Love Tennis and Yumiko Miura

To be honest, she has strong ball control, but because she has played very few clay court matches, her French Open record is really embarrassing.

Zhixian is a well-known master of clay courts. His unforced errors on clay courts are far lower than the tournament average. He rarely loses points in multi-shot stalemates and forces his opponents to lose points with his strong ball control ability.

Zhixian's French Open finals have always been considered a textbook example of clay court play. While he lacks the dominance of Nadal, he's a clear contender for the French Open title each year. Every clay court tournament presents a golden opportunity for him to increase his world ranking. After a series of clay court victories, Zhixian's world ranking will likely climb into the top ten, and with a strong enough record, he could reach the top five.

The situation was just the opposite when she was studying in the United States. The French Open was always the time when her ranking dropped because she rarely participated in clay court competitions outside of the French Open and she preferred to play on hard courts.

"He just introduced me to tennis and helped me hone my skills, but he didn't teach me how to play on clay or grass!" Liu Mei argued cunningly. In fact, she just didn't want to learn.

Extra: Tsurumi Rumi's Personal Opinion (Part 6)

"Ah! This is the room where Liumei stayed!" Maria Sara looked around, feeling curious about the room where Liumei stayed.

"Please sit anywhere." Liu Mei pushed the suitcase to the corner.

"Can I see this photo?" Maria Sara pointed to the photo in the frame on the desk.

"Sure, feel free to look."

There were several wooden photo frames on the table. Maria Sara approached and found that one of them was a photo of Liumei and her parents. It was probably when she graduated from high school. She was wearing a uniform and her face was full of smiles.

The second photo is a photo of Rumi and Chixian and Yumiko. In the photo, she probably looks like she is in elementary school, while Chixian and Yumiko look like they are in high school. The clothes Chixian is wearing are probably the costumes for some stage play. Rumi is standing between the two of them with an extremely bright smile.

The third photo is a photo of her winning the Wimbledon championship in the United States. She held the trophy and took a group photo with her parents and Yumiko Chigen.

"Except for these few, most of them are in the album." Liu Mei took out an album from a drawer. "This album contains more photos of me when I was in school."

Maria Sara took the photo album and looked through it, while Liu Mei sat next to her.

"Wow! Liu Mei, you were so cute when you were little!"

"I'm cute now too." Liu Mei said calmly. She had learned this calm and composed look from Zhixian.

"Yes, yes, you are the cutest." Maria Sara was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

There are several pages of cute photos of me during my elementary school years in the US, including swinging my racket, smashing my shots, and all kinds of practice shots while I was in the US.

“So many photos of you playing tennis,” Maria Sara lamented. “It’s as if tennis is all you have in your life.”

"That's not the case. It's just that my mom put all the tennis photos together when she was organizing the album. The life photos should be a little further back."

"Oh! Got it!" Maria Sara turned the page and found a photo of Rumi holding Mickey Mouse, Yumiko holding Pikachu, and Zhixian, who had nothing in her hands. "Did you catch the doll?"

"Yes, I remember that day they first took me to eat barbecue, and then at my request, they went to catch dolls. After sending me home, Zhixian confessed his love to Youmiko and then the two of them started dating and later got married."

"...sounds like a lightbulb."

"...Without me, they wouldn't be dating so soon!" Liu Mei retorted.

Just a passerby, I'm telling you what I mean, it's true.

"Okay, okay, you are right." Maria Sara continued to flip through the photo album, and from time to time she saw Zhixian and Youmeiko. They often appeared in the photo albums of their stay in the United States. From elementary school to now, the two of them have been throughout their life in the United States.

"It seems that they are really very important to you."

"Of course, without them I wouldn't be who I am today." When mentioning Zhixian and Youmiko, Rumi smiled gently - which made Maria Sara fascinated.

That sweet smile on her face really left Maria Sara stunned.

Stunning.

Such a word flashed through Maria Sara's mind.

At this time, Liumei was looking at the photos and recalling the past.

Tachibana Chigen is a very special person to Tsurumi Rumi. Among the men around Rumi, besides Mr. Tsurumi and Chigen, there is no one else she is particularly close to. Excluding Mr. Tsurumi as a father, there is only Chigen, who is both a teacher and a friend.

Zhixian is not only Liumei's teacher and friend, but also her guide on her life journey. Liumei's feelings for Zhixian are very complicated, somewhere between friendship and family affection, but also a combination of both.

Liu Mei sometimes wondered if Zhixian hadn't had Yumiko by her side, and if Yumiko had been her tennis teacher, she might have fallen in love with him. It was precisely because of Yumiko's presence that Liu Mei always considered herself a student and a younger sister, and so she didn't develop feelings for Zhixian.

However, in fact, it is difficult for people to suppress their emotions. Liumei once subconsciously fantasized about being with Zhixian, but she later forcibly suppressed this fantasy.

It's hard not to be attracted to someone like Zhixian, especially when he spends every day with you, cares for you deeply, and can be a little bit mean sometimes.

In fact, Liumei sometimes really envies Youmiko, envying her for having a partner like Zhixian.

As the saying goes, there's no harm without comparison. If we use Zhixian as a benchmark, most of the men Liumei has come into contact with since childhood are inferior to Zhixian. By this standard, men her age are indeed somewhat childish and immature. Accustomed to Zhixian's way of thinking, Liumei is unwilling to interact with such childish men, and even refuses to communicate with them.

It is often said that students studying in the United States have high standards, so they have never had a romantic relationship during their student days.

Liu Mei smiled and asked, "Can't her standards be higher?" Given her circumstances, is there anything wrong with having higher standards?

Of course there is no problem. The problem is when people who have high standards but no ability but have a bad temper.

However, Liumei is still very young, so Mr. and Mrs. Tsurumi are not in a hurry to urge her to get married.

What's more, now is the rising period of her career in the United States, and falling in love and getting married will affect her state.

Mrs. Tsurumi would only casually ask her daughter if she was in a relationship when they were chatting occasionally, but she always got a denial.

Occasionally, some young and talented men would pursue her, but she would usually refuse even the invitation. If she really couldn't refuse, she would also hint at the other party at the dinner table.

For example, you may use excuses such as not wanting to have a relationship at the moment, or that your career is more important.

Even if the other person is really outstanding, she will not want to know more about him/her.

It’s all Zhixian’s fault! Liu Mei sometimes feels a little sorry for the men she rejected who look down on them. After all, there’s nothing wrong with them; it’s just that she has some minor issues temporarily.

She sometimes wondered if she had any feelings for Zhixian. She believed the answer was no, yet subconsciously she wanted to deny it. She didn't know how to define her feelings for Zhixian, her mentor and friend. Or perhaps she couldn't define it, she didn't dare to, because if she did, she might even hate herself for harboring such feelings.

A girl’s heart is always filled with spring.

Tachibana Chigen came to Tsurumi Rumi's rescue like a god when she was at her most desperate, just like every little girl who longs for Prince Charming after hearing a fairy tale. This is an irrepressible emotion.

Liumei knew very well that she could not open Pandora's box.

Extra: Tsurumi Rumi's Personal Opinion (Part 7)

At dinner that evening, Maria Sara was warmly welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Tsurumi.

"Maria, just treat this place as your own home. You're welcome. We always see you on TV, so we're not unfamiliar with you. Now that we meet in person, we feel a sense of familiarity."

"Uncle, you're too polite. I'm half Japanese too, so you don't have to treat me like an international friend."

"Hahaha, Maria is really easy to communicate with."

"Come on, Maria, try this!" Mrs. Tsurumi was also very enthusiastic and kept picking up food for Maria.

I'm used to this kind of situation after studying in the United States, and I'm happy to pick up the food myself.

"It's a pity that Chixian and Yumiko are not here, otherwise we could get together and have a meal." Mrs. Tsurumi said.

"Rumi, where are Chigen and Yumiko now?" Mr. Tsurumi asked.

Mr. Tsurumi no longer gets jealous like he did when they were in elementary school in the US because of her constant mention of Zhixian. Zhixian often gives Mr. Tsurumi gifts like tea and coffee, which are not cheap, but are hard to refuse. After all, they are just food and drink. As a result, Mr. Tsurumi's attitude towards Zhixian has gradually changed.

"They are in Europe and will participate in the Monte Carlo Masters." Liu Mei said.

"Monte Carlo Masters, where is Monte Carlo?" Mrs. Tsurumi asked. Although they were very familiar with tennis due to their studies in the United States, they were not particularly familiar with other tournaments besides the four Grand Slams, unless they were talking about the Neon Open or the Miami Masters.

“Monte Carlo is in Monaco,” Maria said. “It’s a clay court tournament.”

"Oh, so that's it! Chixian is indeed the French Open champion." Mrs. Tsurumi nodded. She and Mr. Tsurumi were also watching the live broadcast. At that time, Rumei was also in the player box with Yumiko and Chixian's coaching staff as a member of Chixian's family and friends.

"When will you come back as the French Open champion?" Mr. Tsurumi asked.

"...Dad, you always say things that embarrass me." Liu Mei said helplessly. She was eliminated in the first round of the French Open. How could she win the championship with such level?

"What's so embarrassing about this? Dad is encouraging you."

"You know I was eliminated in the first round of the French Open." Yumiko made it to the third round that time - probably because she followed Zhixian all the way to participate in clay court competitions.

"This shows you have a lot of room for improvement. If someone like Zhixian wins a championship and then his performance deteriorates the following year, there will definitely be a lot of media outlets saying he's regressed," Mr. Tsurumi said seriously. "Look, he didn't even go to the Miami Masters. He must be worried about this year's French Open. And you don't necessarily need a championship. Just play a few more rounds, and even if you don't win, the media will still praise you."

"Wow, I didn't realize you know so much about basketball, Dad." Liu Mei didn't know whether to laugh or cry. What he said was really interesting.

"Since you're a tennis player in the US, you must know something about tennis! My parents always talk to me about playing tennis," Maria joined in the conversation. "They say the responsibility of revitalizing British tennis is now on me."

“…” Rumi felt that the reason why Maria and Mr. Tsurumi got along so well must be that they always unconsciously said things that embarrassed her.

The responsibility of revitalizing British tennis fell to you, Maria Sara, and then I, Tsurumi Rumi, personally shattered that hope. And then, you, the hope of British tennis, were at the home of a Japanese player, and as the defeated opponent, you spoke to the opponent's father about this matter.

Liu Mei was wondering whether she should respond to this question. If she responded, it would be embarrassing, and if she didn't, Maria would also be embarrassed.

Just as she was hesitating, Mrs. Tsurumi took over the conversation.

"Come to think of it, Maria has never been to Chiba, has she?"

"Yes, I used to spend most of my time in Kansai. From Kanto I basically only went to Tokyo more often."

"Then let Rumi take you around for a few days. You can go to Chiba or Kanagawa."

"Then it will be hard for Liumei." Maria smiled at Liumei.

"It's nothing, just a good way to relax. We will go to Europe to compete and then participate in the French Open in a while." Liumei agreed.

"If you want to train, you can go to the club. Your father talked about this with the coach a few days ago." Mrs. Tsurumi said. She knew that even if you want to relax, you still need to train to maintain your form.

(The coach here is Zhixian’s coach at the club. After turning professional, he hired a professional coach from abroad.)

Her coaching team in the United States also took a short vacation. After receiving the bonus, she gave red envelopes to everyone in the coaching team, and then took a few days off. They will gather in Madrid later.

"Club?" Maria didn't know anything about the club.

"When we were studying in the United States, we learned tennis in a club. Including Yumiko Chigen, we all practiced there. Even now that we are professional players, we still go there to practice when we are in Chiba." Mrs. Tsurumi explained.

"That's like a club that has produced three professional players."

"We are indeed recruiting students under this name now." Mr. Tsurumi added that he also goes to the club to exercise during his weekends - he learned to play tennis specifically in order to study in the United States, although his skills are very average.

"Wouldn't you mind staying in the United States?" Maria asked.

"That's Zhixian's family business. I don't mind it, but the coaches there are really good." Liumei recalled a coach who always secretly told her about Zhixian's embarrassing stories. It was because of his stay in the United States that he had the opportunity to stab Zhixian in the back so often.

"You and Ju are just like a family!" Maria sighed again. She had never thought that the two families were so close.

"Hahaha, when Liumei was little, she always pestered Chixian Youmiko to take her to eat this and play this. Sometimes I think they are more like Liumei's parents. The photo of the three of them looks a bit like a family of three."

"Mom." Liu Mei said helplessly.

"Come to think of it, I did see a lot of photos of the Tachibana couple and Liumei in the album."

"Yes, it's because they taught Rumi how to play tennis and tutored her, so she had a smooth time in junior high and high school."

"...I don't feel like I would have graduated without them."

"Liu Mei is very smart! Even without Zhixian, she can easily get into high school and college!" Mr. Tsurumi, who is obsessed with his daughter, immediately retorted. In his eyes, his daughter is the best.

Liumei wanted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut, because she was able to go to college because of Zhixian's recommendation letter, but if she said it, Mr. Tsurumi would definitely be embarrassed.

Extra: Tsurumi Rumi's Personal Opinion (VIII)

"Long time no see, Rumi-chan~" Yuigahama hugged Rumi as soon as they met.

"Yui, don't be like this, I have friends here." Liu Mei said helplessly. This beautiful girl who no longer has a bun hairstyle (she is already over the age limit) is still as clingy as before, even though she is in her twenties - especially after Yukinoshita Yukino changed her surname.

Rumi, who is very similar to Yukinoshita in some ways, has become Yuigahama's new "hug pillow".

"Hehehe, it's been a long time since we last met~" Yuigahama smiled silly and touched her head.

"Hello, my name is Maria Sara." Maria introduced herself.

"Hello, hello, I'm Yuigahama Yui."

"Maria is also a tennis player, and she's of British and Japanese descent," Liu Mei added.

"Ah! I remember now. I seem to have seen it while watching a game. No wonder it looks so familiar!"

Although Yuigahama didn't know much about tennis, she was willing to watch her friends play when she had free time - but only on TV. Unless it was the Neon Open in Tokyo, these outsiders would not go to watch the game in person.

Yumiko Chixian usually invites relatives and friends to watch the game in person during the semi-finals and finals. After all, it is her home game, and this opportunity is quite rare. After all, Chixian does not participate in the competition every year, and she may not reach the finals in all the competitions she participates.

In fact, because of Yumiko Chigen's achievements in mixed doubles, the Neon Open is planning to add a mixed doubles competition, which will probably be officially approved next year or the year after.

Neon really hopes that its players can win the championship in its own country's tennis competitions to promote the development of tennis in Neon.

"I'm a little-known singer now, so just call me Yui like Liu Mei."

"Okay Yui, just call me Maria."

"Yui has made progress and can even speak idioms now." Liumei teased.

"That's too much, Rumi! You say this as soon as we meet!" Yuigahama said dissatisfiedly.

"Alright, alright," Rumi reassured Yuigahama, "When will Chiyo arrive?"

"Chiyo said she's on the way and will be there soon." Yuigahama took out her cell phone and took a look.