Chapter 100 The phone screen displayed a slightly blurry image…
The phone screen displayed a slightly blurry photo, clearly taken secretly. The time was 10:50 PM, close to the dormitory lights-out time.
"That's it? A photo of his back?"
“There’s more!” Wang Lu quickly swiped her finger to switch to the next photo.
“This one! It was taken during the day. She was in a nearby convenience store…” She zoomed in on the photo, pointing to a blurry reflection on the glass door of the convenience store: “Although you can’t see her face clearly, she’s wearing a mask and a hat, but you can be sure that the person in the reflection, with such an exaggerated hair color, is definitely not any of our male team members or staff! Including the South Korean team, the entire club. There’s no one with such bright hair.”
The coach took the phone, zoomed in on the photo, and examined it carefully for a few seconds. The reflection in the glass was indeed distorted and blurry, revealing only the vague outline of a slender male figure wearing a dark hat and mask, with bright orange ends to his exposed hair. It was impossible to identify him. He put down the phone, his tone still calm, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible caution: "What does this prove? It's too far-fetched, just this reflection and a blurry silhouette? What if it's just an ordinary customer?"
“That’s not all!” Wang Lu argued urgently, “Team leader, didn’t you suspect it before? During her training in South Korea, the frequency of her outings was definitely abnormal! Even if the reporting process was correct, what’s the point of her always returning to the dormitory right on time? There’s definitely something going on here! As long as we investigate, we’ll definitely find some clues! Even just a little bit or an excuse would be enough, wouldn’t it?”
Yes, all they need is an excuse to start.
The coach was silent for a moment, then looked at the team leader and asked with his eyes.
The team leader hesitated for a few seconds before slowly speaking: "We've always had a good relationship with the Sports University, and Coach Jin has a lot of connections there. If you just want to check some records from the training camp, it shouldn't be difficult."
A decisive glint flashed in the coach's eyes: "Then it's settled. Contact Coach Jin immediately and thoroughly investigate all of Ren Xiyao's records during the off-campus training! Focus on all her outing records, leave records, and late return records! Even... her major spending records, see if you can find any clues!"
The scope and secrecy of this instruction far exceed the normal scope of investigation, carrying a ruthless determination to achieve its goal.
No sooner had those words been spoken than Lan Hai's team leader suddenly spoke up: "Have a word with the national team leader and ask her to check Ren Xiyao's leave records and reporting procedures during previous competitions. Also, check her medication records with the team doctor. I remember she had some mental health issues before."
The coach next to him nodded without saying anything; they were all people from Lanhai, so this "small matter" was no problem.
Upon hearing this, Wang Lu's tightly clenched lips finally managed a slight, uncontrollable smile, though the excitement and anticipation in her eyes were impossible to hide: "Then... Coach, team leader, Pingcheng..."
The team leader stood up and walked to the window: "As long as we can find any substantial evidence that she has violated any of the external training management regulations or has engaged in any misconduct, even if it's just a little bit... no matter how fast she skates or how talented she is, the door to the Winter Olympics may not be open for her. Even if she gets a spot, their club will still take a huge cut."
After the words were spoken, the conference room fell silent once more. But this time, the silence was not only filled with repression and anger, but also with a chilling atmosphere of calculation.
The sky may be dark, but it won't stay dark forever. Darkness will always exist, no matter where it is.
Therefore, light and heat are precious.
When the cold, calculating meeting room at the Lanhai Club finally emptied, the scene at the national team training base in Beijing was completely different. A biting north wind swirled fine snowflakes, pounding against the huge glass windows of the training hall. Inside, the ice surface was chillingly cold, but the atmosphere was intense and focused.
The swishing sound of skates cutting through the ice, the coaches' short, powerful commands, the athletes' heavy breathing, and the occasional brief shouts of triumph after a perfect routine—all these elements intertwine to create a powerful symphony of ice and snow. With less than a month to go before the opening of the 8th Asian Winter Games, the entire short track speed skating team has entered its final and most intense sprint preparation phase.
They raced across the ice, and Ren Xiyao was among them, wearing a red training uniform emblazoned with the national flag, like a flowing flame. The recently concluded 2013 Winter Olympics felt like a tempering process for her. The controversies, the obstruction, and the gold medal she ultimately won through sheer strength—none of these would shake her confidence; they were merely inevitable challenges in her career. Instead, they would forge an even stronger armor around her. She trained with even greater focus. Every push off the ice, every turn, was imbued with an unwavering determination.
After training that afternoon, all team members were gathered in the conference room. A countdown clock hung on the wall, its bright red numbers a stark reminder of the urgency of time. The coach stood at the front, holding a roster, his expression serious.
"Everyone, please be quiet." The coach cleared his throat, and the meeting room immediately fell silent, with everyone's eyes focused on him.
"After comprehensive consideration by the coaching team, and based on recent training performance and the National Games results, the final roster for the short track speed skating event at the 8th Asian Winter Games is now officially announced."
He paused, then began reading the list. One name after another was read, accompanied by expressions of tension or anticipation from the team members. When he read the women's group list, Ren Xiyao's name was prominently featured.
"All six members of the women's 3000m relay team have been registered, and adjustments will be made based on changes in the competition. I hope all members will give their all."
The dust has settled. This is largely in line with previous expectations. The 1500 meters is her strong suit, and she has also shown strong competitiveness in the 1000 meters in recent competitions. In the women's relay, she is the absolute core of the final leg.
After the list was announced, the coach put down the documents, glanced at each team member present, and his tone became serious: "First of all, congratulations to the selected team members. Team members who were not selected should not be discouraged, continue to train hard, and the spots for the fifth and sixth stops will also be posted later. Opportunity always favors the prepared."
"This Asian Winter Games is being held in Sapporo, Japan," he continued. "The Asian Winter Games is the largest and highest-level comprehensive winter sports event in Asia. Its importance to our short track speed skating team is self-evident. This is not only an opportunity to win glory for our country, but also the most important test before the Pyeongsang Winter Olympics! A crucial battle to test our strength and assess our main Asian rivals, especially the South Korean team and the host team, Japan!"
He raised his voice: "I know everyone has just gone through the 2013 Winter Games, and you may be a little tired both physically and mentally. But now is not the time to relax! The Asian Winter Games are more brutal than the National Games, the opponents are stronger, and the rules are stricter! We must be fully focused and bring out our best!"
"Did you all understand?" The coach's voice was firm and serious.
"Understood!" The responses were firm and resolute, filled with determination and unwavering resolve.
On the day of their departure, the national team training base was still bathed in the soft morning light. The short track speed skating team members had already packed their bags and gathered at the base entrance, ready to board the bus to the airport.
Everyone was wearing matching red down jackets with the word "CHINA" printed on them. Their faces showed a hint of fatigue, but even more so, anticipation and determination for the upcoming competition. The team members helped each other carry their luggage, ice skate cases, equipment bags, personal belongings... filling the bus's luggage compartment.
She boarded the plane to Sapporo and found her seat. Ren Xiyao leaned against the window, gazing out. As the roar of the engines grew louder, the scenery on either side of the runway began to rush past. Finally, the plane took off and soared into the sky. Just like her feelings, though her face remained expressionless, anticipation filled her heart.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, Kwon Ji-yong was busy adjusting the mixing parameters for his new album, rushing to Asia Winter. Suddenly, the studio door was pushed open, and Taeyang burst in, clutching a stack of papers.
"Guess what I did yesterday?" Sun plopped down on the sofa, her eyes flashing brightly.
Even the head of the dragon-headed man didn't raise his head: "You won the lottery?"
“That’s more exciting.” Taiyang slammed the stack of papers on the table. “I’ve ordered an engagement ring.”
Kwon Ji-yong's fingers paused on the keyboard for a moment, then he slowly turned his head: "...Huh?"
"I'm proposing." Taiyang grinned. "I'm proposing."
G-Dragon took off his headphones, stared at him for three seconds, and only after confirming that he wasn't joking did he slowly utter two words: "Shiba."
Taeyang pulled out a design from her phone and excitedly pushed it in front of Kwon Ji-yong: "5 carats, with the initials of my name and Hyorin's name engraved on the inside of the ring setting."
Kwon Ji-yong took the phone, zoomed in on the picture, and looked at it carefully: "When did you start preparing?"
“On the day my brother enlisted,” Taeyang rubbed his hands together, “I was thinking of waiting, but Hyorin unnie wanted to get married before she turned 30, and I’m enlisting next year…”
Kwon Ji-yong handed the phone back to him: "So you want to get married before your military service?"
"Hmm." The sun took a deep breath: "I want to put our minds at ease."
The studio's air conditioner hummed loudly. Kwon Ji-yong stared at the water glass on the coffee table and suddenly asked, "How do you plan to ask?"
Taeyang immediately perked up: "The ring is still a few days away. I plan to propose in March. I've rented a chapel in Jeju Island. You all have to come and help me cover for me."
"us?"
Kwon Ji-yong raised an eyebrow: "You even arranged this?"
"We've been planning this for half a month." Taeyang smiled a little foolishly: "Hyorin likes romance, so I have to go all out."
Looking at him like this, Kwon Ji-yong suddenly felt a subtle emotion welling up in his chest. Taeyang and Min Hyo-rin had been dating for many years, and their relationship had always been very stable, but when it came to actually discussing marriage, it still made people sigh.
Do your parents know?
“Of course.” Taiyang nodded. “My mom has even picked out the style of the wedding invitations.”
Kwon Ji-yong was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Are you nervous?"
"Nonsense!" Taiyang scratched his head. "I was reciting my marriage proposal speech in my dream last night."
He went on and on about the details of the plan, from the flower arrangements at the church to the dinner menu, even taking into account the day's weather forecast. Kwon Ji-yong listened, but his thoughts drifted away.
He was born in the same year as the sun, which was only a few months older than him. Yet, the sun was already preparing to step into the next stage of his life. And what about himself?
"Zhilong?" The sun waved its hand in front of his eyes: "What are you spacing out for?"
Kwon Ji-yong snapped out of his daze: "...How much was the ring?"
"This number," the sun gestured.
Do you need me to lend you some?
"I'm not as rich as you, but I still have this much," Taiyang said with a laugh, playfully punching him. "I've saved up for my wife."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
