Chapter Forty-Eight: A Good Child

As the scenery outside the car changed, Shu Ran realized this wasn’t the way back to the dormitory. She turned her head, about to ask for clarification.

Fu Yiqing immediately caught the question in her eyes. “Liu Bei reserved a private room. We’ll head back to the team after lunch.”

Shu Ran nodded, just about to look away when another thought occurred to her. “Didn’t Coach Huo say we should try to return as early as possible?”

From the front seat, Qin Liubei snorted. “Such a good kid. When will your rebellious phase finally arrive?”

Fu Yiqing ignored Qin Liubei’s quip and explained to Shu Ran, “Filling your stomach is the most important thing. I’m sure Huo Guang won’t blame you.”

Qin Liubei interjected, “Of course Huo Guang won’t blame Shu Ran! Right now, Shu Ran is our national team’s trump card in women’s singles. Everyone’s eager to keep her happy and well.”

The drive ended with the three of them trading jokes and banter.

Shu Ran followed Fu Yiqing into the private dining room. When the dishes arrived, she only chose vegetables she was allowed to eat. Even though Shu Ran had achieved an impressive result this time, Fu Yiqing made no exception—no meat for her, as the Misty Horn Cup was only the beginning.

Qin Liubei, well aware Shu Ran couldn’t have braised pork, deliberately picked up a piece and flaunted it under her nose. “Look at that color! Smell that aroma! The braised pork here at Tianju Tavern really is the best in B City.”

Gnawing on her greens, Shu Ran glared at him, teeth clenched.

Qin Liubei relished her reaction and, instead of stopping, pressed further. “Shu Ran, do you want some? Oh, wait, I just remembered—you can’t have any. What a shame…”

Tianju Tavern’s braised pork was famous far and wide. It had topped the city’s gourmet rankings ever since Shu Ran first arrived, and its popularity hadn’t waned these past two years.

Shu Ran’s gaze was fixed on the braised pork. She couldn’t help but swallow.

A wicked thought crept into her mind: what if that piece of meat just fell?

Miraculously, as soon as she finished thinking it, Qin Liubei’s hand was bumped. The chunk of pork slipped from his chopsticks and crashed to the floor.

Qin Liubei frowned and looked at Fu Yiqing. “Aren’t you going to apologize to my braised pork?”

Fu Yiqing glanced at him coolly. “If you didn’t talk so much, would it have dropped?”

Qin Liubei was momentarily speechless. Glancing from Shu Ran to Fu Yiqing, he sighed, “Fine, I get it. I’ll never compare to you family members.”

There were only three of them in the room. His words suggested Shu Ran and Fu Yiqing were family.

This thought made Shu Ran lower her head involuntarily.

Fu Yiqing replied, “When teacher and apprentice are united, they can cut through gold.”

Shu Ran glanced up, secretly sneaking a look at Fu Yiqing, only to see him wink at her playfully, as if they really were co-conspirators.

Her brows relaxed, lips curving into a quiet smile as she resumed her meal.

On the way back to the team, Fu Yiqing’s phone was constantly ringing.

So Shu Ran turned to chat with Qin Liubei.

Since the World Championships in March, Shu Ran hadn’t seen Xu Jingyu. She’d hoped to meet her today, but Xu Jingyu was genuinely out house-hunting.

“I thought you were joking about the house-viewing earlier!” Shu Ran said with a hint of regret.

“Do I seem like someone who jokes about things like that?” Qin Liubei shook his head. “I’d arranged to see a place with an agent some time ago, but it was taken. Just now, someone backed out, so they called us to see it. But since you’re returning to the country today, I sent Little Goldfish ahead.”

Shu Ran frowned. “Are you implying I’m in the way of your house hunting?”

Qin Liubei gave her a knowing look, as if to say, “As long as you know,” and kept driving.

Fu Yiqing finished another call at that moment. Shu Ran commented curiously, “So many calls.”

Fu Yiqing’s lips parted in a slight smile, about to explain, when his phone rang again.

He gave Shu Ran an apologetic look. “I’ll tell you in a moment.”

The call ended quickly, and he silenced his phone, slipping it back into his pocket.

“Several media outlets want to interview you,” Fu Yiqing explained.

“Me?” Shu Ran pointed at herself.

Fu Yiqing nodded.

Since Shu Ran began training under Fu Yiqing two years ago, she’d hardly interacted with the media. Even last year, when she was dubbed the “Ice Enchantress,” Fu Yiqing turned down all interview requests, arguing that interviews would disrupt her training.

Recalling this, Shu Ran assumed he’d refuse this time as well.

But Fu Yiqing continued, “So far, eight media outlets have requested interviews. I’ve narrowed it down to four: Sports Today, Visual Sports, CTV, and Sports World. Is there one you particularly want to do?”

Shu Ran turned, surprised. “Interviews?”

Qin Liubei was also shocked. “The American leg is in just over two weeks! What if interviews disrupt her training?”

Fu Yiqing didn’t answer him, only looked at Shu Ran. “Personally, I think CTV is best, although Visual Sports has a younger audience.”

Knowing she wouldn’t get an explanation, Shu Ran stopped probing. “Coach Fu, whatever you think is best.”

Fu Yiqing nodded. “I’ll reply to them and have them come to the training center this afternoon.”

Arriving at the dormitory area, Fu Yiqing helped Shu Ran with her luggage.

Along the way, they received many congratulatory glances and words of praise. Though Shu Ran had only taken the silver this time, last year’s performance proved she was a consistent contender—not just a flash in the pan. It had been years since women’s singles had seen a competitor of her caliber.

Everyone was genuinely happy for her.

Except, of course, for Liang Yue.

Knowing Fu Yiqing still had media interviews to arrange, Shu Ran tried to take her suitcase. “Let me do it. It wouldn’t be good if you were late.”

Fu Yiqing maneuvered the suitcase away from her grasp, chuckling softly. “Liu Bei was right.”

She paused. “About what?”

“Good kid.” His gaze was gentle, his voice soft.

Shu Ran’s cheeks grew unexpectedly warm. “That’s not true. I’m not always good.”

“They’re waiting to interview you. If you keep them waiting, they’ll only be more eager for your arrival, won’t they?”

“Heh—” A sudden, cold laugh chilled the spring-like atmosphere instantly.

Years of experience told Fu Yiqing the newcomer meant trouble. He frowned, his gaze sharpening.

Shu Ran saw the mockery in Liang Yue’s eyes. Remembering Liang Yue’s words, she instinctively stepped aside, but this only turned the mockery into disdain.

Liang Yue said, “Congratulations, Shu Ran. The new star of women’s singles.”

Fu Yiqing had never interacted with Liang Yue before, but this time the sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable.

He arched an eyebrow. “At least you’re self-aware.” His posture was one of utter superiority.

That absolute disregard on his face made it clear he never considered Liang Yue as competition. Her face flushed and paled in turn, teeth clenched, but the natural chill Fu Yiqing exuded silenced her.

Shu Ran stepped forward, placing herself between them.

She turned back, smiling warmly at Fu Yiqing. “That’s enough, Coach. You can leave me here. Didn’t you say there were so, so, so many media outlets waiting for me? You should go.”

Hearing her exaggerated “so many,” Fu Yiqing barely suppressed a laugh, but kept a serious face. “Alright, but take care of yourself.”

Liang Yue nearly exploded with rage. She could accept Fu Yiqing’s arrogance—he was a coach, after all—but for Shu Ran to humiliate her like this was unbearable.

Stomping her foot, Liang Yue stormed off.

Fu Yiqing returned to the car.

Qin Liubei, hands on the wheel, gave him a mysterious smile. “Well? Aren’t you going to explain why you changed your mind about the interviews? Aren’t you afraid it’ll interfere with her training?”

“That’s exactly why I agreed.”

Qin Liubei’s smile froze. “What do you mean?”

Fu Yiqing glanced at him. “Last year, the ‘Ice Enchantress’ buzz brought the media swarming, but I refused all interviews. If I refuse again this year, what do you think the media will do when they can’t get any information?”

Their eyes met in silent understanding.

When a hot topic arises but there’s no official news, the media will write as they please, twisting facts to fit their narrative.

Fu Yiqing continued, “Right now is a critical moment for Shu Ran. I don’t want careless words from the media to affect her mindset, or her performance.”

He frowned, gazing straight ahead, worry and restraint etched between his brows, fearing the consequences of his decision might impact Shu Ran directly.

CTV had long collaborated with the national team and knew how to handle athlete interviews—most reports were formal and respectful.

But facing the camera, Shu Ran became tense.

Reporter Wang Nian was used to this. “Shu Ran, we’ve heard your results have improved dramatically these past two years. How did you achieve that?”

Her nerves were interrupted by memories. Shu Ran reflected seriously before answering, “Training.” Simple and to the point.

Wang Nian forced a laugh. “What’s the hardest part about training?”

Shu Ran pondered again. “Perseverance.”

Wang Nian felt the interview was stalling, but her professionalism kept her going. A good reporter can get anyone talking. She encouraged herself silently, took a deep breath, and pressed on: “Have you ever thought about giving up?”

Shu Ran didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

The moment froze.

Wang Nian was exasperated but pushed further. “When was that?”

“Last year.”

“….”

Wang Nian couldn’t continue. Her formal smile collapsed, and she signaled the cameraman to stop.

Shu Ran was surprised. “Is it over already?”

Wang Nian’s expression was one of utter resignation. Did she have to look so delighted?

At last, Fu Yiqing couldn’t help but laugh. After a moment, he told Wang Nian, “Let me talk to her.”

He took Shu Ran aside. She was anxious. “Did I answer badly?”

Fu Yiqing explained, “You were too brief—too little. Some people will make a big deal of your attitude and call you arrogant.”

“Ah?” Shu Ran looked panicked. “But I was just…nervous.”

Suddenly, Fu Yiqing pressed his large hand on her shoulder, massaging gently. “Relax. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”

Shu Ran looked mechanically at his big hand, then slowly turned back. “Okay.”

But all the pep talks in the world couldn’t help—once the camera rolled, Shu Ran reverted to her old self.

In the end, Fu Yiqing found a way to get her through the interview.

When it ended, Wang Nian was moved almost to tears. She’d interviewed countless athletes, but never one so nervous she forgot what to say. Yet precisely because of this, Wang Nian found Shu Ran pure and genuine.

She took Shu Ran’s delicate hand in hers, her gaze clear.

May Shu Ran remain as simple and unspoiled after fame as she is today.