Chapter 190: Parenthood (1/2)
Chapter 190: Parenthood
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In one of Nandu University's classrooms, Yue Zhao was doing his homework carefully.
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz… His cell phone started to vibrate. Yue Zhao checked the screen and saw that it was Dai Li. He left the classroom with his cell phone immediately, then answered the phone.
”Hello, Coach Li. What can I do for you?” Yue Zhao asked.
”I want to tell you the good news. The national team is planning to recruit you for the training camp for the Asian Games!” Dai Li continued, ”But you will be specializing in the 200m sprint!”
”I was recruited by the national team?” Yue Zhao was surprised. He didn't expect the national team to still want to recruit him when he was already twenty-six.
”You are surprised, right?” Dai Li smiled and continued, ”I am afraid you will not get an opportunity in the 100m sprint. If you want to stay on the national team, you have to specialize in the 200m sprint.”
”I know!” Yue Zhao also knew that a 26-year-old athlete had no advantage in the 100m sprint; he wouldn't stand a chance against young competition. He might as well focus on the 200m sprint. With his technique and experience, maybe he could stay with the national team.
But the next second, Yue Zhao's parents popped into his mind. They didn't want him to be an athlete anymore.
”Coach Li, thank you! But I don't want be an athlete anymore. I want to study hard, obtain my master's degree, and find a stable job,” Yue Zhao said.
”Are you going to give up?” Dai Li was surprised. He had helped Yue Zhao get such a good opportunity, and it had not been easy; but he had not expected that Yue Zhao would want to give up.
”You had a hard time recovering from your illness and returning to the field. Why do you want to give up? Because you are too old?” Dai Li asked eagerly.
”Not because of my age. It's because….” Yue Zhao hesitated, then finally said, ”My parents don't want me to continue my career as an athlete.”
”Their worries still stem from the misdiagnosed bone cancer, right?” Dai Li sighed deeply.
”My parents are getting old; they can't take a hit like that a second time,” Yue Zhao said slowly.
”What about you? Are you willing to give up now? I remember you said you suffered a lot in the United States just for your leg treatment. What was the point of you doing so? Wasn't it so you could return to the field? Wasn't it to elongate your professional career? If you give up now, the hardships you have endured and your persistence will all have been in vain, right?” Dai Li continued trying to persuade Yue Zhao.
Yue Zhao said regretfully, ”You are right. I want to continue my athletic career. However, people can't just live for themselves. My parents raised me, and have made so many sacrifices for me. I don't want to make them worry anymore.”
”But this is your only opportunity! Moreover, this is the training camp for the Asian Games, which should be a heaven-sent chance for you. If you perform well, you would have a chance to participate in the Asian Games. This is an opportunity many athletes look forward to for their entire life. Do you really want to give it up?” Dai Li asked eagerly.
”I—I don't know! I really don't know!” Yue Zhao said bitterly, ”Coach Li, please leave me alone! Just leave me alone, OK?”
Dai Li could sense the dilemma going on in Yue Zhao's heart. Yue Zhao was having trouble making a decision.
”OK. I guess the notification of the training camp for the Asian Games will be sent to Nandu University next month. Whether you come or not, it's your call.”
...
A quite popular reality show was being played on TV. Yue Zhao's father was sitting in front of the TV and enjoying the program.
”Raise your legs!” Yue Zhao's mother commanded. Yue Zhao's father raised his legs immediately. The mop in Yue Zhao's mother's hands slipped under Yue Zhao's father's feet rapidly.