The straight-line distance from the Imperial Capital to Houston is more than 10,000 kilometers. There is no direct flight, and you need to transfer in the middle. This journey is very long. Wang Chao was half asleep and half awake in the first half of the journey. After the transfer from New York, he originally wanted to continue sleeping, but he felt the wind blowing around him. He turned around and saw that Tang Yuanyuan had switched seats with He Jingping and ran to him.
"Wang Chao, I have a question." Tang Yuanyuan still had his usual style and spoke straightforwardly, "You said, if we cross-match with the Beautiful Country player and the effect is particularly poor and we are eliminated in the first round, does that count as completing the task?"
When she said this, her voice was quite low, and her mouth was almost close to Wang Chao's ear. Obviously, this was not a normal question, and she did not dare to let others hear it.
Wang Chao couldn't help but feel a little funny.
Just by looking at Tang Yuanyuan's rolling eyes, he knew that Tang Yuanyuan was not really worried about not getting good results. What she really wanted to ask was, "If we deliberately fail to get good results, will Old Cai cause trouble for us."
To understand this issue, we must first find out what the Huaping coaching staff thinks, and what the General Administration of Sports thinks. After all, the leaders like to deliberately obscure their words. On the surface, they say there are no requirements for results, but if the results are too poor, will they fall out on the spot, say they have lost Huaping's face, and impose divine punishment?
Of course, Tang Yuanyuan couldn't understand such a laborious matter, and she naturally didn't dare to ask her teacher Ge Miao such a question that risked the world's disapproval. So after much deliberation, Wang Chao was still the most reliable.
Facing Tang Yuanyuan's expectant eyes, Wang Chao smiled and shook his head, "No."
Tang Yuanyuan's eyes suddenly widened. "Really?"
Wang Chao nodded. "Really."
In fact, he has thought about this issue carefully in the past few days.
There is no doubt that the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association's request this time is suspected of being unfair, and the General Administration is not stupid. The reason why they agreed is not because they don't understand the mystery, but simply because they don't want to leave any opportunity for non-Chinese associations to show off and smear.
Especially in table tennis, an event that the country attaches great importance to and is sufficiently glorious.
After all, this year is the 50th anniversary of "Small ball turning big ball", and it is also the year when the three table tennis competitions completely overlap. At such a coincidental time, to say that the the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association has no idea at all is to underestimate the world's heroes.
Those who live in the court are cautious and walk on thin ice. Sometimes, in order to be 100% safe, they would rather suffer some losses. Wang Chao fully understands this.
But it was also because of understanding this level that Wang Chao was sure that this time it was not that the leader was playing with the art of speaking, but that he really had no requirements for himself, because they had never thought about getting real thanks from the the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association, they just wanted to get the process over with as quickly as possible.
So Wang Chao went out this time, on the one hand, to become the World Cup champion, and on the other hand, it was a trip at public expense. After all, he was the second substitute, and his chance of playing was zero. There was really nothing serious to do these days.
In fact, even if Tang Yuanyuan didn't come, he planned to take the initiative to talk to Tang Yuanyuan.
But Tang Yuanyuan obviously understood it wrong. After the surprise, she showed a grateful expression, then punched Wang Chao hard on the shoulder and said, "Good brother, you are so loyal."
This punch was such that Wang Chao grunted and shook his body. He put his hands on his shoulders and could only smile bitterly.
I have to say that although Tang Yuanyuan's character is very comfortable to get along with, sometimes, like this moment, it makes him really helpless.
If a cute girl with a soft voice said to him "Onii-chan, you are the best", wouldn't the painting style be much better?
"Then we've made an agreement." Tang Yuanyuan was originally a little depressed after receiving the mission yesterday, but now he suddenly became full of energy. He poked a white and fleshy little finger in front of Wang Chao's eyes and wanted to hook him up. "We both messed up together. No one should practice seriously. When the time comes, we will deliberately perform abnormally and we will be eliminated in the first round. Keep your word."
When the hook was finished, she felt uneasy and patted Wang Chao on the shoulder again, still wearing the familiar old-fashioned look. "Young man, when you come to a place like the Beautiful Country, you have to hold on tight... That Lilith is not bad looking, but you must not be corrupted by sugar-coated bullets."
A few hours later, the plane landed and everyone got out of the cabin. Someone came to pick them up soon. The large group was naturally taken away by the official staff of the the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association, but Wang Chao and Tang Yuanyuan was about to part ways with everyone here, because the Beautiful Country players Lilith and Kazik, along with their respective personal coaches, also appeared among the pick-up staff. They made a special trip to pick up Wang Chao and Tang Yuanyuan.
"Don't we live with them?" Wang Chao was a little confused at this moment.
"No." Lilith is Chinese. She has a ponytail and looks very energetic when she shakes her head. She has a decent smile on her face and speaks fairly fluent Chinese: "In order to get good results on Brazil Open, I have booked a special private training venue. I have to train hard in the next few days."
Wang Chao turned to look, and Cai Guodong, who was leading the team himself, nodded to him. "Go ahead and remember to keep your phone on 24 hours a day. I will call you to inform you before the game."
Wang Chao had no choice but to obey the order. Before leaving, he and Tang Yuanyuan looked at each other and nodded slightly. The meaning was very clear: we will act as planned.
At this time, Wang Chao's attitude was still very firm. Because of his first contact with player Lilith, he clearly felt that Lilith's attitude was serious, reserved and polite. She is also very measured. The only thing she lacks is enthusiasm. During the meeting a few days ago, Cai Guodong said that this girl was his biggest fan and strongly requested to form a team with him. Obviously, this was just an excuse for the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association to try to get in the way.
But once I got in the car, closed the door, and rolled up the window, my style completely changed.
"Wang Chao!" Lilith's original restraint suddenly collapsed. His eyes were so hot that it was scary. He opened his arms to Wang Chao and laughed loudly, "Unrivaled Divine Dragon, come here, let mom hug you."
The world was a little quiet at this moment, because Wang Chao was a little sluggish, and the personal trainer of Lilith who was driving in front touched his forehead with one hand, showing a speechless expression, and turned around and said, "Lilith, stop it."
"You... you..." Wang Chao took a lot of effort to squeeze out two words.
But Lilith had already forcibly given Wang Chao a warm hug, his whole face was glowing with excitement, and then he started talking.
"I like you so much! I collected all your game videos, photos, and screenshots. I made emoticons specifically for you. I also personally formed a Wang Chao support club in the the Beautiful Country Chinese circle. We regularly organize offline activities to watch your live games together..."
"I know all your information. Your birthday is October 12th, Libra, blood type O. Your favorite color is black. You don't have a favorite star or movie. You like spicy food. Your favorite food is spicy chicken and boiled fish. You like to eat hot dry noodles and three fresh bean curds for breakfast. After going to the Imperial Capital, you started to like drinking bean juice..."
"I particularly like your playing style, and you won't be able to guess my favorite game. It's not the one you played Sun Tianlong this year, because I can't understand it..."
She kept talking all by herself, and Wang Chao couldn't get a word in at all. After a long time, she suddenly stopped and said, "Wang Chao, do you have a girlfriend?"
Wang Chao felt his scalp numb and said, "No... the national team is not allowed to fall in love."
"Hey, it's a pity. I thought you and Tang Yuanyuan were a couple. I wanted to ask you for some details. It's really boring." Lilith was quite disappointed, but then he became excited again. "Did you eat on the plane? Are you hungry? Let me tell you, I have traveled all over Chinatown in the past few days and found a breakfast shop that sells hot dry noodles, and there are many good Sichuan restaurants. I will take you there now."
Wang Chao At this moment, I finally believed one thing: this girl... oh no, this sister who is five years older than me is probably really my biggest fan, and it is not an excuse for the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association.
Because she really knows all her personal information, and the most terrifying thing is that she actually knows something that even she doesn't know: is my favorite color black?
Who spread this tmd?
Obviously my favorite color is yellow.
The rotten person who spread rumors cursed him for buying instant noodles without seasoning packets!
At this moment, Qin Huachang, who was thousands of miles away, sneezed and muttered, "I'm old, I just blew the air conditioner for half an hour, and I caught a cold."
Old Qin doesn't know that this is the power of a curse.
Yes, he was the one who spread the news, but he didn't do it unintentionally. The reason was that someone in the live broadcast room posted a barrage asking Wang Chao about his personal hobbies. In order for Old Qin to see it, he even sent a rocket.
At that time Old Qin smiled coldly and thought, this kid is black from the inside out when cut open. I may not know what movies or celebrities he likes, but his favorite color must be black.
He said it casually, which was actually a pun, intended to be sarcastic, but he didn't know that it was Lilith who sent the rocket, and this answer was recorded by Lilith as a standard answer, and was shared with other fans in the Wang Chao support group she established.
At this moment, Wang Chao was a little surprised. "Shouldn't we go to the arena first?"
Lilith glanced at him. "Arena? What arena?"
"Didn't you say that you booked a special private training venue?" Wang Chao felt something was wrong.
"Oh, um, just for fun, I haven't had time to make a decision yet. I've been in New York before, and I've only been in Houston for a few days. I was looking for food in Chinatown." Lilith shrugged. "I know you are the second substitute this time, and you have no chance to play. It doesn't matter whether you train or not."
Wang Chao blinked. Even with his wisdom, he was a little confused. "But... didn't you take the initiative to cross team with us and want to get good results on Brazil Open?"
Lilith smiled, "Those are the thoughts of that little brat Kazik, and they have nothing to do with me."
She paused, saw Wang Chao's confused face, and explained, "The above really wants to improve the results, and Kazik is also very motivated, but for me personally, I just want to form a team with you once. I will record the game video and keep it well."
She smiled casually, "This will be regarded as success in chasing stars."
At this point, Wang Chao has nothing to say.
Then the car stopped and the destination turned out to be a Sichuan restaurant in the local Chinatown. Lilith must have ordered the meal a long time ago. As soon as the two of them walked in, the food came out within five minutes. It turned out to be his favorite boiled fish and spicy chicken.
Of course, these two dishes are far from his favorites. They can only be said to be okay. The reason why Lilith has a bunch of wrong information is just Old Qin talking nonsense in the live broadcast room.
"How is it? Is it delicious? Is it authentic?" Lilith was very concerned and kept asking.
Wang Chao could only nod.
In fact, it is not authentic at all. The chili is not spicy enough, the chicken nuggets are not fried enough, the fish fillets are a bit dehydrated, and the most terrible thing is that the surface of the boiled fish is sprinkled with a layer of chopped apples. This is definitely a localized improvement after Cook came to the Beautiful Country.
But Lilith has never really been in China. Since she found this store after running for several days, it must be authentic in her mind.
Although Wang Chao is not used to Lilith the Beautiful Country's enthusiasm, and is a little insensitive to things like mom fans, he also knows how to live up to the other party's kindness.
After dinner, the two of them still did not go to the arena. Lilith took him to the famous local Miller Amphitheater and watched a movie. After watching it, it was already dark, so they returned to Chinatown and changed restaurants to eat. When the night was dark, they finally belatedly entered the private arena that they had reserved.
"Don't get me wrong. This is not a date, and I don't like you. It's just an immersive one-day experience with my idol." Lilith has a very free and easy personality. He comforted Wang Chao with a smile, "Don't worry, just treat it as a indulgence with me today. From tomorrow on, we will practice seriously... I will work hard and won't embarrass you on the court."
Wang Chao opened his mouth, really not knowing what to say.
Do you want to say that you don't need to work hard because I didn't want to fight well in the first place?
If Lilith was a pure stranger, he could naturally deal with it, but at the end of the day, he could really feel Lilith's sincerity and enthusiasm for him. So what should he do next?
It was also at this time that he felt his cell phone ring in his trouser pocket.
Surprisingly, the call was not from Tang Yuanyuan or He Jingping, but from Cai Guodong himself.
"How's your training going? You didn't deliberately tease me, did you?" Cai Guodong's tone was a bit harsh. "Wang Chao, I'm not talking about you, it's not that you don't know, Tang Yuanyuan is a bit stubborn. You've been with her for a long time, so you should teach her well... Can't you have some ideas in your mind about what you can do and what you can't do?"
Wang Chao was quite baffled and asked what was going on.
Old Cai didn't answer. He waited for five or six seconds and then asked suspiciously, "You really didn't teach her?"
Wang Chao smiled bitterly, "Just tell me quickly, what did she do?"
Actually it's nothing, Tang Yuanyuan just hit someone...
Just like what she did on the first day of training with Wang Chao, she knocked the Beautiful Country's 19-year-old male player Kazik directly to the ground, and then said nonchalantly, "I didn't mean to do it."
But she didn't expect that the arena was under surveillance.
Cai Guodong got the surveillance video sent to him by Kazik's personal trainer half an hour later. It clearly showed that Tang Yuanyuan had just caught a ball at that time. It was obvious that she should retreat to give up her position, but she deliberately refused to do so. Instead, she straightened one leg and bent the other, deliberately forming a stable position. The triangular structure was firmly fixed on the floor. When Kazik rushed over to save the ball, his shoulders actively exerted force. The movement was very beautiful and the force was very thorough. It was quite similar to the ancient Chinese martial arts posture "Iron Mountain Lean". He just knocked the young and thin boy more than one meter away and couldn't get up for a long time.
Fortunately, player Kazik was very generous and took the initiative to explain to her that he just wanted to learn and improve and had no intention of breaking up Tang Dynasty Combination on purpose. He asked her to forgive her and asked her to cooperate with him and give her guidance in the coming days.
The matter was settled, but Old Cai was furious. He didn't believe that Tang Yuanyuan could come up with such an evil idea, so he called Wang Chao's mobile phone directly.
Wang Chao remained silent for a long time.
He wanted to say, "I'm really wronged," but when he thought about it carefully, if he hadn't expressed his attitude on the plane and given Tang Yuanyuan a reassurance, Tang Yuanyuan probably wouldn't have done such a weird thing.
So in the end he just said, "I will call and persuade him."
Old Cai was worried, and asked, "What's going on here?"
"Everything is going well. I trained very hard and cooperated very well. I think I will win the championship." Wang Chao said nonsense, "If you don't believe me, you can just ask my partner."
He handed the phone to Lilith, who had been eavesdropping openly. Lilith was not shy. He took the phone and immediately returned to the dignified and reserved attitude he had when they first met in the morning. He said, "Hello, Mr. Cai, I am The practice with Wang Chao went very smoothly. I am very grateful to China Table Tennis Association for its help to our the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association. Uh-huh, yes, it is like this. I will definitely get a good ranking when the time comes, which will definitely surprise you."
After hanging up the phone, Cai Guodong was relieved but also a little depressed.
Although he disapproved of Tang Yuanyuan deliberately hitting people, he still appreciated the resistance attitude shown by Tang Yuanyuan, but what was going on with Wang Chao? He really wanted to lead the Beautiful Country player to win the card? Is this a failure to understand the correct spirit of the General Administration? But with that kid's shrewdness, he shouldn't...
Little did he know that on the other side, Wang Chao was also a little depressed.
He was thinking that Tang Yuanyuan had already made his attitude so clear, so he had to keep up.
After all, we have an agreement that the hook cannot be changed for a hundred years.
But the question is, Lilith is facing a situation that he didn't expect at all. Do he really want to trick her?
Don't think that Lilith really has no demands for results. You must know that this matter was negotiated directly by the two Table Tennis Associations. The scale is large enough. With all the momentum, if Lilith really can't produce results at all, Lilith will probably suffer a heavy blow from the the Beautiful Country Table Tennis Association.
At this time, she told Wang Chao that her grades didn't matter. In fact, she didn't want to put pressure on Wang Chao.
This is a rare sentiment that cannot be faked.
"Then... keep her in the top eight?"