Chapter 58: A Father’s Responsibility (1/2)

Chapter 58: A Father’s Responsibility

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Every year, the sports team could receive a large amount of dining subsidy. Therefore, their canteen always offered tasty food for a low price. If one pleased the chef, he could even receive one more dish for free.

The canteen used to offer free food, where individuals could choose a limited amount of meat, unlimited vegetables, and rice. Later on, in order to avoid food waste, the canteen began to charge for food, but the price was very low—only one-fifth of the usual price of outside restaurants. Moreover, athletes and coaches had a dining allowance every month, which was directly sent to their dining cards, most of them didn’t need to pay extra dining fee. Therefore, even family men would prefer to have dinner here in the canteen.

Jiang and Li sat at the same table, face to face. The other coaches were all surprised to see this.

”Am I seeing things? Is Li, the newcomer, sitting with Aiguo Jiang?”

”This Dai Li must have something special. He has been here for only one day, how could he get along well with Jiang? You know Jiang is famous for his bad temper.”

”I heard that Dai Li once displeased Coach Ma, that’s why he is paired up with Jiang. I think Ma is trying to fix Li in this way. Unfortunately, it is not working as Ma expected.”

While the other coaches were busy gossiping in a whisper, Li started a conversation with Jiang.

”Hey Jiang, I noticed that your muscle was stiff when I was massaging. I think it was due to muscle overload. Do you feel...how should I put it, uncomfortable, during training?” asked Li.

”Uncomfortable? Just say painful.” Jiang was quite straightforward. He didn’t want to hide anything. ”I know that I’m in a bad condition.”

Jiang put down his chopsticks. Sorrow flashed through his eyes. He calmed down, then said, ”Last year, I went to the doctor. My doctor told me that because of my continuous training without sufficient rest, my muscle has already been overloaded. If I keep practicing like this, I will probably get injured.”

”Did the doctor give you any advice?” asked Li.

”Yes, he said there were two ways to help me out. The first one was to reduce my workouts and let the muscle gradually repair itself; the second way was to stop training for at least three months to give myself a break,” said Jiang.

”You didn’t listen to him, did you?” asked Li.

”No I didn’t. I can’t reduce my workouts, nor can I take a break. There are fierce competitions everywhere on the team, and people are seeking chances to kick me out. I’m old now, if I slack off, I won’t be able to stay. I don’t want to retire. I can’t retire!” Jiang said with firmness.

A 32-year-old athlete was about to retire. Li wouldn’t feel anything was wrong if Jiang retired this year. But he also noticed that Jiang used ”can’t,” which indicated that he must have had some reason not to do so.