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

Chapter 366 My judgment of people is never wrong!

Within a radius of ten miles, apart from the former village school, not a single ping-pong table could be found.

The village is small and located halfway up the mountain.

It is the only primary school in the surrounding villages.

Chen Jin and his family, spanning three generations, all studied here.

However, in sixth grade, Chen Jin transferred to a school in Rongcheng with Chen Jianguo.

Since most of the young people have gone out to work, only some elderly people remain in the village, clinging to their homeland.

There are not many children; even if you combine the children from several villages, you can't even fill a single class.

Therefore, the village school was completely abandoned two years ago.

Children in the village have to travel more than ten miles to the town to attend school.

Fortunately, transportation is quite convenient nowadays.

"The school previously rented the property to Peng Sanwa in Pengjiawan to raise chickens, but all the rent money went into the pockets of those people in the village. Some people were dissatisfied and went to the town to make a scene. The matter escalated, so the school wouldn't allow it to be rented out anymore, and it's been vacant ever since..."

The group found the village chief's house, got the key to the school gate, and followed the path they remembered to the long-abandoned village school.

While talking.

The school gates are now in sight.

The once vibrant campus, filled with the sound of students reading aloud, now appears increasingly desolate due to years of neglect.

The wall is still there, but the coating is peeling.

A few dilapidated tile-roofed houses huddled together in the cold wind.

My father-in-law took the key and opened the front door.

A strong smell of dust, carrying with it memories of the past, wafted towards me.

Turning past the wall, the first thing that catches the eye is a dilapidated cement road.

It divides the entire campus in two.

To the right are several flowerbeds, and to the left is the playground.

The playground is small, with neither a synthetic running track nor a soccer field.

All that's there are are weeds.

"I remember that every first day of school, our first lesson was to weed the playground."

Yan Jie looked around, filled with nostalgia, "Now there's not even anyone to weed anymore."

"Yes."

Chen Jin was also filled with emotion.

This environment feels both strange and familiar compared to my memories.

In the southeast corner of the playground, two cement ping-pong tables, though covered with moss, fallen leaves and cracks, still stand stubbornly.

Fortunately, my father-in-law was prepared and brought a broom and towel.

After a thorough cleaning, it's barely usable.

Chen Jin and Yan Jie picked up a few relatively flat bricks from the ground nearby, lined them up, and stacked them in the middle of the table tennis table to serve as a net.

"I haven't played table tennis for many years."

Yan Jie was somewhat uneasy, his nervousness was visibly palpable, "I don't know if I'll get to play again."

Back then, his table tennis skills were taught by Chen Jin.

Since Chen Jin transferred schools, he has never touched a ping-pong ball again.

Do you still remember the seven-word mantra I taught you back then?

Chen Jin smiled and said, "As long as you remember, you will definitely fight."

"of course I remember."

Without hesitation, Yan Jie blurted out, "Kick your legs, twist your waist, and tuck your forearms."

"All right."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "You can now beat 90% of amateur players."

As he spoke, he clapped his hands, took the backpack from Chen Jianguo, and took out two exquisite red racket covers.

The racket cover is embroidered with the words "National Team" and Chen Jin's name.

"Is this your racket?"

Yan Jie asked.

"Correct."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "My natal weapon, I carry it with me at all times."

As he spoke, he opened one of the racket covers with a whoosh.

A tennis racket came into view.

"Double Happiness N301, forehand 40-degree Chinese Hurricane, backhand Butterfly D09C."

Chen Jin held it in his hand and introduced it, saying, "I used this racket to win the World Junior Championships singles title."

"World Youth Championships?"

A burning glint flashed in Yan Jie's eyes. "Is it the racket that won against Xie Mingyang?"

"Ok?"

Chen Jin was somewhat surprised, "You watched that match?"

"Seen."

Yan Jie nodded, "You played five games in one day, that's really dedicated."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin fell silent for a moment.

In fact, compared to the three major tournaments, or even the WTT Grand Slam and the World Championships, the World Junior Championships do not receive as much attention.

There weren't many people watching the game.

In fact, it's very difficult to find live streaming channels for the matches in China.

But to my surprise, Yan Jie was also very knowledgeable about it.

"This part..."

Chen Jin then took out another racket, "JX, it's a blade that Xuperman customized for me. I just used it to win the Singapore Grand Slam."

"Wow!"

Yan Jie couldn't help but reach out and touch the champion's racket.

But the thought was immediately cut off.

Without a doubt, these two rackets are unique in the world.

It is equivalent to the weapon Chen Jin used in battle.

He rarely lends money to others.

But at this moment, Chen Jin asked Yan Jie, "Which piece do you want to use?"

"what?"

Yan Jie was stunned for a moment, "This, this..."

"Isn't this expensive?"

He quickly waved his hand, "Never mind, I'll just use Xiaojun's."

However, before he could take the racket from Yan Jun, Chen Jin preemptively handed him the JX.

"Try this racket."

Chen Jin smiled.

Yan Jie originally wanted to refuse, but in the end he couldn't resist Chen Jin's insistence and found it difficult to refuse.

Left with no other choice, I had to accept it.

But before taking it over, he subconsciously wiped his hands.

"It's a bit heavy."

Yan Jie let out a long breath.

It appears that what he is holding in his left hand is not a racket.

It is the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

Handle with utmost care, for fear of bumping or knocking it over.

Although he was not a professional athlete, he was very clear about what a racket meant to a player.

If it gets bumped and damaged, wouldn't I become the one who sins?
"It is indeed heavier than the rackets we used to use."

Chen Jin walked to one side of the table, grabbed the racket with one hand and held the ball with the other, and announced, "It's time to start."

"it is good."

Yan Jie took another deep breath, forcibly suppressing his inner tension, "Let's go."

Having not touched a racket for many years, and having switched to my left hand, my movements were rusty and my swings stiff; I couldn't find that unrestrained feeling I used to have.

However, Chen Jin's ball-feeding technique is top-notch.

No matter how chaotic Yan Jie's shots are, as long as he's on the table, he can always give his opponent the most comfortable hitting position.

"Brother, come on."

Young Yan Jun jumped and clapped, shouting, "Go, Brother Chen Jin!"

Meanwhile, the father-in-law and Chen Jianguo stood by, smiling, quietly watching the two play.

After a while.

Under Chen Jin's guidance, Yan Jie finally found his form, his shots became more and more stable, and his landing points became more and more accurate.

He went toe-to-toe with Chen Jin and held his own.

Of course, Chen Jin was only on the defensive and did not take the initiative to exert force.

Otherwise, Yan Jie probably wouldn't even be able to see the ball.

Seeing Yan Jie gradually getting into his stride, his strength increasing and his speed accelerating, it seemed he had rediscovered the feeling he had back then.

"Brother Jack!"

Chen Jin suddenly shouted, "Charge!"

That short sentence instantly transported Yan Jie back to those carefree evenings of the past.

The sky was so blue, and the clouds were so white.

The ground was bathed in sunlight, and a gentle breeze was just right.

Yan Jie could vaguely see two short figures running back and forth on either side of the table, laughing heartily.

Instantly.

It was as if a spirit had possessed him.

Yan Jie pulled away sideways with lightning speed.

Push off with your legs, twist your waist, and pull your forearm in. Swing the racket out.

"Snapped!"

The ping-pong ball, carrying immense power, hurtled towards Chen Jin.

Chen Jin seemed to be a beat too slow and failed to block it.

"nice shot!"

Chen Jin gave a thumbs up.

"Wow!"

Yan Jun jumped up with joy, shouting, "Brother won! Brother won the world's number one!"

Anyone with eyes can see that Chen Jin deliberately let the ball go.

How could Yan Jie not understand?
He reached out and patted Yan Jun's head, a doting smile appearing on his lips.

"Pity."

Yan Jie looked up at Chen Jin and grinned, "I didn't record this ball earlier."

"Otherwise, I could brag online that I beat the world's number one in table tennis."

Chen Jin bent down to pick up the ball, habitually wiping the water stains with the corner of his clothes, and said with a smile, "Come on, I'll give you another chance."

"it is good……"

Yan Jie hadn't even finished speaking.

At this moment, Yan Jun couldn't wait any longer. He gently patted the table with his little hand and looked at Yan Jie with pleading eyes: "Brother, I want to play ball too."

"The racket is expensive, don't break it..."

Yan Jie was about to refuse.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Jin smiled slightly and said, "It's alright, let Xiao Jun give it a try."

With Chen Jin's permission and unable to resist Yan Jun's pleading, Yan Jie had no choice but to give up his racket and seat to Yan Jun.

"Be careful, hold on tight, don't bump the racket."

Yan Jie repeatedly gave instructions.

Yan Jun was only five or six years old, and even when he stood up straight, he was only a head taller than the table tennis table.

However, his grip on the racket was quite proper.

"what?"

Chen Jin laughed and said, "You also use a penhold grip?"

"Ok!"

Yan Jun nodded emphatically, "My brother taught me."

"Stand with your legs apart, shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your center of gravity lowered..."

He muttered to himself, as if reciting some kind of incantation.

Then, he assumed a forehand hitting motion.

He immediately shrank by half a head, revealing only a pair of round eyes, intently staring at the ping-pong ball in Chen Jin's hand.

"You taught me this too?"

Chen Jin turned to look at Yan Jie, somewhat surprised.

"Yes."

Yan Jie smiled and said, "I'll teach Xiao Jun the same way you taught me."

"How was it? Did I not embarrass you as your master?"

"good."

Chen Jin turned his gaze back to Yan Jun, "Xiao Jun, catch the ball."

"it is good."

Yan Jun's gaze became increasingly focused, "Kick your legs, twist your waist, tuck your forearms..."

Although his movements were somewhat immature, under Chen Jin's precise ball feeding, his body coordination, racket control, and anticipation and reaction to the ball's trajectory all revealed a sharpness and intuition beyond his age.

Chen Jin fed Yan Jun a few more balls, and Yan Jun's forehand attack became more and more skillful.

At most, he fought Chen Jin for more than fifty rounds in a row.

A strange light flashed in Chen Jin's eyes.

He carefully observed Yan Jun's focused expression and the smooth, natural transitions between his movements.

"This child's physical coordination, touch, and concentration make him a promising prospect for table tennis!"

A thought flashed through his mind.

Chen Jin flicked his wrist to intercept the ball, then braced himself on the table and asked Yan Jun, "Xiao Jun, do you want to learn how to play table tennis?"

"Learn to play table tennis?"

Yan Jun asked, bewildered, "Aren't I learning right now?"

"No."

Chen Jin smiled and shook his head, "It's more professional and systematic training."

Hear the words.

Yan Jie's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Chen Jin, what... what do you mean?"

"I want Xiaojun to become a professional player."

Chen Jin solemnly stated, "I believe that with Xiao Jun's talent, he will definitely be able to carve out his own path in the world of table tennis in the future."

"what?"

Yan Jie was stunned.

"I was serious."

Chen Jin's tone was extremely confident: "With Xiao Jun's talent and touch, as long as he trains systematically and lays a solid foundation, it won't be a problem for him to enter the provincial team or the national team in the future."

Standing in front of me is not only my childhood friend, but also the world's number one in table tennis today!

Since he said that, he must have his reasons.

"If Xiaojun can really make it into the provincial team, or even the national team, then he will definitely have a better life than me in the future..."

A tremendous surprise, like a tidal wave, instantly overwhelmed Yan Jie.

But soon.

Yan Jie calmed down.

The coldness of reality froze this surprise.

The excitement on his face quickly faded, replaced by deep embarrassment and bitterness.

"Forget it."

Yan Jie lowered his head, his voice hoarse, "Professional training in tennis requires money, I...I..."

The tone paused.

His crippled right hand instinctively curled up, as if trying to hide his helplessness.

"I'll pay for the lessons."

Chen Jindao.

Yan Jie suddenly raised his head and looked at Chen Jin in disbelief.

His eyes were filled with complex emotions: shock, gratitude, immense hope, and a hint of fear and unease.

"This...this won't do."

Yan Jie stammered, awkwardly refusing, "No, I can't let you..."

"Brother Jie."

Chen Jin interrupted him, his eyes clear and firm, "Trust me, my judgment of people is never wrong."

"This investment is absolutely worthwhile."

He paused, his tone becoming more somber, "Let's consider it... planting another seed for our straight-board team."

Yan Jie hesitated for a moment: "This, this..."

Chen Jin walked up to Yan Jun, squatted down, and patted the latter's head.

"Xiao Jun, do you want to learn to play ball?"

Chen Jin asked.

"If I learn to play ball..."

Yan Jun tilted his head, his bright eyes sparkling with an innocent yet pure light, "Can you heal my brother's hand?"

"It might be... difficult."

Chen Jin truthfully stated.

"Can I buy my brother new clothes?"

Yan Jun thought for a moment, "I want to buy my brother lots and lots of new clothes, and lots and lots of delicious food."

"Because my brother always buys things for me, but he never buys anything for himself."

Looking at Yan Jun's innocent and youthful face, Chen Jin took a deep breath and smiled, "As long as you are willing to work hard, none of this will be a problem."

"it is good."

Yan Jun nodded emphatically, "I'll learn!"

"I want to buy lots and lots of new clothes for my brother and sister!"

A tiny child, a grand vow.

This caused Yan Jie to choke up several times.

The evening breeze swept across the desolate campus, carrying the chill of late winter and the faint, sweet fragrance of rapeseed fields in the distance.

The last rays of the setting sun shone through the dilapidated eaves and fell upon the two brothers.

It landed on the racket in Yan Jun's hand.

"Then it's settled."

Chen Jin stood up and took out his phone.

The light from the screen illuminated his sharply defined profile.

Open the Contacts app.

Find Chen Longcan's phone number.

Without hesitation, I pressed the dial button.

After the call connected, I briefly explained the situation to Chen Longcan and then hung up.

Chen Jin said to Yan Jie, "Take Xiao Jun with you. Come with me to the S Province team tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)