There were only 16 participating teams in the Asian Championships, so after the qualifiers, they would be left with the final eight teams.
Newton slammed the table: “Are we satisfied with just reaching the quarter-finals? No! The quarter-finals won’t satisfy the hunger of wolves. We are wild wolves who can only be content with the championship!”
Chang Xiaole whispered to Qin Chunxiao: “Coach Niu has been reciting ‘Bright Sword’ eight times recently.”
Qin Chunxiao chuckled upon hearing it: “His tone is quite reminiscent of Li Yunlong.”
Newton questioned, “What’s so funny? Qin Chunxiao, stop laughing. The coach is speaking!”
Qin Chunxiao covered his mouth, attempting to stifle his laughter, but he couldn’t contain him self. Seeing that the serious and energetic atmosphere was about to dissipate, Ding Rong coughed, and Qin Chunxiao finally regained his composure.
Newton thought that his decision to assign Ding Rong as vice captain was truly wise. Qiao Mingming himself was afraid of Dundun, and he was hesitant to speak harshly to him.
He cleared his throat: “Now let’s announce the teams that have made it to the quarter-finals.”
The qualifying teams from Group A were Kazakhstan and the host country, Indonesia.
Group B had Iran and Pakistan.
Group C had Japan and South Korea.
Group D consisted of the Chinese team and the Australian team.
The organizing committee further divided the eight teams into Group E and Group F, with the Chinese team placed in a group with Iran, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.
Newton analyzed the situation: “Kazakhstan is a strong team that can reach the semi-finals. Iran is our old rival, just like Japan, they have been competing with the Chinese team for the title of the strongest team in Asia. South Korea is no pushover either. Our group is highly competitive, so everyone should be mentally prepared. Captain, please say a few words.”
Qiao Mingming stood up and spoke earnestly: “I understand. Since the beginning of the Asian Championships, we have been performing exceptionally well. Everyone thinks that there are no formidable players in Asia. As long as we don’t face strong teams from Europe and America, we will be invincible. But this kind of thinking is a big mistake! Experienced players know that there are strong teams in Asia that are difficult to deal with. Otherwise, why haven’t we won consecutive championships in the Asian Championships?”
And I have to say, I am really looking forward to winning the championship this time because our neighbors have beaten us before, and they are so arrogant. If Japan wins the Asian Championship again, they will have won it nine times! I can’t stand it!”
Qiao Mingming pounded the table: “Even if Lord Yan himself were here today, we have to…”
He wanted to be like Li Yunlong and say they would pluck his beard, but Ding Rong slapped his leg loudly: “Even if Lord Yan comes, we’ll twist his head off!”
The group of players shouted in agreement: “Oh!”
Well, sometimes the difference between twisting the head and pulling the beard wasn’t that significant, as long as it boosted morale.
At that moment, Qin Chunxiao expressed a different opinion: “Ah, that’s so cruel.”
Everyone looked at him in disbelief, wondering how he had the audacity to say such a thing?
The cruelest person on the team is you, Qin Dundun!
Qiao Mingming smiled at Newton: “Coach, I’m done.”
Newton gave a thumbs up: “Great, that’s very spirited. Now go get some rest and recharge. We’ll be facing Kazakhstan tomorrow!”
In Qin Chunxiao’s recollection, Kazakhstan was the runner-up in this year’s Asian Championships, so they were indeed worth paying attention to. He quickly packed his homework back into his suitcase and poured two cups of milk from a 1000ml box. After heating the milk, he handed one cup to himself and the other to the players who had also warmed their milk.
Everyone raised their cups in a ritualistic manner and downed the milk in one gulp.
At 9:00 PM local time in Indonesia, the 18 players of the Chinese men’s volleyball team began their sleep time, while the nightlife of other teams was just getting started.
It was true that there were self-disciplined early sleepers in every country, but mischievous individuals were everywhere.
Newton replayed the Kazakhstan game with a serious expression, but he heard noise from below and the sound of wine bottles breaking.
Lao Niu was puzzled: “Elliott and Popov, the two alcoholics, didn’t come to the Asian Championships, so why are there still people drinking?”
He looked down and saw the swimming pool below. Two players were fighting over a beautiful woman in a swimsuit and ended up falling into the pool together.
Newton blinked his eyes and said, “When I was young, I never fought over women.”
Jiang Xiaohai chimed in, “That’s true. You fought for the beautiful sister of your libero brother and ended up marrying the beauty.”
Lao Niu chuckled, “Chasing after your wife can’t be called fighting. That’s called fighting for love. Besides, my wife graduated from the police academy, and she excelled in her studies. If I had to fight for her, she wouldn’t need to fight. She’d just tell me to come and get her, and she’s not afraid of causing trouble even with a doctor.”
Jiang Xiaohai nodded knowingly, then lowered his head to calculate the probability of Kazakhstan’s main attack using straight balls and diagonal balls. Suddenly, he realized something. Wait, isn’t Newton’s wife a forensic doctor?
If a forensic doctor encounters a medical issue, that would be quite convenient!
The two of them continued their work, and then the bald team doctor, Wang Yan, entered the room and sat on the floor, panting. “Before going to bed, I massage Du Xiaofeng’s knee. His leg is like glass. It’s really worrying. Lao Niu, after this Asian Championship, he really needs to undergo surgery!”
Newton didn’t even lift his head. “I’ve been advising him to have the surgery for a long time. After all, the team’s defense relies on him as a pillar. But he keeps refusing, saying he’ll do it after the Asian Championship. He almost drove me crazy. The emperor really isn’t in a hurry… too urgent!”
Then they heard another song, which sounded like a Thai love song. The three men approached the window with puzzled expressions and saw that it was the main attacker of the Thai team, whom they had defeated before, singing a love song to a muscular passerby. This handsome man had golden hair flowing down to his shoulders, a tanned complexion, and a fit body. Wasn’t this Chang Xiaole? The guy who was once dubbed “cure x wilt” by netizens before his retirement was truly charming, and he seemed to attract fans wherever he went in Indonesia.
Newton, Jiang Xiaohai, and Wang Yan watched with amusement as Chang Xiaole politely declined Thailand’s main attacker and hurried away.
Newton stroked his chin. “Weichai’s efforts are destined to go in vain. Chang Xiaole was with his former partner. Later, that person found their soulmate and broke up with Chang Xiaole. I wonder if he’ll leave now and put his past behind him.”
Wang Yan added, “He even washed his ex-boyfriend’s name tattooed on his waist.”
Jiang Xiaohai sighed and stomped his feet. “Why would anyone get their lover’s name tattooed? It’s like a metaphysical curse. Whoever gets a name tattooed on themselves is bound to break up with that person. Just look at Depp and Winona in Hollywood. They were madly in love and had each other’s names tattooed, but they eventually broke up.”
Newton asked, “Are you still paying attention to this?”
The head coach, assistant coach, and team doctor of the national team couldn’t help but gossip about their teammates. They criticized Chang Xiaole’s ex-boyfriend as a scumbag and sympathized with Chang Xiaole’s unfortunate situation. They mentioned that his boyfriend and soulmate, whom he had been dating for seven years, had recently left him. They didn’t realize that their work was unfinished until 10:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Chang Xiaole was busy organizing towels, medical clothes, painkillers, massage oil, and sports drinks that he would need for the next day. He packed them into his suitcase, adjusted the combination lock, and wiped the sweat off his brow with a sense of relief.
He was a meticulous person and followed strict protocols for keeping these items close to the athletes’ bodies. Every time he went out for a game, he had to bring a coded suitcase to carry them.
Chang Xiaole murmured to himself, “I wonder if Coach Niu and the others are already asleep.”
Knowing that Newton, Jiang Xiaohai, and Wang Yan were hardworking individuals, Chang Xiaole always worried about them staying up late.
Deciding to put those thoughts aside, he got ready for bed. Chang Xiaole lay down, swiped through his phone, and happened to come across a repost by a young main attacker from a certain provincial team, praising the Chinese team for their performance in the quarterfinals. Qin Chunxiao didn’t play in the game, yet this young player still took the time to appreciate his skills.
Chang Xiaole chuckled, thinking that Qin Chunxiao was quite popular.
Even without a soulmate, Qin Chunxiao wouldn’t lead a miserable life. His approach to relationships was also rational, much like the renowned free-diving female athlete Luma. Perhaps rationality was a key factor in becoming a legend. Could it be a necessary quality?
At that moment, a netizen whom Chang Xiaole had labeled as “a quiet dead person” messaged him.
[Quiet Dead Person: When you took your things, you mentioned that you didn’t find a wristband. I saw it in the drawer. Should I send it to you?]
[Chang Xiaole: No, just throw it away.]
He didn’t have strong attachments to items from his past relationship, so he preferred to dispose of them along with the memories.
After reading the message, Chang Xiaole felt a bit perplexed. He tossed and turned throughout the night, unable to sleep. Finally, at two o’clock in the morning, he sent a drowsy message to Qin Chunxiao.
[Chang Xiaole: Chun Xiao, if you meet a soulmate while already in love, would you break up with your current partner for the sake of your soulmate?]
[Chang Xiaole retracts the message.]
[Chang Xiaole: Just let me know what you want to eat in the morning, and I’ll bring it for you.]
Qin Chunxiao didn’t respond to his messages at all, which didn’t surprise Chang Xiaole. After all, Xiaozai was always concerned about his height and would stay up past 10:00 to try and grow taller. How could he expect him to be awake and respond in the middle of the night?
Chang Xiaole felt foolish for asking a relationship question to someone as young as Xiao Qin. As someone approaching thirty, he shouldn’t have sought advice from someone underage.
He closed his eyes and went to sleep.
To his surprise, Chang Xiaole saw Qin Chunxiao’s reply the next day.
[Qin Chunxiao: No.]
[Qin Chunxiao: Last night, I woke up to go to the bathroom and realized there was no toilet paper. I howled for a long time. I saw your message.]
[Qin Chunxiao: Soulmates don’t always come in the form of romantic love. Meng Yuqing, on the women’s volleyball team and her twin sister, was born soulmate, but their connection is in the form of family affection. It’s about accepting each other. It’s not about abandoning current relationships. In my case my soulmate and I are friends.]
[Qin Chunxiao: I don’t plan on falling in love in the near future.]
[Qin Chunxiao: I want to eat coconut milk rice.]
Trickle, A tear dropped onto the phone screen, rolling down Chang Xiaole’s chin.
Suddenly, Chang Xiaole understood why Newton firmly believed that Qin Chunxiao was the soul of the new national team.
This kid had a remarkable ability to uplift others spiritually! Despite his rational nature, he radiated warmth like the sun. Chang Xiaole wondered what kind of family could raise such a wonderful child.
If someone could possess Chunxiao’s character, even if they eventually broke up, Chang Xiaole would have no regrets at all!
The emotional burden in Chang Xiaole’s heart was untied by the wisdom of Master Dun. He became fully awake and told himself to let his past relationship be discarded like garbage. He would start a new life from this point forward. The true purpose of Newton inviting him to be a coach was to train him to become the next assistant coach in the team, and he had to work harder.
Job prospects were far more important than lingering over unknown items in the trash!
During breakfast, Chang Xiaole treated the entire team to coconut milk rice.
Li Ling ate two plates, and Qin Chunxiao told him, “I’ve already bought ten rolls of toilet paper for your place, so make sure you have them ready before going to the bathroom.”
A glass of orange juice was placed next to Qin Chunxiao. Qin Chunxiao raised his head in confusion and saw Chang Xiaole looking at him affectionately. “Xiaozi, I squeezed this by hand.”
As the assistant coach walked away, the teammates curiously asked Qin Chunxiao, “Why does he only buy you juice?”
Qin Chunxiao confidently replied, “Because I’m the starting setter today!”
Everyone was convinced.
Yes, today Xiaozi was the team leader.
Ding Rong and Mao Xunfeng, like Li Ling, poured water for Qin Chunxiao’s cloth vegetables. They knew that the team’s success relied on the setter’s second touch.
Qin Chunxiao didn’t disappoint them.
During the first match against Kazakhstan, Wu Di, the commentator from H Provincial Sports Station, delivered the first memorable line of the day: “Oh, Xiao Qin’s sets are impeccable. My grandma in a wheelchair could catch the balls he gives.”
Li Laiheng commented, “Ding Rong’s sets are also very smooth. With a good first touch, the team has a chance for a strong attack in the second touch.”
Wu Di exclaimed, “Fu Xiao… Fu Biyang scores offensively! Beautiful! Ding Rong is the most experienced setter in this competition, and setters are like wine, they get better with age. Ding Rong’s blocking technique is excellent. Maybe he studied the opponents before the match.”
Kazakhstan had previously defeated the former national team in the World Men’s Volleyball League. They were familiar opponents, but now the new national team swiftly won the game with a decisive victory.
With a score of 25-19 in the first game, the Chinese team took the lead.
During the break between the two sets, Kazakhstan’s main attacker threw the towel in frustration, “What’s happening over there? One of their blockers is 2.01 meters tall, another one has arms thicker than my legs, and the third one defends better than a libero. Are we just letting the ball hit the ground?”
His teammate timidly replied, “Well, the ball did hit the ground, but it landed on our side.”
Players from Kazakhstan: “…”
Their coach remained composed, “It seems that after the gambling coach stepped down, we finally see the true face of the Chinese team. Everyone, adjust your mindset. Regardless of the Chinese team’s past performance, their biggest challenge in the past 10 years has been their mental state.”
“Ali Khan, you are the most experienced player on our team. You also played against the Chinese team in the era before the gambling coach. Do you remember? That time, the opponent was leading by two games, but you still made a comeback.”
The Chinese team’s biggest problem was that all the teams in Asia had studied them.
Firstly, their small ball skills were not good, especially the first touch, which always seemed inadequate.
Secondly, they often took the lead in the first two sets and then got overturned. It was evident that their competitive mentality was not strong enough, and their ability to play against the wind was lacking.
As long as these two issues were addressed, it was not impossible for Kazakhstan to win!
On the other hand, Newton was also cautioning the players: “You face tough competition every day in the World Youth Championship, and it’s rare to have an easy journey in the Asian Championships. But remember not to be complacent, Xiaozai. When it’s your turn in the front row, I’ll send Xiong Wu up. You can also request the right to attack, don’t be afraid of getting blocked. Ding Rong will help you get out of the block on the opposite side first.”
Li Ling, who didn’t get the starting position, waved a towel beside Qin Chunxiao and fanned the air. “Xiaozi, I’ve noticed that no one on the opposite side can reach a higher point than you! You can spike over their blocks!”
Qin Chunxiao first praised his teammate, saying, “Very good, continue maintaining this attitude of observing the opponent.”
Then he turned to the coach and said, “I’ll attack when I see the opportunity.”
Ding Rong gave him a thumbs up and said, “As long as you want the ball, I’ll give it to you right away.”
Qiao Mingming, Fu Biyang, Aizmaiti, You Ziyu, and Xiong Wu all looked at Qin Chunxiao with friendly expressions. They were confident in winning, and it would be great to let Xiaozai, who was also skilled at attacking, shine even more.
Qin Chunxiao scratched his head and smiled a little shyly. He was used to being like a father and mother to his teammates, but it was the first time he felt so favored by them. It felt a bit embarrassing.
At the beginning of the second set, Qin Chunxiao returned to the court, stood in the fifth position, and looked at the opposite side with joy in his eyes.
In fact, Qin Chunxiao had already figured it out long ago. His height wasn’t suitable for being an attacker. From the beginning of this journey, he had set his sights on becoming the world’s number one libero, creating a higher stage for his teammates. But he never expected that in the Asian Championships, his teammates would also place their trust in him.
But that’s how team sports were. They held each other’s hands and ran together towards greater heights. No one was alone.
After a few rallies, Qin Chunxiao shifted to the fourth position in the front row. Ding Rong looked at him and smiled, while Xiong Wu was already rushing towards the opponent’s spike.
However, Xiong Wu hit the ball a bit too forcefully. Ding Rong was about to chase after it and set the ball to Qin Chunxiao, but he realized that Qin Chunxiao was already standing in front of the net, jumping sideways with his hands raised, as if he was about to set the ball.
Ding Rong stumbled for a moment and quickly adjusted his posture to prepare for a jump, thinking to himself, “What is this kid doing? Didn’t he say he was going to attack? Why is he trying to take over the setter’s job again?”
But the setter given by the team’s soul, from Ding Rong to the other attackers, took off and attacked with grace, while the opposing block tried to stop the Chinese team’s offense.
Then Qin Chunxiao swung his left hand like a whip and sent the ball over to the other side of the court. After it landed, he turned around to face his teammates, wearing a super cute smile, and his blue eyes sparkled brightly.
Qin Chunxiao beamed with pride. “Hey, I’m pretty good at deceiving the blockers, right?”
This trick was taught to him by Li Ling, who said that a good setter should deceive the blockers and his own teammates. Qin Chunxiao should deceive both the opponent and his teammates together.
Li Ling: Although playing like this makes it easier to get blocked, with you, Xiaozi, there should be no problem. No one would dare to block you anyway! [thumb.jpg]
Ding Rong, Qiao Mingming, and the group of tall guys who were fooled by the block rushed over, embraced their outstanding Qin Yingying, and laughed heartily. “You little brat, you’ve got skills!”
Qin Chunxiao was enveloped by the muscular chests of his teammates.
From the second set onward, the Chinese team continued to play with high spirits, each player working harder than the other. This group of players, accustomed to playing against the wind, possessed strong fighting spirit, excellent physical fitness, and mental resilience. The Kazakhstan team, from their coach to the players, searched for flaws and opportunities for a comeback, but the Chinese team refused to give them that chance.
The Chinese team won the first round of the semi-finals with a score of 3:0!
In the stands, Ennosuke Sakano stood up with a solemn expression and left.
The blue-eyed player who resembled a libero had the same ball height points as him.
What a formidable opponent!
However, reporter Komiya, who was following Ennosuke Sakano for an interview, paused and continuously took pictures of Qin Chunxiao’s figure.
“I’ve heard that the blue-eyed star of the Chinese team is a beautiful boy, almost like a fairy. The real person is even better than the rumors! The editor-in-chief will definitely love the shots of him!”
There were only 16 participating teams in the Asian Championships, so after the qualifiers, they would be left with the final eight teams.
Newton slammed the table: “Are we satisfied with just reaching the quarter-finals? No! The quarter-finals won’t satisfy the hunger of wolves. We are wild wolves who can only be content with the championship!”
Chang Xiaole whispered to Qin Chunxiao: “Coach Niu has been reciting ‘Bright Sword’ eight times recently.”
Qin Chunxiao chuckled upon hearing it: “His tone is quite reminiscent of Li Yunlong.”
Newton questioned, “What’s so funny? Qin Chunxiao, stop laughing. The coach is speaking!”
Qin Chunxiao covered his mouth, attempting to stifle his laughter, but he couldn’t contain him self. Seeing that the serious and energetic atmosphere was about to dissipate, Ding Rong coughed, and Qin Chunxiao finally regained his composure.
Newton thought that his decision to assign Ding Rong as vice captain was truly wise. Qiao Mingming himself was afraid of Dundun, and he was hesitant to speak harshly to him.
He cleared his throat: “Now let’s announce the teams that have made it to the quarter-finals.”
The qualifying teams from Group A were Kazakhstan and the host country, Indonesia.
Group B had Iran and Pakistan.
Group C had Japan and South Korea.
Group D consisted of the Chinese team and the Australian team.
The organizing committee further divided the eight teams into Group E and Group F, with the Chinese team placed in a group with Iran, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.
Newton analyzed the situation: “Kazakhstan is a strong team that can reach the semi-finals. Iran is our old rival, just like Japan, they have been competing with the Chinese team for the title of the strongest team in Asia. South Korea is no pushover either. Our group is highly competitive, so everyone should be mentally prepared. Captain, please say a few words.”
Qiao Mingming stood up and spoke earnestly: “I understand. Since the beginning of the Asian Championships, we have been performing exceptionally well. Everyone thinks that there are no formidable players in Asia. As long as we don’t face strong teams from Europe and America, we will be invincible. But this kind of thinking is a big mistake! Experienced players know that there are strong teams in Asia that are difficult to deal with. Otherwise, why haven’t we won consecutive championships in the Asian Championships?”
And I have to say, I am really looking forward to winning the championship this time because our neighbors have beaten us before, and they are so arrogant. If Japan wins the Asian Championship again, they will have won it nine times! I can’t stand it!”
Qiao Mingming pounded the table: “Even if Lord Yan himself were here today, we have to…”
He wanted to be like Li Yunlong and say they would pluck his beard, but Ding Rong slapped his leg loudly: “Even if Lord Yan comes, we’ll twist his head off!”
The group of players shouted in agreement: “Oh!”
Well, sometimes the difference between twisting the head and pulling the beard wasn’t that significant, as long as it boosted morale.
At that moment, Qin Chunxiao expressed a different opinion: “Ah, that’s so cruel.”
Everyone looked at him in disbelief, wondering how he had the audacity to say such a thing?
The cruelest person on the team is you, Qin Dundun!
Qiao Mingming smiled at Newton: “Coach, I’m done.”
Newton gave a thumbs up: “Great, that’s very spirited. Now go get some rest and recharge. We’ll be facing Kazakhstan tomorrow!”
In Qin Chunxiao’s recollection, Kazakhstan was the runner-up in this year’s Asian Championships, so they were indeed worth paying attention to. He quickly packed his homework back into his suitcase and poured two cups of milk from a 1000ml box. After heating the milk, he handed one cup to himself and the other to the players who had also warmed their milk.
Everyone raised their cups in a ritualistic manner and downed the milk in one gulp.
At 9:00 PM local time in Indonesia, the 18 players of the Chinese men’s volleyball team began their sleep time, while the nightlife of other teams was just getting started.
It was true that there were self-disciplined early sleepers in every country, but mischievous individuals were everywhere.
Newton replayed the Kazakhstan game with a serious expression, but he heard noise from below and the sound of wine bottles breaking.
Lao Niu was puzzled: “Elliott and Popov, the two alcoholics, didn’t come to the Asian Championships, so why are there still people drinking?”
He looked down and saw the swimming pool below. Two players were fighting over a beautiful woman in a swimsuit and ended up falling into the pool together.
Newton blinked his eyes and said, “When I was young, I never fought over women.”
Jiang Xiaohai chimed in, “That’s true. You fought for the beautiful sister of your libero brother and ended up marrying the beauty.”
Lao Niu chuckled, “Chasing after your wife can’t be called fighting. That’s called fighting for love. Besides, my wife graduated from the police academy, and she excelled in her studies. If I had to fight for her, she wouldn’t need to fight. She’d just tell me to come and get her, and she’s not afraid of causing trouble even with a doctor.”
Jiang Xiaohai nodded knowingly, then lowered his head to calculate the probability of Kazakhstan’s main attack using straight balls and diagonal balls. Suddenly, he realized something. Wait, isn’t Newton’s wife a forensic doctor?
If a forensic doctor encounters a medical issue, that would be quite convenient!
The two of them continued their work, and then the bald team doctor, Wang Yan, entered the room and sat on the floor, panting. “Before going to bed, I massage Du Xiaofeng’s knee. His leg is like glass. It’s really worrying. Lao Niu, after this Asian Championship, he really needs to undergo surgery!”
Newton didn’t even lift his head. “I’ve been advising him to have the surgery for a long time. After all, the team’s defense relies on him as a pillar. But he keeps refusing, saying he’ll do it after the Asian Championship. He almost drove me crazy. The emperor really isn’t in a hurry… too urgent!”
Then they heard another song, which sounded like a Thai love song. The three men approached the window with puzzled expressions and saw that it was the main attacker of the Thai team, whom they had defeated before, singing a love song to a muscular passerby. This handsome man had golden hair flowing down to his shoulders, a tanned complexion, and a fit body. Wasn’t this Chang Xiaole? The guy who was once dubbed “cure x wilt” by netizens before his retirement was truly charming, and he seemed to attract fans wherever he went in Indonesia.
Newton, Jiang Xiaohai, and Wang Yan watched with amusement as Chang Xiaole politely declined Thailand’s main attacker and hurried away.
Newton stroked his chin. “Weichai’s efforts are destined to go in vain. Chang Xiaole was with his former partner. Later, that person found their soulmate and broke up with Chang Xiaole. I wonder if he’ll leave now and put his past behind him.”
Wang Yan added, “He even washed his ex-boyfriend’s name tattooed on his waist.”
Jiang Xiaohai sighed and stomped his feet. “Why would anyone get their lover’s name tattooed? It’s like a metaphysical curse. Whoever gets a name tattooed on themselves is bound to break up with that person. Just look at Depp and Winona in Hollywood. They were madly in love and had each other’s names tattooed, but they eventually broke up.”
Newton asked, “Are you still paying attention to this?”
The head coach, assistant coach, and team doctor of the national team couldn’t help but gossip about their teammates. They criticized Chang Xiaole’s ex-boyfriend as a scumbag and sympathized with Chang Xiaole’s unfortunate situation. They mentioned that his boyfriend and soulmate, whom he had been dating for seven years, had recently left him. They didn’t realize that their work was unfinished until 10:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Chang Xiaole was busy organizing towels, medical clothes, painkillers, massage oil, and sports drinks that he would need for the next day. He packed them into his suitcase, adjusted the combination lock, and wiped the sweat off his brow with a sense of relief.
He was a meticulous person and followed strict protocols for keeping these items close to the athletes’ bodies. Every time he went out for a game, he had to bring a coded suitcase to carry them.
Chang Xiaole murmured to himself, “I wonder if Coach Niu and the others are already asleep.”
Knowing that Newton, Jiang Xiaohai, and Wang Yan were hardworking individuals, Chang Xiaole always worried about them staying up late.
Deciding to put those thoughts aside, he got ready for bed. Chang Xiaole lay down, swiped through his phone, and happened to come across a repost by a young main attacker from a certain provincial team, praising the Chinese team for their performance in the quarterfinals. Qin Chunxiao didn’t play in the game, yet this young player still took the time to appreciate his skills.
Chang Xiaole chuckled, thinking that Qin Chunxiao was quite popular.
Even without a soulmate, Qin Chunxiao wouldn’t lead a miserable life. His approach to relationships was also rational, much like the renowned free-diving female athlete Luma. Perhaps rationality was a key factor in becoming a legend. Could it be a necessary quality?
At that moment, a netizen whom Chang Xiaole had labeled as “a quiet dead person” messaged him.
[Quiet Dead Person: When you took your things, you mentioned that you didn’t find a wristband. I saw it in the drawer. Should I send it to you?]
[Chang Xiaole: No, just throw it away.]
He didn’t have strong attachments to items from his past relationship, so he preferred to dispose of them along with the memories.
After reading the message, Chang Xiaole felt a bit perplexed. He tossed and turned throughout the night, unable to sleep. Finally, at two o’clock in the morning, he sent a drowsy message to Qin Chunxiao.
[Chang Xiaole: Chun Xiao, if you meet a soulmate while already in love, would you break up with your current partner for the sake of your soulmate?]
[Chang Xiaole retracts the message.]
[Chang Xiaole: Just let me know what you want to eat in the morning, and I’ll bring it for you.]
Qin Chunxiao didn’t respond to his messages at all, which didn’t surprise Chang Xiaole. After all, Xiaozai was always concerned about his height and would stay up past 10:00 to try and grow taller. How could he expect him to be awake and respond in the middle of the night?
Chang Xiaole felt foolish for asking a relationship question to someone as young as Xiao Qin. As someone approaching thirty, he shouldn’t have sought advice from someone underage.
He closed his eyes and went to sleep.
To his surprise, Chang Xiaole saw Qin Chunxiao’s reply the next day.
[Qin Chunxiao: No.]
[Qin Chunxiao: Last night, I woke up to go to the bathroom and realized there was no toilet paper. I howled for a long time. I saw your message.]
[Qin Chunxiao: Soulmates don’t always come in the form of romantic love. Meng Yuqing, on the women’s volleyball team and her twin sister, was born soulmate, but their connection is in the form of family affection. It’s about accepting each other. It’s not about abandoning current relationships. In my case my soulmate and I are friends.]
[Qin Chunxiao: I don’t plan on falling in love in the near future.]
[Qin Chunxiao: I want to eat coconut milk rice.]
Trickle, A tear dropped onto the phone screen, rolling down Chang Xiaole’s chin.
Suddenly, Chang Xiaole understood why Newton firmly believed that Qin Chunxiao was the soul of the new national team.
This kid had a remarkable ability to uplift others spiritually! Despite his rational nature, he radiated warmth like the sun. Chang Xiaole wondered what kind of family could raise such a wonderful child.
If someone could possess Chunxiao’s character, even if they eventually broke up, Chang Xiaole would have no regrets at all!
The emotional burden in Chang Xiaole’s heart was untied by the wisdom of Master Dun. He became fully awake and told himself to let his past relationship be discarded like garbage. He would start a new life from this point forward. The true purpose of Newton inviting him to be a coach was to train him to become the next assistant coach in the team, and he had to work harder.
Job prospects were far more important than lingering over unknown items in the trash!
During breakfast, Chang Xiaole treated the entire team to coconut milk rice.
Li Ling ate two plates, and Qin Chunxiao told him, “I’ve already bought ten rolls of toilet paper for your place, so make sure you have them ready before going to the bathroom.”
A glass of orange juice was placed next to Qin Chunxiao. Qin Chunxiao raised his head in confusion and saw Chang Xiaole looking at him affectionately. “Xiaozi, I squeezed this by hand.”
As the assistant coach walked away, the teammates curiously asked Qin Chunxiao, “Why does he only buy you juice?”
Qin Chunxiao confidently replied, “Because I’m the starting setter today!”
Everyone was convinced.
Yes, today Xiaozi was the team leader.
Ding Rong and Mao Xunfeng, like Li Ling, poured water for Qin Chunxiao’s cloth vegetables. They knew that the team’s success relied on the setter’s second touch.
Qin Chunxiao didn’t disappoint them.
During the first match against Kazakhstan, Wu Di, the commentator from H Provincial Sports Station, delivered the first memorable line of the day: “Oh, Xiao Qin’s sets are impeccable. My grandma in a wheelchair could catch the balls he gives.”
Li Laiheng commented, “Ding Rong’s sets are also very smooth. With a good first touch, the team has a chance for a strong attack in the second touch.”
Wu Di exclaimed, “Fu Xiao… Fu Biyang scores offensively! Beautiful! Ding Rong is the most experienced setter in this competition, and setters are like wine, they get better with age. Ding Rong’s blocking technique is excellent. Maybe he studied the opponents before the match.”
Kazakhstan had previously defeated the former national team in the World Men’s Volleyball League. They were familiar opponents, but now the new national team swiftly won the game with a decisive victory.
With a score of 25-19 in the first game, the Chinese team took the lead.
During the break between the two sets, Kazakhstan’s main attacker threw the towel in frustration, “What’s happening over there? One of their blockers is 2.01 meters tall, another one has arms thicker than my legs, and the third one defends better than a libero. Are we just letting the ball hit the ground?”
His teammate timidly replied, “Well, the ball did hit the ground, but it landed on our side.”
Players from Kazakhstan: “…”
Their coach remained composed, “It seems that after the gambling coach stepped down, we finally see the true face of the Chinese team. Everyone, adjust your mindset. Regardless of the Chinese team’s past performance, their biggest challenge in the past 10 years has been their mental state.”
“Ali Khan, you are the most experienced player on our team. You also played against the Chinese team in the era before the gambling coach. Do you remember? That time, the opponent was leading by two games, but you still made a comeback.”
The Chinese team’s biggest problem was that all the teams in Asia had studied them.
Firstly, their small ball skills were not good, especially the first touch, which always seemed inadequate.
Secondly, they often took the lead in the first two sets and then got overturned. It was evident that their competitive mentality was not strong enough, and their ability to play against the wind was lacking.
As long as these two issues were addressed, it was not impossible for Kazakhstan to win!
On the other hand, Newton was also cautioning the players: “You face tough competition every day in the World Youth Championship, and it’s rare to have an easy journey in the Asian Championships. But remember not to be complacent, Xiaozai. When it’s your turn in the front row, I’ll send Xiong Wu up. You can also request the right to attack, don’t be afraid of getting blocked. Ding Rong will help you get out of the block on the opposite side first.”
Li Ling, who didn’t get the starting position, waved a towel beside Qin Chunxiao and fanned the air. “Xiaozi, I’ve noticed that no one on the opposite side can reach a higher point than you! You can spike over their blocks!”
Qin Chunxiao first praised his teammate, saying, “Very good, continue maintaining this attitude of observing the opponent.”
Then he turned to the coach and said, “I’ll attack when I see the opportunity.”
Ding Rong gave him a thumbs up and said, “As long as you want the ball, I’ll give it to you right away.”
Qiao Mingming, Fu Biyang, Aizmaiti, You Ziyu, and Xiong Wu all looked at Qin Chunxiao with friendly expressions. They were confident in winning, and it would be great to let Xiaozai, who was also skilled at attacking, shine even more.
Qin Chunxiao scratched his head and smiled a little shyly. He was used to being like a father and mother to his teammates, but it was the first time he felt so favored by them. It felt a bit embarrassing.
At the beginning of the second set, Qin Chunxiao returned to the court, stood in the fifth position, and looked at the opposite side with joy in his eyes.
In fact, Qin Chunxiao had already figured it out long ago. His height wasn’t suitable for being an attacker. From the beginning of this journey, he had set his sights on becoming the world’s number one libero, creating a higher stage for his teammates. But he never expected that in the Asian Championships, his teammates would also place their trust in him.
But that’s how team sports were. They held each other’s hands and ran together towards greater heights. No one was alone.
After a few rallies, Qin Chunxiao shifted to the fourth position in the front row. Ding Rong looked at him and smiled, while Xiong Wu was already rushing towards the opponent’s spike.
However, Xiong Wu hit the ball a bit too forcefully. Ding Rong was about to chase after it and set the ball to Qin Chunxiao, but he realized that Qin Chunxiao was already standing in front of the net, jumping sideways with his hands raised, as if he was about to set the ball.
Ding Rong stumbled for a moment and quickly adjusted his posture to prepare for a jump, thinking to himself, “What is this kid doing? Didn’t he say he was going to attack? Why is he trying to take over the setter’s job again?”
But the setter given by the team’s soul, from Ding Rong to the other attackers, took off and attacked with grace, while the opposing block tried to stop the Chinese team’s offense.
Then Qin Chunxiao swung his left hand like a whip and sent the ball over to the other side of the court. After it landed, he turned around to face his teammates, wearing a super cute smile, and his blue eyes sparkled brightly.
Qin Chunxiao beamed with pride. “Hey, I’m pretty good at deceiving the blockers, right?”
This trick was taught to him by Li Ling, who said that a good setter should deceive the blockers and his own teammates. Qin Chunxiao should deceive both the opponent and his teammates together.
Li Ling: Although playing like this makes it easier to get blocked, with you, Xiaozi, there should be no problem. No one would dare to block you anyway! [thumb.jpg]
Ding Rong, Qiao Mingming, and the group of tall guys who were fooled by the block rushed over, embraced their outstanding Qin Yingying, and laughed heartily. “You little brat, you’ve got skills!”
Qin Chunxiao was enveloped by the muscular chests of his teammates.
From the second set onward, the Chinese team continued to play with high spirits, each player working harder than the other. This group of players, accustomed to playing against the wind, possessed strong fighting spirit, excellent physical fitness, and mental resilience. The Kazakhstan team, from their coach to the players, searched for flaws and opportunities for a comeback, but the Chinese team refused to give them that chance.
The Chinese team won the first round of the semi-finals with a score of 3:0!
In the stands, Ennosuke Sakano stood up with a solemn expression and left.
The blue-eyed player who resembled a libero had the same ball height points as him.
What a formidable opponent!
However, reporter Komiya, who was following Ennosuke Sakano for an interview, paused and continuously took pictures of Qin Chunxiao’s figure.
“I’ve heard that the blue-eyed star of the Chinese team is a beautiful boy, almost like a fairy. The real person is even better than the rumors! The editor-in-chief will definitely love the shots of him!”
