “Eggplant!”1
Snap.
The camera captured their youthful and radiant faces.
