Chapter 66
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Changing players at such a crucial moment, substituting a regular performer with a substitute.
Moreover, Lin Qingyang was a person known by everyone on the field. Who didn’t know he was terrible at cuju?
The image of his previous clumsy and chubby self seemed to simultaneously appear in everyone’s mind. The guy who could fall flat just kicking a ball. Bringing such a person onto the field, was it not a form of self-surrender?
Spectators discussed fervently, giving up hope for the match. It seemed there would be nothing interesting left to watch.
Especially the children from Marquis An Nan’s residence drew even more attention and mockery from the people around.
Listening to the whispers around her, Lin Qingyao couldn’t help but say, “Fourth sister, third brother hasn’t played, and why did second brother end up on the field? Doesn’t he not know how to play? When he starts playing for real, will it be… embarrassing? The three princes are watching, after all.”
Lin Qingwei’s voice trembled as she said, “Maybe… second brother has also learned cuju recently…”
Before she could finish speaking, they heard a woman nearby sneer.
“Can your second brother even play cuju?”
“Young Master Qi intentionally made him play to embarrass him, didn’t he?”
Lin Qingwei’s relationship with Lin Qingyang had been tense recently, and her expression darkened upon hearing these remarks. Just as she was about to retort, a more piercing voice came from nearby.
“Isn’t it just to stick close to Young Master Xu? He probably wants to play together, so it was deliberately arranged by Young Master Qi.”
Lin Qingwei turned around and indeed saw Ying Xiaodie. Her face flushed instantly. Lately, whenever she encountered Ying Xiaodie, the latter would find fault with her, either mentioning her eldest sister’s status or talking about her second brother. “Ying Xiaodie, stop making baseless accusations!”
“Where did I make baseless accusations? Could your second brother even play well enough to be on the field? He’s just holding Young Master Xu back!” Ying Xiaodie believed that Xu Wenzhe would be her future husband, so she couldn’t stand someone shamelessly using tactics to cling to Xu Wenzhe.
The two began to argue, and suddenly there were loud exclamations around them, drawing everyone’s attention to the cuju field.
“Lin Qingwei, can your second brother play cuju?!”
“Why didn’t you tell me that your second brother is so… Didn’t you know?”
This time it wasn’t questioning or mocking. Lin Qingwei looked astonished at the field, unable to answer the question. Her eyes were fixed on Lin Qingyang running on the field as if that person wasn’t her second brother at all.
Just as Lin Qingyang entered the field, he unexpectedly took the ball on the attack. First, one opponent came to intercept, but he easily dodged with a turn. Then, two more opponents approached, but Lin Qingyang skillfully lifted the ball high, passing over them, and then calmly controlled it. Such strong ball control left everyone baffled.
This agile man is really the same Lin Qingyang who used to be clumsy and cumbersome?
The uniform martial robe on him is unexpectedly much looser, no longer tightly wrapped around him as before. With a black belt tied around his waist, his broad shoulders and narrow waist can be clearly seen.
Has he lost a lot of weight? It’s as if everyone only realized the true appearance of Lin Qingyang at this moment.
When running, he moves like the wind and can suddenly come to a halt. The speed sometimes catches those around him off guard, displaying remarkable short-term explosive power.
Is he running really fast? Is this the same person who used to run like a lazy turtle when tired?
No matter what kind of posture the people around him adopt to try to steal the ball, he can easily evade them, not even letting a hair touch him.
His flowing black hair, dancing with his movements, appears incredibly agile.
The ball used in the game seems like a child’s toy, obediently allowing him to manipulate it from left foot to right foot. Others can’t even think about stealing it.
How could he possibly be skilled at playing cuju?!
Everyone stared at the field, at Lin Qingyang, as if the others were no longer important. They just wanted to figure out how this person suddenly changed!
The opponents attempting to steal the ball were incredulous. They directly surrounded Lin Qingyang with three players. In an instant of stillness, just when everyone thought the ball would definitely be taken away, Lin Qingyang lifted his heel, and the ball rolled backward. The three players, unable to stop in time, collided with Lin Qingyang.
This instantly created the best opportunity for Xu Wenze, who was behind, to receive the ball.
Xu Wenze didn’t waste the opportunity, seamlessly receiving the ball and swiftly kicking it.
With a swooshing sound, the ball deflected at an angle and struck into the opponent’s goal.
The venue instantly erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
“What just happened?”
“Was it… was it an opportunity created by Lin Qingyang?”
“No… it was Xu Wenze, right?”
“But, why do I feel like…”
Before everyone could express their confusion, Team Qi Yan had already provided the final answer.
Everyone cheered and rushed towards Lin Qingyang. Qi Yan took the lead in hugging him, and others joined in, jumping and cheering.
Lin Qingyang was like a shot of adrenaline for the entire team, telling them that if the original team had a level of ninety, his addition could raise it to a hundred!
He wasn’t a substitute! He was the savior!
Lin Qingyang was also extremely excited. He had been a bit nervous just now, but now he felt the whole process was smooth and successful as if he had rediscovered the freedom and joy of running wildly on the soccer field in his youth.
He turned to look under the scoreboard, where the person had stood up, draped in his outer robe, adding a point to their team. Then he turned back, meeting a gaze straight on. On that handsome face was a full smile, and in that moment, Lin Qingyang felt as if he had gained the approval of friends and family, filled with pride.
“Well played.” Came the voice of Xu Wenze.
Lin Qingyang turned around, exchanged a smile, and fist-bumped with Xu Wenze, saying, “We need our coordinated efforts to secure a point. Entrusting it to you was the right call!”
“Oh, come on, can’t I do it? Look at me, you’ve got more than one Xu Wenze behind you!” Quipped Qi Yan with a smile.
“Alright, alright. I’ll see you score the next one.”
“Uh… let’s focus on winning, shall we?” Qi Yan said seriously.
While someone in the distance, who was just laughing moments ago, couldn’t find a smile anymore. Lowering their gaze, they rubbed the decorations on their outer robe with their fingers.
In the future… they would play in the same team.
“He really is a secret weapon, huh? Looks like there’s genuine hope for victory now,” remarked Huo Luo with some surprise. “His skills are good, very agile, with his own style of play. However, if he’s this capable, why didn’t he play from the beginning? Why play mysterious and talk about secret weapons?”
Watching Huo Luo’s puzzled expression, Yue Chen explained, “It’s a sense of contrast. They must have investigated each other before the game. Just before Lin Qingyang entered the field, judging from the reactions of the others, it was clear they didn’t know Lin Qingyang’s true abilities. Suddenly erupting like this catches most people off guard. The spectators were still surprised, let alone the opponents on the field. This contrasting effect can double Lin Qingyang’s strength while weakening the opponent’s. But if Lin Qingyang had started from the beginning…”
“The opponents would have quickly adapted to his level and made adjustments, eliminating the current impactful effect,” Huo Luo quickly understood.
Yue Chen nodded with a smile, “Yes, putting the last decisive point at the end would have been better. However, Qi Yan wasn’t sure if he could hold on until 2-2, so he had to go in early. Now, looking at it again, who has a better chance of winning?”
“Of course, it’s Qi Yan’s team! But it’s astonishing how the outcome of a match has turned around like this…” Huo Luo expressed disbelief. After all, everyone had initially assumed the outcome was settled when they saw the team commanded by Pei Jin.
Yue Chen smiled as he looked at the person below the scoreboard. “Didn’t I say it? Some people can indeed single-handedly determine the outcome.”
Huo Luo discontentedly remarked, “What you said clearly…”
Yue Chen straightforwardly stated, “Drawing lots is random. To make this team win, you have to come up with a solution on the spot. Such nimble thinking isn’t something everyone possesses.”
After a replacement in Pei Jin’s team, the match resumed. This was the most tense moment—2-2, whoever scored the next point would secure victory.
Both sides were on high alert, exchanging moves cautiously. It was a tight and stable play, and nobody dared to let their guard down.
Once again, Lin Qingyang unexpectedly used his skills to advance with the ball. Just as he was about to score, Pei Jin couldn’t sit still any longer. Shouting loudly from the sidelines, she made an impromptu adjustment, instantly blocking Lin Qingyang’s path. The ball was passed, and Qi Yan attempted another shot, but it was caught by the goalkeeper. The attack failed.
When Lin Qingyang went back to defend, he glanced at Pei Jin. Pei Jin’s clear and cold eyes were also coldly fixed on him.
Lin Qingyang didn’t see it as a provocation or mockery; he just felt that Pei Jin was really smart. If she weren’t a woman, she could have joined the game with them. It would have been a thrilling and enjoyable match.
Although the attack failed, the momentum was still on Qi Yan’s side.
Everyone was fearless even in defense.
Waiting for the opponent’s attack, Qi Yan immediately took people to intercept.
During a ball dispute, several people collided.
Suddenly, a scream from Qi Yan was heard.
Everyone was shocked. It wasn’t until the group with the ball ran away that they saw Qi Yan, who was on the ground holding his leg and couldn’t get up. This was much more serious than the conflict in the previous match.
Just as Lin Qingyang was about to run over, he heard Qi Yan’s miserable shout, “Defend!”
Because of Qi Yan’s accident, the opponents had already approached the goal. Lin Qingyang quickly made up for the defense with the advantage of speed, cooperating with the defenders to intercept.
As the ball approached, Lin Qingyang was about to tackle when he felt the opponent’s kicking leg suddenly directed toward him.
Lin Qingyang, who had a habitual avoidance instinct developed from a dislike of collisions, easily evaded when the opponent kicked. At the same time, his teammates managed to snatch away the opponent’s ball.
Finally, someone called for a timeout. Qi Yan couldn’t get up for real this time. Teammates and staff rushed over to assist.
The physician came to examine. Although there was no fracture, the injured leg had turned black from red and swollen.
Qi Yan cursed a string of foul language. Teammates, agitated, rushed towards the individuals involved, demanding an explanation of who kicked him.
The opposing side quickly apologized with sincerity, as if it wasn’t intentional. Collisions in cuju were normal, and sometimes injuries were unavoidable.
Seeing the situation escalate towards a fight, Lin Qingyang quickly had Xu Wenze go and pull back their teammates. He accompanied Qi Yan off the field and arranged for a substitute in his position.
Qi Yan was assisted onto a stretcher, gripping Lin Qingyang’s hand, saying, “Sorry, brother! This is such a rare chance… I am really damn unwilling!”
Lin Qingyang clenched his teeth. “It’s just a game. Your health is more important. Don’t worry about it. Go get yourself checked properly, don’t leave any lingering effects.”
Lin Qingyang could see the frustration in Qi Yan’s eyes. From the initial mockery of the crowd, the situation where they didn’t dare to claim victory, to now having a chance and hope, Qi Yan couldn’t accept it. Even Lin Qingyang felt unwilling, but without Qi Yan, the team’s chances of winning would be significantly reduced – everyone on the team knew this.
Lin Qingyang didn’t say to Qi Yan, “Leave it to me; I’ll definitely win for you.” However, as he watched Qi Yan being carried away, he had already made up his mind to win.
As Lin Qingyang turned to arrange the replacement for his teammate, he passed by Huo Luo. Huo Luo grabbed Lin Qingyang and whispered, “Pay attention to the new player on the opposing team; he did it on purpose.”
Lin Qingyang suddenly recalled the earlier situation when that person seemed to deliberately kick towards him. Wasn’t that intentional?
Lin Qingyang naturally believed Huo Luo, and anger surged within him. He nodded with understanding and then led his teammates onto the field.
The spectators below started discussing in earnest. After all, the main player had been replaced, and the upcoming situation was uncertain.
Lin Qingyang desired victory, but his mentality was a bit unstable. Instinctively, he turned to look at Chu Lishu beneath the scoreboard.
However, as soon as Lin Qingyang looked down, he froze in place.
At this moment, Chu Lishu seemed to be waiting for him to glance over. He had a serious expression, and his eyes were particularly sharp. Guiding Lin Qingyang’s gaze, he looked toward the person who had just entered the field, the one Huo Luo had warned about.
Lin Qingyang nodded to indicate that he understood. If even Chu Lishu could see it, then it was undoubtedly certain.
When the teammates gathered around, Lin Qingyang directly warned them to be cautious of that person. The guy was intentionally trying to kick others. Even if they conceded a goal, they couldn’t let themselves get injured, as their numbers were already insufficient.
The game resumed, and the ball was mostly under the feet of Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze. Perhaps because of this, the guy who intentionally kicked others kept circling around Lin Qingyang. Several times, Lin Qingyang felt that the opponent was about to kick him but he skillfully dodged each time.
This time, after successfully snatching the ball, suddenly three people surrounded him, and that person was among them. Lin Qingyang knew that if he hesitated, the opponent would definitely take the opportunity to harm him. He couldn’t confront them head-on. So, he decisively passed the ball. Two opponents quickly chased the ball, but the person in front still didn’t hold back, insisting on kicking towards Lin Qingyang.
Lin Qingyang didn’t expect the opponent to be so brazen. Trying to dodge, although he could avoid some of it, getting injured was inevitable.
At that moment, a strong force came from behind. Lin Qingyang’s waist was suddenly embraced, and his whole body was lifted off the ground by his legs, spinning in a circle.
With a loud bang, the person unexpectedly missed kicking Lin Qingyang and ended up hitting his companion who had just run beside him.
That kick directly sent his companion somersaulting, and the screams were even more miserable than those of Qi Yan just now.
This time, the match was directly paused. The person who kicked others seemed to be injured as well, lying on the ground.
The crowd gathered again, and another physician rushed over to check on the one who fell the hardest. After all, his shin couldn’t move, and even his nose was broken.
The scene left everyone stunned. Lin Qingyang turned to look at the person who was holding him, Xu Wenze.
Feeling as if his heart, accelerated by the intense activity, had finally gradually calmed, Xu Wenze let go and released Lin Qingyang.
“Brother Xu! No… Brother Xu[13], you’re really like my brother! What did you do? I discovered it too late!” Lin Qingyang widened his eyes in pleasant surprise. If it weren’t for Xu Wenze’s timely intervention, he might have been the one incapacitated now.
Xu Wenze looked at Lin Qingyang, the angry expression in his eyes just fading away.
“You’re okay… that’s good.”
Lin Qingyang was about to say something when someone from the crowd suddenly grabbed him from behind. As he turned around, he saw Chu Lishu.
“How are you?” Chu Lishu looked tense, glancing at his legs.
Lin Qingyang kicked his foot, “Brother Xu saved me in the nick of time. I escaped unharmed.”
Chu Lishu breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Xu Wenze, “Thanks a lot, Brother Wenze.”
Xu Wenze shook his head, looking at the two fallen individuals. “Dealing with people like this on the field is too troublesome.”
As the physician examined his leg, lifting the pant leg to reveal no injury, it seemed incredible that someone could kick another person’s leg like that.
“I can still keep going…” The person expressed remorse to their teammate, “I didn’t mean to.”
Both parties involved were from the same team, and the injured person was in pain and unwilling to say more.
“It seems they won’t continue.” Xu Wenze spoke up.
Lin Qingyang’s face was filled with anger. “Can’t we object to him playing? This is the second time!” In modern times, such malicious actions would likely result in immediate expulsion from the game.
“There is no need to make it so complicated…” Suddenly, Chu Lishu spoke up.
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