I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 223 Who Comforts Whom?

To be honest, Tsukino Gen was quite grateful for the phone call.

Although both sides seem to be in dire straits, and it's hard to tell which side is truly in a difficult situation, compared to the enigmatic woman, Ayaka Miura, I still feel safer by the young lady's side.

Men need security too, you bastard.

"Something came up over there, I'll head over now."

"Okay, you go ahead. I'll go find Miura first."

Ayaka Miura didn't press the matter further, smiling and nodding as she let the boy leave.

Gen Tsukino always felt that a pair of eyes were still watching him from behind, but he had no intention of turning back every three steps.

I easily found Asagiri Rin and Asagiri Jun near the podium.

Two somewhat similar women of different ages would stand out anywhere. However, they were accompanied by several men and women, all dressed like successful people or exuding an air of wealth and status.

At a glance, you can tell what kind of circle it is; it seems like a place where I'm not suited to exist.

Gen Tsukino didn't immediately join them, but deliberately slowed his pace as he approached. Just then, Rin Asagiri spotted him and gently tugged at her mother's sleeve.

Jun Asagiri realized what was happening and looked at Gen Tsukino, who was not far away.

"Come here, Tsukino-kun."

She smiled and waved, her attitude gentle and approachable, as if she were an elder she had known for many years and who had shown her much kindness.

This attitude naturally drew the attention of the people around them. When Tsukino Gen walked over, Asagiri Jun immediately and affectionately took the boy's arm.

"Let me introduce you. This is Tsukino Gen. She's my daughter's best friend and a regular scholarship recipient at school. She has excellent grades and has applied for quite a few programs this time."

The key point isn't how outstanding the boy is described, that's not important at all. After all, what kind of exceptional individuals haven't these people seen? The crucial point is Asagiri Jun's warm and friendly attitude.

She claimed he was just a good friend of her daughter, without introducing his background or whose son he was, and then brought him directly to them, acting as if she were eager to introduce him. Clearly, their relationship was definitely not that simple.

They all know that the Asagiri family only has one daughter. Could it be that this is the 'ideal son-in-law' she has chosen for her daughter?
The group of people were all elites in the industry, and they immediately realized what was going on. They all put on a respectful elder's demeanor and looked at Tsukino Gen with smiles.

"Such outstanding young people are rare these days. Let's get acquainted. I am..."

Such an occasion seemed somewhat unfamiliar to Tsukino Gen, after all, a child born in an orphanage shouldn't receive too much attention from so-called big shots.

But the boy's performance did not disappoint.

He shook hands politely, responded with a smile, and showed no signs of restraint. He even managed to reasonably deduce the other person's business after they gave their name. This surprised everyone.

He even said directly to Asagiri Jun, "Your junior is quite impressive. I only mentioned my name, and he already knows what I do. You're quite knowledgeable. Which family's young master are you?"

When Asagiri Jun revealed that the boy was actually an orphan, the surprise on everyone's faces was written all over their faces.

"I can hardly believe it, he's an orphan? No offense meant, it seems you've really struck gold this time, Madam."

After exchanging pleasantries, the bigwigs left one after another.

Asagiri Rin glanced at the boy beside her.

Actually, she herself didn't really like dealing with these kinds of situations, so it was a bit surprising that this young man could handle it so well.

It was as if they had done countless simulations and preparations beforehand.

But the problem is that it's impossible for him to make such preparations, and his life trajectory wouldn't allow for such a thing as dealing with these elites. Could it be that this is one of his talents?

However, these questions are not suitable for me to ask now.

The mother looked at Tsukino Gen.

"I was worried that Tsukino-kun might be a little nervous, and I was even thinking just now whether it was inappropriate to call you over at this time, or whether I had thought it through. But now it seems that it was quite appropriate, otherwise I wouldn't have had the chance to see Tsukino-kun."

Gen Tsukino smiled, revealing a shy and youthful side.

"Actually, I was quite nervous too. I forced myself to treat them all as ordinary people and that made me feel better."

Everyone can tell that this is just polite talk. The most amazing thing about human nature is that sometimes self-suggestion is completely useless. You may know everything, but it is still very difficult to actually do it.

Jun Asagiri smiled, choosing not to expose her, and said, "That's a good method. But I don't mean anything by it, I just want them to pay more attention to your performance, so that you can become a familiar face in whatever you do in the future, and maybe you'll have a chance to help out sometime."

These words seem to be paving the way for this young man, as if he were grooming a successor.

However, Tsukino Gen wouldn't be so naive as to assume things so easily. He's kidding, thinking that without any tests, just a few interactions and Asagiri Rin's favoritism could decide such a thing? He's not that stupid.

"Thank you for your kindness, Auntie, but I don't think I'll need it for the time being. Most of your opinions about me are because you're here; I'm just a nobody."

"You can't say that about yourself. There are many self-made people in this world, but no matter what, no matter how they started or what kind of business they did, they always needed the help of benefactors. Connections are always the most important resource. Especially since you are so capable."

Gen Tsukino blinked, feigning confusion, and asked, "Does getting good grades count as a skill?"

"Haha. I really like kids with good grades. By the way, when is your project? I'll take a look then."

Asagiri Jun said with a smile.

Gen Tsukino thought for a moment, "The 4x100 relay at 10 o'clock is still a while away."

"Alright, you and Rin chat for a while. You're here to see a lot of old friends. Sigh. It's supposed to be a sports festival, but it's turned into a stage for fame and fortune. The adult world is really treacherous."

The alluring woman smiled seductively.

The two watched the woman leave, with Morita Kaoru by her side.

Only after they had completely disappeared from sight did Asagiri Rin look over.

"It seems that I don't need to worry about you at all in any aspect."

Gen Tsukino shook his head. "Because you're here, they think more highly of me, which gives me confidence. How can you say it's not thanks to you?"

Asagiri Rin smiled, a rare occurrence without any sarcasm.

"You're getting better and better at talking."

"But I still don't like talking like that."

"why?"

"Because the more you talk like that, the more you'll sound like one of those boring big shots you've met."

Under the bright sunlight, the boy's youthful face and his deep eyes seemed to be in stark contrast, but it was precisely this difference that made people want to explore the hidden world inside him.

"Speaking of which, you don't seem very satisfied with my mother's arrangements?" "I wouldn't like anyone making arrangements like this, because I have no intention of dealing with these people, especially at my age, it's meaningless."

No need.

The secret he possessed was enough for him to disregard these conditions.

"And yet you still performed so well?"

Asagiri Rin chuckled, not at all angry. Regardless of how he behaved in front of his mother, as long as he didn't offer flattery in front of her, that was his true self.

Gen Tsukino shook his head. "After all, she's your mother. Since you're the key factor, nothing else matters."

"Grumpy."

"I think you like me just the way I am."

"And he's incredibly narcissistic."

"If I lack confidence, should I act like a little puppy in front of you, clinging to you and begging for your affection?"

"Humph."

Asagiri Rin was speechless because he had answered all of them correctly.

It is precisely because he understands himself so well, and even with such self-understanding, that he chooses to remain true to himself, leaving himself with no other options.

She looked at the bustling playground; many events had already begun.

"Alright, go get ready. I'll be waiting to watch your match."

"it is good."

After parting ways on the podium, Tsukino Gen went to the locker room next to the playground.

The 4x100 team members had already been selected. Tsukino Gen was originally thinking about participating in the selection process before joining, but after learning about the commotion this boy had caused in the basketball club, someone directly gave up their spot to him.

That saved a lot of trouble.

The only apparent shortcoming was that Tsukino Gen hadn't participated in many training sessions with these people, which made them somewhat uneasy.

"Tsukino-kun, you're finally here. Let's discuss this: which leg of the race do you want to run?"

In a 4x100 relay, a competition purely based on raw skill, every leg is crucial, especially the first. Unless you have the ability to ignore a poor start, like a certain sprinter.

The speaker was a member of the track and field team, surnamed Kono. He was lean and had dark skin.

With his buzz cut, he's clearly a standard model for a sports student.

Gen Tsukino thought for a moment, "How about I be last? Actually, I don't really care."

At this point, some people expressed their concerns.

“I’ve looked at the lineups of the other three teams. The red team is alright. But the blue and green teams are no pushovers. Almost all of them are members of the track and field department, and several of them have won awards in national competitions. Especially the captain of the blue team, who is also the vice president of the track and field department, Akiyama. He’s already declared that he’ll sweep all the events he’s participating in this time. I guess he’ll be the fourth runner. You’ll be under a lot of pressure. Are you okay?”

"All-inclusive? That's very similar to my goal."

Watching the boy's nonchalant self-talk doesn't reassure people much; instead, it makes them think.

Where does this inexplicable confidence come from? Ball sports are undeniably excellent, but sprinting is a pure speed contest, and it's really not that easy.

Kono looked at everyone. He knew very well that at this point, there was no use in expressing these concerns, since adjustments couldn't be made in a short time. Rather than that, it was better to create a safe environment for everyone to unleash their full potential.

He took the initiative to speak.

"Let's settle this first. Tsukino, you'll be the fourth runner. I'll start the first leg. Everyone else, don't overthink it. Let's try not to leave too much of a hole for Tsukino. We'll all give it our all. Don't be afraid."

"it is good."

During the preparation time, Tsukino Gen changed his clothes. He didn't prepare any special equipment, just a simple team uniform and sneakers.

Kono walked over at that moment, smiling as he looked at the boy.

"Don't take Qiushan too seriously. He is indeed very strong and is the ace of the track and field team. So most of us don't really consider him a competitor. Second place is not bad either. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Gen Tsukino smiled and turned to look at the other person.

"Kono-kun, don't you want to get first place?"

the first?

Which athlete doesn't want to be number one? But the longer you train in this field, the more you realize that some talent gaps are insurmountable and cannot be bridged by a lot of training.

So the initial competitive spirit was to do everything possible to get first place, which gradually turned into the desire to break through one's own limits every time.

It seems like a pretty good goal, but everyone knows it's just a nicer way of saying escapism.

Unable to achieve undisputed number one, unable to dominate. Therefore, I made surpassing myself my goal. Otherwise, how could I convince myself otherwise?
Kono gave a wry smile.

"Of course I want to, but the pressure is too much. If I keep thinking like this, I might not even be able to do the basics well."

Gen Tsukino nodded, then stood up and patted the other person on the shoulder.

"It's okay, just do your best, leave the rest to me."

Then the boy walked out of the locker room.

Kono was stunned for a moment before he reacted.

Wasn't I the one who came here specifically to comfort the other person and tell them to relax and not feel pressured? How come it's become him comforting me instead?

Where does this confidence come from?
Kono shook his head with a wry smile. He still couldn't convince himself to fully believe in the boy, since he hadn't seen any data on his full-speed running.

But hearing the other person say that made me feel much better.

At least the pressure isn't on me, so can I leave everything to a miracle?

ten o'clock.

The 4x100 relay begins.

……

(End of this chapter)