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My Soulmate is a Libero - Chapter 142

Published at 14th of September 2023 07:24:41 AM


Chapter 142

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Chapter 142 Do Your Best

My Soulmate is A Libero

In September, the Pozan Station and several video platforms released a documentary titled “Zhe Yue and Sports.” At first glance, it seemed like a promotional video for the company, but once people watched it, many documentary enthusiasts couldn’t help but give a thumbs up, praising it as a great piece.

[Sizzling…]

A burst of sound came from the screen. Old staunch fans of Lu Xuandong, current volleyball enthusiasts, and friends who had mingled in the same circle before, all watched the documentary together.

Hei Shui, who used to be a staunch fan, chose to leave the fan circle along with Lu Xuandong’s retirement. She focused on her college entrance exams and received an acceptance letter from her desired university this year. After graduating, she would become a nurse. Currently, her leisure time was filled with sports events.

Since the sports side didn’t emphasize “only fans,” Hei Shui developed a liking for many athletes. They might not have looks comparable to stars, but they radiated health and positivity, with a spirit of determination and fierceness. This provided great motivation for her during her senior year of high school.

So, when Hei Shui heard that many athletes had collaborated with Zhe Yue to make this documentary, she immediately searched for it. To her surprise, she could watch the documentary without a membership. As an aspiring university student with no income source, after being swiped by various video platforms, how could she afford to buy popsicles?

However, as the opening song concluded, Hei Shui realized that this documentary was… truly a documentary.

The first 30 minutes mainly discussed the events of the 1980s when Zhe Yue’s founder, Lu Hao, recognized business opportunities and became one of the lucky ones riding the wave. Of course, the documentary couldn’t outright call their own chairman a “pig,” and most viewers could only admire Lu Hao as they watched.

Some older viewers joked, “Maybe these 30 minutes were specifically made to please Lu Hao.”

Comments on the video screen::

【I think in this documentary, Lao Lu’s son had a hand in it. What do you guys think?】

【Given Boss Dong’s emotional intelligence, yeah, he could really do something like this.】

【This documentary is quite uplifting with the family history. If they find a few more people to act in a TV series, Lao Lu would become a legendary businessman.】

【Please don’t, the glorious history of Lao Lu and the suffering history of Xiao Lu happened concurrently. How would the script handle the part where Xiao Lu was abducted by human traffickers and suffered in a rural village? Especially considering Lao Lu had another child.】

However, starting from the 30-minute mark, the content of the documentary began to shift in another direction.

First, they took viewers on a tour of the workspace, highlighting the quality of their products. Later, they showcased the benefits and perks of the employees who contributed to creating such high-quality products.

In reality, their employee benefits were just slightly above the industry average, consisting of a bit higher salary along with social insurance and housing fund. But for those who performed well and received year-end bonuses, they ended up earning an average of 14 months’ worth of salary in a year. Additionally, they established an affordable housing community not far from the factory, providing low-rent apartments for employees.

A one-bedroom apartment cost 90 yuan per month. If someone wanted to bring their family along, after registration, they could pay 200 yuan and stay in a two-bedroom apartment. Water, electricity, and gas were separate charges, while property management fees were covered by Zhe Yue.

Oh, right, they even specifically filmed the interior of these affordable housing units. Although they were all simply furnished, it was clear they were kept clean and came with all the necessary furniture and appliances. Employees could just move in with their bags.

Hei Shui was shocked, “Doesn’t that mean I can rent a good apartment with a week’s worth of pocket money?”

Many working professionals who saw this scene looked on with envy. 200 yuan for a two-bedroom apartment? This rent was probably unheard of outside, maybe even houses with deaths in them wouldn’t go for that price.

In addition, Zhe Yue also provided a special maternity subsidy, regardless of gender. As long as an employee or their spouse had been with the company for more than a year and got pregnant, they could receive the subsidy and three months of maternity leave. The company also set up a daycare center for employees to take care of infants from 10 months to 3 years old, organizing activities with early education programs.

As for the employee cafeteria, well, within Zhe Yue’s factory, employees could eat an all-you-can-eat buffet for just 5 yuan.

Furthermore, they strictly enforced an eight-hour workday, and while overtime was possible, there were specific rules to limit it to prevent accidents caused by excessive overtime.

Viewers: I think this documentary will not only increase Zhe Yue’s brand awareness but also solve their recruitment worries in the future.

[Wow, does Zhe Yue still have job openings?]

[Unfortunately, they just finished a round of campus recruitment hahaha. Currently, the staff is already at full capacity.]

[My cousin works at Zhe Yue, she’s just an ordinary worker, but she mentioned that the benefits there are really good and practical. However, this was gradually improved after the rise of Prince Dong. He has experienced hardships and is willing to understand the people below him.]

[In the development of capital, there is certainly “exploitation,” but if all businesses can achieve this mild form of exploitation and give back a portion of the profits to employees, many people would eagerly go for it. Sigh…]

[Can I say that I envy their strict eight-hour workday policy?]

[Did you guys see how the brother who was initially groomed as the heir by Prince Dong’s family was sent to a food factory for a “transformation show,” and now he’s in the entertainment industry? And Prince Dong himself is doing so well at Zhe Yue. I can only use two words to describe this: impressive!]

In fact, many of the benefits shown in the documentary were gradually adjusted and improved after Lu Xuandong’s rise to power. It was as if a portion of the capital gains were given back to the workers. Due to upgrades in products and quality assurance, Zhe Yue’s profitability had actually improved compared to before. Moreover, a group of senior and middle management quietly aligned themselves with the prince.

Senior and middle management probably thought that Xiao Lu was even more considerate than Lao Lu. Plus, since he was providing such benefits and Zhe Yue’s profitability was increasing instead of decreasing, it showed that he was on the right track.

After narrating the company’s history and its welfare and culture, the documentary entered its final phase, focusing on “Zhe Yue and Sports.”

In this part, the documentary didn’t forcefully emphasize Zhe Yue anymore. Instead, the focus shifted to the athletes.

The harsh reality of competitive sports began to show – weightlifters lifting weights three times their body weight, sprinters challenging the 100-meter dash in 10 seconds, volleyball players sliding to the ground to save the ball.

How could this not be physically demanding?

Zhe Yue’s product design team appeared on screen, explaining their design philosophy, research on materials, and their application. Then, the documentary showed designers customizing equipment for the athletes.

GOAT, the star of the weightlifting team and Zhe Yue’s main spokesperson, appeared first. With his handsome face and a physique that earned him the title of “Incomparable Beauty” in both fitness and bodybuilding, he smiled modestly and, together with his coach, expressed their requirements for weightlifting shoes and knee pads.

The queen of freestyle swimming followed suit, offering her input on swimming goggles and swimsuits. The designers took note of her ideas and were determined to create top-quality equipment according to her preferences.

Qin Chunxiao also made an appearance on camera, instantly catching the attention of many documentary viewers.

Carrying a sports bag over his shoulder, wearing a white sports vest with a hood, and a large One Piece logo on his chest, he wore blue sports pants and patterned hole shoes. Aside from the sports headband, he didn’t look much different from the typical high school boys in Guangdong. As he entered Zhe Yue’s headquarters, a refreshing youthfulness emanated from him.

Then, he engaged in a conversation with Lu Xuandong, and the popular internet celebrity in charge of the interview approached them, saying, “Hello, Chunxiao, I’m the UP host Dou Deng. Are you here to collect your equipment for the Asian Games from Zhe Yue?”

Qin Chunxiao shook hands with Dou Deng, saying, “I came as soon as I received the notice.”

Lu Xuandong stepped aside silently, leaving only Qin Chunxiao and the UP host Dou Deng in the frame.

In a certain chat group:

Group Leader: [Guys, is this the first time we’ve seen Dong and Chun chatting?]

Anonym 2: [I didn’t expect them to actually talk. It’s a bit disappointing yet also expected.]

Anonym 5: [Sigh, this is probably the only time Yomi’s milk went unused.]

Anonym 7: [But they seem to have a good relationship!]

Dou Deng, a male UP host standing at 1.75 meters, graduated in broadcasting. He had always thought of himself as not too short, especially in Guangdong, where the average height was lower. He also frequented the gym. However, standing before Qin Chunxiao, he suddenly felt short and chubby.

Qin Chunxiao was not only 179.3 centimeters tall but also stood tall with an exceptionally refined posture. With low body fat, his body was a collection of well-defined muscles, with smooth lines on his arms. He looked like a leopard ready to pounce on its prey at any moment – agile and explosive.

Numerous fans who adored Qin Chunxiao’s appearance typed away.

[Chunxiao’s physique is incredible, I’m drooling!]

[The ceiling for athletic beauties has been raised!]

[Within in the group, I always thought my wolf was slender. But now, looking at his arms and the comparison with Dou Deng, I realize he’s also in the category of tall and muscular!]]

[The temperament of a wolf, the physique of a leopard. I love this wild animal type of beauty!]

[Back when he was in the Youth World Championships, he had a delicate and fragile image. But now, he has grown taller, transforming from a boy to a man. He’s even more charming now. No, my heart is already thumping!]

Dou Deng asked Qin Chunxiao a few questions before leading him to the equipment room for a fitness assessment.

Qin Chunxiao casually took off his shirt, allowing the staff to measure his body data. A designer praised his wingspan in English, causing Qin Chunxiao to shyly smile and the designer, who only reached his shoulders, to blush.

Dou Deng crouched to the side and made a sly expression to the camera. “Dear audience, the number one handsome guy in volleyball is truly as advertised. Did you know he’s even more handsome in person than he appears on screen? Especially his eyes, wow, they’re even more beautiful than sapphires!”

As part of the routine, Qin Chunxiao sat on a stool and was interviewed.

Qin Chunxiao: “I got to know Zhe Yue last year when my coach informed me that a brand was interested in having me as their spokesperson. They offered to sponsor my future sports equipment, so I agreed.”

“Working with Zhe Yue has been really pleasant because they never interfere with my competitions and studies. The staff also communicate with me extensively when designing sports shoes, considering my ideas.”

“Yes, during the VNL China competition, I had so much training that I wore out my insoles. Zhe Yue immediately provided me with a whole package of new insoles. I’m very grateful for their care toward athletes.”

At this point, Qin Chunxiao smiled at someone off-camera.

Anyone who followed Qin Chunxiao’s online activities knew that it was Lu Xuandong who had sent him the insoles during the VNL China competition.

The cameraman promptly shifted the focus, capturing Lu Xuandong leaning against a wall, arms crossed, smiling as he gazed in Qin Chunxiao’s direction.

At that moment, everyone who thought they were indulging in a “Lalang CP”-Luan Xuan Dong and Qin Chunxiao’s ship name- scenario fell silent.

We know you two have a star and fan relationship, but are you aware that with your looks, this smiling eye contact scene can spark many fantasies?

Dou Deng asked Qin Chunxiao, “You guys seem to be quite familiar?”

Qin Chunxiao replied, “Yes, Dongzi is very nice. So, I gave him the tickets for the VNL finals. He attended our VNL finals.”

Their relationship was quite good!

After wrapping up the segment where Qin Chunxiao received his equipment, the documentary’s final section focused on the athletes’ performances at the Jakarta Asian Games.

The weightlifting GOAT won the championship again, while the freestyle swimming queen had to withdraw from the semifinals due to injury. Qin Chunxiao, wearing the specially designed Fly Wolf Asian Games uniform, secured the gold medal at the Asian Games along with his teammates. However, after the competition, the organizers had a dilemma regarding whether to award him the title of “Best Libero” or “Best Receiver.” After a meeting, they decided to give the “Best Receiver” award to Tong Shulan and the “Best Libero” award to Qin Chunxiao, and they also gave a surprise MVP award to Qin.

With this, Qin Chunxiao had successfully earned all the libero honors in the Asian region. He was also the youngest player to achieve this accomplishment among Asian liberos.

After the competition, Dou Deng, who was abroad on a business trip, held the microphone in front of Qin Chunxiao and asked, “Chunxiao, congratulations on winning the championship and getting the titles of Best Libero and MVP. How do you feel now?”

Qin Chunxiao leaned on Li Ling and shrugged helplessly, saying, “There’s not much to say, I’m just really tired and want to rest well.”

During the Asian Cup period, several members of the Chinese team got injured, and the short gap between the Asian Cup and the Asian Games didn’t allow injured players to recover in time. Healthy players had to shoulder more responsibility. Qin Chunxiao participated in all the Asian Games matches to ensure that China’s men’s volleyball team’s defense wouldn’t be breached. However, by the end of the competition, he was also dealing with fatigue.

According to the injury report for athletes released at the end of the documentary with the consent of the athletes and coaching staff.

The weightlifting team’s GOAT, who won the championship, was in his thirties and had been struggling with a serious waist injury. He needed minimally invasive surgery upon returning to China.

The freestyle swimming queen had been dealing with a severe shoulder injury. Despite only winning a silver medal in the Rio Olympics, she was determined to push through to the Tokyo Olympics for her gold medal dream. She was ready to endure numerous injections, even if it meant sealing off her injuries.

The youngest athlete, Qin Chunxiao, had several injuries. His right calf, lower back, and shoulder muscles were all fatigued. His shoulder muscles had some inflammation, and combined with a wrist sprain, he would need at least half a month of recovery after the Asian Games. Currently, his main concern as a young athlete was not being able to train during his recovery period, which might affect his body fat.

But whether athletes get injured or not, it’s something they and their coaches can’t fully control. No matter how meticulous their maintenance routines are, pushing the limits of human performance inevitably takes a toll on the body. While they are among the best in terms of physical condition within the human population, they are still not immune to injuries.

In the final segment of the documentary, Lu Hao sat on a bench in a park and commented, “Zhe Yue is a sports brand that has focused on mass-market sports equipment in recent years. However, we are genuinely interested in the field of competitive sports. We have witnessed the efforts and struggles of many athletes, including their battles against injuries.”

“Injuries are cruel. Several talented athletes had their futures shattered by injuries. Therefore, to reduce the damage caused by sports, Zhe Yue increased its investment in product development this year. We hope that our efforts can alleviate some of the pressure on athletes.”

Lu Hao nodded with a smile. “Of course, as a company, we also have a sense of social responsibility. We pay taxes on time, adhere to labor laws, and this year, we have initiated several meaningful projects to help children in mountainous areas engage in sports. We hope to bring about positive changes for them. And we’re even building schools. After all, education is the most transformative factor in a person’s life.”

“We hope that through our efforts, Zhe Yue can become a great brand that doesn’t disappoint in terms of both products and culture.”

Seeing this scene, many loyal customers of Zhe Yue products were moved. However, some insiders sarcastically commented that Xiao Lu was deliberately passing on the last part to Lao Lu.

It was possible that the words spoken by Lu Hao were actually written by Lu Xuandong. This was something Lu Xuandong had learned when he met Qin Chunxiao for dinner after the Asian Games.

Qin Chunxiao chuckled and teased, “Your dad only realized he forgot his prepared speech right before filming, and he had to ask you to hold cue cards for him? That’s quite amusing, hahaha.”

Lu Xuandong patted his back a few times, looking somewhat frustrated. “If something like this happens again, I’ll have his secretary hold the cue cards. He complained that I was too tall, and he had to look up to read them. It didn’t look natural on camera.”

Qin Chunxiao continued to laugh. “Who asked you to be two meters tall just by wearing shoes? You could touch the ceiling with a lift of your hand. Cut your dad some slack.”

Lu Xuandong replied, “I’m already cutting him plenty of slack.”

Recently, Lao Lu got so drunk that he almost fell down the stairs. It was Lu Xuandong who managed to hold him back and took him to the hospital. It turned out he had a fractured leg. As a result, Lu Xuandong had been overseeing various matters of Zhe Yue recently. He hadn’t even given his dad a raise for this, and that wasn’t considered understanding?

Now, Lu Xuandong felt that there were a few unreliable aspects in every member of his family. They all had their moments of defiance, and none of them listened well. It seemed that Mei Xiangnan, who attended high school in Qingdao, was the most sensible one.

Qin Chunxiao rested his chin on his hands and asked, “I heard from Yu Qing that you recorded a new song?”

Luan Xuandong sliced the steak and pushed it in front of Qin Chunxiao, saying, “It can’t be considered a new song. I just collected songs that Yu Ling likes, bought the copyrights, and did covers. I sent it to her family. I wanted to give it to her as a birthday present from Xiangnan to Yu Qing.”

Qin Chunxiao: “I want to listen.”

Luan Xuandong: “It’s saved on the computer. I’ll go get it now…”

“Why don’t you just stay here?”

Lu Xuandong halted his steps, noticing Qin Chunxiao tilting his chin, looking at the guitar placed by the sofa. Lu Xuandong suddenly understood and felt something indescribable.

Did Qin Chunxiao know that as long as he asked, Lu Xuandong would never be able to refuse singing for him?

Lu Xuandong and Qin Chunxiao locked eyes, he stood up, gave a gentlemanly bow to Qin Chunxiao, then took the guitar and walked gracefully to the center of the living room, settling onto a high stool.

With the prelude of the guitar, Qin Chunxiao approached him, sitting directly on the floor, leaning his upper body against the coffee table, his face pressed against the cool glass surface.

In the gentle and magnetic voice, Qin Chunxiao closed his eyes, and he remained that way until the song ended. Lu Xuandong approached with a blanket to cover him. When Qin Chunxiao opened his eyes, he looked intently at Lu Xuandong.

“When I go to St. Petersburg and you will off to university in London, congratulations on embarking on a new life.”

Lu Xuandong paused, he really wanted to tell Qin Chunxiao that he could have everything now because he had drawn the courage he needed from him, enabling him to seize a completely new life. But in the end, he just squatted beside Qin Chunxiao, took hold of his wrist which still had an adhesive bandage, and gently squeezed.

“Chunxiao, I’ll come to see you during the holidays. Please take good care of yourself and avoid getting injured again.”

Qin Chunxiao: “I want to reiterate, among athletes of the same age and competitive level, I’m part of the healthiest group. The injuries this time will recover with a bit of rest, and whether I get injured or not doesn’t matter.”

Lu Xuandong: “Please do your best to protect yourself.”

Qin Chunxiao helplessly responded, “Alright, I’ll do my best.”





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