Chapter 25: The World Has Suffered Under the Physical Education Institute for Too Long

Although the match had not been particularly difficult, the moment it ended, a surge of excitement flooded Jiang Hong’s brain.

Win the match, keep on winning!

Jiang Hong loved this feeling.

As his emotions gradually settled, Jiang Hong noticed that Wang Cheng was already waiting for him at the net.

"You played really well!" Wang Cheng said with a smile, offering his congratulations.

Although he had been filled with frustration immediately after losing the match, that feeling had faded once he calmed down. He had performed well beyond his usual level, and yet he still hadn't won. This proved that the gap in skill between him and Jiang Hong was vast. If the gap were small, Wang Cheng might have felt a sense of resentment, but when the distance is like an unbridgeable chasm, it only leaves one feeling despair.

"You played well, too!"

Jiang Hong was not just being polite; he meant it from the bottom of his heart. During that match, he had truly let himself go.

Wang Cheng felt a bit puzzled. "Jiang Hong, with your level of skill, why didn't you go pro? And why are you at the Institute of Information Technology..."

After all, whether one hopes to turn professional or obtain qualifications, reaching a certain level of skill provides unimaginable advantages for academic advancement. With Jiang Hong’s talent, even if he didn't attend a sports institute, he should have been able to get into a top-tier 985 or 211 university. The Institute of Information Technology was merely a second-tier school; it just didn't make sense.

Jiang Hong understood what he was thinking and shrugged with a smile. "That’s because I only started playing tennis after I got to college!"

"What!" Wang Cheng’s jaw dropped instantly.

Because highly professionalized sports are inherently competitive, starting at seventeen or eighteen years old basically meant saying goodbye to a professional career. Someone had mentioned before that Jiang Hong only started practicing after college, but Wang Cheng had dismissed it as hearsay. Now that it had come from Jiang Hong himself, he still found it hard to believe.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course. I grew up in a small county and never had the chance to even touch a tennis ball before!" Jiang Hong chuckled, then added with a serious look, "But I will definitely go pro in the future!"

Suddenly, Wang Cheng looked up and asked, "So, you aren't signed to a team, and your family can't support you?"

Jiang Hong nodded in silent confirmation.

Upon hearing this, Wang Cheng immediately began to fill in the blanks in his mind: a scene of Jiang Hong, who loved tennis but lacked the money to turn professional, forced to struggle on alone.

No! He couldn't let a genius like Jiang Hong be buried.

He would recommend him to his coach as soon as he got back. However, Wang Cheng didn't say this out loud; if it didn't work out, it would only lead to unnecessary disappointment for Jiang Hong.

Wang Cheng cleared his throat and took out his phone. "Let’s add each other on QQ so we can stay in touch!"

"Sure!" Jiang Hong nodded and immediately recited his QQ number.

Wang Cheng tapped on his phone for a moment. "Got it. Let’s keep in touch!"

Just as Wang Cheng was about to leave, Jiang Hong recalled the training advice he had given earlier. "Oh, by the way, I uploaded my training videos to Youku. If you have time, could you take a look and point out any issues for me?"

After all, Wang Cheng was on the provincial team. Although the coaching standard in China might not be as high as abroad, it was at least better than most netizens.

Wang Cheng was stunned. Jiang Hong needed his guidance? No, that couldn't be right! Jiang Hong must have noticed his technical flaws but was trying to save his pride by framing it this way. He was such a kind soul—it moved him to tears!

"No, I must get the coach to bring Jiang Hong into the provincial team." While his technical advice might not be of much help to Jiang Hong, the financial support would certainly solve his most pressing problems. For many people, all they lack is a single opportunity.

"Wait for my good news!" Wang Cheng said with a determined look in his eyes.

He turned and walked away, seemingly having made up his mind.

Jiang Hong was left completely baffled. What good news?

A moment later, his eyes lit up and he clapped his hands. "Oh, I get it. Wang Cheng must want to personally guide my training!"

Jiang Hong looked at Wang Cheng’s retreating back and nodded. "What a helpful guy!"

Suddenly, a figure lunged at him.

"Old Jiang, you are absolutely incredible! You really slapped those provincial team guys in the face!"

Jiang Hong didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Li Hua was brimming with excitement, spittle flying as he spoke.

"Alright, keep it down. Don't let them hear you or they’ll come over and beat you up," Jiang Hong warned, glancing at Li Hua.

"Joke! You think I’m afraid of them?..." Li Hua lifted his chin defiantly, but as soon as he saw the group of burly men from the sports institute, his voice quietly faded away.

After all, the sports institute was a local legend in the Chang'an university circle. Even a robber would end up black and blue if they wandered into that place!

Facing Jiang Hong’s amused expression, Li Hua cleared his throat and spoke with righteous indignation. "As people of high quality, how could we lower ourselves to their level?"

"Right, right, right. I understand. You’re definitely not doing it because you’re scared, Huazi," Jiang Hong nodded, wearing an "I understand" expression.

At this moment, Yu Lin also walked over and patted Jiang Hong on the shoulder. "Good lad, I knew you could win!"

"I didn't let you down!" Jiang Hong said with a smile.

"Jiang Hong, you’re too amazing! I never imagined you could return that last ball, let alone with such a tricky shot!" Gao Xin, the unofficial cheerleading captain, was also filled with excitement.

People from other schools gathered around, all looking delighted.

Jiang Hong subconsciously turned his head, searching for a certain figure. Suddenly, he saw her outside the crowd, looking at him with a blooming, radiant smile.

...

After the match, the awards ceremony was held just like a formal tournament, with trophies for both the champion and the runner-up. The champion's trophy was a size larger than the runner-up's. The reward for the champion was a lifetime membership to the club, allowing for free play!

The celebratory dinner that had been planned also changed. Originally, it was just going to be Jiang Hong, Yu Lin, and a few others, but Gao Xin insisted that on such a joyous day, everyone should eat together. He even mentioned that his family owned a restaurant, and the event turned into a grand banquet for the entire tennis club.

Jiang Hong couldn't help but sigh; the tennis club had indeed suffered under the sports institute for far too long!

Even the usually steady Yu Lin got drunk. Perhaps it was because of the tennis, or because of his upcoming graduation—or maybe both.

When the group finally dropped Yu Lin off at the school, Jiang Hong urged Li Hua downstairs at the dormitory. "Alright, Huazi, why don't you take the president back to his dorm?"

"Huh? Just me?" Li Hua’s eyes widened in horror.

Jiang Hong glared at him. "If you can't do it alone, then hurry up and help me!"

Li Hua quickly rushed over to lend a hand, and together they got Yu Lin back to his dormitory.