The Road to Nationals
The announcement of the upcoming National Badminton Championships electrified the academy. Every student, from eager first-years to experienced second-years, dove into intense training, their days filled with sprints, drills, and matches. But among the third-years, only one stood out: Jian Chen.
Jian wasn't just training hard—he was training twice as hard as anyone else. His relentless drive was evident in every swing of his racket, every drop of sweat on the court, and every moment he spent perfecting his craft. While others practiced for hours, Jian practiced until his body demanded rest.
A Challenge from the Past
One afternoon, as Jian finished a brutal round of shuttle drills, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Chen Jian."
Jian turned to see Lin Qiang, the academy's former fifth-ranked player, standing at the edge of the court. His expression was determined, his racket gripped tightly.
"I want a rematch," Lin said, his voice steady.
Jian raised an eyebrow, wiping his face with a towel. "You sure about that?"
Lin nodded. "Last time, I underestimated you. But I've been training hard since then. I want to see how I measure up now."
Jian sighed, tossing his towel aside. "Alright. Let's do this."
The match began with Lin playing aggressively, firing off powerful smashes and swift drives. But Jian was on another level. He moved with precision and speed, returning every shot effortlessly.
Lin fought hard, but Jian dismantled his game piece by piece. With each rally, it became clear that the gap between them had only grown wider. In just two sets, Jian won decisively: 21-10, 21-8.
As Jian packed up his gear, Lin stood by the net, visibly shaken. Jian walked over, clapping him on the shoulder.
"You've improved," Jian said honestly. "But you can't just rely on power. You need to adapt."
Lin nodded, though his expression remained somber. A week later, news spread that Lin Qiang had left the academy. No one knew the exact reason, but many speculated that the loss had been the final straw.
An Unexpected Invitation
A week after Lin's departure, Jian was in the middle of his morning routine when his phone buzzed. It was a message from Mei Lin:
"Hey, Jian. Are you free for lunch today? My treat."
Jian stared at the message, surprised. He hadn't expected Mei to reach out again after her initial confession, especially not to invite him out. He hesitated for a moment, then replied:
"Sure. Where should we meet?"
Later that day, they met at a small café near the academy. Mei was already seated when Jian arrived, waving him over with a bright smile.
"Thanks for coming," she said as he sat down.
"You're the one paying, so I should be thanking you," Jian replied with a smirk.
They ordered their food and talked about everything from training to the upcoming nationals. Mei shared stories about her struggles in practice, and Jian found himself laughing more than he had in weeks.
As they finished their meal, Mei looked at him thoughtfully. "You're really something, you know that?"
Jian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"You're so focused, so determined," she said. "It's inspiring. But don't you ever feel… tired? Like you're missing out on other things?"
Jian thought about it for a moment. "Sometimes. But if I want to be the best, I can't afford to take it easy. Nationals are only three months away. After that, maybe I'll have time to relax."
Mei smiled. "Well, when that time comes, let's hang out again. But next time, it's on you."
Jian chuckled. "Deal."
The Three Months of Training
The next three months were grueling for Jian. Coach Liu continued to push him to his limits, introducing new drills to refine his skills:
Endurance Matches: Jian played matches where he wasn't allowed to score with smashes, forcing him to rely on placement and strategy.
Blindfolded Net Drills: To sharpen his sense of timing, Jian practiced net shots blindfolded, relying solely on sound and instinct.
Opponent Analysis: Jian spent hours watching footage of potential opponents, learning their strengths and weaknesses.
Each day ended with Jian completely exhausted, but he never complained. His sights were set on the nationals, and nothing would deter him.
Despite his intense schedule, Jian managed to carve out moments of fun, often thanks to Feng and Mei.
Dorm Shenanigans: Feng frequently dragged Jian into ridiculous antics, like impromptu karaoke sessions in their dorm or late-night snack raids.Lunch Breaks with Mei: Mei made it a habit to invite Jian out for lunch or coffee once a week. Their conversations became a source of comfort and laughter for Jian, a rare escape from the pressure of training.Team Bonding: The academy organized occasional team-building activities, like movie nights and friendly matches, which helped lighten the mood and strengthen friendships.
Through it all, Jian began to realize that while badminton was his passion, the people around him were just as important.
The Countdown to Nationals
As the nationals approached, the academy buzzed with excitement and nervous energy. Jian's name was on everyone's lips—students, coaches, and even scouts from professional teams.
Jian remained calm, focusing on his training and maintaining his routine. But deep down, he felt a growing anticipation. Nationals weren't just another tournament—they were a stage where he could prove himself to the world.
On the eve of the championships, Mei sent him a message:
"Good luck tomorrow. No matter what happens, you're already a champion to me."
Jian smiled as he read the message, a sense of warmth spreading through him. He set his phone down and closed his eyes, replaying the months of hard work, sweat, and laughter in his mind.
Tomorrow, the real journey would begin. And Jian was fast asleep.
The Nationals: Six Days of Glory
The National Badminton Championships had arrived, bringing together the country's best young players for a grueling six-day tournament. The massive venue hummed with energy as players and spectators filled the stands, courts, and practice areas. Jian Chen stepped into the arena, his racket in hand and determination in his eyes.
Day 1: The Start of the Journey
The first day was reserved for preliminary matches, where players from different academies fought to advance to the main draw. Jian's first opponent was a second-year from a lesser-known academy.
Jian approached the match calmly, his mind focused. The game ended quickly, with Jian winning 21-6, 21-4. His speed and precision left the audience impressed, but to him, it was just another step forward.
After his match, Jian wandered the arena, scouting the competition. That's when he saw her—Li Wei, his long-time crush, sitting with her teammates. She was laughing and cheering for her academy's players, her radiant presence lighting up the stands.
Jian thought about approaching her, but the sight of her surrounded by her team made him hesitate. Not now, he thought. There's still time.
Day 2: The Round of 32
Jian faced a more skilled opponent in the second round—a first-year prodigy with a reputation for strong defense. The match was tougher, but Jian's relentless training paid off. His aggressive playstyle overwhelmed his opponent, and he advanced with a score of 21-12, 21-10.
After the match, he spotted Li Wei again, this time walking through the hallways with her team. Jian almost called out to her, but before he could, a teammate whisked her away. He sighed and returned to the practice courts.
Day 3: The Round of 16
The stakes grew higher as Jian entered the Round of 16. His opponent was a second-year known for his deceptive shots and fast net play.
The first set was close, with Jian trailing at one point. But he adapted quickly, using his superior fitness and court awareness to turn the tide. The match ended 21-18, 21-14, and Jian moved on to the quarterfinals.
That evening, while reviewing match footage, Jian saw a social media post: a photo of Li Wei with her team, celebrating their academy's victories. He smiled, knowing she was just as dedicated to the sport as he was.
Day 4: The Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals were intense, pitting Jian against a third-year player with years of experience. The crowd was on edge as the two players exchanged powerful rallies, each refusing to give an inch.
Jian's hard work paid off in the final moments of the match. With a series of perfectly placed drop shots and a decisive smash, he won 21-17, 21-19.
After the match, Jian saw Li Wei in the stands again, cheering for her academy's quarterfinalist. He watched her for a moment, debating whether to approach her. But once again, he let the moment pass.
Day 5: The Semifinals
The semifinals brought Jian face-to-face with a formidable opponent: the second seed of the tournament. The match was nothing short of a battle, with long rallies and breathtaking shots.
Jian lost the first set 19-21, but Coach Liu's words during the break spurred him on: "Stay calm. Play your game." Jian dominated the next two sets, winning 21-15, 21-13.
The victory secured his place in the finals. As he left the court, his eyes scanned the stands for Li Wei. She was there, smiling and chatting with her teammates. Jian felt a pang of frustration. Why is this so hard? he thought.
Day 6: The Finals
The final day of the Nationals had arrived, and the arena was packed. Jian's opponent was the tournament's top seed, a third-year known for his powerful smashes and aggressive playstyle.
Before the match, Jian glanced toward the stands, and there she was—Li Wei, sitting with her academy's team. She wasn't cheering for him, but just knowing she was there gave him a strange sense of peace.
The Match
The first rally began, and the top seed immediately set the tone, unleashing a series of smashes that forced Jian onto the defensive. Jian struggled at first, losing the first few points. But as the match progressed, something changed.
Once again, everything around him slowed down. The roar of the crowd faded, his opponent's movements seemed predictable, and the shuttlecock floated in the air as if suspended in time.
Jian's instincts took over. He moved with grace and precision, returning every shot with ease. His smashes became unrelenting, and his drop shots fell like feathers just beyond his opponent's reach.
The first set ended 21-10 in Jian's favor.
The second set was even more one-sided. Jian played with a level of dominance that left the audience stunned. His opponent, who had crushed everyone else in the tournament, looked helpless against Jian's calculated aggression.
The final score: 21-5.
The arena erupted in applause and cheers as Jian raised his racket in victory. The top seed, humbled and visibly shaken, approached him at the net. "You're something else," he said, shaking Jian's hand.
After the Match
As Jian left the court, his eyes scanned the stands one last time. Li Wei was standing, clapping for him, a proud smile on her face. For a moment, their eyes met, and Jian felt his heart race.
Maybe now, he thought, his confidence finally catching up to him.
He walked toward her section of the stands, weaving through the crowd. Li Wei turned as he approached, her smile widening.
"Congratulations," she said warmly. "You were incredible out there."
"Thanks," Jian said, scratching the back of his neck. "It means a lot, coming from you."
For the first time, Jian felt like everything had fallen into place—not just in badminton, but in life. The Nationals had marked the beginning of a new chapter, and he was ready to embrace it, both on and off the court.
The Podium and the Big Reveal
The crowd roared as Jian Chen stood atop the winner's podium, the gold medal gleaming around his neck and a massive ceremonial cheque for 14,597,602 yuan displayed prominently beside him. The moment felt surreal. The arena lights shone brightly, the cheers reverberated through the hall, and cameras clicked incessantly to capture the triumphant young champion.
But despite the celebration, Jian's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for one person: Li Wei. He had seen her earlier, cheering for her academy teammates, but now she was nowhere to be found.
The runner-ups—former top players from different academies—stood on the lower podiums, clapping politely, though their expressions betrayed frustration at being overshadowed by the unstoppable force that was Jian. Behind them, coaches, officials, and academy members watched intently, all waiting for the ceremony to conclude.
The Interview
As the celebrations settled, Jian was ushered toward the interview area, where a large crowd of reporters and journalists awaited him. Flashing lights and microphones surrounded him as the interviewer began with the usual questions.
"Chen Jian, congratulations on winning the National Championship. Your performance was nothing short of extraordinary. How does it feel to take home the gold?"
Jian adjusted the medal around his neck, giving a small shrug. "It feels good. But there's always more to work on."
The interviewer smiled, nodding. "You've been the talk of the tournament. Everyone's curious—how did you get started in badminton? What inspired you to pick up the sport?"
Jian paused, considering the question. He could've given a safe answer about talent or love for the game, but instead, he chose the blunt truth.
"Well," he began, his tone casual, "I started playing because I saw a match on TV. Li Wei was in it. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her play."
The arena fell silent.
"I thought, 'If I pick up badminton, maybe I'll get the chance to meet her.' So, I asked my dad to enroll me in an academy. That's pretty much it." Jian finished with a shrug, as if what he'd just said wasn't a bombshell revelation.
Reactions Around the Arena
The crowd was stunned. Gasps rippled through the audience, and the reporters froze for a moment before scrambling to write down his words.
On the podium, the second and third place winners stared at Jian in disbelief. Yu Chen, the former second-ranked player, whispered under her breath, "Is he serious?"
The current runner-up, still recovering from his devastating loss in the finals, muttered, "He picked up badminton for… a girl?"
Even Wu Jian, watching from the U.S., where he was training, saw the live broadcast. He laughed so hard he nearly fell off the couch. "This guy. Only Jian Chen could say something like that on national television."
The Coaches and Teammates
Coach Liu, standing at the edge of the court, looked like he had been hit by a truck. His jaw tightened, and his hands were clenched into fists. This boy... does he even understand what he just said?
The academy teammates, who had been cheering wildly just moments ago, exchanged nervous glances. Feng, standing among them, facepalmed hard enough to make a sound. "Of course he said it. Of course."
The Fallout
The interviewer, visibly stunned, tried to regain composure. "I see… That's certainly a unique reason to start playing badminton."
Jian tilted his head, his expression unbothered. "Is it? Doesn't everyone have their reasons?"
The tension was palpable. Li Wei's name had been thrust into the spotlight, and the audience buzzed with murmurs about her.
"Do you have anything else you'd like to say about Li Wei?" the interviewer asked hesitantly.
Jian smiled faintly. "Just that she's incredible. Seeing her play was the reason I started, but now I have my own goals. I'd still like to meet her, though."
The audience erupted into whispers and scattered applause. The blunt honesty of Jian's response left everyone—players, coaches, and fans—stunned.
Aftermath
As the interview ended, Jian returned to his team, where Coach Liu immediately pulled him aside. His expression was a mix of pride and exasperation.
"Jian," Liu said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Did you really need to say that on live TV?"
"What?" Jian asked, genuinely confused. "It's the truth."
"Sometimes, the truth needs... filtering," Liu muttered.
Meanwhile, Feng couldn't contain his laughter. "You're a legend, Jian. The guy who picked up badminton for a girl and won Nationals. They'll write stories about you."
"Good," Jian said with a grin. "Maybe she'll read one."
Elsewhere in the Arena
Li Wei had been sitting in the stands when Jian's confession echoed through the speakers. Her teammates turned to her, wide-eyed.
"Did you hear that?" one of them whispered.
Li Wei's face burned red as she stared at the screen showing Jian's calm, unapologetic expression. She quickly stood, excusing herself from the group. Her heart pounded as she replayed his words in her mind.
He started playing… because of me?
As she walked away, she couldn't help but smile, a mix of embarrassment and intrigue filling her chest. Well, Jian Chen… you've got my attention now.
A Moment for Reflection
That night, as Jian sat in his dorm, he scrolled through countless articles, memes, and clips of his blunt interview. The internet had exploded with reactions, ranging from admiration to disbelief.
Feng, sitting nearby, showed him one of the headlines:
"Love at First Smash: Jian Chen Confesses His Unusual Motivation for Badminton Stardom."
Jian smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Well, it's the truth. Let's see where it takes me."
For Jian, it wasn't just about the confession—it was about living authentically, both on and off the court. And now, with his name on everyone's lips, he felt closer than ever to achieving both his personal and professional dreams.
The Morning After
The next morning, Jian Chen woke up to a barrage of notifications on his phone. Social media was ablaze, his name trending across platforms, and every major newspaper featured his now-iconic words. Headlines ranged from sensational to humorous:
"Chen Jian: Badminton's New Star Plays for Love""From Crush to Champion: The Truth Behind Chen Jian's Badminton Journey""Li Wei, the Muse of a National Champion"
Feng burst into their dorm room, waving a copy of the most dramatic headline: "Love at First Smash: Jian Chen's Confession Rocks the Nation."
"Dude," Feng said, holding back laughter. "You've turned badminton into a romantic drama. Reporters are calling you 'the love-struck prodigy!'"
Jian barely glanced up from his breakfast. "Let them talk."
"You're unbelievable," Feng said, shaking his head. "By the way, there are reporters swarming the academy gates. Good luck with that."
Jian simply shrugged, finishing his meal and heading out.
The Academy Invasion
When Jian arrived at the academy, he was greeted by chaos. Dozens of reporters crowded around the gates, cameras flashing and microphones thrust toward him. Security struggled to maintain order as they shouted over one another:
"Chen Jian! Do you have a message for Li Wei?"
"Were you serious about falling in love at first sight?"
"How do you balance your love life and training?"
"Do you think badminton and romance go hand in hand?"
Jian sighed, walking toward them with the calm demeanor of someone about to deal with a line of customer complaints.
"Alright, one at a time," he said, raising his hands.
The Blunt Replies
One reporter asked, "Chen Jian, your confession has made headlines across the country. Do you regret being so honest?"
"No," Jian replied bluntly. "Why would I regret telling the truth? It's better than making up something boring."
Another chimed in, "What do you think about the reaction from fans and the media?"
Jian shrugged. "They're entertained, right? That's what matters."
"Have you spoken to Li Wei since your confession?"
"Not yet," Jian said, folding his arms. "But I plan to."
"Do you think this will affect your professional career?"
"If being honest affects my career, then that's not a career worth having," Jian shot back.
The questions kept coming, and Jian answered each one with the same straightforward demeanor. He didn't dodge, embellish, or hold back. To him, it was just another task to complete.
Finally, a reporter asked, "Do you have any final words for Li Wei?"
Jian smirked, looking directly into the camera. "Yeah. I meant what I said. And if she wants to play a match, I'm ready and a date to please."
Back to Work
After nearly half an hour of fielding questions, Jian turned to the security guards. "We done here?"
They nodded, looking both impressed and bewildered.
"Good," Jian said, heading toward the courts.
Inside, his teammates watched from the windows, some laughing, others shaking their heads. Coach Liu stood at the edge of the court, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.
"You've made quite the mess, Jian," Liu said as Jian approached.
"It's not a mess, Coach," Jian replied, picking up his racket. "It's just publicity."
Liu sighed but didn't argue. "You're lucky you can back up your words with your game. Now get to work. Nationals may be over, but the real challenges are ahead."
Jian nodded and stepped onto the court, diving into his drills as if nothing had happened. Outside, the reporters lingered, hoping for more comments, but Jian ignored them.
The Aftermath
By the end of the day, Jian's blunt responses had become just as famous as his initial confession. Fans admired his honesty, critics called him reckless, and the internet was flooded with memes and reactions.
But for Jian, none of it mattered. The only thing on his mind was his training—and maybe, just maybe, when he'd finally get the chance to meet Li Wei face to face.
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