Chapter 128 College League
After that, Yuan Tai and others came to accompany Shizue Hatori almost every day. At Higashino Hiroshi's suggestion, they left part of their homework to Shizue Hatori to write in front of him.
Yoshida Ayumi would pretend to have a problem and ask Hatori Shizue to teach her. If he could answer, she would praise him, saying, "Shizue-nii is amazing," "Shizue-nii is so smart." If he couldn't, she would say, "It's okay, we can look for the answer in the textbook together."
With this encouragement and guidance, Seiji Hatori gradually developed some interest in learning.
Higashino Hiroshi, who was watching, was filled with genuine admiration. Yoshida Ayumi was truly a natural-born teacher! She had already mastered the art of encouraging and educating even the "junior high school students" at such a young age, and she had them under her thumb.
However, the reason why it was able to produce results so quickly was also because Seiji Hatori had never experienced these routines and had a relatively simple personality.
Dong Yexi looked at the children gathered together to study, touched his chin and thought: It's time to find a tutor. To repay these children, I should teach them as well.
Yoshida Ayumi and the others didn't know they were being assigned extracurricular classes. If they had known, they might have voluntarily given up on their friendship. Whose child starts taking cram schools in first grade?
To find a reliable tutor, Higashino decided to start by looking at his own university, where he knew there were probably many alumni who wanted to work and study. Those who made it to the University of Tokyo were generally top students, their academic abilities undeniable; the only concern was their teaching abilities. However, Higashino decided to prioritize students in the Department of Education, as they were likely to be better teachers than the average student.
With his goal in mind, Higashino went to the school and asked the student union for a list of students who would be eligible for work-study programs. The student union members were very efficient and quickly found several suitable candidates according to Higashino's requirements.
Dong Yexi asked for the contact information of several classmates, and after a detailed chat, he chose a classmate who was studying special education.
Although Hatori Shizuji's intelligence is normal, he has been ill for years and has had little exposure to normal school life. Furthermore, Higashino Hiroshi has some speculation about the identities of the Hatori brothers, and it's unclear whether Hatori Shizuji has ever been exposed to society. Given his current mental state, he could indeed be considered a "special student."
Students who choose special education are not only more patient, but also pay more attention to the psychological growth of children and help them socialize during the teaching process.
Anyway, Higashino Xi doesn't require to make Shizue Hatori a top student, as long as he can integrate into society.
It happened that they were both at school, so he met this classmate. This classmate was called Nishihara Kazuyuki, also a first-year graduate student, a head shorter than Higashino Higashi, with delicate features, a very gentle temperament, and he looked very patient.
When Nishihara Kazuyuki heard Higashino Hiroshi's evaluation of him, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "I took that as a compliment?"
Dong Yexi said: "It's just a compliment."
Higashino Hiroshi said that Hatori Shizuji had never been to school due to poor health, so Nishihara Kazuyuki should be mentally prepared. Nishihara Kazuyuki nodded, and had a preliminary idea of what he would teach in the future.
After agreeing on a class time, the two separated. Nishihara Kazuyuki went back to work on his lesson plan, while Higashino Hiroshi took a long walk around the lab.
As soon as he stepped into the lab building, he began to feel guilty. What graduate student skips classes every day? Professor Baotian had never given him any trouble, which was quite surprising.
Higashino was prepared to be scolded, but unfortunately, Professor Yasuda was not in. People in the next laboratory told him that Professor Yasuda had gone out for an internship with other students and would not be back for a while.
Dong Yexi touched his nose, wondering whether he should be thankful he had avoided the internship.
"By the way," the student added, "Teacher Yasuda said that if you come here, he'll tell you, 'Remember to get an internship certificate when you go to our hospital for internship.'"
Dong Yexi: “…Okay.” No wonder he wasn’t taken with him. It turned out that he had somewhere to go.
Since his supervisor was not there, he did not stay in the laboratory. He went directly to the sports medicine laboratory to look for his first friend here, Shirabu Kenjiro.
Shirabu Kenjiro's previous volunteer internship had ended, and he had been working on a summary report in the lab. Seeing Higashino arrive, he pulled a bag from under his seat and handed it to him.
Dong Yexi took it with both hands and asked curiously, "What is it?" As he spoke, he started reaching into the bag.
"V1 League champion team merchandise from this season," Shirabu Kenjiro said darkly. "I've had this bag here for over a month, and you haven't even come to school. I thought I'd keep it until the next season."
Dong Yexi chuckled: "Isn't this because you're busy?"
He pulled out a group photo from his bag, signed by all the team members. He exclaimed in surprise, "It's a photo of the Black Wolves! They're the champions this year!"
Shirabu Kenjiro was speechless: "You don't even know this? Are you still a volleyball fan?"
In the previous finals, the Schweiden Adler arena was rigged with explosives, forcing the match to be suspended. A few days later, the organizing committee resumed the match at the Black Wolves' home arena. The original format was best-of-three, but the two teams were tied at 1-1 when the match was suspended. If the match continued, with only one game and the atmosphere barely warming up, it would have been too awkward. So, the organizing committee decided to temporarily switch to best-of-five.
In the end, the Black Wolves won the championship with a score of 3:2.
"Of course I'm a volleyball fan!" Dong Yexi said confidently, "But aren't you closer to the Schweiden Adler team? Why did you bring this to me?"
"That's because we didn't win the championship this year." Shirabu Kenjiro explained, "Besides, after the Black Wolf team knew that I was in the same school as you, they insisted that I take you there. They also said that when you are free, you can go to their club to play. By the way, there's also that junior from the volleyball club." Especially Miya Yu, Kido Kotaro and Hinata Shoyo, they seemed to be looking forward to Higashino Xi coming to play.
Dong Yexi stuffed the photos, dolls, and team uniforms back into the bag and said, "I'll give him a message later."
"Speaking of him, the college league is about to begin, and scouts from professional teams will definitely be looking for players everywhere. Hatori Yui has excellent physical fitness, and he might be noticed. Does he have any thoughts on playing professionally?" asked Shirabu Kenjiro.
Dong Yexi thought for a moment and said, "I don't know either."
Shirabu Kenjiro said, "Playing professionally is actually a great experience. If he's determined to play professionally, I suggest he train hard during this time, because some university volleyball teams are really strong, just as good as professional teams. If he wants to stand out, his current training won't be enough."
Shirabu Kenjiro made the suggestion very sincerely, and it was obvious that he was also optimistic about Hatori Yuiichi.
Dong Yexi nodded: "Okay, I'll ask him."
As for the volleyball team, the coach had discussed this matter with him on the day Hatori Yui returned to the team.
For players who want to play professionally, the college league is a great platform for exposure. If Hatori only wants to join a professional team, the coach will consider changing the tactics to make his performance more outstanding.
Hatori Yuiichi said, "There's no need to deliberately highlight me. You just need to think about what tactics can help you win. Besides..." He paused and spoke truthfully, "I'm already conspicuous enough on the team."
Coach: “…That’s true.” Whether it’s technique or appearance, Hatori Yui is the most outstanding in the team, so there’s no need to give him any more roles.
"But, you really don't consider playing professionally?" asked the coach.
Hatori Yui shook his head. "At least not this year." Seeing his coach's regretful expression, he added, "Many players join the professional league after graduating from college. I don't need to rush now."
When the coach heard that he had his own plans, he stopped trying to persuade him.
When Higashino Hiroshi asked about this again, Hatori Yuiichi repeated what he had said to the coach.
Higashino Hiroshi expressed his understanding. Hatori Yui would only be 22 when she graduated from university, so there would be time to consider it later.
However, even in the college professional league, you have to play seriously.
To this end, Dong Yexi secretly made a lot of preparations.
When Shizue Hatori heard that his brother was going to participate in the competition and might even appear on TV, he became extremely excited, like a little peacock spreading its tail, showing off in front of his friends.
Kojima Genta said enviously, "The college league... that sounds awesome!"
"Hmm!" Seiji Hatori's chest became more erect.
Yoshida Ayumi blinked and said, "Then let's go watch the game together?"
"Great!" everyone agreed in unison.
Edogawa Conan poured a bucket of cold water on him: "Are you not going to class anymore?"
The three people's expressions and the movements of raising their hands froze.
Dong Yexi smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, the finals will be held this weekend."
"Then let's go watch the finals!" Kojima Genta said, "Brother Yui, we will definitely cheer you on!"
Hatori Yui's expression hardened when she heard this. Did their team have what it takes to make it to the finals?
Edogawa Conan added: "But the Tokyo University volleyball club is not that strong. Its performance in recent years has not been very good."
The situation became awkward for a moment.
"Conan, you're too bad at talking." Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya looked at him with a complicated expression and said disapprovingly, "At a time like this, you just need to say something like 'come on!'"
Edogawa Conan finally reacted and scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
Hatori Yui wasn't so magnanimous. He took the initiative and said, "Conan is right. It will be very difficult for our team to enter the finals. However, even if I don't make it, everyone can still go and watch. The final day of the competition is sure to be exciting."
"That's a deal then." Yoshida Ayumi clapped her hands, "Let's all go watch the game together!"
"Great!" everyone cheered again.
This time, Edogawa Conan did not come out to pour cold water on them. Instead, Higashino Hi said, "It's still a long way from that day. I've hired a tutor for you. Come here after school for extra lessons."
The three children's smiles disappeared instantly, and even Edogawa Conan's expression went blank for a moment.
"Brother Higashino, what did you say?" Kojima Genta asked in disbelief.
Dong Yexi repeated with a smile: "I found a tutor for you."
Conan Edogawa immediately said: "I think with my IQ, I don't need it for the time being." Just kidding, it's already uncomfortable to learn elementary school knowledge in school, and learning it outside of class, wouldn't it be doubly uncomfortable?
"Then you underestimate me." Dong Yexi said mysteriously, "The main purpose of my hiring this teacher is not for you to learn."
"What is that?" Ayumi Yoshida asked curiously.
"You'll know when the teacher arrives," Higashino continued, keeping the children in suspense. He could only pique the children's interest in the tutor temporarily; as for what to do next, that was something Nishihara Kazuyuki should consider.
Higashino Teru's trick is really useful. Anyway, the three real elementary school students have indeed become interested in the tutor.
Nishihara Kazuyuki himself was quite insightful. In his first class, he didn't simply explain the textbook; instead, he introduced university majors and potential career options. His teaching style was gentle and humorous, and within just one afternoon, the children had already accepted him as a tutor. Even Edogawa Conan wasn't too averse to his teaching.
After Nishihara Kazuyuki learned that the children enjoyed playing detective games, he adjusted his teaching plan to focus on topics they were interested in. Knowing that Hatori Shizueji was a bit special, he initially focused his lessons on social relationships, then gradually added outdoor classes to begin "socialization training."
This is not something that will produce results in a short period of time. Fortunately, Higashino Hiroshi is also very patient and willing to wait for Shizue Hatori to grow.
Time quickly shifted to the opening day of the university league. Elementary school students couldn't attend, but university students were allowed to skip classes. Higashino Hiroshi arrived early with Hatori Seiji to grab a seat at the competition venue, accompanied by club members and even Okiya Subaru.
Adachi Shizuku glanced at her watch and said, "There's still an hour until our school starts. Why are you here so early?"
Dong Yexi said, "Come and grab a seat. If you come too late, how can you get such a good seat?" As he spoke, he distributed banners, cheering fans and other things to everyone.
Seiji Hatori took it curiously and turned it over and over in his hands.
Adachi Shizuku flipped over the banner, which read "Hatori Yuiichi will win!" He then looked at the fan, which had a handsome photo of Hatori Yuiichi printed on it. With a complicated expression, he asked, "Where did you get this? When did you prepare it?"
Dong Yexi was busy sending things and casually said, "It's custom-made online. It can be expedited."
"Don't you think it's a bit inappropriate to cheer for only him?" asked Anda Shizuku.
Dong Yexi happened to be holding a headband in his hand. He handed it to him and said, "Who said that? I also made some support items for our school."
Adachi Shizuku looked at the red headband with "Todai Must Win" printed on it, leaned back, and said with a look of rejection, "What is this ugly thing? Take it away! I'm embarrassed to wear it!"
"That's not up to you!" Higashino Xi stretched out his arms, clamped Anda Shizuku's head under his armpits, and then forced the headband on him.
When he let go, Anda Shizuku's hairstyle had become a mess.
After seeing this, Shizue Hatori obediently put on the headband himself.
Matsuzaki Tetsu covered his face with a fan and said, "If you take care of it yourself, you won't have to suffer this pain, right?"
Adachi Shizuku fixed her hair and glared at him angrily: "Don't think I can't see you gloating just because you're covering your face!"
Matsuzaki Tetsu put down his fan and said seriously, "I'm not laughing."
Anda Shizuku rolled her eyes at him.
Toyama Mima put on the headband, took a picture of it with her phone screen, and said, "The color of this headband is pretty."
"Of course! Who dares to question my aesthetics?" Higashino Xi said proudly. Then he saw Okiya Subaru pull the headband up to his neck.
"What a fresh way to wear it."
Subaru Okiya smiled and said, "I'm quite particular about my hairstyle." He was actually worried about ruining his disguise. His hair was a wig, and the spot where it met his forehead was easily exposed.
Dong Yexi knew that he didn't really have an idol image. If he really cared about his image, he wouldn't wear the same knitted hat all year round.
Dong Yexi looked around, put his hands on his hips and said, "Okay, everyone should have got their stuff. When our school goes on stage, remember to shout the cheering slogans."
Anda Shizuku asked, "What's our school's slogan?"
"Don't ask. You won't remember even if I ask." Toru Matsuzaki said, "Just follow the cheerleading team next door and shout." The cheerleading team of the University of Tokyo also came to show their support. The sisters wore uniform uniforms, held bouquets in their hands, and sat behind the banner of the University of Tokyo volleyball team. They looked very professional.
Adachi Shizuku stroked her chin and asked, "Will they go down to dance during intermission?"
"Ah?" Toru Matsuzaki was stunned.
"Don't other games have halftime shows?" asked Anda Shizuku.
Dong Yexi tapped his forehead and said, "You're talking about basketball, right? Basketball games have long halftime breaks. That's why the cheerleaders perform to keep the audience entertained. Volleyball games only have three minutes between innings, which is not enough time."
"I see." Anda Shizuku had an expression that said "I got it".
Dong Yexi twitched his lips: "If you come to watch the game, at least you should know the rules in advance."
Anda Shizuku waved her hand and said confidently, "It's okay, you'll understand as you watch."
A group of people were joking around, and soon it was time for the players to go on stage.
When Higashino Hiroshi and Hatori Seiji saw Hatori Yui appear, they immediately sat up straight with excitement, put their hands to their mouths like trumpets and shouted his name.
Yui Hatori looked up and saw Higashino Hiroshi and Hatori Seiji sitting in the first row. He smiled and waved to them.
Hatori Shizueji also smiled and waved, staring straight at Hatori Yui in the field, unwilling to take his eyes off her for even a second.
Dong Yexi responded with a happy wave. "He saw me!"
Adachi Shizuku said with a look of disgust: "Why don't you find a mirror and see how silly your smile is right now?"
Dong Yexi put away his smile and muttered, "I don't bother with single guys." Then he waved and grinned at the audience.
Adachi Shizuku heard it all clearly and nearly collapsed in anger. He clutched his chest and pretended to be in pain: "Why do you say such hurtful things! My heart hurts!"
Sitting next to him, Toru Matsuzaki said slowly, "Stop acting. No one is watching."
Anda Shizuku immediately sat up straight and took her anger out on him: "Why are you sitting next to me? Hurry up and change seats with Toyama!"
Matsuzaki Tetsu raised the corner of his mouth and said, "I won't. I can sit wherever I want. How about you move to the back row, senior?"
Seeing his provocative expression, Anda Shizuku wanted to punch him. Why did he have to move to the back row? Why did he have to give up such a good position? If he left, wouldn't that mean he lost? He wasn't leaving!
At this time, Higashino Hiroshi on the side shouted loudly: "Weiyi! Good shot!" Then he quickly asked Anda Shizuku to raise the banner, "Hurry up, the other side has started cheering, we can't lose!" Hatori Seiji beside him had a tense face and began to shout slogans with the cheerleaders.
So, even if Anda Shizuku wanted to leave, she couldn't, and was pressed down on the seat, acting as a parrot with an expressionless face.
The players were still warming up, but the cheerleaders had already begun their cheering. Fortunately, many students from the University of Tokyo came to watch the game, drowning out the noise from the other side.
"Hehe~ We won." Dong Yexi said proudly.
"Ah? The game hasn't started yet?" Anda Shizuku asked in confusion.
"I mean support. Do you understand how to get ahead of others?"
Adachi Shizuku: ...As long as you are happy.
The warm-up was over quickly and the competition officially began.
When the serve whistle sounded, the whole venue was quiet. After the first player successfully served, the entire venue boiled instantly like a hot pot with water poured on it.
In this warm atmosphere, the audience was involuntarily infected and began to cheer for the team they supported.
Shizue Hatori shouted loudly, his face flushed red.
When Dong Yexi discovered this, he immediately handed him a paper tube rolled into a trumpet shape and stopped him from shouting. He warned him, "Don't shout yourself hoarse."
After receiving the item, Hatori Shizuji's fighting power increased, allowing him to make loud noises without having to shout at the top of his lungs. He was delighted with the item and became even more absorbed in cheering. Whenever Hatori touched the ball, whether it was a pass, a spike, or a block, he would shout, "Great!"
It's obvious at first glance that he's Hatori's only personal fan.
Their first match wasn't against a strong volleyball team, far behind the University of Tokyo. However, under Hatori Yui's unconscious leadership, their team's training had increased unnoticed, and their overall strength was neither strong nor weak, so they easily won the first match 2-0 and advanced.
There was another game at three in the afternoon, so everyone decided to have a meal nearby and then watch the game.
"You guys go first, and when you've confirmed a place, send me the location. I'll take my brother to see Weiyi." Higashino Hi led Seiji Hatori to the rest area to find his brother.
Anda Shizuku watched the two of them leave and couldn't help but complain: "It's like a mother taking her child to see her father."
Matsuzaki Tetsu: "You're so good at metaphors, are you trying to kill yourself?"
Toyama Mima helped put away the support items and said, "Hurry up and find a place to eat. Otherwise, there will be no room at the nearby restaurants later."
"How can it be so exaggerated?" Anda Shizuku muttered as she walked.
The reality was beyond his imagination. All the restaurants near the stadium were packed.
Shizuku Anda was stunned by the long line at the sukiyaki restaurant. He asked, "What should we do? Should we wait or look for another one?"
"Let's do this. Since there are many of us, let's line up in front of several stores and go to whichever one is fastest," suggested Mima Toyama.
Everyone agreed: "Good idea."
While we were worrying about lunch, Higashino Hiroshi and Hatori Seiji had already found the Tokyo University team and started praising them.
Especially Shizue Hatori, his eyes were full of stars when he looked at his brother.
The other team members couldn't help but grumble, "What's Hatori's fate? How could she have such a cute brother?"
Those who have younger brothers can't help but sigh when they think of their little devil.
Yui Hatori was unaware that he had become the envy of everyone. He was asking Higashino Hi if he wanted to eat with him.
Dong Yexi shook his head: "Let's go eat outside. You need to rest for a while after eating, so we won't disturb you."
Hatori Shizue clenched his fist and said, "Come on, brother. I will also work hard to cheer you on!"
Hatori Yui smiled and rubbed his head: "Then thank you~"
Higashino Hiroshi and Hatori Seiji left the gymnasium contentedly and headed to the location assigned to them by Adachi Shizuku.
There are still four hours until the afternoon game starts.
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