5 Wang Chuqin

As the year-end approached swiftly, even though the national table tennis team maintained their rigorous training regimen, everyone happily prepared to return home for the holidays. Yet, the atmosphere here was different. Take Sun Yingsha, for instance—her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at Duan Nanzhou.

“Are you really not coming to my place for a few days?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness. This was the first time Sun Yingsha felt time had flown by so quickly, and the thought of parting from her close friend Zhou made her feel the bitter pain of a young couple forced to separate soon after coming together.

If asked why she liked Duan Nanzhou so much, Sun Yingsha couldn’t quite explain. It seemed that everything about this person drew her in irresistibly, and she was determined to be her best friend.

“Sasha, don’t be silly. It’s only a few days for the New Year. We’ll see each other again soon,” Duan Nanzhou said, struggling to free herself from Sun Yingsha’s tight embrace, but to no avail.

Duan Nanzhou didn’t quite understand her friend’s reluctance to part; after all, it was only a brief separation, not a farewell.

Unbeknownst to them, someone else was watching from a distance, harboring similar feelings. Recently, under the vigilant protection of Sun Yingsha and several senior female teammates, Wang Chuqin had found it nearly impossible to get close to Duan Nanzhou, let alone speak to her.

This was largely because Sun Yingsha and her senior teammates had complained about someone eyeing their Zhou, warning that early romantic involvement could negatively affect their table tennis. In response, the senior female players had been on high alert, strictly monitoring any young men attempting to approach Duan Nanzhou, especially Wang Chuqin.

However, Duan Nanzhou frequently had to visit the men’s team, which was unavoidable. To keep a close watch on certain individuals, the female team assigned an external member of the men’s team, Liu Shiwen, to accompany Duan Nanzhou each time she went over.

This strategy discouraged many admirers, especially as Duan Nanzhou’s increasingly fierce playing style and dominance over many male players earned her a fearsome reputation. Most had wisely retreated, offering only respectful, admiring glances toward this rising “demon queen” of the national team.

Yet Wang Chuqin was the exception. Not only did he refuse to back down, but his affection deepened, especially after witnessing Duan Nanzhou’s tremendous skill and rapid progress. Comparing their abilities made his youthful affection a mix of hopeful anticipation and self-doubt.

Living day by day like this, Wang Chuqin even kept a secret little notebook, unknown to even his closest friends, recording his progress with Duan Nanzhou. For example:

December 30, 2016: She smiled in my direction.

January 6, 2017: Today I got to play against her; she’s incredibly strong.

January 16, 2017: The holiday’s coming; I won’t see her.

January 17, 2017: Sun Yingsha kept hugging her and acting spoiled—makes me wish I could too.

Such a notebook was hardly fitting for someone aspiring to be a “Bking,” yet he kept it nonetheless.

This affection was carefully guarded, waiting perhaps for one day to blossom.

***

After the New Year, Duan Nanzhou returned to Beijing amid her parents’ reluctant gazes, ready to begin her year of dominating the table tennis world.

Upon her return to the national team, she was warmly welcomed with enthusiastic hugs from several senior female teammates and her close-age friends.

One after another embraced her until she could barely catch her breath, her flushed cheeks bearing witness to the ordeal—her dear friend Sun Yingsha sharing the same fate beside her.

Both had faces that were irresistibly touchable, which earned them much affection from the female seniors and occasional playful attacks from nearby teammates.

At one point, Duan Nanzhou and Sun Yingsha exchanged a glance of mutual sympathy—they truly were suffering together.

Unexpectedly, a few oddballs also joined in, including the sly “Big Python.” Having long desired to touch the female team’s smooth skin, he finally seized an opportunity under the knowing glances of Liu Shiwen and Ding Ning to sneak a quick pinch.

Finding the skin soft and pleasant, he was soon followed by Ma Long, Zhang Jike, and “Little Fatty,” who also stealthily gave in to temptation.

Duan Nanzhou quickly memorized these culprits, later exacting a merciless “revenge” during practice matches with brutal playing styles.

From the very first match between Duan Nanzhou and Ma Long, Xu Xin sensed something amiss. Although Duan Nanzhou was usually fierce, today she was unusually aggressive. Could it be retaliation for the face-pinching? How petty of her!

Yet despite seeing through her ploy, Xu Xin couldn’t escape the relentless onslaught—truly a pitiful sight.

Training continued day by day.

Until Duan Nanzhou was selected by Liu Guoliang to showcase her talents at major tournaments.

Previously, she had participated in few competitions, mainly the National Youth Table Tennis Championships, which had caught Liu Guoliang’s attention, leading to her ongoing training with the national team.

As for external events, she had barely competed.

Though a recent addition to the national team, her progress was unimaginable, astonishing everyone daily until they became numb to her performance, feeling she was no longer human.

Now, Liu Guoliang decided to send her out to shake the table tennis world, to show those arrogant figures in the sport that for at least the next decade, the champions would be Chinese.

This was the shared sentiment among the entire national coaching staff, who eagerly anticipated her debut on the competitive stage.

Yet Duan Nanzhou remained oblivious to these thoughts, focused only on improving herself daily. She had already familiarized herself with the national team’s playing styles and strategies.

Upon learning she would compete externally, her first thought was excitement—finally, she’d experience different playing styles!

Under this harmonious exchange, she participated in the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships and the China Open.

Though few in number, her performances were enough to shock the table tennis community and prompt leading national coaches to reconsider their tactics.

Watching their coaches shift from active strategizing to resigned numbness during matches against Duan Nanzhou, the Chinese team’s coaches and members felt oddly comforted—it was clear the problem lay with her opponents, not themselves.

Duan Nanzhou’s ruthless dominance extended beyond just them; seeing all these great players questioning their own skills was strangely satisfying.

Meanwhile, Duan Nanzhou felt she had made the right choice. Being among everyone, absorbing the myriad playing styles, was a feast for her senses and a rich source of learning.

While Duan Nanzhou thrived, Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin suddenly received news from their coaches—they had to team up for mixed doubles.

Upon hearing this, both felt the sky was falling. They had long disliked each other: one guarding her close friend fiercely, suspecting the other’s intentions, the other believing his chances with Duan Nanzhou were being blocked.

When they exchanged glances, sparks practically flew.

Only when Duan Nanzhou came to watch their mixed doubles practice did they mutually decide to set aside their animosity and focus on training, determined not to let her see their discord.

Within this uneasy truce, both fiercely competed against each other, unwilling to admit any weakness.

In the end, they claimed the mixed doubles championship, much to the satisfaction and optimism of the coaches who paired them.

Duan Nanzhou immediately applauded their victory and warmly embraced her friend Yingsha, leaving Wang Chuqin both envious and helpless.

Especially after seeing Sun Yingsha’s teasing expression, Wang Chuqin clenched his fists in frustration, promising himself he would have his revenge one day.

Otherwise, he feared he might be driven mad by the anger.