Mysterious Small Group
Group Announcement: Everyone, I know those two individuals are extremely sweet, but one of them is too young, so we need to learn to say “no” to that. For the sake of our moral bottom line, it’s okay to discuss and secretly fawn over them, but let’s not go overboard.
Also, to ensure the group owner doesn’t accidentally enter, don’t drive, especially not the school bus!
Group Owner: That’s right, I know they are incredibly attractive. After all, their looks and physique are outstanding, and they excel in their professional field. Even if one of them alone is already alluring, not to mention the subtle interactions they have online that are enough to make one’s heart race. But for the safety of the group owner, Jimei members, let’s exercise restraint! {Sobbing.jpg}
Alias 1: I know that the relationship between those two individuals is just that of an ordinary fan and a rising star in the sports world, but their recent Weibo posts really seem like a conversation between them across space! My mind went blank for a moment, and I almost got dizzy.
Alias 2: Half of it is true. It was the rising star who defeated Iran, right?
Alias 3: However, the rising star is still in Indonesia, so his words are definitely meant for his teammates to hear. So you see, recently, those few ladies only write a single arrow symbol.
Alias 4: There’s nothing we can do. Even if there are things to fawn over, it’s only about the rising star and his teammates. For example, his silly and cute partner with a husky face. Our circle is too cold, just like the looks of those two individuals, both with an Antarctic style.
Alias 5: Suspicion detected, interrogate the intruder! Speak up! Are you a double agent?
Alias 4: Spare me, sir! I didn’t mean to fawn, but recently, a big shot has been supporting that pair and providing them with plenty of nourishment. The nourishment is just too delicious!
Alias 1: The rising star’s partner, isn’t he like Durant, liking Black Widow and chasing after Victoria’s Secret models every year? He has a preference for sexy older sisters, with a mature taste.
Alias 2: Er Leng has good taste. Regardless of gender, as long as it’s a sexy and mature beauty wearing beautiful clothes and walking the runway, it’s a bodhisattva in my eyes! {Thumbs up.jpg}
Alias 4: Same here!
…
Alias 3: Yomi has started a new story, an AU featuring the Entertainment Circle Song God x Martial Arts Rising Star. It’s so enticing, the plot has just begun and the rising star has already fought several battles, hahaha. Isn’t he supposed to look fragile and aloof? Why is he so street-smart in this story? Isn’t that out of character?
Alias 2: But the plot and writing style are both good.
Alias 5: Yomi? Is that the lady who turned a wealthy family melodrama into reality? She’s writing an MXD, no, an LXD where a lost scion of a wealthy family comes true, I can’t believe it! Combined with the dynamics of those two individuals’ Weibo posts, a wave of telepathic conversation, and paired with Yomi’s wealthy family genre, I can’t take it anymore, I’m getting dizzy from the anticipation.
…
The news of Lu Xuandong’s recognition by the Lu family dominated the trending lists of various apps, with most of the associated keywords being “social” and “legal.”
However, the media didn’t have anything particularly negative to say about them. They only mentioned that both of them had suffered in the past and were now reaping the rewards.
After all, when Zhao Zhaoyan learned of her eldest son’s death, she directly withdrew from the film industry and sought therapy for a long time. Later, when she made a cameo appearance in a Hollywood movie, it was said that she was recommended by a director friend to relax.
As for Lu Xuandong, just look at how he had been deceived by his deadbeat gambler foster father and insane foster mother over the years. Consider his repayment of a seven-figure sum to the deadbeat gambler and his past experience of working hard to support his foster mother and sister. It was truly an injustice.
In 2017, there were quite a few people who liked to talk about the “guilty victim” theory. Some would sigh and say, “Lu Xuandong has had a tough life. I wonder what sins he committed in his past life.” However, those comments were also criticized.
Most people believed that Lu Xuandong was a perfect victim. He went missing at the age of one and suffered greatly over the years, yet he showed utmost kindness and forgiveness towards the gambler and foster mother who had harmed him. He was like a lotus blooming in the mud, without any faults to point out.
Although the term “perfect victim” was not accurate, as there was no justification for criticizing a victim, this awareness had not been widely spread in 2017.
Some people even believed that Zhao Zhaoyan and Lu Xuandong must have a deep mother-son bond. In the variety show “Returning to the Golden Era,” which had already aired, these two individuals demonstrated great synergy while completing tasks. After the show ended, they praised each other, albeit using somewhat formulaic language. Nevertheless, they left a good impression on each other.
Optimistic netizens: They have already had a good start.
Pessimistic netizens: Really? Didn’t Zhao Zhaoyan casually hand over her overweight luggage to Lu Xuandong? And when Lu Xuandong politely flattered her with some words of respect for his senior, she even retorted, “I don’t like hearing that.” Isn’t Lu Xuandong going through a bit of hardship?
Bloodline supporters: Believe in bloodline! Just look at how well Lu Xuandong has grown in such a harsh environment. It’s evident that like father, like son. Zhao Zhaoyan, who has given him these genes, won’t be a bad mother! Her younger son, whom she raised, is also doing well, ranking in the top fifty of the whole grade. Moreover, he can play the violin, tango, and act in dramas. He’s very talented.
Qin Chunxiao, who was reborn in 2023, felt that Lu Xuandong’s recognition by his family was a done deal. After all, both the Lu family and Zhao Zhaoyan had posted the results of the paternity test online, allowing him to focus on his competitions without worry.
The four teams in the semifinals were China, Iran, Japan, and Kazakhstan, and two of these teams were familiar opponents.
China: We only missed playing against Japan.
Tournament Committee: Then you will face Japan next.
When it came to playing against Japan, Newton laughed, Jiang Xiaohai laughed, Chang Xiaole laughed, Qin Chunxiao laughed too, and everyone laughed.
With multiple buffs from historical factors and racial suppression, they were professionals when it came to playing against Japan.
Indeed, Japan’s team had a strong defense, and in recent years, they had even added two towering players. However, their average height poses a problem: their blocking ability is no match for the Chinese men’s volleyball team.
Moreover, the highest touch of their players was only 3.5 meters, while the Chinese team had several players with a touch above 3.5 meters. Qin Chunxiao, Li Ling, Fu Biyang, Min Yaoyang, Liu Yuelou, and Qiao Mingming, each one of them had exceptional wing span, with even the shortest exceeding their height by 7 centimeters. With their long arms reaching over the net, it was enough to give Japan a hard time.
Physical attributes such as height, weight, and wingspan were collectively known as static talents. In terms of static talents, the Chinese team easily suppressed Japan.
During a game, athletes didn’t know how many jumps they had to make. Considering factors like health protection and energy allocation, they couldn’t always jump with full force. Just like Qiao Mingming, he didn’t always take a running start before jumping. Many times, he directly jumps from a stationary position. In such situations, the superiority of static talents became even more important.
As for dynamic talents, which include intellect, skills, the ability to read and learn from the game, and overall athletic ability, unfortunately, the current Chinese team still reigned supreme in Asia.
When Lao Niu scouted talents from various provinces, many coaches would scold him for not doing his job properly, but secretly admired his sharp eye. No matter how well they hid their treasures, Newton could instantly tell who had the best talent.
Japan found it difficult to break through the Chinese team’s blocks, and China’s passing was shouldered by Qin Chunxiao. This group of springy players could forcefully attack even when faced with Japan’s blocks. Even if Japan’s libero made a save, China had so many players capable of strong attacks. If they all attack together, with the setter being more agile, their efficiency in scoring points couldn’t be underestimated.
It’s like a game of animal chess. Japan was considered the top team among the second-tier teams on the international stage, and they could even defeat some strong teams with their defense. The Chinese team’s world ranking was only around 20, but they could handle Japan without a problem.
Because of this, everyone remained calm before the match. It was not that they underestimate their opponents, but it was definitely much easier compared to playing against the Iranian team.
Qin Chunxiao even ate two extra bowls of rice in the morning because the cafeteria offered very fresh steamed whelk, which tasted incredibly delicious when dipped in lemon vinegar. Along with boiled prawns, steamed chicken meatballs, and vegetable salad, for athletes who rarely get to enjoy heavy and salty flavors, this fresh meal was already quite tasty.
He and Fu Biyang and Min Yaoyang each piled a large bowl of rice and ate heartily, making the team doctor puzzled.
“Xiaozi is less than 1.8 meters tall, how can he eat so much rice compared to those two-meter-tall guys?”
Li Ling opened his mouth wide. “Xiaozi usually only eats until 80% full. It’s rare for him to eat this much and reach 100% fullness!”
Newton was shocked. “What? Does that kid never eat enough normally?”
Du Xiaofeng and Aizimaiti looked touched at the same time. They were both the type to eat a lot and easily gain weight. Every coach and nutritionist who dealt with them said that once they retired, they would immediately balloon up like inflated balloons. They never expected to encounter someone like Xiaozi in the national team!
Qin Chunxiao mumbled, “I’m in a good mood, so I’m eating more today.”
Moreover, he didn’t have a tendency to gain weight. Being a person with a well-toned body, he burned more energy than an average person. As long as he controlled his diet a bit, he could easily maintain his figure.
Since Lu Xuandong had acknowledged his parents, he didn’t need to spend money to distribute Zhao Zhaoyan and Lu Xuandong’s free goods everywhere. This could save a lot of money, which was definitely something to be happy about, right?
The others didn’t know about the free goods, but they felt that Qin Chunxiao was so happy because he had defeated the Iranian team. It made sense when you think about it. The biggest opponent had fallen, and although the upcoming matches wouldn’t be a walk in the park, they were not far from the mountain peak.
Newton put two steaks on a plate and said, “I’ll eat a little more to celebrate too.”
Before the match, considering that Qin Chunxiao had just slipped to split while Li Ling’s back of his head was still swollen, Newton let them rest and announced another lineup that had ample experience playing against the Japanese team.
“Qiao Mingming, Tong Shulan, Aizimaiti, Mao Xunfeng, You Ziyu, Zhang Feng, libero Du Xiaofeng.”
These players had been participating in international competitions for several years now, so Newton decided to start them while the others sat on the bench, ready to step in if needed. For example, Qiao Mingming definitely couldn’t play the entire match because since the Asian Championship, he had the most appearances without missing a game, except for Qin Chunxiao.
Even though the first team was good, they couldn’t go all out, otherwise, when the athletes’ health signaled a red light, the team’s combat effectiveness would be greatly affected. Lao Niu always controlled the players’ playing time and even had some of them manage their weight for this reason.
Like Yao the Giant in basketball, after gaining weight, he continued to participate in domestic and international competitions, which put a heavy burden on his body. In the end, he only played in the NBA for eight years before retiring, which was a regrettable thing for fans.
Sakano Ennosuke and setter Kawachi led their teammates, following Coach Takeshita into the court. They had prepared to see the classic entrance of the Chinese team’s macho men, but this time they lined up neatly and obediently followed the coach.
The most arrogant Qiao Mingming was joking with his teammates, Min Yaoyang and Kong Duojin, who were enjoying their jelly snacks. But when the game started, no one was there to shout at them from the net.
Chinese Team: Xiaoji was once shown a yellow card for roaring, so let’s be more civilized today.
A sour feeling rose in the hearts of the Japanese team. The Chinese team’s behavior showed that they didn’t value them. It was because they had already defeated the strongest Iranian team, so they could look down on their small Japanese team.
They didn’t even send their core member Qin Chunxiao! The legendary genius setter, Er Leng, didn’t make an appearance either. After winning the first set, even the team captain Qiao Mingming withdrew! He was replaced by that player called Liu Yuelou!
They were too arrogant. Although arrogance was the privilege of the strong, the Japanese team swore to surpass them and make these guys take them seriously!
When they noticed the sudden enthusiasm from the opponents, the blocker You Ziyu muttered, “Oh, what’s got into them?”
Has something triggered them?
Mao Xunfeng remained calm and steady as he effortlessly lifted the ball up, creating a beautiful arc that landed perfectly in the most convenient spot for Liu Yuelou to spike.
Mao, the second setter, was the best at precise ball control in the national team, so he was stable and didn’t make mistakes. As long as he was paired with powerful attackers, there was no need to worry about any loopholes.
Coach Takeshita watched Mao Xunfeng’s pass and pondered, “Did the ball pause in the air just now?”
In fact, there is no such thing as a ball pausing in mid-air, but the second setter could use the rotation of the ball to slow down its descent, making it easier for the attackers to hit. However, this kind of ball requires extremely high ball control ability to support it. It is a skill that requires talent, time, and spirit to develop.
This skill was also a specialty of one of the male protagonists in a volleyball-themed manga. Due to the tremendous influence of this manga in the Japanese volleyball community, Coach Takeshita had read it and often used the characters to inspire his players.
In reality, there was a setter in the Chinese women’s national volleyball team called “Moon Goddess” who had also executed this type of ball. However, there was no guarantee that a setter could successfully execute this kind of pass every time. So the fact that Mao Xunfeng could deliver this ball on the court was already amazing.
Sakano Ennosuke stared blankly at the play and looked at Mao Xunfeng in astonishment. He said, “He really is an amazing guy.”
He was a fan of the manga character who could execute the hovering ball. Moreover, as a setter who often experiences unpredictable moments during club matches, he easily develops a liking for stable players.
Mao Xunfeng couldn’t understand Japanese, so in response to Sakano Ennosuke’s words across the net, he could only awkwardly smile politely and turn to Liu Yuelou, asking, “He can’t speak English”
Sakano Ennosuke looked at Mao Xunfeng’s back and thought to himself, “It would be great if I could play alongside Mao-san and compete together.”
When it was You Ziyu’s turn to serve, the eyes of Japan’s second setter, Kawachi, lit up again. The club he was in had always lacked a powerful server who could intimidate the entire court. Moreover, the average height of the entire team was only 194 centimeters. When he saw You Ziyu, who stood at two meters one and had powerful serves, the pressure on him as an opponent increased, and he also felt a hint of envy towards the other Chinese players.
Kawachi had never experienced the feeling of being blocked at the net by a tall player like You Ziyu in his life. On the other hand, as someone who was just a little less than 1.9 meters tall, he had to jump up occasionally to block at the net, only to be spiked over by others.
At the end of the second set, the main receiver and main setter of the Japanese team secretly envied the static talent of the top-level Chinese team. However, as players who had experienced many matches, although they felt a bit sour, they still maintained a competitive mindset.
At this point, the score between the two teams had reached 1:1.
The revitalized Japanese team finally took a set back from the Chinese team.
Newton decisively employed one of his most classic tactics, “Xiaozi, go in as the libero.”
Yes, his tactic was to send in Qin Chunxiao.
Qin Chunxiao had only drunk half of his Western Region Spring Yogurt and quickly put down the yogurt box upon hearing the call. Newton waved his hand, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright. Finish your drink first. Oh, and from now on, when you’re halfway through drinking, never put it down. Once you put it down, don’t pick it up again, in case something accidentally falls inside.”
Newton was never evasive about this matter. He would never provide banned substances to athletes, and he was highly vigilant, constantly trying to infect everyone with this vigilance.
Qin Chunxiao immediately finished his yogurt with a slurp and Chang Xiaole opened a garbage bag, saying, “Put it here.”
Everyone in the arena, except for the Chinese team, couldn’t understand the indulgent attitude towards Qin Chunxiao, from the coach to the players, allowing him to finish his yogurt before going on the court.
Normally, when the coach calls, the athletes have to react immediately, just like Qin Chunxiao did at the beginning, and put down everything they’re holding to get ready to play!
Coach Takeshita of the Japanese team was also initially puzzled. What miraculous qualities did this Misha Qin possess that made the coach show such obvious care and affection?
How did Newton, a veteran who used to trick opponents at the net, occasionally complain about his own teammates’ messy spikes, and had accumulated 19 yellow cards throughout his career due to his foul mouth, transform into this doting parent figure? It couldn’t be because of his wife straightening him out, could it?
It wasn’t until the efficiency of Japan’s offense dropped by forty percent due to Qin Chunxiao’s defense that everyone understood.
Qin Misha was worth it!
After Qin Chunxiao entered the court, the other Chinese players no longer needed to exert themselves in defense. At most, they occasionally lent a hand, but ninety percent of their energy could be focused on the attack.
During this time, Coach Takeshita called timeouts, changed tactics, and made substitutions, but none of it could break through Qin Chunxiao’s defense.
Sakano Ennosuke, as the main scorer of the Japanese team, had a hard time because he was closely marked by Qin Chunxiao. After the third set, he only scored 4 points!
Before Qin Chunxiao came on the court, Sakano Ennosuke averaged 7 points per set and 20 points per match, making him the undisputed top scorer of the Japanese team.
Now, that position was effectively neutralized by Qin Chunxiao. Sakano Ennosuke developed a feeling that the opponent was deliberately breaking him down, and the shadow in his mind rapidly expanded.
He was a national-level athlete, so his mindset hadn’t collapsed yet, but the pressure Qin Chunxiao put on him was indeed much greater than on others.
For Japanese players who emphasized defense, it was unimaginable to be suppressed to this extent by a player with defensive attributes from another country. Japanese players and coaches were particularly familiar with defensive players. If Qin Misha wasn’t an UR (Ultimate Rarity) on the defensive end, the Japanese team would dare to write their names in reverse!
In the fourth set, Qin Chunxiao remained on the court. Whenever You Ziyu rotated to the back row, Lao Niu would have Du Xiaofeng substitute for him, saving some energy for the little giant.
Qin Chunxiao stood on the court the whole time. When he reached the net, he smiled faintly and directly transformed into an attacker on the spot, and his efficiency in scoring wasn’t much worse than anyone else’s.
Sakano Ennosuke personally experienced how solid the data of their opponents’ 3.5-meter height was. Because when it was the 20th point in the fourth set, the volleyball was set to the net by their libero. Sakano Ennosuke and Qin Chunxiao jumped up on opposite sides of the net, trying to push the ball into the opponent’s court.
Qin Chunxiao had strong explosiveness and a faster takeoff speed. Surprisingly, with his small stature of around 1.78 meters, he forcefully won that point.
Until the end of the fourth set, when the referee announced that the Chinese team had defeated the Japanese team 3-1, Sakano had already entered a state of despair.
While shaking hands, Aizmaiti poked Qin Chunxiao’s shoulder. When Qin Chunxiao turned around, he saw Aizimaiti pointing in Sakano’s direction.
“Xiao Zai, it seems like that kid is almost beaten by you.”
Qin Chunxiao looked confused, “Huh? How is that possible?”
It could be frustrating to play against him, but it shouldn’t have been to the point of breaking someone. Most of those players would feel disappointed for a while, but they would come back roaring and charging forward next time, quite passionate about it.
But at this point, Qin Chunxiao would usually push them back with even stronger defense.
Mao Xunfeng had a satisfying match today and was in a good mood. He approached and said, “Sakano is really struggling, Xiao Zai. Let’s review our match against the Iranian team.”
In the minds of the Chinese men’s volleyball national team, the match between Kazakhstan and Iran would undoubtedly end with Iran’s victory, so they had to face this formidable opponent once again. They couldn’t afford to not be prepared.
Min Yaoyang waved his hand, “Hey! The fourth set between Iran and Kazakhstan hasn’t finished yet. Let’s go and watch!”
Everyone immediately became interested, “Hasn’t Iran won 3-0 against Kazakhstan?”
Jiang Xiaohai opened his phone, “No, just a moment ago, they reached 2-2, a tie. The final result will be decided in the fifth set.”
Chang Xiaole had been following that match closely, and he added, “For some reason, the entire Iranian team seemed to have weak legs today. It’s like they fought fiercely with a group of bandits for three hundred rounds and got stabbed in the waist. They became weak, while Kazakhstan was full of momentum and fought exceptionally hard. I think the outcome of this match is uncertain.”
Upon hearing this, Li Ling burst into laughter, “Who are those bandits? Hahaha, Xiaole, your analogy is interesting.”
Chang Xiaole: …Yeah, who are those bandits that exhausted Iran’s stamina yesterday and were still roaring on the court?
The players of the Chinese Men’s Volleyball Team grabbed their sports bags and rushed over. Qin Chunxiao took the lead, leaving the others behind by a considerable distance in less than a hundred meters. He displayed the demeanor of a sprint champion, which made a passing scout who was still at the venue wondering, “Did Qin Misha used to train in short-distance running?”
When they arrived at the venue, the match was already in the decisive stage of the fifth set with a score of 16-16.
Fatigued, the Iranian team captain, Mallard, held the ball preparing to serve when he accidentally glanced at the familiar group of bandits in the stands. His hand trembled, and his waist and legs suddenly felt sore.
Ah Sang looked over there and sighed, “I really don’t want to see them again in a while.”
Although Ah Sang also had some fangirl tendencies and had a favorable impression of the handsome Qin Misha… he couldn’t help but feel tired when he saw this group of people.
The coach of the Iranian team stood up and clapped, “Focus on the game, kids!”
The Iranian players redirected their attention back to the match. The Kazakh team, on the other hand, had a different feeling upon seeing the Chinese team.
The coach of Kazakhstan shouted with full vigor,
“It’s going to be very difficult for us to win the championship this year, and that’s a sad fact. We can only change it by training hard when we go back. But now, we are already standing on the court as one of the top four teams. If we win, we can step onto the podium! But if we lose…”
If they lost, they would face the Japanese team next, and Kazakhstan had a very poor record against Japan in previous matches. In other words, if they lost this match, they would undoubtedly lose the next one as well and miss the opportunity to stand on the podium.
In that case, they might as well give it their all now!
The morale of the Kazakh players skyrocketed as they formed a circle and shouted together.
So, just as the Chinese team had been causing upsets and defeating all the strong teams in the Asian Championships, Kazakhstan also caused a surprise victory.
Only those in the know understood that this surprise victory was reasonable—the Iranian team had just finished playing against the bandits, and today they had to face Kazakhstan with a weary body. It wasn’t unfair for them to lose.
The Asian Championship had reached this stage, and the champion was almost decided. Chinese volleyball fans were already celebrating online in advance.
The coaching staff was in a great mood, and some even had the leisure to browse the internet.
Qiao Mingming leaned on Newton’s shoulder and asks, “Coach, am I still resting tomorrow?”
At that moment, Newton, who was scrolling through Weibo, happens to see a news headline.
“XX City Bandits Rob Wealthy, Declares Robin Hood-like Intentions.”
He suddenly jolted with excitement and said, “Rest? No rest! Tomorrow, we’ll field the main team! Let’s seize the opportunity and win the game with all our might!”
Mysterious Small Group
Group Announcement: Everyone, I know those two individuals are extremely sweet, but one of them is too young, so we need to learn to say “no” to that. For the sake of our moral bottom line, it’s okay to discuss and secretly fawn over them, but let’s not go overboard.
Also, to ensure the group owner doesn’t accidentally enter, don’t drive, especially not the school bus!
Group Owner: That’s right, I know they are incredibly attractive. After all, their looks and physique are outstanding, and they excel in their professional field. Even if one of them alone is already alluring, not to mention the subtle interactions they have online that are enough to make one’s heart race. But for the safety of the group owner, Jimei members, let’s exercise restraint! {Sobbing.jpg}
Alias 1: I know that the relationship between those two individuals is just that of an ordinary fan and a rising star in the sports world, but their recent Weibo posts really seem like a conversation between them across space! My mind went blank for a moment, and I almost got dizzy.
Alias 2: Half of it is true. It was the rising star who defeated Iran, right?
Alias 3: However, the rising star is still in Indonesia, so his words are definitely meant for his teammates to hear. So you see, recently, those few ladies only write a single arrow symbol.
Alias 4: There’s nothing we can do. Even if there are things to fawn over, it’s only about the rising star and his teammates. For example, his silly and cute partner with a husky face. Our circle is too cold, just like the looks of those two individuals, both with an Antarctic style.
Alias 5: Suspicion detected, interrogate the intruder! Speak up! Are you a double agent?
Alias 4: Spare me, sir! I didn’t mean to fawn, but recently, a big shot has been supporting that pair and providing them with plenty of nourishment. The nourishment is just too delicious!
Alias 1: The rising star’s partner, isn’t he like Durant, liking Black Widow and chasing after Victoria’s Secret models every year? He has a preference for sexy older sisters, with a mature taste.
Alias 2: Er Leng has good taste. Regardless of gender, as long as it’s a sexy and mature beauty wearing beautiful clothes and walking the runway, it’s a bodhisattva in my eyes! {Thumbs up.jpg}
Alias 4: Same here!
…
Alias 3: Yomi has started a new story, an AU featuring the Entertainment Circle Song God x Martial Arts Rising Star. It’s so enticing, the plot has just begun and the rising star has already fought several battles, hahaha. Isn’t he supposed to look fragile and aloof? Why is he so street-smart in this story? Isn’t that out of character?
Alias 2: But the plot and writing style are both good.
Alias 5: Yomi? Is that the lady who turned a wealthy family melodrama into reality? She’s writing an MXD, no, an LXD where a lost scion of a wealthy family comes true, I can’t believe it! Combined with the dynamics of those two individuals’ Weibo posts, a wave of telepathic conversation, and paired with Yomi’s wealthy family genre, I can’t take it anymore, I’m getting dizzy from the anticipation.
…
The news of Lu Xuandong’s recognition by the Lu family dominated the trending lists of various apps, with most of the associated keywords being “social” and “legal.”
However, the media didn’t have anything particularly negative to say about them. They only mentioned that both of them had suffered in the past and were now reaping the rewards.
After all, when Zhao Zhaoyan learned of her eldest son’s death, she directly withdrew from the film industry and sought therapy for a long time. Later, when she made a cameo appearance in a Hollywood movie, it was said that she was recommended by a director friend to relax.
As for Lu Xuandong, just look at how he had been deceived by his deadbeat gambler foster father and insane foster mother over the years. Consider his repayment of a seven-figure sum to the deadbeat gambler and his past experience of working hard to support his foster mother and sister. It was truly an injustice.
In 2017, there were quite a few people who liked to talk about the “guilty victim” theory. Some would sigh and say, “Lu Xuandong has had a tough life. I wonder what sins he committed in his past life.” However, those comments were also criticized.
Most people believed that Lu Xuandong was a perfect victim. He went missing at the age of one and suffered greatly over the years, yet he showed utmost kindness and forgiveness towards the gambler and foster mother who had harmed him. He was like a lotus blooming in the mud, without any faults to point out.
Although the term “perfect victim” was not accurate, as there was no justification for criticizing a victim, this awareness had not been widely spread in 2017.
Some people even believed that Zhao Zhaoyan and Lu Xuandong must have a deep mother-son bond. In the variety show “Returning to the Golden Era,” which had already aired, these two individuals demonstrated great synergy while completing tasks. After the show ended, they praised each other, albeit using somewhat formulaic language. Nevertheless, they left a good impression on each other.
Optimistic netizens: They have already had a good start.
Pessimistic netizens: Really? Didn’t Zhao Zhaoyan casually hand over her overweight luggage to Lu Xuandong? And when Lu Xuandong politely flattered her with some words of respect for his senior, she even retorted, “I don’t like hearing that.” Isn’t Lu Xuandong going through a bit of hardship?
Bloodline supporters: Believe in bloodline! Just look at how well Lu Xuandong has grown in such a harsh environment. It’s evident that like father, like son. Zhao Zhaoyan, who has given him these genes, won’t be a bad mother! Her younger son, whom she raised, is also doing well, ranking in the top fifty of the whole grade. Moreover, he can play the violin, tango, and act in dramas. He’s very talented.
Qin Chunxiao, who was reborn in 2023, felt that Lu Xuandong’s recognition by his family was a done deal. After all, both the Lu family and Zhao Zhaoyan had posted the results of the paternity test online, allowing him to focus on his competitions without worry.
The four teams in the semifinals were China, Iran, Japan, and Kazakhstan, and two of these teams were familiar opponents.
China: We only missed playing against Japan.
Tournament Committee: Then you will face Japan next.
When it came to playing against Japan, Newton laughed, Jiang Xiaohai laughed, Chang Xiaole laughed, Qin Chunxiao laughed too, and everyone laughed.
With multiple buffs from historical factors and racial suppression, they were professionals when it came to playing against Japan.
Indeed, Japan’s team had a strong defense, and in recent years, they had even added two towering players. However, their average height poses a problem: their blocking ability is no match for the Chinese men’s volleyball team.
Moreover, the highest touch of their players was only 3.5 meters, while the Chinese team had several players with a touch above 3.5 meters. Qin Chunxiao, Li Ling, Fu Biyang, Min Yaoyang, Liu Yuelou, and Qiao Mingming, each one of them had exceptional wing span, with even the shortest exceeding their height by 7 centimeters. With their long arms reaching over the net, it was enough to give Japan a hard time.
Physical attributes such as height, weight, and wingspan were collectively known as static talents. In terms of static talents, the Chinese team easily suppressed Japan.
During a game, athletes didn’t know how many jumps they had to make. Considering factors like health protection and energy allocation, they couldn’t always jump with full force. Just like Qiao Mingming, he didn’t always take a running start before jumping. Many times, he directly jumps from a stationary position. In such situations, the superiority of static talents became even more important.
As for dynamic talents, which include intellect, skills, the ability to read and learn from the game, and overall athletic ability, unfortunately, the current Chinese team still reigned supreme in Asia.
When Lao Niu scouted talents from various provinces, many coaches would scold him for not doing his job properly, but secretly admired his sharp eye. No matter how well they hid their treasures, Newton could instantly tell who had the best talent.
Japan found it difficult to break through the Chinese team’s blocks, and China’s passing was shouldered by Qin Chunxiao. This group of springy players could forcefully attack even when faced with Japan’s blocks. Even if Japan’s libero made a save, China had so many players capable of strong attacks. If they all attack together, with the setter being more agile, their efficiency in scoring points couldn’t be underestimated.
It’s like a game of animal chess. Japan was considered the top team among the second-tier teams on the international stage, and they could even defeat some strong teams with their defense. The Chinese team’s world ranking was only around 20, but they could handle Japan without a problem.
Because of this, everyone remained calm before the match. It was not that they underestimate their opponents, but it was definitely much easier compared to playing against the Iranian team.
Qin Chunxiao even ate two extra bowls of rice in the morning because the cafeteria offered very fresh steamed whelk, which tasted incredibly delicious when dipped in lemon vinegar. Along with boiled prawns, steamed chicken meatballs, and vegetable salad, for athletes who rarely get to enjoy heavy and salty flavors, this fresh meal was already quite tasty.
He and Fu Biyang and Min Yaoyang each piled a large bowl of rice and ate heartily, making the team doctor puzzled.
“Xiaozi is less than 1.8 meters tall, how can he eat so much rice compared to those two-meter-tall guys?”
Li Ling opened his mouth wide. “Xiaozi usually only eats until 80% full. It’s rare for him to eat this much and reach 100% fullness!”
Newton was shocked. “What? Does that kid never eat enough normally?”
Du Xiaofeng and Aizimaiti looked touched at the same time. They were both the type to eat a lot and easily gain weight. Every coach and nutritionist who dealt with them said that once they retired, they would immediately balloon up like inflated balloons. They never expected to encounter someone like Xiaozi in the national team!
Qin Chunxiao mumbled, “I’m in a good mood, so I’m eating more today.”
Moreover, he didn’t have a tendency to gain weight. Being a person with a well-toned body, he burned more energy than an average person. As long as he controlled his diet a bit, he could easily maintain his figure.
Since Lu Xuandong had acknowledged his parents, he didn’t need to spend money to distribute Zhao Zhaoyan and Lu Xuandong’s free goods everywhere. This could save a lot of money, which was definitely something to be happy about, right?
The others didn’t know about the free goods, but they felt that Qin Chunxiao was so happy because he had defeated the Iranian team. It made sense when you think about it. The biggest opponent had fallen, and although the upcoming matches wouldn’t be a walk in the park, they were not far from the mountain peak.
Newton put two steaks on a plate and said, “I’ll eat a little more to celebrate too.”
Before the match, considering that Qin Chunxiao had just slipped to split while Li Ling’s back of his head was still swollen, Newton let them rest and announced another lineup that had ample experience playing against the Japanese team.
“Qiao Mingming, Tong Shulan, Aizimaiti, Mao Xunfeng, You Ziyu, Zhang Feng, libero Du Xiaofeng.”
These players had been participating in international competitions for several years now, so Newton decided to start them while the others sat on the bench, ready to step in if needed. For example, Qiao Mingming definitely couldn’t play the entire match because since the Asian Championship, he had the most appearances without missing a game, except for Qin Chunxiao.
Even though the first team was good, they couldn’t go all out, otherwise, when the athletes’ health signaled a red light, the team’s combat effectiveness would be greatly affected. Lao Niu always controlled the players’ playing time and even had some of them manage their weight for this reason.
Like Yao the Giant in basketball, after gaining weight, he continued to participate in domestic and international competitions, which put a heavy burden on his body. In the end, he only played in the NBA for eight years before retiring, which was a regrettable thing for fans.
Sakano Ennosuke and setter Kawachi led their teammates, following Coach Takeshita into the court. They had prepared to see the classic entrance of the Chinese team’s macho men, but this time they lined up neatly and obediently followed the coach.
The most arrogant Qiao Mingming was joking with his teammates, Min Yaoyang and Kong Duojin, who were enjoying their jelly snacks. But when the game started, no one was there to shout at them from the net.
Chinese Team: Xiaoji was once shown a yellow card for roaring, so let’s be more civilized today.
A sour feeling rose in the hearts of the Japanese team. The Chinese team’s behavior showed that they didn’t value them. It was because they had already defeated the strongest Iranian team, so they could look down on their small Japanese team.
They didn’t even send their core member Qin Chunxiao! The legendary genius setter, Er Leng, didn’t make an appearance either. After winning the first set, even the team captain Qiao Mingming withdrew! He was replaced by that player called Liu Yuelou!
They were too arrogant. Although arrogance was the privilege of the strong, the Japanese team swore to surpass them and make these guys take them seriously!
When they noticed the sudden enthusiasm from the opponents, the blocker You Ziyu muttered, “Oh, what’s got into them?”
Has something triggered them?
Mao Xunfeng remained calm and steady as he effortlessly lifted the ball up, creating a beautiful arc that landed perfectly in the most convenient spot for Liu Yuelou to spike.
Mao, the second setter, was the best at precise ball control in the national team, so he was stable and didn’t make mistakes. As long as he was paired with powerful attackers, there was no need to worry about any loopholes.
Coach Takeshita watched Mao Xunfeng’s pass and pondered, “Did the ball pause in the air just now?”
In fact, there is no such thing as a ball pausing in mid-air, but the second setter could use the rotation of the ball to slow down its descent, making it easier for the attackers to hit. However, this kind of ball requires extremely high ball control ability to support it. It is a skill that requires talent, time, and spirit to develop.
This skill was also a specialty of one of the male protagonists in a volleyball-themed manga. Due to the tremendous influence of this manga in the Japanese volleyball community, Coach Takeshita had read it and often used the characters to inspire his players.
In reality, there was a setter in the Chinese women’s national volleyball team called “Moon Goddess” who had also executed this type of ball. However, there was no guarantee that a setter could successfully execute this kind of pass every time. So the fact that Mao Xunfeng could deliver this ball on the court was already amazing.
Sakano Ennosuke stared blankly at the play and looked at Mao Xunfeng in astonishment. He said, “He really is an amazing guy.”
He was a fan of the manga character who could execute the hovering ball. Moreover, as a setter who often experiences unpredictable moments during club matches, he easily develops a liking for stable players.
Mao Xunfeng couldn’t understand Japanese, so in response to Sakano Ennosuke’s words across the net, he could only awkwardly smile politely and turn to Liu Yuelou, asking, “He can’t speak English”
Sakano Ennosuke looked at Mao Xunfeng’s back and thought to himself, “It would be great if I could play alongside Mao-san and compete together.”
When it was You Ziyu’s turn to serve, the eyes of Japan’s second setter, Kawachi, lit up again. The club he was in had always lacked a powerful server who could intimidate the entire court. Moreover, the average height of the entire team was only 194 centimeters. When he saw You Ziyu, who stood at two meters one and had powerful serves, the pressure on him as an opponent increased, and he also felt a hint of envy towards the other Chinese players.
Kawachi had never experienced the feeling of being blocked at the net by a tall player like You Ziyu in his life. On the other hand, as someone who was just a little less than 1.9 meters tall, he had to jump up occasionally to block at the net, only to be spiked over by others.
At the end of the second set, the main receiver and main setter of the Japanese team secretly envied the static talent of the top-level Chinese team. However, as players who had experienced many matches, although they felt a bit sour, they still maintained a competitive mindset.
At this point, the score between the two teams had reached 1:1.
The revitalized Japanese team finally took a set back from the Chinese team.
Newton decisively employed one of his most classic tactics, “Xiaozi, go in as the libero.”
Yes, his tactic was to send in Qin Chunxiao.
Qin Chunxiao had only drunk half of his Western Region Spring Yogurt and quickly put down the yogurt box upon hearing the call. Newton waved his hand, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright. Finish your drink first. Oh, and from now on, when you’re halfway through drinking, never put it down. Once you put it down, don’t pick it up again, in case something accidentally falls inside.”
Newton was never evasive about this matter. He would never provide banned substances to athletes, and he was highly vigilant, constantly trying to infect everyone with this vigilance.
Qin Chunxiao immediately finished his yogurt with a slurp and Chang Xiaole opened a garbage bag, saying, “Put it here.”
Everyone in the arena, except for the Chinese team, couldn’t understand the indulgent attitude towards Qin Chunxiao, from the coach to the players, allowing him to finish his yogurt before going on the court.
Normally, when the coach calls, the athletes have to react immediately, just like Qin Chunxiao did at the beginning, and put down everything they’re holding to get ready to play!
Coach Takeshita of the Japanese team was also initially puzzled. What miraculous qualities did this Misha Qin possess that made the coach show such obvious care and affection?
How did Newton, a veteran who used to trick opponents at the net, occasionally complain about his own teammates’ messy spikes, and had accumulated 19 yellow cards throughout his career due to his foul mouth, transform into this doting parent figure? It couldn’t be because of his wife straightening him out, could it?
It wasn’t until the efficiency of Japan’s offense dropped by forty percent due to Qin Chunxiao’s defense that everyone understood.
Qin Misha was worth it!
After Qin Chunxiao entered the court, the other Chinese players no longer needed to exert themselves in defense. At most, they occasionally lent a hand, but ninety percent of their energy could be focused on the attack.
During this time, Coach Takeshita called timeouts, changed tactics, and made substitutions, but none of it could break through Qin Chunxiao’s defense.
Sakano Ennosuke, as the main scorer of the Japanese team, had a hard time because he was closely marked by Qin Chunxiao. After the third set, he only scored 4 points!
Before Qin Chunxiao came on the court, Sakano Ennosuke averaged 7 points per set and 20 points per match, making him the undisputed top scorer of the Japanese team.
Now, that position was effectively neutralized by Qin Chunxiao. Sakano Ennosuke developed a feeling that the opponent was deliberately breaking him down, and the shadow in his mind rapidly expanded.
He was a national-level athlete, so his mindset hadn’t collapsed yet, but the pressure Qin Chunxiao put on him was indeed much greater than on others.
For Japanese players who emphasized defense, it was unimaginable to be suppressed to this extent by a player with defensive attributes from another country. Japanese players and coaches were particularly familiar with defensive players. If Qin Misha wasn’t an UR (Ultimate Rarity) on the defensive end, the Japanese team would dare to write their names in reverse!
In the fourth set, Qin Chunxiao remained on the court. Whenever You Ziyu rotated to the back row, Lao Niu would have Du Xiaofeng substitute for him, saving some energy for the little giant.
Qin Chunxiao stood on the court the whole time. When he reached the net, he smiled faintly and directly transformed into an attacker on the spot, and his efficiency in scoring wasn’t much worse than anyone else’s.
Sakano Ennosuke personally experienced how solid the data of their opponents’ 3.5-meter height was. Because when it was the 20th point in the fourth set, the volleyball was set to the net by their libero. Sakano Ennosuke and Qin Chunxiao jumped up on opposite sides of the net, trying to push the ball into the opponent’s court.
Qin Chunxiao had strong explosiveness and a faster takeoff speed. Surprisingly, with his small stature of around 1.78 meters, he forcefully won that point.
Until the end of the fourth set, when the referee announced that the Chinese team had defeated the Japanese team 3-1, Sakano had already entered a state of despair.
While shaking hands, Aizmaiti poked Qin Chunxiao’s shoulder. When Qin Chunxiao turned around, he saw Aizimaiti pointing in Sakano’s direction.
“Xiao Zai, it seems like that kid is almost beaten by you.”
Qin Chunxiao looked confused, “Huh? How is that possible?”
It could be frustrating to play against him, but it shouldn’t have been to the point of breaking someone. Most of those players would feel disappointed for a while, but they would come back roaring and charging forward next time, quite passionate about it.
But at this point, Qin Chunxiao would usually push them back with even stronger defense.
Mao Xunfeng had a satisfying match today and was in a good mood. He approached and said, “Sakano is really struggling, Xiao Zai. Let’s review our match against the Iranian team.”
In the minds of the Chinese men’s volleyball national team, the match between Kazakhstan and Iran would undoubtedly end with Iran’s victory, so they had to face this formidable opponent once again. They couldn’t afford to not be prepared.
Min Yaoyang waved his hand, “Hey! The fourth set between Iran and Kazakhstan hasn’t finished yet. Let’s go and watch!”
Everyone immediately became interested, “Hasn’t Iran won 3-0 against Kazakhstan?”
Jiang Xiaohai opened his phone, “No, just a moment ago, they reached 2-2, a tie. The final result will be decided in the fifth set.”
Chang Xiaole had been following that match closely, and he added, “For some reason, the entire Iranian team seemed to have weak legs today. It’s like they fought fiercely with a group of bandits for three hundred rounds and got stabbed in the waist. They became weak, while Kazakhstan was full of momentum and fought exceptionally hard. I think the outcome of this match is uncertain.”
Upon hearing this, Li Ling burst into laughter, “Who are those bandits? Hahaha, Xiaole, your analogy is interesting.”
Chang Xiaole: …Yeah, who are those bandits that exhausted Iran’s stamina yesterday and were still roaring on the court?
The players of the Chinese Men’s Volleyball Team grabbed their sports bags and rushed over. Qin Chunxiao took the lead, leaving the others behind by a considerable distance in less than a hundred meters. He displayed the demeanor of a sprint champion, which made a passing scout who was still at the venue wondering, “Did Qin Misha used to train in short-distance running?”
When they arrived at the venue, the match was already in the decisive stage of the fifth set with a score of 16-16.
Fatigued, the Iranian team captain, Mallard, held the ball preparing to serve when he accidentally glanced at the familiar group of bandits in the stands. His hand trembled, and his waist and legs suddenly felt sore.
Ah Sang looked over there and sighed, “I really don’t want to see them again in a while.”
Although Ah Sang also had some fangirl tendencies and had a favorable impression of the handsome Qin Misha… he couldn’t help but feel tired when he saw this group of people.
The coach of the Iranian team stood up and clapped, “Focus on the game, kids!”
The Iranian players redirected their attention back to the match. The Kazakh team, on the other hand, had a different feeling upon seeing the Chinese team.
The coach of Kazakhstan shouted with full vigor,
“It’s going to be very difficult for us to win the championship this year, and that’s a sad fact. We can only change it by training hard when we go back. But now, we are already standing on the court as one of the top four teams. If we win, we can step onto the podium! But if we lose…”
If they lost, they would face the Japanese team next, and Kazakhstan had a very poor record against Japan in previous matches. In other words, if they lost this match, they would undoubtedly lose the next one as well and miss the opportunity to stand on the podium.
In that case, they might as well give it their all now!
The morale of the Kazakh players skyrocketed as they formed a circle and shouted together.
So, just as the Chinese team had been causing upsets and defeating all the strong teams in the Asian Championships, Kazakhstan also caused a surprise victory.
Only those in the know understood that this surprise victory was reasonable—the Iranian team had just finished playing against the bandits, and today they had to face Kazakhstan with a weary body. It wasn’t unfair for them to lose.
The Asian Championship had reached this stage, and the champion was almost decided. Chinese volleyball fans were already celebrating online in advance.
The coaching staff was in a great mood, and some even had the leisure to browse the internet.
Qiao Mingming leaned on Newton’s shoulder and asks, “Coach, am I still resting tomorrow?”
At that moment, Newton, who was scrolling through Weibo, happens to see a news headline.
“XX City Bandits Rob Wealthy, Declares Robin Hood-like Intentions.”
He suddenly jolted with excitement and said, “Rest? No rest! Tomorrow, we’ll field the main team! Let’s seize the opportunity and win the game with all our might!”
