My Soulmate is A Libero
Thanks to the codfish, the friendship between the Chinese and Russian men’s volleyball teams grew even stronger.
In fact, the Bronte Restaurant didn’t actually do anything immoral like substituting oilfish for codfish, but the codfish wasn’t fresh enough. As a result, both the Chinese and Russian men’s volleyball teams ended up in the hospital due to the codfish.
Once again, the doctor questioned Qin Chunxiao about why he was unaffected. The doctor even worried that Qin Chunxiao might have contracted bacteria but it hadn’t manifested yet, so he suggested a blood test.
Qin Chunxiao: “No need, really. I was just joking. I’m lucky to have not eaten codfish while going out.”
How was he supposed to explain? Back when he ate spoiled dumplings and ended up in the hospital with his parents and sister, they had all undergone blood tests and found no signs of infection.
Dr. Wang had said at the time that his immune and digestive systems had likely eradicated the bacteria. However, what if the doctor who was currently pestering him found out? Who would want to be chased around for blood tests?
Who would willingly endure being poked with needles all the time?
The doctor took Qin Chunxiao’s words seriously, but oddly enough, everyone who knew him understood he was just talking nonsense.
Anton lay on the bed, weak to the point that even walking was a challenge. His face was pale, and his tone was certain: “Misha, you definitely ate the codfish too.”
Qin Chunxiao: “Why are you so sure?”
Anton: “You wouldn’t miss a meal. Going out without eating is not your style.”
Soso chimed in with a cheerful smile, “Anton really knows Misha well.”
After saying this, Soso rushed to the restroom, accidentally bumping into Roman along the way.
Qin Chunxiao: …
This was no longer a matter of winning the game. It was more like they were forcing themselves onto the court and risking the embarrassing issue of suspicious yellow pants.
In fact, in the past, there had been instances in the VNL where a team had to miss a match due to unforeseen circumstances. The Russian team had already accumulated a lot of points, and missing one match would have been acceptable. However, these Russians were quite stubborn. On the second day, they still appeared on the court, defying the odds.
Qin Chunxiao, wearing a red jersey, gazed expressionlessly across the court. He whispered to You Ziyu, “Let’s finish this quickly. Dragging it out could lead to bigger problems.”
You Ziyu sighed deeply, “Using the restroom is indeed a big deal.”
The troublesome Bronte Restaurant had already been bombarded with angry reports from the athletes. However, the upset stomachs took some time to recover. You Ziyu suspected that the opponents had worn protective gear during the game, but he didn’t know which type.
On the Chinese side, the players with stomach issues were still hooked up to IVs. According to Team Doctor Wang Yan, when he called WADA to report the incident, he could faintly hear laughter on the other end. Both teams were probably infamous by now.
Even the commentators didn’t cover this match, choosing to watch other games instead. After all, everyone knew that athletes trying to hold in a stomachache wouldn’t perform well. Not having “yellow pants” incidents was already giving the audience face. The sports channels didn’t want their viewers to witness the exact moment their favorite players suffered. Nevertheless, this match still drew a large number of viewers.
The audience: We’re actually curious about how athletes manage to play in such conditions.
And then they noticed that all the athletes were wearing long pants today. Yes, this was specially approved by the International Volleyball Federation due to the unique circumstances. They couldn’t continue wearing their usual sports shorts during the match.
The officials at the International Volleyball Federation replied with a suppressed chuckle, “Alright, athletes, do what you can. Don’t push yourselves too hard… *chuckle*.”
With the baggy pants and certain special “gear” underneath, the issue became less conspicuous.
On the Chinese side, the seven players who were still in good health took the court. The situation was already heavily stacked against the opponents. If they couldn’t win even in these circumstances, those seven players wouldn’t need to continue playing in the future.
As for the Russian team, their perseverance was unparalleled in this match.
Their starting lineup consisted of Roman, Anton, Soso, and other key players. Despite their legs feeling like jelly and needing to rush to the restroom after just one set, they managed to fight for 17 points.
In the second set, the Russian team put in their second-string players and scored 10 points.
In the third set, the main team returned from the restroom break and fought hard, earning 23 points before reluctantly conceding victory to the Chinese team.
Honestly, Qin Chunxiao had developed a sense of admiration. If he were in the same situation, no matter how thick his adult diaper was, he would absolutely refuse to step onto the court.
After the match ended, the Russian team once again collectively rushed to the restroom. Qin Chunxiao watched their backs and sighed, “They’re all amazing people, accomplishing something I couldn’t. Fortunately, with my constitution, I shouldn’t have to worry about stomach problems for the next fifty years.”
Wang Yan said, “Have some confidence. With your physique, you won’t need to worry about urgent elimination issues for the next eighty years.”
Liu Yuelou pondered for a moment and earnestly said, “I think I could also manage to play under any circumstances. Every match opportunity is precious, and it would be such a waste to be stopped by a mere upset stomach.”
Li Ling exclaimed, “Xiao Liu, you’re quite the tough one.”
Unfortunately, when playing against the Serbian team, the surviving seven-person group didn’t have as good luck.
Serbia was also a powerhouse in volleyball. Both their men’s and women’s teams were well-known and often graced the awards podium. Fans could easily recognize their uniforms as they were frequent participants in major tournaments.
Most importantly, they didn’t have stomach issues.
Qin Chunxiao, Li Ling, Min Yaoyang, Du Xiaofeng, Liu Yuelou, Kong Duojin, and You Ziyu were all competent players. Before the match started, Jiang Xiaohai gave them instructions, “Serbia plays aggressively, seizing opportunities to score. Make sure to defend your line well.”
The seven of them took Jiang Xiaohai’s words to heart. At the start of the match, both Qin Chunxiao and Du Xiaofeng were placed in the back row to act as barriers. However, the Serbian team unexpectedly deviated from their usual aggressive style, opting for a slow and steady approach to chip away at points.
Anyone with keen insight could see their strategy.
There was no substitution option for the Chinese team. The substitutes on the bench often dashed to the restroom. Serbia was employing a physical tactics!
Xiong Wu watched with frustration, “They’re not usually like this! Suddenly changing their approach, it must be intentional!”
Others chimed in, “Xiong Blind, tell us something we don’t know!”
Xiong Wu adjusted his glasses and said indignantly, “Don’t call me Blind! I’m just a mere 600-degree myopic with astigmatism! I can’t distinguish between genders within ten meters and humans from animals within twenty meters, that’s all!”
On this day, both the Chinese and Russian teams found themselves locked in fierce battles.
However, compared to the Chinese team, the Russian team might have had a more tragic struggle. They had sent out only their ailing players, and the first set was decisively lost to the opposing team.
But, even in these circumstances, the Russian team’s performance improved instead of declining.
As the match entered the second set, Roman raised his hand and declared, “Brothers, we can’t drag this out any longer! If we’re pushed to the fifth set, we won’t last. Taking a step back will be an instant yellow pants scenario! We must win this match as quickly as possible, so we can comfortably go to the restroom. Follow me!”
“Urraaa!!”
No one knew what sort of buff these Slavic people had triggered, but apart from the first set, the Portuguese team was defeated in three consecutive sets by the Russian team. In each set, the Portuguese team’s score didn’t exceed 18 points. Finally, the Russian team won the match and they all joyfully rushed to the restroom.
Coincidentally, because both Qin Chunxiao and Li Ling played in the Russian Super League, there were Chinese fans interested in the Russian team’s performance in this match.
【Speaking of which, the temperature in the volleyball arena today wasn’t too low, right? It seems like the Russians are invigorated, as if they’ve been blessed with Siberian winter buff.】
【Volleyball matches have specific temperature requirements for the venue. It’s not like in the NBA where they can raise the venue temperature as a trick against veteran teams during the summer. I think the buff triggered by the Russian team today might be the Bloodthirsty Killback!】
【There’s no turning back because there’s poop-stained underwear behind them, right? Even in this situation, they won’t withdraw from the match. I’m impressed. No wonder the Russian team has been contending with the Brazilian team for the top spot in men’s volleyball in recent years. Their spirit is unmatched.】
【I’m sorry, I know these athletes are impressive, and they’re completely innocent victims in this situation. I should watch this match with solemnity and respect. But I just can’t help but laugh!】
The Russian team finally finished their match and coincidentally encountered Qiao Mingming, who was also headed to the restroom. Everyone exchanged wry smiles.
Anton asked, “Have you finished too?”
Qiao Mingming replied, “Uh, unfortunately, the match hasn’t ended yet. My teammates are fighting with their best tactics.”
Soso was puzzled, “Huh? What tactics?”
Qiao Mingming cleared his throat. In this moment, even though he was in the restroom, there were faint sounds of splashes nearby. But his expression changed. He spoke seriously, his voice low, his pronunciation precise, and his tone rounded, “A battle of attrition!”
The decision for Serbia to engage China in a stamina-draining battle was a complete mistake. The endurance battle was the signature skill of the current Chinese men’s volleyball team. Starting from youth competitions, they continuously dragged opponents stronger than themselves into lengthy wars of attrition, ultimately using their ample stamina to defeat them.
No one is better at enduring battles than the Chinese team!
The barrage comments from the Chinese side were also filled with amusement.
【Entering the fifth set, our athletes are becoming more and more spirited. Even the squid, who was originally lacking in stamina, is now delivering powerful serves at speeds exceeding 125 km/h.】
【My spiking efficiency is getting higher, but it’s not that I’m running faster. It’s that the opponent’s ball has slowed down. It seems that Serbia is about to be defeated by their own tactics.】
【I think if the Serbian team didn’t engage in an endurance battle and instead relied on their previously fierce attack, they might have a chance to win this match. But in an endurance battle, we Chinese are the masters!】
【Hey, Zhang Dabiao upstairs, Commissar Zhao is asking you to bring two pounds of sweet potatoes! The Captain wants to drink!】
Qiao Mingming had gone to the restroom a couple more times. When he returned to the court once again, Qin Chunxiao and the others had finally won with a score of 3:2.
The scores for the five sets were 25:23, 27:29, 31:29, 33:35, and 15:13.
From the scores, it was clear that as the match progressed, the Serbian team grew more fatigued. Their coach attempted to substitute players to drain the Chinese team’s stamina, but the seven players on the opposite side seemed to have extra stamina bars, fighting tenaciously until the end.
Qin Chunxiao panted as he left the court, using a cartoon-doughnut-patterned yellow towel to wipe his face. “Finally, it’s over.”
This kind of stamina-burning battle was indeed his strong suit. But honestly, Qin Chunxiao would rather engage in a two-hour offensive exchange with the Brazilian team than endure a match like this. It was too tiring, as if completing the match would make him lose a couple of kilograms.
Unfortunately, at this moment, Li Ling raised his phone with excitement. “Xiaozai, our match at the Portugal station is trending! It’s trending on Twitter and Weibo.”
The Chinese team members all looked puzzled, quickly grabbing their phones from their bags.
At this time, Lu Xuandong also sent a message to Qin Chunxiao. [Chunxiao, because Bai Ming’s ex-boyfriend, Wang Ziran, was also exposed as a member of a fraud syndicate, he has been arrested as well. In order to divert attention, his management company pushed your trending topic up. Do you want me to push it back down?]
Qin Chunxiao looked at the trending topic called “#CodFishTragedy#” and twitched his mouth.
As for the Twitter trending topic related to the Men’s Volleyball VNL, it was orchestrated by the FIVB President. The old man, whom many coaches and players had secretly cursed, was standing in front of the camera, rambling on about an incident involving codfish. He granted special permission for the Russian and Chinese teams to wear long pants during the match.
Most importantly, the FIVB was such a warm and humane organization, right?
Many female volleyball players from abroad then commented under this old man’s tweet, cursing vehemently, “If you’re so humane, why don’t you let us wear longer pants for games? You want the shorts to be short and tight, you enjoy it, but I’m uncomfortable! Don’t talk about preventing exposure! I can wear safety shorts under my pants!”
Qin Chunxiao blinked, then first replied to Lu Xuandong, suggesting they could leave the trending topic related to the codfish tragedy as it was and instead push Wang Ziran’s topic back down. Then, he retweeted the tweets from the female volleyball players, expressing their hope for more comfortable game pants.
He did this not only due to the FIVB old man’s antics during the World Cup but also because he didn’t hold a grudge against him for imposing rules that were clearly meant only for experimental purposes during the World Club Cup. Nor did he bear any resentment for the old man’s remarks when Meng Yuqing was nominated for the Volleyball Hall of Fame, saying “She’s too young to enter this hall for now.”
Misha Qin wasn’t such a petty person.1
My Soulmate is A Libero
Thanks to the codfish, the friendship between the Chinese and Russian men’s volleyball teams grew even stronger.
In fact, the Bronte Restaurant didn’t actually do anything immoral like substituting oilfish for codfish, but the codfish wasn’t fresh enough. As a result, both the Chinese and Russian men’s volleyball teams ended up in the hospital due to the codfish.
Once again, the doctor questioned Qin Chunxiao about why he was unaffected. The doctor even worried that Qin Chunxiao might have contracted bacteria but it hadn’t manifested yet, so he suggested a blood test.
Qin Chunxiao: “No need, really. I was just joking. I’m lucky to have not eaten codfish while going out.”
How was he supposed to explain? Back when he ate spoiled dumplings and ended up in the hospital with his parents and sister, they had all undergone blood tests and found no signs of infection.
Dr. Wang had said at the time that his immune and digestive systems had likely eradicated the bacteria. However, what if the doctor who was currently pestering him found out? Who would want to be chased around for blood tests?
Who would willingly endure being poked with needles all the time?
The doctor took Qin Chunxiao’s words seriously, but oddly enough, everyone who knew him understood he was just talking nonsense.
Anton lay on the bed, weak to the point that even walking was a challenge. His face was pale, and his tone was certain: “Misha, you definitely ate the codfish too.”
Qin Chunxiao: “Why are you so sure?”
Anton: “You wouldn’t miss a meal. Going out without eating is not your style.”
Soso chimed in with a cheerful smile, “Anton really knows Misha well.”
After saying this, Soso rushed to the restroom, accidentally bumping into Roman along the way.
Qin Chunxiao: …
This was no longer a matter of winning the game. It was more like they were forcing themselves onto the court and risking the embarrassing issue of suspicious yellow pants.
In fact, in the past, there had been instances in the VNL where a team had to miss a match due to unforeseen circumstances. The Russian team had already accumulated a lot of points, and missing one match would have been acceptable. However, these Russians were quite stubborn. On the second day, they still appeared on the court, defying the odds.
Qin Chunxiao, wearing a red jersey, gazed expressionlessly across the court. He whispered to You Ziyu, “Let’s finish this quickly. Dragging it out could lead to bigger problems.”
You Ziyu sighed deeply, “Using the restroom is indeed a big deal.”
The troublesome Bronte Restaurant had already been bombarded with angry reports from the athletes. However, the upset stomachs took some time to recover. You Ziyu suspected that the opponents had worn protective gear during the game, but he didn’t know which type.
On the Chinese side, the players with stomach issues were still hooked up to IVs. According to Team Doctor Wang Yan, when he called WADA to report the incident, he could faintly hear laughter on the other end. Both teams were probably infamous by now.
Even the commentators didn’t cover this match, choosing to watch other games instead. After all, everyone knew that athletes trying to hold in a stomachache wouldn’t perform well. Not having “yellow pants” incidents was already giving the audience face. The sports channels didn’t want their viewers to witness the exact moment their favorite players suffered. Nevertheless, this match still drew a large number of viewers.
The audience: We’re actually curious about how athletes manage to play in such conditions.
And then they noticed that all the athletes were wearing long pants today. Yes, this was specially approved by the International Volleyball Federation due to the unique circumstances. They couldn’t continue wearing their usual sports shorts during the match.
The officials at the International Volleyball Federation replied with a suppressed chuckle, “Alright, athletes, do what you can. Don’t push yourselves too hard… *chuckle*.”
With the baggy pants and certain special “gear” underneath, the issue became less conspicuous.
On the Chinese side, the seven players who were still in good health took the court. The situation was already heavily stacked against the opponents. If they couldn’t win even in these circumstances, those seven players wouldn’t need to continue playing in the future.
As for the Russian team, their perseverance was unparalleled in this match.
Their starting lineup consisted of Roman, Anton, Soso, and other key players. Despite their legs feeling like jelly and needing to rush to the restroom after just one set, they managed to fight for 17 points.
In the second set, the Russian team put in their second-string players and scored 10 points.
In the third set, the main team returned from the restroom break and fought hard, earning 23 points before reluctantly conceding victory to the Chinese team.
Honestly, Qin Chunxiao had developed a sense of admiration. If he were in the same situation, no matter how thick his adult diaper was, he would absolutely refuse to step onto the court.
After the match ended, the Russian team once again collectively rushed to the restroom. Qin Chunxiao watched their backs and sighed, “They’re all amazing people, accomplishing something I couldn’t. Fortunately, with my constitution, I shouldn’t have to worry about stomach problems for the next fifty years.”
Wang Yan said, “Have some confidence. With your physique, you won’t need to worry about urgent elimination issues for the next eighty years.”
Liu Yuelou pondered for a moment and earnestly said, “I think I could also manage to play under any circumstances. Every match opportunity is precious, and it would be such a waste to be stopped by a mere upset stomach.”
Li Ling exclaimed, “Xiao Liu, you’re quite the tough one.”
Unfortunately, when playing against the Serbian team, the surviving seven-person group didn’t have as good luck.
Serbia was also a powerhouse in volleyball. Both their men’s and women’s teams were well-known and often graced the awards podium. Fans could easily recognize their uniforms as they were frequent participants in major tournaments.
Most importantly, they didn’t have stomach issues.
Qin Chunxiao, Li Ling, Min Yaoyang, Du Xiaofeng, Liu Yuelou, Kong Duojin, and You Ziyu were all competent players. Before the match started, Jiang Xiaohai gave them instructions, “Serbia plays aggressively, seizing opportunities to score. Make sure to defend your line well.”
The seven of them took Jiang Xiaohai’s words to heart. At the start of the match, both Qin Chunxiao and Du Xiaofeng were placed in the back row to act as barriers. However, the Serbian team unexpectedly deviated from their usual aggressive style, opting for a slow and steady approach to chip away at points.
Anyone with keen insight could see their strategy.
There was no substitution option for the Chinese team. The substitutes on the bench often dashed to the restroom. Serbia was employing a physical tactics!
Xiong Wu watched with frustration, “They’re not usually like this! Suddenly changing their approach, it must be intentional!”
Others chimed in, “Xiong Blind, tell us something we don’t know!”
Xiong Wu adjusted his glasses and said indignantly, “Don’t call me Blind! I’m just a mere 600-degree myopic with astigmatism! I can’t distinguish between genders within ten meters and humans from animals within twenty meters, that’s all!”
On this day, both the Chinese and Russian teams found themselves locked in fierce battles.
However, compared to the Chinese team, the Russian team might have had a more tragic struggle. They had sent out only their ailing players, and the first set was decisively lost to the opposing team.
But, even in these circumstances, the Russian team’s performance improved instead of declining.
As the match entered the second set, Roman raised his hand and declared, “Brothers, we can’t drag this out any longer! If we’re pushed to the fifth set, we won’t last. Taking a step back will be an instant yellow pants scenario! We must win this match as quickly as possible, so we can comfortably go to the restroom. Follow me!”
“Urraaa!!”
No one knew what sort of buff these Slavic people had triggered, but apart from the first set, the Portuguese team was defeated in three consecutive sets by the Russian team. In each set, the Portuguese team’s score didn’t exceed 18 points. Finally, the Russian team won the match and they all joyfully rushed to the restroom.
Coincidentally, because both Qin Chunxiao and Li Ling played in the Russian Super League, there were Chinese fans interested in the Russian team’s performance in this match.
【Speaking of which, the temperature in the volleyball arena today wasn’t too low, right? It seems like the Russians are invigorated, as if they’ve been blessed with Siberian winter buff.】
【Volleyball matches have specific temperature requirements for the venue. It’s not like in the NBA where they can raise the venue temperature as a trick against veteran teams during the summer. I think the buff triggered by the Russian team today might be the Bloodthirsty Killback!】
【There’s no turning back because there’s poop-stained underwear behind them, right? Even in this situation, they won’t withdraw from the match. I’m impressed. No wonder the Russian team has been contending with the Brazilian team for the top spot in men’s volleyball in recent years. Their spirit is unmatched.】
【I’m sorry, I know these athletes are impressive, and they’re completely innocent victims in this situation. I should watch this match with solemnity and respect. But I just can’t help but laugh!】
The Russian team finally finished their match and coincidentally encountered Qiao Mingming, who was also headed to the restroom. Everyone exchanged wry smiles.
Anton asked, “Have you finished too?”
Qiao Mingming replied, “Uh, unfortunately, the match hasn’t ended yet. My teammates are fighting with their best tactics.”
Soso was puzzled, “Huh? What tactics?”
Qiao Mingming cleared his throat. In this moment, even though he was in the restroom, there were faint sounds of splashes nearby. But his expression changed. He spoke seriously, his voice low, his pronunciation precise, and his tone rounded, “A battle of attrition!”
The decision for Serbia to engage China in a stamina-draining battle was a complete mistake. The endurance battle was the signature skill of the current Chinese men’s volleyball team. Starting from youth competitions, they continuously dragged opponents stronger than themselves into lengthy wars of attrition, ultimately using their ample stamina to defeat them.
No one is better at enduring battles than the Chinese team!
The barrage comments from the Chinese side were also filled with amusement.
【Entering the fifth set, our athletes are becoming more and more spirited. Even the squid, who was originally lacking in stamina, is now delivering powerful serves at speeds exceeding 125 km/h.】
【My spiking efficiency is getting higher, but it’s not that I’m running faster. It’s that the opponent’s ball has slowed down. It seems that Serbia is about to be defeated by their own tactics.】
【I think if the Serbian team didn’t engage in an endurance battle and instead relied on their previously fierce attack, they might have a chance to win this match. But in an endurance battle, we Chinese are the masters!】
【Hey, Zhang Dabiao upstairs, Commissar Zhao is asking you to bring two pounds of sweet potatoes! The Captain wants to drink!】
Qiao Mingming had gone to the restroom a couple more times. When he returned to the court once again, Qin Chunxiao and the others had finally won with a score of 3:2.
The scores for the five sets were 25:23, 27:29, 31:29, 33:35, and 15:13.
From the scores, it was clear that as the match progressed, the Serbian team grew more fatigued. Their coach attempted to substitute players to drain the Chinese team’s stamina, but the seven players on the opposite side seemed to have extra stamina bars, fighting tenaciously until the end.
Qin Chunxiao panted as he left the court, using a cartoon-doughnut-patterned yellow towel to wipe his face. “Finally, it’s over.”
This kind of stamina-burning battle was indeed his strong suit. But honestly, Qin Chunxiao would rather engage in a two-hour offensive exchange with the Brazilian team than endure a match like this. It was too tiring, as if completing the match would make him lose a couple of kilograms.
Unfortunately, at this moment, Li Ling raised his phone with excitement. “Xiaozai, our match at the Portugal station is trending! It’s trending on Twitter and Weibo.”
The Chinese team members all looked puzzled, quickly grabbing their phones from their bags.
At this time, Lu Xuandong also sent a message to Qin Chunxiao. [Chunxiao, because Bai Ming’s ex-boyfriend, Wang Ziran, was also exposed as a member of a fraud syndicate, he has been arrested as well. In order to divert attention, his management company pushed your trending topic up. Do you want me to push it back down?]
Qin Chunxiao looked at the trending topic called “#CodFishTragedy#” and twitched his mouth.
As for the Twitter trending topic related to the Men’s Volleyball VNL, it was orchestrated by the FIVB President. The old man, whom many coaches and players had secretly cursed, was standing in front of the camera, rambling on about an incident involving codfish. He granted special permission for the Russian and Chinese teams to wear long pants during the match.
Most importantly, the FIVB was such a warm and humane organization, right?
Many female volleyball players from abroad then commented under this old man’s tweet, cursing vehemently, “If you’re so humane, why don’t you let us wear longer pants for games? You want the shorts to be short and tight, you enjoy it, but I’m uncomfortable! Don’t talk about preventing exposure! I can wear safety shorts under my pants!”
Qin Chunxiao blinked, then first replied to Lu Xuandong, suggesting they could leave the trending topic related to the codfish tragedy as it was and instead push Wang Ziran’s topic back down. Then, he retweeted the tweets from the female volleyball players, expressing their hope for more comfortable game pants.
He did this not only due to the FIVB old man’s antics during the World Cup but also because he didn’t hold a grudge against him for imposing rules that were clearly meant only for experimental purposes during the World Club Cup. Nor did he bear any resentment for the old man’s remarks when Meng Yuqing was nominated for the Volleyball Hall of Fame, saying “She’s too young to enter this hall for now.”
Misha Qin wasn’t such a petty person.1
