Chapter 142, "Hall of..."
"Hall of From" resounded throughout the ice rink when Ren Xiyao won her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 1500m. This was a tribute from the Olympic Committee and from the International Skating Union to this 32-year-old veteran who had managed to win consecutive Olympic titles.
This time, amidst cheers from the entire audience, Ren Xiyao knelt on the ice rink and kissed the surface that had been her companion for 30 years. From her first time on the ice at the age of 2, only crawling, to winning six Olympic gold medals and three all-around titles at the age of 32, she is truly the number one female short track speed skater. She thinks this ending is probably worthy of all the hardships she has endured along the way.
After all the subsequent matches, the team members gave interviews one after another, mostly focusing on the competition itself. Regarding the online curiosity about their relationships, the team was very cautious, and Ren Xiyao was waiting for the right opportunity.
Until that day when they were guests on the team leader's live stream. The atmosphere was very relaxed.
After finishing the regular topics, the conversation gradually shifted to some more controversial ones. These were topics that had been discussed beforehand and deemed appropriate for the live stream to address.
The captain's tone was relaxed: "Xiyao, you won two golds and one bronze at the Milan Winter Olympics. At 31 years old, you are still in peak condition. Is there anything you would like to say to the ice skating fans?"
Ren Xiyao thought for a moment, then spoke calmly: "Thank you to my teammates and coaching staff. This gold medal in the mixed relay was won by the whole team. Thank you also to every ice skating fan for your support. I hope you will continue to pay attention to short track speed skating and winter sports in the future."
The team captain nodded repeatedly beside him. The atmosphere in the live stream gradually became serious. The matter from 2017 was finally about to be addressed.
The captain took a deep breath and slowly began, "Xiyao, your performance at this Winter Olympics has reminded many people of your 'miracle gold medal' in Pingcheng in 2018. But recently there have been reports that you competed back then while still recovering from a serious injury, and even received more than a dozen injections. Could you elaborate?"
The atmosphere in the live stream was very quiet. Everyone was silent, watching Ren Xiyao. Ren Xiyao turned to look at the team leader. She didn't answer immediately, but took a sip of water before slowly speaking: "Regarding the injury at the time, it was indeed a sudden and serious injury, but it wasn't unexpected. My knee injury was already quite severe before the third stop."
She spoke casually, as if discussing someone else's business: "But the coach at the time said to just get through it, so I went for it."
"So, to what extent is the injury?"
The captain couldn't hide the heartache in her eyes. Every question she asked was posed with an answer in mind. She knew best how much she had suffered to get to where she was today. Now that the public could know in this way, at least she had received some justice in the eyes of the public, she was very happy.
"A torn meniscus in the right knee worsened, anterior cruciate ligament injury, knee effusion, fracture of the humerus in the left shoulder, and fracture of the third lumbar vertebra." Such injuries caused many in the live broadcast room to gasp, and the team member next to him looked grim. The tone shifted: "But being able to make it to the Winter Olympics was thanks to the full support of the team doctor and coaching staff. The national team always treats its main players equally. It's true I received eleven injections. But I myself was quite surprised to win the 1500m gold medal."
What enabled you to do it back then?
Ren Xiyao answered quickly this time: "I'm not willing to accept it."
She looked directly into the camera, her voice soft but each word clear: "I'm not willing to end my career like this, and I'm even more unwilling to give up the 1500m gold medal. The 1500m is a strong event for the South Korean team, but it's also my strength and my ambition. Since we've run into each other—"
She paused for half a second, a very faint smile curving her lips: "Then it's simply a matter of the brave prevailing when paths cross."
After a moment of shock in the chat and a brief silence in the live stream, the captain slowly spoke: "It was truly remarkable that Xiyao was able to win this gold medal. After such an experience, to be able to persevere to this day shows your indomitable will and deep passion. I sincerely hope that you will walk a bright future."
This made Ren Xiyao smile a little embarrassedly.
The captain glanced at the script. His tone was slightly hesitant as he spoke, "Before this competition, your relationship with GD suddenly became a hot topic... Has this affected your preparations?"
Ren Xiyao glanced at the captain, smiled, and looked directly at the camera: "It hasn't affected my personal preparations. The only change is that short track speed skating is getting more attention, and my teammates are getting more comments on their social media accounts, which puts a lot of pressure on them." Her teammates couldn't help but laugh. Ren Xiyao smiled too, then added, "Just kidding. Actually, I'm quite worried about affecting their performance, but thankfully they've been very supportive. They've withstood the pressure from the public opinion, which is remarkable."
The captain smiled with satisfaction, and seeing the atmosphere gradually relax, he teased, "You've kept it well hidden, none of us knew. Now, apart from Xu Xin, you're the most senior person in the team, no one dares to ask, right?"
The teammates next to her nodded in agreement. Ren Xiyao looked at them, raised her eyebrows and said, "Yeah, that's true. And what's there to ask? If you're not focused on training before the competition and are thinking about other things, then you've been training too lightly."
Amidst the horrified expressions of his teammates, the captain finally spoke up and asked the question everyone most wanted to know: "So, what do you want to say about the relationship itself?"
Amidst her teammates' amused expressions, Ren Xiyao picked up a water bottle and unscrewed it: "As stated in the announcement."
The screen was filled with "Ahhhhhh" and exclamation marks. The expressions on everyone's faces in the live stream varied, but Ren Xiyao didn't say anything more. She wasn't a celebrity, just an athlete, and athletes' private lives didn't need to be exposed to the public. So, she'd leave the rest to Kwon Ji-yong.
The topic gradually shifted to the suspension, making the atmosphere even more delicate. Ren Xiyao paused for a moment before replying, "I accept all reasonable punishments and deeply reflect on my own problems. The regulations for athletes are to ensure the quality of training, and as a member of the national team, I should strictly abide by the discipline."
"Isn't it too heavy?"
“Rules are rules, and mistakes are mistakes. It’s just…” Ren Xiyao smiled at the captain, a smile that seemed both helpless and self-deprecating: “I probably didn’t expect to be investigated so thoroughly. They even dug up my daily records and bank statements from the overseas training period. Perhaps the punishment was a little harsher than usual? After all, dealing with all the issues at once was a bit unexpected. Because it happened during a commercial training trip with the club, I thought it would be handled according to club regulations, but it ended up being handled according to the national team management regulations…”
Ren Xiyao immediately became serious: "But no matter what, I did violate the team rules, and so far these have served as a warning to me."
She then looked at the camera and said firmly, "I am able to stand on the field because the country gave me the opportunity, and because of the support of my coaches and teammates. I will never forget that."
Afterwards, I asked other teammates many questions related to the game. The entire interview was well-paced and had a great atmosphere.
As the interview drew to a close, the captain closed the script and left one last question for Ren Xiyao: "You submitted your retirement application and then rejoined the team. You set new records and made history in short track speed skating. Looking back on your career, although it wasn't smooth, it was incredibly legendary. If you had to describe your career in one sentence, what would it be?"
This question wasn't in the script, but seeing the captain's relieved expression, she realized he was giving her a way out. Ren Xiyao tilted her head and thought for a moment, a relieved smile appearing on her lips: "I'm reminded of a poem, 'With bamboo staff and straw sandals, I travel lighter than on horseback; who cares? Let the rain and mist of life fall as they may.' I think my current mindset and my career largely match Su Shi's words. In my competitive sports career, reaching this point, I think it's precisely because of the lows and pain that winning a gold medal feels so precious. I came for ice and snow, and I'll return because of ice and snow; most of my decisions are only related to ice and snow and my passion for it."
The live stream ended amidst a screen full of exclamation marks and interjections, sparking a new wave of discussion. The discussions revolved around her relationship, her grades, short track speed skating, and Ren Xiyao herself…
As for the announcement Ren Xiyao mentioned, it was released by Kwon Ji-yong's side around 7 AM the day after the Instagram post. Kiko's announcement caught everyone off guard. By the time the two entertainment companies reacted and tried to guide public opinion, GD's announcement had already been released. This allowed them to firmly grasp the initiative in this covert confrontation.
Official statement regarding the personal relationships of our artist, Kwon Ji-yong.
1. Mr. Kwon Ji-yong and contestant Ren Xiyao did indeed date, but the relationship was not made public due to the nature of their professions.
2. The two briefly separated in 2017 and began a serious relationship again in 2024.
3. The child in the photos circulating online is the child of Ren Xiyao's close friend; the so-called "secret marriage and childbirth" is a malicious rumor.
4. We have fully communicated with Ms. Kiko after this scandal broke out and confirmed that she had no malicious intent.
5. We urge the media to respect athletes' pre-competition preparations and reserve the right to pursue legal action against accounts that spread rumors.
The frenzy that followed the announcement, the consistently high level of attention, and the tug-of-war between fans all amplified the focus on Ren Xiyao's debut. Ren Xiyao herself lived up to expectations. Two golds and one bronze medal were her report card at this Winter Olympics for a 32-year-old veteran. The Chinese short track speed skating team won a total of three golds, one silver, and one bronze medal at this Winter Olympics. Ren Xiyao's role was particularly strong. She perfectly withstood the pressure when the team needed her.
Regardless of how others judge her relationship or how highly they interpret it, she has never let down the fans, her coaches, or the country that nurtured her in this sport. She has lived up to her own hard work and dedication.
Less than an hour after Ren Xiyao's interview ended, GD posted a handwritten letter on Instagram.
To all his fans who support and love him.
Dear fans:
I've thought for a long time about how to write these words. First, please allow me to bow deeply to all my VIPs who have always supported me. I sincerely apologize for any parts of the past that I haven't been able to be honest about.
There are many stories from my twenties that I can't share with everyone. It's not that I'm deliberately hiding them, but there's always been a line that needs to be drawn between being G-Dragon and being Kwon Ji-yong.
We are especially sorry to announce this in this way, and even more sorry that her Olympic moment has been surrounded by noise. But as she said in the interview, "as stated in the announcement," this is the most sincere answer we can give. I will still be G-DRAGON giving my all on stage, and she will continue to shine on the path she has chosen. The only difference is that now we can walk side by side more openly.
Finally, to the fans who are disappointed by this, I want to say: the love you have given me has never been taken for granted. It is this appreciation that gives me the courage to write this today.
G-DRAGON
Unsurprisingly, this sparked a new round of discussion.
But these things were not within Ren Xiyao's scope of attention. When the buzz swept the internet, she briefly ended her hectic post-match interview schedule and finally had time to see her friends.
"To achieve this at 31," Lin Shan grabbed the medley gold medal and took a bite: "It's fucking outrageous."
"Be gentle, the team won't reimburse you if you break a tooth." Ren Xiyao slapped her hand away and retrieved the gold medal.
Lee Eun-jung pushed up her glasses: "In the mixed relay final, when you went over the inside line against the Dutch team, you really had that 22-year-old reckless charging spirit."
"It's alright." Ren Xiyao broke apart a pair of disposable chopsticks: "At least I didn't need a painkiller injection this time."
Rita was writing a competition report for the International Skating Union. Hearing this, she looked up and asked, "Do you know what people on the international internet are calling you these days?"
"What?"
“The Ice Witch.” Rita swiped the tablet: “If you’re 31 and can still crush younger players, you must have made a deal with the devil.”
Ren Xiyao picked up a piece of broccoli: "Oh, European and American contestants 31, 32, isn't that a lot? How come it's like making a deal with the devil when it comes to me? But it's fine. Thanks, better than 'Chinese Princess'."
Ren Xiyao is still an active athlete, but she's already one of the "oldest" athletes in the cafeteria. As for Li Enjing, she went to Canada to work as an equipment coach, a connection made by Coach Jin. Rita is now an ISU technical official, wearing an ISU badge. Lin Shan switched to being a competition broadcasting consultant, which suits her loud and boisterous personality.
Lin Shan suddenly pointed at the cafeteria TV: "Look!"
“This turn of events,” Rita raised an eyebrow, “is enough for them to cyberbully you on Korean websites for three years.”
Ren Xiyao shrugged: "Anyway, I've retired."
"Really withdrawing?" Li Enjing asked.
"Really retiring?" Ren Xiyao poked at her rice. "This comeback was originally for..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the rest was clear to all three of them.
After finishing their meal, Lin Shan scrolled through the trending topics on her phone, while the two people next to her watched with teasing expressions. Their eyes held a mixture of relief and envy, but mostly they were happy for their best friend: "Ren Xiyao wins two gold medals in Milan; trending; the top comment is: Is 31 considered abusing 'old people'? There's a reason why the women's team had a wealthy past! Someone else said, 'I laughed so hard when she turned around, the coaches must have turned green with envy.'"
Ren Xiyao looked at her with a complicated expression. She wanted to interrupt, but before she could speak, Lin Shan's voice drowned her out: "Kwon Ji-yong appeared in Milan; hot; hot one: 'Holy crap... are these two going to propose at the closing ceremony?'..."
Li Enjing and Rita were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. Ren Xiyao couldn't take it anymore and snatched the phone away, locking the screen: "Let's eat."
In the dim light of the cafeteria, they talked for a very long time, until the cafeteria closed. At that moment, time seemed to open a door, allowing them to briefly return to their passionate 20-year-old selves.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
