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My Soulmate is a Libero - Chapter 171

Published at 14th of September 2023 07:24:42 AM


Chapter 171

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Chapter 171 Mutual Praise

My Soulmate is A Libero

Volleyball Official Website – News Section

On the first day of the VNL finals, the Chinese team miraculously secured their first victory against the Brazilian team. Although we all know that the Brazilian team is in a transition phase between the old and new generations, with the young players yet to fully develop and the older players mostly plagued by injuries, it is undeniable that the Chinese team’s victory this time was of high quality.

Yes, I’m using “quality” to describe this match. They played brilliantly. As a fan, I believe that every team aspiring to defeat the Brazilian team should watch this match closely. But whether the Brazilian team will continue to give opportunities for others to exploit is another matter.

However, there’s another interesting anecdote from this match. Two players from the Chinese team, Qiao Mingming and Fu Biyang, both underwent significant improvement under Coach Lorenzo. Similarly, Qin Chunxiao and Li Ling, under Coach Nikolai in the Russian Super League, seem to be no longer satisfied with merely competing for the title of “European Men’s Volleyball Guru.”

It’s worth mentioning that the radiance of China’s men’s volleyball head coach, Newton, is becoming increasingly prominent.

Italian team’s coach Lorenzo sneezed.

As the coach of Italy’s best club in the Italian Super League, many foreign players had trained under him. He had indeed contributed to cultivating talents and opponents in Italian volleyball. The Italian Volleyball Association was also somewhat powerless against him, after all, the entire association consists of Lorenzo’s fellow disciples, brothers, and even his apprentices.

On the Chinese team’s side, they completely disregarded public opinion because Xiong Wu’s calculations hadn’t gone wrong. When he calculated the VNL finals schedule and fate for the Chinese team, he received an ominous sign. The Chinese team indeed faced a devilish schedule.

They played against Brazil on the first day and the United States on the second day. The American team initially thought that these players would be exhausted after facing Brazil, but to their surprise, these Chinese players were full of vitality and showcased their specialty: “endurance.” They fought relentlessly, pushing each set with the American team towards the 30-point mark, going to a fifth set.

Poor American team had only lost to Poland once. If they lost to China again, their journey in the VNL finals would come to an end. So, they went all out to fight, putting their lives on the line. However, after finally defeating China with great effort, they had to face Brazil the next day. How could they manage that?

Brazil was even more unfortunate. They had just battled against China the day before, exhausting a great deal of energy against the team with the “robbing the rich to help the poor” attribute. Then, when they faced Poland, they suffered their second defeat in the VNL finals, their chances of advancing dashed.

Moving on to the third day, the Chinese team and the American team, both with one win and one loss, had the chance to advance as long as they won their next matches.

In fact, China’s team had good luck. They had robbed from Brazil two days ago and aided Poland yesterday. Meanwhile, Brazil had consumed Poland’s energy, especially their key player Sebastian’s stamina.

During the match, Qin Chunxiao could clearly sense that Sebastian wasn’t as agile as before. It was said that he had exchanged heated words with Dominique at the net the day before, leading to discomfort in his metatarsals.

Seizing the opportunity when the opponent was weakened, Qin Chunxiao decisively neutralized Sebastian, completely blocking the main attacker’s efficiency.

This was probably the most frustrating match Sebastian had ever played. Throughout the entire game, he managed to give China a hard time only a few times with his serves. However, China’s libero, Mi Shaqin, displayed an incredible ability to adapt to his serves, making it seem almost inhuman.

Furthermore, just as Sebastian could score with his serves, the opposite side’s You Ziyu could regain control of the situation with his serves.

In this year’s VNL finals, Squid (You Ziyu) was indeed consistently outstanding.

By the time the match entered the fifth set, even the commentators believed that China was going to win this one.

Honestly, was there anyone better than the Chinese at playing the long game? At least on the men’s volleyball court, there wasn’t.

The Chinese team efficiently secured the victory, with two wins and one loss, advancing to the VNL finals’ top four for the second time. Using Coach Lao Niu’s words, their current performance was already enough to go back home and face their fellow villagers and relatives.

“However, we can’t just settle for this. People need to keep pushing forward to reach greater heights.” Newton touched his beardless chin, adopting a wise expression. “If you dare to dream it, then go and bring back the championship!”

Qin Chunxiao raised his hand, “Coach, why don’t we aim higher and shout for the championship?”

Tong Shulan nodded vigorously, “Coach, our form is excellent this year.”

Lao Tong, Ding Rong, and Gao Depi were getting older year by year, but as long as their condition held up, they would give their all in matches.

Looking at these hungry wolf cubs in front of him, Coach Newton grinned widely, resembling an old wolf. “If you dare to dream it, then go and bring back the championship!”

The pack of wolves was excited, and Er Leng noticed the atmosphere had reached a certain point. He lifted his head and let out a howl, “Awoo—”

Everyone else exclaimed, “Er Leng, don’t imitate a Husky’s howl!”

Li Ling protested, “What Husky? I clearly imitated a wolf.”

Qiao Mingming, who was busy organizing medical supplies for Wang Yan, turned around in confusion, “What do you want me to do?”

Coincidentally, after the match between the Chinese and Polish teams, news spread that there was an incident of a “zero yuan purchase” at the entrance of the stadium for the USA vs Brazil match. The game was delayed for three hours, giving the Chinese team enough time to rest and catch another live match.

Qin Chunxiao, watching his teammates put on masks before the match, muttered to You Ziyu, “The security here is really lacking.”

You Ziyu smiled, “Yeah, when I was a kid, I went to watch the live broadcast of the Beijing Olympics with my parents. Our home matches are more reliable.”

Tong Shulan fantasized beside them, “I wonder what the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony will be like. I’m really looking forward to it.” Given Tong Shulan’s age and condition, the Tokyo Olympics would be his best chance to participate in the Olympics. At this time, he didn’t know that as long as he received proper treatment, he could continue to stay on the national team even during the Paris Olympic cycle.

Ding Rong also showed anticipation, “Missing out on Rio was such a pity. This time in Tokyo, we must make it!”

When the topic shifted to the Olympics, everyone became joyful.

“I also want to participate in the Paris Olympics. I just don’t know if my body can hold up until then.”

“I wonder if the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony will have any anime elements. I want to see Ultraman.”

“Will there be the theme song from ‘Haikyuu!!’? I hope the organizers can incorporate some anime elements.”

Qin Chunxiao’s expression turned subtle.

The Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony was less about incorporating popular culture and more about traditionalism. Furthermore, if nothing unexpected happened, it would be difficult to host next year.

While heading to the secondary venue, Qin Chunxiao spotted the figure of Lu Xuandong. That guy was still so tall and conspicuous. In the scorching July heat, he carried what seemed like heavy filming equipment, walked over with a sun hat, and had a rustic air that clashed with the image of Chicago.

Even so, he was still handsome.

There was a green belt between them, and Lu Xuandong didn’t notice them, walking hurriedly with his head down.

“Chunxiao?”

“Chunxiao!”

Hearing Chang Xiaole’s voice, Qin Chunxiao turned around abruptly, “What’s the matter?”

Chang Xiaole leaned down and whispered, “Hurry up and catch up with the team. The sun outside is too intense, your face is turning red.”

Qin Chunxiao touched his flushed face and felt that Chang Xiaole was implying something.

They fell to the back of the line together, and Qin Chunxiao asked Chang Xiaole, “Brother Xiaole, how did you end up with Kristian?”

Chang Xiaole replied, “Um, when you were playing in the Russian Super League last year, he invited me to go to Hawaii for vacation and play beach volleyball. He mentioned the benefits of being with him, like his appearance, financial situation, willingness to come to China after retiring, etc. Then he asked me if I wanted to inspect the goods. After the inspection, we got together.”

Qin Chunxiao asked, “Inspect the goods?”

Chang Xiaole said, “Don’t ask, kid.”

Qin Chunxiao immediately understood what “inspecting the goods” meant.

Both Brother Xiaole and Kristian were so wild!

Qin Chunxiao widened his eyes, then adjusted his expression and cleared his throat, “I’m already an adult, not a kid.”

Chang Xiaole chuckled, ruffled Qin Chunxiao’s damp hair, and said, “I’m years older than you. When I was competing, you were still in kindergarten. What’s wrong with calling you a kid?”

Nothing, Brother Xiaole, nothing.

Qin Chunxiao thought that if he ever fell for someone, he would face his feelings openly, pursue the person, and finally confess in a romantic scene with the theme song playing in the background at a movie theater.

As for “inspecting the goods”… If the other party deemed it necessary and they took proper precautions, he would be open to it. Little Qin had confidence in himself!

The Brazil vs USA match promised to be exciting. Brazil had already lost two matches and was certain to be eliminated. In contrast, if the USA won, they would accumulate two victories, giving them a chance to advance based on points. Naturally, China hoped that Brazil would win to deny the USA the opportunity to accumulate points.

The Brazilian team was equally determined. After two consecutive losses, everyone was frustrated and looking to let off steam. And there was the American team, a ready-made target.

The match was intense, with the audience cheering loudly. At this moment, a Portuguese word of encouragement reached the Brazilian team’s ears particularly clearly.

During the break in the third set, players like Dominique, Caique, and Joshua looked towards the audience stands and saw a blue-eyed teenager wearing a mask waving at them. To their surprise, it was Misha Qin from the Chinese team who was shouting words of encouragement to them!

Dominique: “His, his, his Portuguese is really good, haha.” Dominik also recalled when he used Portuguese to comment on someone’s short stature during the Youth World Championship, and it became a black mark in his history.

Joshua was astonished, “Why is he cheering us on?”

Since when did the China-Brazil friendship run so deep?

Caique speculated, “I think the Chinese team doesn’t want the USA to compete with them for a spot in the next round.”

As for Mars, he calmly nodded towards the Chinese team, appearing quite elegant.

The American team wasn’t having it. William jumped up, “Hey! Misha! Why are you cheering them on? Aren’t you my friend?”

Caddy pulled him back, “Calm down, calm down.”

Then they saw Tulengchika jump up, “William, go for it!”

William was satisfied; as long as he got the cheer, he was fine.

The Chinese players were very friendly; they were wearing masks and shouting encouragement to both teams, making the atmosphere on the court even more heated.

Sports journalists at the scene were documenting this scene one after another: “The Chinese team has shown outstanding sportsmanship. It seems that they have made friends with both the US and Brazil teams during the game, and in order to support both teams, they have split into two factions…”

In the end, the Brazilian team managed to win the game. Dominique seemed to think highly of Qin Chunxiao, so after the match, he wanted to take a picture with him and wished them better results in the semifinals.

At this moment, Newton was approached by American sports journalists. A blonde, freckled journalist grabbed him and asked, “Coach Newton, it is said that your textbooks at Springfield College were compiled by Coach Mars of the Brazilian team. Are you friends with Coach Mars?”

In fact, Newton and Mars were complete strangers aside from the connection through textbooks. They hadn’t really spoken much, and sports journalists were aware of this. However, competitive sports needed stories—nemeses, friendships that nurtured and grew on the field—bringing legends and stories that could attract more fans.

Newton cleared his throat lightly, “I believe Coach Mars is a remarkable person. His understanding of volleyball and his development of athletes are worth learning for the younger generation. Unfortunately, I haven’t spoken much with him before; we’ve only been opponents. But if the opportunity arises, I’d be glad to have a drink with him.”

He took the opportunity to practice his Portuguese.

He was generous with his praise for Mars. On the other hand, Mars, who was also being interviewed, heard a similar question. Being emotionally intelligent, he also offered some praise for Newton’s coaching.

When you help each other, everyone benefits. They were all coaches of strong teams; in the future, they might often cross paths, so there was no need to strain their relationship.

So, the unknowing observer watching the interviews of these two coaches might actually think they had a deep bond of friendship.

As Qin Chunxiao was leaving the arena, he was approached by a reporter: “Hello, Misha. I’m from the ‘Chicago Sports Tribune.’ I saw you cheering for the Brazilian team. Do you have a unique sentiment for the world’s strongest team, Brazil?”

Qin Chunxiao replied, “Sentiment?”

He remembered his past clashes with the Brazilian team’s players on the court, as well as the attackers who threw things in frustration.

“You’re mistaken.” Little Qin corrected the reporter and pointed to himself with his thumb, “The Brazilian team is strong, but the strongest teams are the ones that can overcome them.”

For instance, the Chinese team that beat down the Brazilian team in the quarterfinals. They were absolutely unbeatable!

This response made Qiao Mingming, who was eavesdropping, cover his face. Ding Rong asked, “Should I teach him a lesson?”

Qiao Mingming quickly replied, “The kid is just a bit straightforward in his speech, it’s fine, it’s fine.”

Ding Rong couldn’t believe it, “You call that straightforward?”

Remove the word “straightforward”!

It seemed that the team captain and vice-captain of the Chinese team also thought that Qin Chunxiao’s only problem was that he spoke too straightforwardly.





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