Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 310 Foreign Players in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League
The next morning.

Before six o'clock, Chen Jianguo had already gotten up, ridden his beloved little motorcycle, and gone to work.

Chen Jin was left alone at home and slept until nine o'clock.

My phone vibrated while I was asleep.

That's what woke him up.

When I picked it up, I was surprised to see a message from Coach Zhang of the provincial team: "I'll pick you up downstairs in half an hour."

Chen Jin yawned and got out of bed.

As usual, I opened the refrigerator and sure enough, I saw a freezer compartment filled with dumplings and wontons, all made by Chen Jianguo.

In the kitchen, the soup ingredients were already prepared.

Simply boil water and cook it; it will be ready to eat in no time.

Chen Jin was already familiar with the process; he could do it himself and be self-sufficient.

I've finished eating and am washing up.

The phone vibrated again.

Coach Zhang has arrived outside the residential area.

"Leave right away."

After replying to the message, Chen Jin picked up his backpack and hurriedly left.

Coach Zhang.

Chen Jin opened the car door, threw his backpack on the back seat, and said, "Long time no see."

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Coach Zhang smiled and glanced at Chen Jin in the rearview mirror.

Back then, he and Coach Wu accompanied Chen Jin and others to Beijing to participate in the National Table Tennis U16 Selection Tournament.

At that time, Chen Jin was completely unknown.

In just over three months, Chen Jin swept through the world table tennis scene with unstoppable momentum, almost reaching the top of the rankings.

This made Coach Zhang feel quite emotional.

I knew Chen Jin had a bright future, but I didn't expect it to come so quickly!

"You just finished the World Junior Championships, competing in four events, five matches in one day. You must be exhausted."

Coach Zhang asked with concern.

Originally, the World Youth Championships did not receive nearly as much attention as the three major tournaments and WTT's top events.

But this time it's different, because Chen Jin's participation has attracted a lot of attention from fans.

During the World Youth Championships, news about Chen Jin frequently trended on social media.

It's like I bought a house on the trending topics list.

Even the discussion surrounding the mixed team World Cup couldn't compare.

"good."

Chen Jin fastened his seatbelt. "I've rested for two days and I've recovered."

"That's good."

Coach Zhang chatted with Chen Jin casually while driving.

Soon after, they arrived at the training base of the S Province team.

Looking from afar, one could see head coach Chen Longcan and several provincial team coaches standing at the entrance, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Before Chen Jin could even get out of the car, amidst a burst of laughter, Chen Longcan quickly came to greet him.

"Chen Jin, congratulations!"

Chen Longcan held Chen Jin's hand tightly, beaming with smiles, "We've added a few more championship trophies."

"Thanks to the team for their support and guidance."

Chen Jin said modestly.

Two years ago, before he joined the provincial team, he was playing a points tournament at a sports hall when Chen Longcan happened to see him.

It was Chen Longcan's keen eye that discovered his talent for penhold grip, and thus extended an olive branch.

Later, they even recalled Coach Wu, who had retired, to guide him and train him.

If Coach Wu is his mentor, then Chen Longcan is his benefactor.

"You just came back from the World Junior Championships abroad. You won't have many days to rest before you have to play in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League. You must be exhausted."

Chen Longcan patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, "Our S Province team doesn't have any other outstanding players besides you."

"Therefore, in this Table Tennis Super League, you are the absolute core of our team."

"Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything!"

Back during the National Championships, he and Wang Liqin had already made a gentleman's agreement.

Moreover, Chen Longcan knew in his heart that with Chen Jin's talent and strength, he was far beyond what the small S Province team could accommodate.

In pursuit of higher goals, Chen Jin would have to leave sooner or later, so Chen Longcan naturally wouldn't try to keep him.

This Chinese Table Tennis Super League may be Chen Jin's last time playing for the S Province team.

As for the National Games... let's see how things go.

"I don't have any specific needs; it depends on how the team arranges things."

Chen Jindao.

Having spent two and a half years on the S Province team, how could he not know the level of his teammates?

Anyway, even though I know I can't do it all by myself, I will do my best.

Putting everything else aside, at the very least, we must lead the provincial team into the second stage.

"Row."

Chen Longcan smiled.

Accompanied by several coaches, the two walked into the training hall while talking.

Many athletes are training.

The intense yet crisp sound of the ball hitting the shuttlecock echoed throughout the stadium like firecrackers.

"Chen Jin".

Several familiar teammates, upon seeing Chen Jin, all stopped what they were doing and greeted him warmly.

Chen Jin replied to each one.

His eyes turned.

Suddenly, it landed on the back of a person practicing ball not far away.

"what?"

Chen Jin felt that the face looked somewhat familiar and was momentarily stunned.

"how?"

Noticing the unusual look in Chen Jin's expression, Chen Longcan, who had anticipated this, smiled and said, "Does he look familiar?"

"Correct."

Chen Jin rubbed his chin, "But I can't remember who he is for the moment."

The man was wearing a light blue jersey, holding a racket in his left hand, and his hitting motion was clean and crisp.

It has a compact core and powerful performance.

They are far superior to ordinary provincial team athletes.

"Wait, who is he...?"

Chen Jin suddenly remembered, a look of surprise appearing on his face, "Lin Yunru?!"

"good."

Chen Longcan nodded with a smile.

"He He……"

Chen Jin asked in surprise, "Why is Lin Yunru here with us?"

As is widely known, Lin Yun-ju is the top table tennis player in Taiwan Province.

He is unparalleled in the world for his mastery of the entire Taiwan region's twisting and pulling technique.

Along with Tomokazu Harimoto, Felix, and Moregard, he was known as the "External Cooperation F4".

Chen Jin had met Lin Yunru before and they had chatted a few times.

However, they did not fight each other.

Unexpectedly, I met him at the S Province team.

Are they here to challenge us?
My mind hasn't changed.

Chen Longcan laughed and said, "Lin Yunru is the foreign aid we invited for this Chinese Table Tennis Super League."

"foreign aid?"

Chen Jin was stunned again.

Just now, he was worried that, given the level of the other players on the team, such as Yan Sheng and Leng Dapeng, he might not be able to carry the team alone.

Little did anyone know that Chen Longcan had already considered this point and specially spent a lot of money to invite such an outside helper.

"Qilu Weiqiao also extended an invitation to Lin Yunru for foreign aid before, and their offer was much more generous than ours."

Chen Longcan lowered his voice, "However, when Lin Yunru heard that he could partner with you, he ultimately chose us."

"It must be very expensive, right?"

Chen Jin whispered.

Compared to established powerhouses like the Beijing team, the Shanghai team, and the Shandong team, the S province team has always been a second-rate team.

The budget was naturally not very large.

As a top player who has consistently ranked in the world's top ten, Lin Yun-ju's appearance fee as a foreign aid player is naturally astronomical.

“There’s a reason why it’s expensive.”

Chen Longcan laughed and said, "Moreover, because of you, we have received a lot more sponsorships this time. We are very wealthy, and your share is no less than Lin Yunru's."

While talking.

The two had already walked to the vicinity of Lin Yun-ru's training pool table.

Catching sight of Chen Jin out of the corner of his eye, Lin Yunru immediately stopped, raised his hand to greet him, and said, "Chen Jin, we meet again."

"Hi."

Chen Jin smiled and stepped forward, giving Lin Yunru a high five.

"I'm going to be your teammate before we've even played against each other."

Lin Yunru smiled.

Her slightly soft voice carried a hint of Taiwanese accent, making it sound especially gentle.

"How about we practice first?" Chen Jin was about to put down his backpack and take out his racket.

"The Chinese Table Tennis Super League starts on the 12th, and we'll be leaving on the morning of the 10th. We have one more day to train together, so there's no need to rush."

Chen Longcan grabbed Chen Jin's hand and said, "You've worked hard in the competitions lately. Take a couple of days off to recharge and get back into shape."

"alright."

Next.

The group gathered together and chatted about the current Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

On the S Province team side, Chen Longcan personally led the team, with Chen Jin, Lin Yunru and Yan Sheng as the main men's team, and Sun Wen as the substitute.

The Chinese Table Tennis Super League, to put it simply, is a team competition.

The competition format is almost identical to that of the Olympics.

The match is a best-of-five series, with the first match being a doubles game and the following matches being singles games.

With Lin Yun-ju, a renowned left-handed player, the team has a very high winning rate whether paired with Chen Jin or Yan Sheng.

Moreover, Lin Yun-Ju's singles skills are also among the best.

Even against teams like the Weiqiao team led by Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun, or the Shanghai team with Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin, they would still have a fighting chance.

"We have Chen Jin and Lin Yunru this year, so we're setting our goals a little higher."

Chen Longcan said, "We have to at least make it into the second stage, which means finishing in the top four."

Is this goal considered high?

Lin Yunru laughed and said, "The reason I chose our team is because we're aiming for the championship."

"Yes."

Chen Jin nodded, "I believe that with my brother Lin on board, the championship of this Chinese Table Tennis Super League is within our grasp."

Then, we did a brief analysis of the other participating teams.

Before I knew it, it was already midnight.

Chen Jin had an appointment for lunch, so he left first.

I just stepped out of the training base gate.

Suddenly, a whistle sounded.

Turning my head, I saw a light gray Tang DMI parked on the side of the road.

The car window slowly rolled down, revealing a chubby, smiling face.

"Chen Jin!"

The man grinned.

"Mr. Wu?"

Chen Jin recognized him at a glance and quickly walked up to him. "I was just about to go to the stadium to find you. What are you doing here?"

This person is named Wu Jiazhen, and he is the owner of a table tennis club called Dongjun.

Before joining the provincial team, Chen Jin often went to Mr. Wu's gym to play and practice with him.

Mr. Wu was a retired player from the city team, and later opened this stadium.

The two had a very good relationship.

“I heard from Zhang Jiahao yesterday that you were back, and I guessed that you would definitely return to the provincial team today, so I came here specifically to wait for you.”

Mr. Wu laughed and asked, "Where's the rubber I ordered?"

The rubber used by national team players is specially supplied by the manufacturer and is completely different from the rubber available on the market.

Moreover, the main players are supplied in unlimited quantities.

In addition, the training intensity is high, and the rubber sheets are changed almost every week.

Even so, its performance is still incomparable to the market version.

Therefore, Mr. Wu had already mentioned to Chen Jin that he wanted him to bring back some rubber sheets.

For table tennis enthusiasts, there are only two great passions in life.

The first is the base plate, and the second is the rubber.

Given such a great opportunity to take advantage of deals, how could we possibly miss it?

"I knew you came from here."

Chen Jin rolled his eyes. "Take me to July 1st Square, and I'll give it to you."

"no problem."

Mr. Wu patted the passenger seat and said, "Get in."

along the way.

Just like Zhang Jiahao, Mr. Wu's mouth was almost never stopped.

He praised Chen Jin highly and boasted about him.

"After lunch, how about we go to my gym for a bit?"

Mr. Wu laughed and said, "Today is Sunday, and all my students and parents are here. Let them see the style of Brother Jin."

"No matter what, you are a talent who came out of Dongjun."

Chen Jinyi held out his hand: "Let's settle the advertising fee first."

"Bro, what kind of relationship do we have? How dare you bring up advertising fees with me?"

Mr. Wu pursed his lips, "We're like father and son, godfather."

"..."

Chen Jin rolled his eyes. "Boss Wu, where's your face?"

He paused for a moment before continuing, "I was in such a rush when I came back this time that I really didn't have time to go to the stadium."

"learn."

Mr. Wu said, "It's fine if we don't go to the stadium. You brought your national team jersey, right?"

Chen Jin's eyes widened: "What are you up to?"

"Let's take a picture together later."

Mr. Wu's smile revealed a hint of shrewdness. "When we get back, I'll enlarge and print out our photo together, frame it, and hang it in our stadium as Dongjun's prized possession."

"..."

Chen Jin sighed, somewhat speechless. "Mr. Wu, you truly are a boss."

However, he did as instructed in the end.

Arrive at July 1st Square.

After getting off the bus, we found an open space and took a photo with Mr. Wu.

"Remember the advertising fee..."

Chen Jin hadn't finished speaking.

Just then, an excited yet childish voice came from not far away: "Brother, Golden Brother..."

Follow the sound.

A little girl ran towards him.

"Xixi."

With a smile, Chen Jin opened his arms and embraced the little girl.

He touched forehead to forehead with the little girl and played around for a while.

Not far away, Luo Ling strolled over, looking somewhat uneasy.

"Auntie."

Mr. Wu greeted Chen Jin and said, "Chen Jin, I'll be leaving now."

After Mr. Wu walked away...

Luo Ling looked at Chen Jin, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes: "Little Jin..."

"Where to eat?"

Chen Jin is holding the little girl.

"You decide."

Luo Ling said softly.

"Xixi, what do you want to eat?"

Chen Jin asked with a smile.

"I want to eat……"

The little girl tilted her head and thought for a moment, "Cake, ice cream, White Rabbit candy, potato chips, spicy strips..."

"Stop."

Chen Jin made a quick decision: "Let's go eat grilled fish."

"Row."

Luo Ling nodded.

The three entered the mall, found a grilled fish restaurant, and waited for more than ten minutes before they could get a seat.

"Won't this take up too much of your time?"

After sitting down, Luo Ling held the little girl in her arms and asked cautiously.

"Having a meal won't take up much time."

Chen Jin looked down at the menu.

"Oh."

Luo Ling lowered her eyes, picked up her water glass, took a small sip, and then fell silent.

There was silence for a while.

Chen Jin flipped through the menu again and again, unable to make a choice, and asked, "What kind of fish would you like to eat?"

"I can do it."

Luo Ling said, "It depends on what you like."

"You choose one."

Chen Jin handed the menu to Luo Ling.

After glancing at Chen Jin, Luo Ling took the book and began to read it.

"Guizhou fish, garlicky..."

Luo Ling's voice was soft, almost like she was talking to herself. Then she looked up at Chen Jin and asked, "Do you eat garlic?"

Do you eat garlic?
Chen Jin felt as if something sharp had suddenly pierced his heart.

(End of this chapter)