Love is as simple as badminton.

Chapter 24 I will do it secretly, without letting you know.

Nine o'clock in the evening.

Inside the Xiangda Badminton Hall, the laughter and noise gradually subsided, leaving only the sound of the rubber floor rubbing against each other and the metallic sound of hitting the shuttlecock echoing in the empty space.

On Court 1, located right in the center, a fierce men's singles match is underway, with the score an astonishing 20:8.

*Smack!*

Deng Ziyang slammed his fist into the top of the field, creating a diagonal smash that stunned his teammates who were about to defend the straight line.

The teammate made a hasty diving save, barely managing to scoop the ball up, but the quality was acceptable.

However, Deng Ziyang had already pounced on the net like a god of war, his back arched as if he had gathered all his strength; just before touching the ball, he suddenly released his strength and delicately hit a drop shot.

His teammates couldn't keep up and could only watch the ball helplessly.

"21:7".

The teammate acting as referee announced that Deng Ziyang had won.

"Hey! Who told you to put down your racket so early!"

Deng Ziyang walked quickly to the net, his thick, sword-like eyebrows furrowed together.

"Your strength is following the ball, but that ball didn't even hit the net, couldn't you have returned it?"

"I can get through..."

"Why not answer if you can?"

"But with such a large point difference, and no chance of turning it around, there's no point in continuing, so we might as well... well..."

"So you're just going to open it up for business?"

Under Deng Ziyang's angry glare, the teammate shrank back like a quail, not daring to say a word.

The team members around him also sat upright, not daring to even blink too casually.

"If you're this listless in training, how can you be energetic in a match? You won't even return the shots you could have hit. What are you even doing playing badminton? Go home and raise pigs!"

Deng Ziyang roared.

"And you guys aren't much better. You all came back from the qualifiers looking listless. Look at you! You think you can just lie around when the coach isn't around?"

Deng Ziyang then looked around at the other contestants.

"We are the champions with seven titles in ten years. We can lose, but we cannot give up!"

Let me reiterate our team motto: We will not give up until the ball touches the ground!

No matter how slim the chances of winning are, as long as the ball hasn't hit the ground, give it your all to get back on the next shot! Never give up, and you'll have a chance to rise again!

Everyone, understand?

"I understand!"

The team members immediately responded loudly, "We won't give up until the ball touches the ground!"

"Go down."

After glancing at his teammates who were leaving in a hurry, Deng Ziyang simply wiped his sweat and went back onto the court like an impatient beast.

"Who's next? Come on up! Stop making me urge you. Look at how many rounds we've gone through already! Apart from Wang Luo at the beginning, not a single player has managed to score fifteen points against me. How are we going to count on you for next year's Yugao High School?"

The stadium was past public use time, and only the school team members remained. His roar echoed for a long time.

In a distant corner of the stands, Lin Xiang silently watched the stadium below.

Compared to Deng Ziyang, his gaze was more focused on Ling Ye in the next arena.

According to his observation, Ling Ye was the only one who wasn't called over by Deng Ziyang for a one-on-one match.

He was practicing net play with another female teammate. There was no heated exchange or scorching heat, just like a martial artist quietly sharpening his sword.

The entire stadium seemed to be divided into two worlds, one active and one still.

Lin Xiang sat at the secluded intersection, finding the view somewhat novel.

Of course, since Wang Tianmao requested a private meeting, Jin Xin was unable to experience this kind of experience.

"Good, you have a good sense of time."

After watching for a while, a hoarse yet clear voice came from behind. Wang Tianmao walked to Lin Xiang's side with a smile and pulled out the folding seat.

As a result, he lost his grip and got bumped in the knee, which hurt so much that he hugged his knee and convulsed, completely ruining his cool demeanor.

"..."

Lin Xiang glanced at his watch silently.

The agreed meeting time was 9 p.m., he arrived at 8:55 p.m., and it is now 9:02 p.m.

Of course, Wang Tianmao had probably been observing in secret for a while, so he wasn't exactly late.

"Ziyang's talent is no less than Lingye's, but he wants to win too much. Ambition is a virtue of top players, but if it goes too far, it will become a shackle."

Wang Tianmao commented leisurely like a grandmaster, as if nothing had just happened.

"In terms of mentality, Xiaoye is far more mature than her peers. Tsk tsk, it's a pity that fate is jealous of talent; Xiaoye is destined never to return to the highest stage. Perhaps this is just the way of destiny."

Lin Xiang glanced at him.

Although this spear of the Republic has been away from the badminton world for a long time, his eyes do not lie.

His intuition told him that Wang Tianmao's heart had never left the court.

"The glory of reaching the highest peak is too tempting, but the opportunity to reach the pinnacle is destined to be unique and heavy. It can bring glory, but it can also shatter the halo."

Wang Tianmao's gaze fell on Lin Xiang.

"And what about you?"

You are different from them all; you are exceptionally talented and extremely capable, yet you chose to retire. But if you did retire, your perseverance afterward puts most players to shame.

The reason I heard was apparently a disagreement with the coach? I mean the coach after Lao Li.

"Um."

Lin Xiang nodded, making no attempt to hide anything.

"After winning the provincial championship in my age group during junior high school, I originally planned to become an athlete, but Teacher Li recommended me to a top coach in Shanxi Province."

However, I don't quite agree with that coach's philosophy. He believes that as long as the target results can be achieved, it doesn't matter what means are used, what consequences occur, or what price is paid.

If you don't achieve results, all your previous efforts will be meaningless and worthless.

He used me as a role model and example, making everyone on the team follow my example. Until something happened later…”

So you chose to quit.

Wang Tianmao smiled and nodded, not pressing Lin Xiang for details.

"Being able to take things on and let them go is a remarkable strength. Many adults may not have that kind of courage."

"My parents have also given me a lot of support, both in terms of their attitude and in terms of practical help. I am very grateful to them for always standing by my side."

"But you didn't leave badminton. After that, you studied while still finding time to train with Lao Li. Why were you so persistent?"

"Because I like badminton."

Lin Xiang's answer was calm and unhesitating, as if he were saying that the weather was nice today.

"I know, I'm asking for a more specific reason. I certainly know you like it, but you clearly have a passion for badminton."

Wang Tianmao nodded and guessed, "Is it to play in more and better competitions, reach higher stages, and gain more honors?"

"These are just processes. My goal is badminton itself."

"Is that all it takes to become the strongest player and reach the pinnacle of badminton?"

"No, not exactly."

Lin Xiang shook his head slightly, his eyes reflecting the old man's increasingly satisfied smile.

"If you aim to be the strongest, you'll inevitably stop at a certain level. My goal is to be stronger, and only stronger."

"Excellent!"

Wang Tianmao clapped his hands and stood up.

"You're the perfect player I've been searching for. Listen, I have a way to help you achieve your goal—well, also my goal!"

Lin Xiang blinked: "You mean...?"

"That's right, I can guide you. But you have to become my disciple first! And this relationship is between you and me, it's not something to be told to outsiders."

Wang Tianmao raised his head and stroked his beard, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face.

"After all, you're not a player who's going down this path yet; right now you're just a general education student. And you're almost eighteen, right? At this age, with such exceptional talent, you've already won the World Youth Championship, even consecutively."

Although you didn't get involved in this field due to some unforeseen circumstances, and now you have my Republic's Spear personally guiding you, you are still a latecomer, and I can't say how high I can take you.

What if you don't make a name for yourself? Won't I be dragged out and flogging? It's fine between regular coaches and players, but it's different between a mentor and student, so remember to keep it a secret. Hmm, is that acceptable?

"Can."

Under Wang Tianmao's guidance, Lin Xiang respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, performing the apprenticeship ceremony.

"Disciple Lin Xiang greets Master!"

Lin Xiang appeared solemn, but in reality, he was holding his nerve with all his might.

"Hmm~ Rise~"

Wang Tianmao had finally satisfied his craving for the title of Grandmaster, and he raised his head in satisfaction, like an old tabby cat that had been petted until it went mad.

"I'll add you on WeChat later and send you next week's schedule. Be prepared for something even tougher than senior year of high school. As for Qiqi, just continue with your usual guidance... What's with that expression? Do I have words on my face?"

"……No."

Lin Xiang shook his head.

"I just thought you would tell me to focus on training and not to get distracted by my senior."

"Most old Deng would indeed make that request, but as I said, my personality is rather eccentric. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken you on as my apprentice."

Wang Tianmao chuckled, his expression subtly mischievous.

"And if I really asked you to, would you obediently stop doing it?"

"..."

Lin Xiang remained silent for a long time, looking like he was seriously thinking.

"I will do it secretly, without letting you know."

Then he answered thoughtfully.

"That settles it!"

Wang Tianmao laughed heartily, but there seemed to be some deeper meaning in his cheerful eyes.

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