184 The Age of the Hexagram

◎ She has no regrets in her career as an athlete.◎

As soon as the women's doubles team came on the court, everyone present felt the impact of the veterans on the new generation of players.

Many people say that there is a special aura in people who are honored.

This feeling is magical, just like a veteran warrior who has traveled to many places and left his victories there.

No matter where you go or what game you play, you can raise the national flag and play the national anthem.

Just like in the past when you won a battle, you would plant your own flag on the enemy’s city.

The victor has absolute control over the city.

In fact, Zhu Qi could feel it when he was standing on the entrance platform just now.

Every pair of eyes looking at him from the darkness.

Those eyes were filled with longing and admiration for the strong, and also mixed with the coaching staff's expectations and trust in the athletes.

She increasingly enjoyed the feeling of being at the top and looking down on everything.

All the applause was for her, all the spotlights surrounded her, and all the crowds came for her.

Sen Qiaobei is a CCTV reporter who has watched the national table tennis players grow up. After hearing that Ren Xinhua was discharged from the hospital, he stood next to Ren Xinhua and watched the game with him.

Table Tennis World, which he is mainly responsible for writing, has become the most popular sports magazine in the country, with monthly sales reaching seven figures.

Especially several personal magazines related to the main players of the national table tennis team.

Listed as a member of the "Six-pointed Star" character collection by Table Tennis World.

Captain of the National Table Tennis Team’s Red Book Women’s Team, Zu Tianjiao.

Fang Miao, the table tennis magician who plays both left and right.

The last glory of the straight-blade golden left hand, Song Linzhou.

The God of Pressure Resistance, Guardian of the Seventh Inning, Qin Shang

The mighty bear of the Empire's fortress, Lu Yaohan.

As for Zhu Qi, she has too many titles.

There are names like "The Witch of the Ball," "Arahara Kaori's Lifelong Enemy," and "The Little Phoenix of the Empire" in Japan, and "Zhupernova" and "Arsenal Queen" in foreign media...

But Sen Qiaobei had asked Zhu Qi before, and her favorite was the headline of the profile published specifically for her by the domestic media in "Table Tennis World".

——“The defender of the national table tennis team.”

Many foreigners have always believed that Zhu Qi is a very rebellious, extremely calm player who does not express his emotions outwardly, and is even a little arrogant towards foreigners.

After Zhu Qi beat up Jamie, many outsourced employees were still a little afraid of her.

In fact, Sen Qiaobei knew in his heart that no one was more pure than Zhu Qi.

What she loved most in her heart was nothing more than that little white ball.

As long as someone truly loves table tennis, no matter who they are, even if they will become her opponent tomorrow, Zhu Qi will give them some pointers.

She is a strong player in this field and a pioneer willing to promote table tennis technology.

Women's doubles competition begins——

From the moment he leaped up from the first ball, Maomao fully demonstrated the superb skills of a veteran and quickly got into the state.

Even the transition ball was hit very hard.

The two Korean kids on the opposite side seemed a little overwhelmed by the cat's full firepower.

Ah Shui also knew that Maomao had been holding her breath after losing the women's doubles match yesterday. She felt that she shouldn't have lost, so that the next three games wouldn't have been so tiring.

Maomao accurately predicted the landing point of the ball and pulled it back in advance when the ball was rising. A Shui followed up with a lob and quickly scored!

This wave of cooperation was very tacit.

The two people seemed to be communicating with each other's brain waves and knew each other's thoughts very well.

During the half-time break, Zhu Qi and Fo Ye stood by and felt that there was nothing to remind them, because Maomao and A Shui were in very good condition, and the two of them had a very clear understanding of the subsequent tactical arrangements.

But in order to prevent any accidents, Zhu Qi still told A Shui about some potential problems in the previous few balls.

"The two kids on the other side are brave and aggressive, but they lack experience. Sometimes they can hit a few brilliant shots, but they don't have the ability to chain together moves..."

Zhu Qi finished speaking, and Maomao nodded. "Don't be too anxious when fighting. I'll be in charge of mobilizing them. I'll wait for the right opportunity and attack them when they show a flaw."

Although it was a women's doubles coaching session, it felt like two older sisters were teaching their younger sister how to play.

A Shui is also very smart and is the type who can learn something easily.

After the short break, Zhu Qi suddenly felt as if he was in another world as he watched Ah Shui and Maomao walking back to the pool table.

If it weren't for the national team, Zhu Qi would not have met these friends.

Now - everything is very different from the previous life.

The twelve dark years of Chinese national table tennis are no more. She has persevered in every game since her debut and has won honors that no one has ever won in the entire history of table tennis.

Now we just need to complete the last one...

The North Korean team next door watched as the two women's doubles players of the Chinese team gained the upper hand and beat their own two women's doubles players without any chance of fighting back. Although it was a pity, they accepted the defeat.

"I didn't expect them to recover so well..." The North Korean coach sighed, then clapped his hands to cheer for his players.

Xi Ling'en glanced sideways at the young woman in a red jersey sitting on the other side of the field, and a strange emotion arose in his heart.

She remembered that when Zhu Qi won the gold throne in the Macau Palace World Cup, she was sitting in the audience.

Who would have thought that such a player would also carry out her career.

"Coach..." Xi Ling'en leaned slightly to the side and said something in the ear of the North Korean coach.

After listening to this, the North Korean coach thought about it and nodded in agreement.

Zhu Qi was watching the last match of the women's doubles. Ah Shui and Maomao [2:1] played in the fourth game. In the previous game, the two North Korean children suddenly exerted their strength and hit a few wonderful balls, winning back a game.

Now the fourth game begins. A Shui and Maomao no longer give any chances and pursue the victory to reach the match point early.

With only two balls left, Zhu Qi saw someone from the North Korean team standing up. Xi Ling'en took off his outer coat and prepared to go to the side for a simple warm-up...

Could it be...

The North Korean team feels that they cannot win the women's doubles and have lost two games in a row. Does it want to use the rights of the underdog to start playing the women's singles early?

Just as Zhu Qi guessed, as soon as Xi Ling'en stood up, the staff of the organizer came over to communicate with the Buddha.

Just as Zhu Qi thought, the North Korean team hopes to start the women's singles match in the next game.

The weaker team, having lost both doubles matches, can choose any third game, starting with either women's singles or mixed doubles. The North Korean team first asked the organizers to come over and ask if it was okay, as Zhu Qi hadn't yet warmed up.

When the Chinese team played against these foreign teams, only the North Korean team would come to ask for the Chinese team's opinion, instead of directly sending people from the organizer to "notify" them.

The Buddha looked back at Zhu Qi first. Zhu Qi nodded, and the Buddha replied, "Okay."

The mixed doubles of the Chinese team this time are Qin Xiaoba and A Shui. Both of them are in very good condition now. Although Qin Xiaoba's right hand has not recovered yet, it seems to be not affected at all.

Xi Ling'en may feel that the North Korean team may not be able to win, and he is also worried that if he misses this opportunity, he will lose the chance to compete with Zhu Qi.

Okay.

The last ball of women's doubles ended.

After the game, Ah Shui, dripping wet, reached out to Maomao. He had been running around the middle and backfield almost the entire game, and now, relieved, he felt his knees weaken. Maomao also reached out, and the two clapped their hands in the air, pulling Ah Shui into his arms.

After the two hugged each other, A Shui heard Maomao say in his ear.

"This table is yours."

Ah Shui's eyes were slightly wet, and he nodded——

Zhu Qi stood up immediately and opened his coat.

Sizzle——

The outer jersey was removed, revealing the short-sleeved T-shirt underneath.

Zhu Qi heard many people in the audience shouting his name.

The voices of countless people rose and fell like huge waves.

From the moment Zhu Qi left his seat, entered the venue, and then tossed a coin to choose a side, the noise never faded.

The overly long cheers represented that everyone present was a fan of Zhu Qi.

Many fans of different races in the audience were cheering for Zhu Qi.

The Hong Kong team, who had just finished their bronze medal match, watched from the backstage. Huang Jiajia was shocked by the huge crowd and exclaimed, "What a busy place!"

Mori Yunan was actually a little surprised.

Zhu Qi previously publicly challenged a Chinese-American journalist, including some of Mori Yunan's previously reported "arrogant" comments about him in foreign media. Zhu Qi has also repeatedly commented on current European competitions in various interviews around the world, arguing that Asian-level competitions are far more valuable than European competitions, and that many bronze medalists in Asian competitions could easily sweep the European region.

Mori Yunan originally thought that Zhu Qi might have a bad reputation outside, and had wanted to speak up for Zhu Qi during the interviews outside, but now it seems that these foreigners also admire the strong...

Zhu Qi shook the racket in his hand and felt the dent on the handle.

Xi Ling'en on the opposite side stood at the diagonal position, looking at Zhu Qi with a calm expression, which did not look like the last game that would decide the life or death of the North Korean team.

Xi Ling'en looked so calm, which made Zhu Qi relax a lot involuntarily.

Because many external teams heard about the fact that Zhu Qi played despite having a fever during the semi-final against the Hong Kong team yesterday, and everyone gathered outside to see Zhu Qi's condition today.

From the moment Zhu Qi raised his hand to send the first ball, everyone had something in their mind.

Her condition recovered.

The feeling was very clear. From every jump and run to every swing of Zhu Qi's arms, it was more powerful.

I don’t know if it’s because Zhu Qi also felt that this was the last game, but Zhu Qi played extremely relaxed!

A Russian host said during the live broadcast: "She looks like she's dancing."

She thoroughly enjoyed the feel of the ball and the sound of it spinning through the air.

It echoed like music, and the cheers from outside the stadium were the accompaniment.

With every shot, the sound is conveyed to the whole world.

Don't forget who she is.

What kind of person is he.

What kind of games have you played?

Where did you win a gold medal for this country...

She would no longer die alone in a hospital bed, and then disappear in the eternal flow of history, as if she had never been there...

Everyone was shocked.

Chang Hongxia and Xu Dong sat next to each other, dumbfounded, and asked, "Baobao... is she laughing?"

It's not just Zhu Qi.

The same is true of Xi Lingen.

The two of them were completely into the game, as if they had forgotten they were in a competition, but rather like a worthy opponent, and were extremely dedicated.

Xu Dong hadn't seen Zhu Qi smile while playing for a long time. The last time Zhu Qi showed this expression... if Xu Dong remembered correctly, it was in the game against Chang Hongxia in the Table Tennis League.

Qin Xiaoba understood this situation very well.

Just like when Mori Yunan was in the national team, the two of them had a fight in the training hall behind closed doors before morning training.

No one remembers the final outcome; they just remember having a great time.

"I don't know why, but I feel like crying when I see this." Ah Shui held his hands together, without even having time to change his jersey. He sat beside the court, holding his hands together, with stars in his eyes.

It started from the first day Zhu Qi joined the national team.

A Shui really likes watching her games.

Zhu Qi has a very unique charm when playing basketball.

In this arena, she is like a god who dominates everything.

Maomao actually understands Zhu Qi's feelings very well. Xi Ling'en is also an amazing player. Her ball and her playing style are just like... so clean.

It's the kind of ball that can be predicted no matter what kind of ball is hit, because it's all very regular and there's no frills. It all depends on Xi Ling'en's own touch talent and the various high qualities he applies to the ball to crush the enemy.

Zhu Qi and Xi Ling'en know each other too well.

Xi Ling'en's anti-arc rubber basically has no rivals in the competition, and only the Chinese team can deal with it.

This match was as good as the women's singles final.

All five games were full.

In the fifth game, Zhu Qi and Xi Ling'en competed fiercely with each other and the score was almost the same.

As soon as one person scored, the other immediately followed.

In the end, Zhu Qi acted more decisively. When the two sides were confronting each other, he suddenly changed his direction at a large angle and flew out, brushing the edge of the table.

[Fifth game, Zhu Qi 14:12 Xi Ling'en]

[Big score, Chinese team 3:0 North Korea team]

The thunderous applause and cheers shook his chest. Zhu Qi could hear his heartbeat beating violently in his chest, vibrating his blood vessels and reaching his eardrums.

[Congratulations! In the most crucial shot, Bao Bao used a very bold change of direction and forcibly reversed the ball's spin!]

This point was the most crucial for the Chinese team! It was the sixth gold medal for the Chinese table tennis team at this World Games!

【He is the true master of the king! 】

【Undefeated Legend! 】

[It is the glory of every Chinese! It is the glory of all of us! ]

Zhu Qi didn't know when someone grabbed his hands and pulled him into the circle of people, moving clockwise along with everyone's running and jumping!

At the beginning, there were only six people participating in the mixed doubles. Later, Zuo Zuo, You You, Xiao Lingdang, the players from the second national team who came to practice, and the coaching staff... all joined in.

Zhu Qi could no longer hear what the people around him were saying because everyone was shouting, and each person's words were different.

But Zhu Qi will never forget.

Everyone present at the time cried.

This red "fire" circle is getting bigger and bigger.

Just like the Olympic flame passed around by people at the opening ceremony of every World Games.

Even if some people retire or leave with injuries.

But there is always new blood coming in.

This is a spirit.

Burning in everyone's heart.

Never extinguished.

/

The award-winning uniforms of the Bayi team are a little different from those of others. The colors are the same as normal award-winning uniforms, with a red base and gold embroidered patterns, but the style looks more like a baseball uniform.

The award-winning uniform of the Bayi team looked more like a military uniform, with a golden tassel on the right shoulder hanging down to the chest.

"This is so cool!" Ah Shui looked at Zhu Qi's red military uniform, his eyes shining. "After the award ceremony, can you lend it to me? I also have a dream of being a soldier——"

Qin Xiaoba patted Ah Shui's head and said, "You don't have military status, so what are you wearing? Are you pretending to be a soldier?"

"Oh, I just wanted to try it on," Ah Shui complained, knowing he definitely couldn't wear it. "By the way, when the old commander was handing you the award uniforms, he told you to think carefully about how to write a report. You have to submit it to the Bayi Team headquarters as soon as you return home. What report is that?"

Qin Xiaoba widened his eyes and looked at Zhu Qi enviously: "Sister, you are going to be promoted again."

It's not just Zhu Qi who is going to be promoted. Before they even return to China, the General Administration of Sports has already thought of various commendations.

Judging from the performance in this game, all participating Bayi team players can be promoted to a higher level.

Qin Xiaoba and Daxiong can be promoted to lieutenant, while Zhu Qi...

Maomao laughed along and said, "Congratulations, Baobao will be promoted to captain, right?"

Zhu Qi almost forgot about it and said modestly: "The awarding ceremony hasn't taken place yet."

"Oh, it's only a matter of time," Ah Shui sighed, hanging on Zhu Qi. "Captain, oh my goodness. That's the highest rank a normal person can achieve, right? Above that is Colonel, which is a rank only available to instructors, right?"

Zhu Qi nodded.

She joined the Bayi Team at the age of seventeen and has been in the military for eight years.

He has made countless military achievements.

All the sufferings of the past became sweet at this moment.

The Buddha next to him urged: "Hurry up, it's time to receive the award!"

Six people stood up and lined up to walk towards the entrance to the podium.

The six of them held hands and stood on the top of the podium together after the host announced the gold medal winners.

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Riyadh Table Tennis Mixed Team Competition!

[Bronze medal winning team, China Pearl River Delta Team! ]

[Silver medal winning team, North Korea! ]

【Gold medal winning team, Chinese team! 】

Won six gold medals in two consecutive World Games!

The victory in this game proves that the Chinese team once again stands at the top of the world.

The Great Wall of China stands tall and unshakable.

The International Table Tennis Federation's chief executive, a Briton from the birthplace of table tennis, also lamented: "Even if the whole world unites, they can't defeat the Chinese team."

This post-match interview took place directly on the podium.

Reporters sent by the organizer of the entire competition held microphones in the audience and pointed at Zhu Qi.

Perhaps it was Zhu Qi's previous remarks against the Chinese foreign journalists that worked, because the reporter who came to interview him spoke fluent Mandarin despite having a Middle Eastern appearance.

"Congratulations to the Chinese team for once again winning all the gold medals in this year's table tennis competition. As the leader of this mixed team event, you are also the only player to have achieved the double Grand Slam in table tennis history. Do you have anything you would like to say to fans around the world?"

Usually at times like this, everyone will say something particularly emotional.

In fact, Zhu Qi is also an ordinary person. He started with a very polite thank you, but also expressed his own personality.

"I'm very grateful for the trust our team has placed in me. Many people say I'm the most decorated table tennis player, but in reality, besides my family, there are three people I want to thank for getting to this point. One is my coaches: Coach Xu Dong, Chairman Ren, and Coach He Qianlu, who coached me on the provincial team. They've been there for me throughout my journey in table tennis, allowing me to freely pursue my passion. Another is my teammates on the national team. I'm a hard, straight bone, and they helped me build this body. They've been there for me practicing with me without complaint to help me improve my skills. And one more..."

Everyone looked at Zhu Qi curiously.

And Zhu Qi said something that surprised everyone.

"...those are all the opponents I've ever faced."

"I never consider opponents to be enemies, because we are all athletes fighting for our respective teams. Perhaps some people use methods I don't approve of to achieve victory, but I respect everyone who loves competitive sports. In every competition, they have made me more courageous on this path and shaped the person I am today. Therefore, I sincerely hope that table tennis will continue to improve and attract more and more people to participate."

Zhu Qi looked at the camera.

Her smile was so bright that it automatically softened all the dim light around her.

Now she has friends, family, honors and gold medals.

Whether I am an athlete or a team coach in the future...

The journey of table tennis is not over yet.

Everyone on the championship podium felt that the sword in their hearts had not yet been sheathed.

Everyone has a sword in his heart.

The sword points to Los Angeles.

And she.

The first person in history to achieve a double Grand Slam at the age of 25.

The youngest Grand Slam winner at the age of 21.

At the age of 17, he played for the PLA Bayi Team.

The youngest gold medal winner at the age of 15.

A small grand slam at the age of 14.

The U18, U15 and U12 series all ranked first.

Joined the provincial team at the age of 10.

Joined the city sports school team at the age of 8.

He was introduced to Wu Quxing at the age of 6.

The eldest daughter of the Zhu family in Xiaopeng Village, Jianghuai Province.

Since then, she has had no regrets in her career as an athlete.

【Author’s words】

Extras will be added starting from the next chapter!

The extra chapter will be written around the Los Angeles cycle, but I won't be so detailed as to write about every game. I'll take a day off tomorrow ~ I'll try to finish the extra chapter within a week ~

Those who like career lines can stop here! The extra chapter will focus on the love story. The colleagues who make the extra chapter will also refine the previous article, modify the sentences and refine the major events.

If time permits, I can write a chapter about the descendants of the welfare extra~