Chapter 39 Chapter 39
The next morning, the women's 10-meter air pistol final began.
Although he had been suspended, Chu Xi still got up on time for morning exercises. After breakfast, he came to the stands on time to watch the game.
Li Lingshan quietly came to the front seat with her bag.
She found an empty seat and sat down. When she turned around inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of Chu Xi and was stunned.
"Are you... Chu Xi?" Li Lingshan sat down in the empty seat next to Chu Xi.
Chu Xi turned around and looked at Li Lingshan hesitantly, "Do you know me?"
"I'm Lu Meng's mother. Yesterday morning, your aunt and others and I watched your game together." Li Lingshan quickly explained.
Chu Xi nodded, "Yes, it's me."
Li Lingshan looked at Chu Xi curiously.
After she and Lu Meng heard yesterday that Chu Xi was suspended, they thought that the girl might be devastated today. Unexpectedly, she came here to watch the finals as if nothing had happened.
Out of politeness, Li Lingshan did not ask any more questions, withdrew her gaze, took out her mobile phone, and began to prepare to take a picture of her daughter.
The finals will begin soon.
Currently, the three most popular candidates to win the championship are Xue Yaning, Lu Meng and Wang Shaorui.
Chu Xi put his hands on his legs and started watching the game.
Xue Yaning is Chu Xi's main focus, after all, he is the champion of the last Olympic Games.
In the first round of five shots, Xue Yaning was in the lead with a score of 52.5.
Lu Meng came in second with 51.7 rings, and Wang Shaorui was third with 51.2 rings.
The gap between the top three is not big and the competition is very fierce.
Chu Xi pursed her lips and fell into deep thought.
If she can return to the competition in the future, her biggest competitors will definitely be these three people on the field.
It seems that even if she is suspended, she cannot fall behind in training.
Gunshots continued to ring out from the competition field, and Li Lingshan next to him became visibly nervous.
By the final round, Wang Shaorui, who was in third place, had been left one ring behind and was basically unable to catch up with the top two.
The difference between Lu Meng and Xue Yaning, who were in second place, was only 0.3 rings.
Chu Xi leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on the center of the playing field.
In the last shot, Lu Meng scored 10.8 and Xue Yaning scored 10.2.
Lu Meng made a direct comeback and won first place in the final.
After the referee announced the results, Xue Yaning put down his gun and probably felt relieved.
At least this project has successors.
After the game, Chu Xi stood up and left quietly.
Li Lingshan watched Chu Xi walk away, feeling a little sorry.
Originally, this girl had a chance to participate in the finals.
…
The national team selection has ended, and Lu Meng and Wang Shaorui have been selected for the national team in the women's 10-meter air pistol event.
Chu Xi had to suspend the competition and undergo investigation. After the selection, he returned to the shooting team and began to wait for someone to be sent to investigate.
"Everyone knows your strength. As long as we ensure that we are innocent, we will not be afraid of being investigated. Moreover, the leaders above are very concerned about this matter. If the investigation shows that there is no problem with us, the leaders will definitely hold us accountable." Wang Ruiguo comforted Chu Xi and gave her a reassuring look.
Chu Xi nodded, "Okay."
No one knew what was going on, but the news of Chu Xi being suspended for investigation started to spread online, causing quite a stir.
[I remember some time ago there were rumors that there was something fishy going on about Chu Xi getting into the provincial team, saying she had no real talent and got in through backdoors. I thought it was just nonsense at the time. Now she's been suspended and is under investigation. Could there really be something fishy going on?]
"That shouldn't be the case. The provincial team is a state-owned enterprise. If they were found to be engaged in fraud, the consequences would be very serious."
[I have accurate information. Chu Xi got into the provincial team through the backdoor. Her uncle is very rich. His family runs a breeding business, and he paid for her to get in.]
[No, where did you get all this information? You even know what business Chu Xi's family is running? ?]
There are more and more rumors on the Internet, and the statements are so strange that passers-by who are unaware of the situation are shocked.
This incident even became a hot topic at one point.
Originally, the leaders of the national team only planned to suspend Chu Xi for investigation in a low-key manner, but this matter inexplicably caused a big uproar on the Internet, and the severity of the matter exceeded everyone's expectations.
"Yes, yes, it's me. I discovered Chu Xi. She really has great potential. There's absolutely no way she could have been involved in such a shady situation. We're not afraid of investigating these things."
Song Anshan held up his phone and quickly explained, "You must thoroughly investigate this matter. This incident has a terrible impact. This is simply a wanton smear campaign! Many other athletes on the team also have many complaints."
"Okay, fine."
After hanging up the phone, Song Anshan felt a little relieved.
After thinking of something, Song Anshan picked up his phone again and called Wang Ruiguo, "Old Wang, I think Chu Xi's matter will be resolved soon."
"What's going on? Shouldn't he be suspended for investigation first?" Wang Ruiguo had just returned to the team and was not aware of the situation online.
Song Anshan explained with a smile: "Originally, this matter was quite difficult to handle, but I didn't expect it to become such a big deal online. This matter has become a matter of national prestige. The leaders are now taking it very seriously and have already sent people to investigate."
Wang Ruiguo frowned. "Why did this matter become such a big deal online?"
Not many people knew that Chu Xi had been anonymously reported. For the news to become a big deal online, it must be that someone with inside information deliberately spread the rumor online.
"I suspect those anonymous whistleblowers are deliberately manipulating online public opinion. Don't worry, the leadership said this matter will be dealt with seriously."
Wang Ruiguo's frustration finally dissipated. "It would be best if they dealt with it seriously. If they keep doing this, how can we athletes train? The international competition is about to begin, and now they're messing with our mentality."
Song Anshan spoke to comfort him: "Alas, this is how it is in the Internet age. It's okay, just tell Chu Xi not to think too much. I estimate that the results will be out this week."
Wang Ruiguo hung up the phone and sighed heavily.
During the days that Chu Xi was under investigation, all the staff who had participated in her trial training and assessment were called in individually to cooperate with the investigation to confirm whether they had accepted bribes.
The investigation caused a huge stir, not only causing panic within the shooting team, but also causing waves of controversy online.
In fact, the matter is very simple. When Chu Xi participated in the Super Star Sports Games, several black fans began to target her.
Those black fans are all fans of other artists, and they have long been fed up with Chu Xi's constant pursuit of attention on the show.
As a result, Chu Xi's popularity grew, and he even retired from the entertainment industry to become an athlete, making his status seem higher than that of a celebrity.
The black fans couldn't stand it anymore, so they set up a private group and started to dig out all kinds of information about Chu Xi. From her family information to all aspects of her privacy, everything was dug out by these people.
Later, the black fans heard that Chu Xi was going to participate in the national team selection. This group of people finally found an opportunity and directly reported anonymously the day before the final that Chu Xi's family had bribed the coach with a large sum of money to engage in shady dealings.
As Chu Xi began to cooperate with the investigation, more and more rumors about her appeared online.
The black fans once thought that Chu Xi had no way to deal with it, so they spread rumors and slandered her even more rampantly.
A week later, the investigation results came out.
Song Anshan received a call from his leader. After listening to what the other party said, a relieved smile appeared on his face. "That's great. Thank you for your hard work on this matter. Okay, okay, I'll notify them right away."
After hanging up the phone, Song Anshan was completely relieved.
His face was full of smiles as he looked at Wang Ruiguo opposite him and said, "The results of the investigation are out. Chu Xi can resume the game."
Wang Ruiguo clenched his hands tightly and exhaled, "That's fast. So... is this matter over?"
When asking this question, Wang Ruiguo still felt a bit resentful in his heart.
Chu Xi was the seeded player he valued the most. Now that he had gone through such a mess, he had to go back and help him adjust his mentality.
I always feel unhappy that this matter has just passed like this.
Song Anshan smiled as he poured a cup of tea and handed it to Wang Ruiguo. "The leader said that this incident has a serious impact and must be dealt with seriously. We have already contacted the public security organs and are seeking criminal punishment for this incident."
"After all, Chu Xi is now a public official. Maliciously slandering and defaming public officials is punishable by law."
When Wang Ruiguo took the teacup, his arm paused, "Is it that serious?"
"The main reason is that the online situation is too ugly. I see that someone has even dug up information about Chu Xi's family. This kind of person will definitely be severely punished. The higher-ups are also taking this opportunity to rectify the current online environment."
Song Anshan took a sip of tea, feeling more relaxed, and continued, "The leader also said that compensation would be made to the athletes who were slandered in this incident, and helped Chu Xi secure an interview with CCTV. This interview happened to be done just before the World Cup, so it can be considered as a boost to people's morale."
Wang Ruiguo was stunned again, "Wait, Chu Xi can also join the national team?"
"Yes, I have already applied to my boss. If the results of this investigation are OK, I will help Chu Xi get another special recruitment quota."
Song Anshan waved his hand and said, "Alright, go back and tell Chu Xi. She must have been feeling very frustrated during this period."
Wang Ruiguo's face was immediately filled with smiles. He didn't even bother to drink his tea and quickly stood up. "Okay, then I won't waste your time. Let's chat another day."
After he finished speaking, Wang Ruiguo turned around and strode towards the door.
…
During the suspension investigation, Chu Xi did not waste time and attended training as usual every day.
Jiang Wannan was also selected for the national team in the last selection. She has now gone to the national training base for intensive training. She can only occasionally find time to send messages to Chu Xi to comfort her.
However, no miracle happened to Shi Lei and Song Jingbo. Like the previous selections, they failed to be selected for the national team.
During this period, thanks to the two of them, I could occasionally chat with Chu Xi.
"I'm really impressed. Every rumor online is more exaggerated than the last. I saw someone say Chu Xi is actually our leader's illegitimate daughter. How did this rumor spread? The key is that there are people who actually believe it."
Shi Lei has been completely speechless these past few days due to all the rumors and slander online. Even someone with a hot temper like him was made to laugh out loud.
Song Jingbo also sighed: "Oh, isn't this the general environment now?"
Chu Xi leaned against the wall, drank water and rested, and was quite calm.
A moment later, Wang Ruiguo hurried into the training ground, beads of sweat still on his forehead. "Chu Xi, the investigation results are out. You can resume competition. And Coach Song has secured a special recruitment spot for you. You can also go to this ISSF World Cup."
After the voice spread, the three of them were stunned.
Chu Xi slowly raised her head. Although she was usually calm, her eyes revealed a touch of emotion. "The results are out so soon?"
"Well, this incident is all because of the huge online uproar. Oh, and get ready! A CCTV reporter will be visiting the team this afternoon to interview you. They'll probably ask you questions about your training routine and shooting techniques. Are you okay with that?"
Chu Xi was stunned again. "CCTV interview? Me?"
"I'll go with you then." Wang Ruiguo smiled. "We can both wear our team uniforms. It'll be a good opportunity to promote our shooting team."
Shi Lei and Song Jingbo on the side looked at each other in surprise.
Both of them were still a little confused about what was happening.
Before the two could ask, Wang Ruiguo quickly waved his hand and said, "I'm going to fix my hair first. You should also do it quickly. The reporters will be coming to the team this afternoon."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Ruiguo turned around and ran away.
Chu Xi frowned and looked away, confused.
…
At the same time, the official association of the Chinese Shooting Team also immediately issued an announcement to work with the public security department to deal with the smear campaign against athletes.
Related entries instantly became hot searches.
After receiving the relevant instructions, Weibo officials began to cooperate with the police to collect evidence, some of which were blocked, and some directly assisted the police in tracing the address and IP whereabouts.
I can finally speak. A few days ago, I saw Chu Xi being scolded, and I thought she'd really done something wrong. Now the truth is out. It's time to crack down on online trolls. They even dare to spread rumors and slander national athletes. They train every day to win glory for the country, but online trolls curse them all the time. What do they want to do?
[Criminalization is good! Let's clean up this toxic online environment. A few days ago, I explained something to Chu Xi, and I was immediately attacked and scolded by a bunch of people. I was so scared that I cancelled my account and applied for a new one.]
[Holy crap! The police are really arresting people this time. Looks like someone from our neighborhood has been taken to the police station for a lecture.]
…
In front of the Kyoto Provincial Shooting Team.
Dong Wenyue showed her CCTV reporter badge to the security guard at the door.
The security guard narrowed his eyes and confirmed my identity, then immediately raised his hand to let me pass. "Go straight for 200 meters and turn left from the coach's office. It's on the first floor of the building."
Dong Wenyue thanked the security guard with a smile: "Thank you very much."
Her assistant, carrying a camera, quickly followed, holding a contestant's profile. "Sister, I've seen Chu Xi's background is quite unusual. She's an entertainer who switched careers to join the shooting team. This caused such a big stir, and after this clarification, she's become a real internet sensation."
Dong Wenyue smiled and replied, "What's the point of being popular? Why would an athlete care about that?"
Dong Wenyue's interview task this time is still focused on the ISSF World Cup.
The sport of shooting does not actually receive much attention in China. If shooting had not won the first gold medal in the previous two Olympic Games, people would have paid even less attention to this sport.
Therefore, this interview is a good opportunity to promote the sport of shooting and the ISSF World Cup.
Dong Wenyue walked into the coach's office with her assistant.
Wang Ruiguo and Chu Xi had already changed into the shooting team uniforms and were sitting on the sofa waiting.
Seeing Dong Wenyue, Wang Ruiguo quickly stood up to greet her, "Hello, I'm Wang Ruiguo, Chu Xi's coach."
Chu Xi stood up and greeted Dong Wenyue.
The interview officially began soon.
Dong Wenyue was very good at livening up the atmosphere. In a short while, she brought Chu Xi and Wang Ruiguo into the interview atmosphere.
The main topics of conversation among the three people revolved around shooting and the World Cup.
About an hour later, Dong Wenyue nodded to her assistant and looked at Chu Xi with a smile, "Okay, let's end this interview here."
Chu Xi stood up and shook hands with Dong Wenyue, "Thank you for your hard work."
This was also Wang Ruiguo's first interview on CCTV. He saw Dong Wenyue and the other person out with a smile on his face.
When he came back, he still looked very proud and said, "Xiao Xi, it was thanks to you that I was able to be interviewed on CCTV."
Usually, in interviews of this level, Song Anshan would bring the athletes to appear on camera, but this time, it was probably because the higher-ups wanted to compensate Chu Xi, so they let Wang Ruiguo take advantage of it as well.
Chu Xi didn't feel anything. She had been commended on CCTV when she won the championship before. This kind of interview was no longer as surprising and exciting to her as the first time.
She simply glanced at Wang Ruiguo and said, "Coach, don't you think this incident actually reflects the unfairness of the national team selection mechanism?"
If it was not Chu Xi who was suspended, but another athlete who might not be as strong, then the other party might not get the special recruitment quota in the end, and would lose the opportunity to participate in the national team selection.
Wang Ruiguo smiled as he sat down across from us. "Actually, the shooting team has been planning reforms for a long time, but the leadership is afraid that drastic changes will affect the athletes' training results. This incident has caused quite a stir, and several higher-ups are arguing about it. I suspect this incident will very likely push the reform process forward."
"If it can really be changed, it will definitely be of great benefit to you." Wang Ruiguo's voice revealed some anticipation.
A hint of curiosity flashed in Chu Xi's eyes, "How can it be of great benefit to me?"
"The key point of this reform is to abolish the fixed roster for the national team. Before all international competitions, all provincial players will be selected together, and whoever is capable will be selected. Because the reform is so drastic, the higher-ups have been hesitant to make a decision, but this time, it seems they may actually change it."
When Wang Ruiguo said this, there was some excitement in his eyes.
Why has the shooting team often encountered a lack of successors in many projects in recent years?
It is because of the national team's fixed player rules that the echelons have become seriously stagnant.
The coach dare not use new players, and all the pressure to win the championship is placed on the national team players. The national team players are under great pressure, and their mentality is inevitably going to collapse.
At the same time, many young athletes clearly have greater potential, but because of limited eligibility quotas, they do not even have the opportunity to play in the competition.
Compared to other sports, shooting is a game that relies more on mentality to win.
Shooting does not have too many technical requirements, nor does it emphasize tacit cooperation with teammates. As long as the ability is strong, even if two players are strangers, they can win the mixed team competition.
Therefore, the reform of canceling the fixed members of the national team currently only applies to shooting events.
Chu Xi understood.
If the shooting team really reformed in this direction, she could indeed breathe a sigh of relief.
It is not easy for her to get an Olympic spot, mainly because it may be difficult for her to compete with the regular players of the national team in terms of Olympic points.
But if the national team's fixed roster system is cancelled, everything will depend on each player's ability.
"Coach, are you sure this information is accurate?" Chu Xi asked skeptically.
Wang Ruiguo gave her a reassuring look. "Just wait and see. It's very likely going to be changed. We've had quite a few shooting failures in previous competitions, and the leadership is under pressure. Whether it's changed or not, it's all for the good of the shooting team."
Wang Ruiguo continued, "No matter what, don't let this affect you. You absolutely must go to the ISSF World Cup. This will be your first time competing abroad, so give it your all."
The depression that Chu Xi had been suppressing in her heart gradually dissipated.
Indeed, the Century Cup cannot be affected in any way.
As for the reform of the shooting team, it would be a good thing if her incident really accelerated the reform.
Chu Xi packed his luggage that day and went to the national base to prepare for pre-match training.
That evening, CCTV channel broadcast the edited interview video of Chu Xi and Wang Ruiguo.
The interview video was edited and only ten minutes were broadcast.
But this ten-minute exclusive interview was enough to shock netizens.
[It's well known that the Central Bank won't interview people with negative information, and it's even more unlikely that it would spare such a long time for an interview.]
[Wow, in just a few months, Chu Xi has already made it to CCTV. Athletes really have a bright future.]
Chu Xi's meteoric rise to fame is truly remarkable. My mom doesn't follow the entertainment industry at all, but yesterday she asked me about the shady dealings with Chu Xi's shooting team. Even my mom knows her.
"Don't tell me, my dad was initially deceived by the rumors and was so angry that he started arguing with me at home, complaining about Chu Xi. Then today he realized it was all a misunderstanding and is now praising Chu Xi profusely."
At this time, Anyang City, Jiangbin Province.
Zhu Lifang and Fang Xiangyun, who had already returned home, were sitting in front of the TV, watching the live interview of Chu Xi on CCTV intently.
After learning that Chu Xi was suspended, the two were angry and anxious, and had to go to the coach to find out.
But Fang Ruinian was afraid that the two of them would get angry and cause trouble, which would make it difficult for Chu Xi to deal with it. So he booked plane tickets for them the next day and forcibly took them back to his hometown.
The two men were still not at peace after returning home. They also started to learn to report anonymously and called the shooting team every day to complain.
Fortunately, the investigation was over soon.
The two of them finally calmed down.
Today I heard that Chu Xi was interviewed on CCTV, and I excitedly notified all my relatives at home and asked everyone to watch the CCTV live broadcast together.
"Look at our Xiaoxi, she looks quite photogenic." Zhu Lifang kept praising and couldn't stop.
Fang Xiangyun also smiled and nodded, "Xiaoxi inherited her mother's genes."
At this time, Zhu Lifang's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen and answered it. A voice exclaimed from the other side: "Lifang, I saw Xiaoxi on TV. She really is on TV. She's made it big."
"Oh, it's okay."
…
Two months passed in a flash.
The news of the shooting team reform was officially announced.
"Wow, wow, are they really going to cancel the national team's fixed player system?" Lu Wenxuan's eyes widened when he heard the notice.
Although he had heard similar rumors before, he never imagined that there would be a real reform.
An Hongfei, standing nearby, had already raised his hand and was holding up his forehead. "It's useless! Once this reform is implemented, all those 17 or 18-year-old young players will be able to rush up and fight us. Now it really is a matter of whoever is capable will take on the challenge."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com