Silver Leaf Whale Chapter 36

new beginning

Chapter 36·New Beginning

The weather in Beijing is good today. Although there is still a bit of chill in the air, the sunshine is very good. As time goes by, it warms people.

Pang Jing walked into the community carrying two boxes of New Year’s goods. The rutted snowy road on the community road was still a bit wet. He stepped on a muddy watermark. When he got to the front of the building, he rubbed the mud on the soles of his shoes on the paper shells laid at the door of the unit, and took the elevator to the 6th floor.

Training will resume in two days, and he made a special trip to pay his respects to his master Pan Xiuping in his old age.

“Ding dong—”

“Here we come!” As soon as the doorbell rang, the wife’s voice came from the house. She opened the door and let him in warmly: “Little Fish is here, come in quickly!”

“Happy New Year, Master, and Happy New Year, Coach.”

Pang Whale greeted him lively as soon as he walked in. In the living room, Pan Xiuping was standing on the ladder changing the light bulb on the balcony with a screwdriver in his mouth. When he saw this brat coming in, he responded vaguely: “Well~, Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, good boy!” The mistress smiled and patted his arm, “You sit down first. The snacks are on the coffee table and you can get them yourself. I’m still stewing meat in the pot, so I won’t greet you for now!” Before he finished speaking, he hurried to the kitchen. The rich aroma of meat was already wafting in the room, making people’s index fingers move.

“Want to help?” Pang Jing walked to the bottom of the ladder, but Pan Xiuping was already preparing to come down.

“No, just burn a light bulb, it only takes ten seconds.” Pang Jing saw him coming down, and helped him put away the ladder and clean up the ground.

The two sat down on the sofa. Pan Xiuping poured him a cup of tea and asked casually: “You came to training early, why didn’t you apply for a short-term dormitory with the team? Didn’t you live there in previous years?”

“Oh…I’m staying at a friend’s house.” Pang Jing picked up the tea cup and took a sip. The tea tasted bitter. He compared it silently in his mind. He thought it was Aiwujiwu before, but now he felt that it was indeed not as good as Qi Zhixuan’s tea.

Pan Xiuping raised his eyebrows, “Friends? Your classmates? Or what, male or female?”

“Not a classmate, just a boy, friend.” Pang Jing took another sip, it was really bitter.

“Oh.” Pan Xiuping nodded and didn’t ask any more questions. He was just wondering if this brat was in love, but it seemed that he was overthinking it.

“Oh, you two! Stop drinking! It’s already dinner! You’re still drinking so much tea, I won’t be able to eat anymore!” The wife came out of the kitchen with a bowl of fragrant braised pork and touched the coach’s arm.

“Oh my arm, you bitch is going to kill someone. How much can these two sips of tea take up?” Pan Xiuping stood up with a grin on his face, cursing in his mouth, but he walked to the kitchen honestly to help serve the dishes and set the bowls.

Pang Jing sat down at the dining table, looked around the living room, and asked casually: “Master, where is Xiao Yuan? Why don’t you see him?” He was asking about Pan Xiuping’s son Pan Yuan.

“Grandma’s house, we are all going back, but he is not willing to go back. Since school hasn’t started yet, let him stay for two more days.” The teacher’s wife handed Pang Jing a pair of clean chopsticks and greeted with a smile, “Eat quickly, try the braised pork I made today, which has been stewed for a long time.”

My wife was always very good at her craftsmanship, and the dishes she cooked were all very delicious. There were also several chubby sugar triangles on display, which were Pan Xiuping’s favorite. She was afraid that he would feel uncomfortable eating too many sweets, so she kept a tight control on him, so she only made them once in a while during the New Year and holidays.

“Oh, if this apprentice doesn’t come, I won’t be able to eat even the candy triangle!” Pan Xiuping picked up a candy triangle and swallowed it in several mouthfuls angrily.

When the wife heard this, she immediately retorted: “Come on! How many little fishes can you eat? It’s not all your responsibility! I don’t give you more food because I’m afraid that your blood sugar will be high. Look at your belly, it’s so round. Who would have thought that you were an athlete who won medals when you were young?”

When Pan Xiuping heard this, he was unconvinced and patted his belly in defense: “This is called happy fatness! Isn’t that what happens when you get older! Don’t look at this kid who is strong now, but he will still be unable to escape the fate of a beer belly in the future!” As he said that, he reached out and patted the giant whale’s belly, and his palm only touched the hard abdominal muscles for the time being.

Pang Jing didn’t say anything, thinking that he couldn’t. He had to keep in shape. What if he got old and ugly, and another handsome guy kidnapped him?

Just as he was thinking about it, Pan Xiuping suddenly poked Pang Jing’s shoulder lightly with the head of his chopsticks, “Hey, let me ask you, do you still remember the uncle Xu we had dinner with last time? The one from the Sports Bureau.”

“I have an impression, what’s the matter?” Pang Jing reluctantly remembered this person. It seemed that he came during the post-game review dinner of the previous game. Pan Xiuping’s friend worked in the Sports Bureau and happened to be watching the game with his family that day, so they ate together.

“His daughter…remember?” Pan Xiuping put down his chopsticks and raised his eyebrows with a smile.

Pang Whale didn’t take his eyes off the plate. He concentrated on picking up a piece of braised pork and shook his head.

“Tsk, that girl is quite interesting to you. She thinks you are awesome and wants to get to know you. She asked me what you said when you came here.”

“What are you talking about?” Pang Jing took another piece. It was fat but not greasy and melted in his mouth. He thought about asking his wife how to make it and giving it to Qi Zhixuan to try.

“Tsk! You know how to eat! If someone wants to date you, what do you say?” Pan Xiuping hated the iron.

As soon as he said this, Pang Jing stopped his chopsticks, finally moved his eyes away from the braised pork, and looked at Pan Xiuping seriously, “Huh? I don’t want to date her.”

“Why not?” Pan Xiuping looked puzzled, “That girl is pretty and has a good personality. Her biological father is from the Sports Bureau. She will definitely be helpful to you in the future. What a great thing!”

“I have someone I like, and I don’t want to mess with anyone else.” Pang Jing said seriously.

“Hey, are you in love?”

“I haven’t caught up yet,” Pang Jing shook his head, picked up a tissue and wiped his mouth, “Anyway, if I don’t mess with others, I will mess with him.”

“Tsk, okay.” Pan Xiuping saw that he was resolute and didn’t say anything else. The relationship was consensual, and he didn’t do anything if he didn’t like it. “You’re done eating?” When he came back to his senses and ate, he found that this boy said he was done after eating one bowl of rice. He usually had at least three bowls.

Pang Jing poured himself a glass of warm water, glanced at Pan Xiuping’s beer belly, and said slowly: “Well, I’m done eating. I haven’t caught up with the person I like yet, so I have to stay in shape and don’t want to grow a beer belly.”

“Hey! You kid!” Pan Xiuping was choked with anger.

After dinner, the wife was thinking about going to a neighbor’s house to play mahjong. The master and apprentice cleaned up the kitchen and sat on the balcony of the living room to bask in the sun.

There were two pots of Phalaenopsis on the balcony, with thick green leaves and shiny buds, and the buds were so full that they looked like they were about to bloom at any time. The small tea table next to them was warmed by the sun. Pan Xiuping brewed his pot of bitter tea again and drank it happily one sip after another.

“Coach, I have something else to tell you.” Pang Jing moved a small bench and sat in front of Pan Xiuping.

“Huh?” The coach was not afraid of hardship at all. His face remained calm as he took his cup of tea and took one sip after another.

“I want to resume training after the new year and return to freestyle swimming.” The apprentice’s words were so shocking that the coach was confused.

Pan Xiuping did not answer. Pang Jing knew that his words were too sudden, so he quickly moved forward, his eyes sincere and firm: “Master, I want to win a prize and participate in the World Championships.”

Since the FINA revised the rules of breaststroke, the degree of freedom in execution of movements has become higher. Because of this, many people who were previously technically limited now have more room to operate. Many people have devoted themselves to this event. His growth rate is too slow. He wants to win and get good results faster. Only in this way can he be worthy of his persistence and the dedication of his family for so many years. Only then can he be qualified to say anything else.

“Well… I understand what you are thinking…” Pan Xiuping understands Pang Whale’s thoughts better than anyone else. However, it is very risky for athletes to frequently change events. The movement habits of different swimming styles need to be re-adapted. The technical advantages accumulated in the past may be wiped out, and even future training plans must be completely overturned. This requires a lot of courage and perseverance.

Pang Jing originally switched from freestyle to breaststroke due to physical reasons. Now that his body has recovered well, he may indeed have new opportunities when he returns to his old profession. As a coach, of course he wants to support his apprentice’s pursuit, but there are some things that must be said clearly.

“Although everyone thinks you are still very young, as an athlete, you may have only reached your peak in the past few years. If you change back this time, you may have no other choice in the future. If the transformation fails, you may have to retire like this… Have you really thought about it?”

Pan Xiuping put down the tea cup in his hand and touched the buds of the Phalaenopsis beside the tea table. They were already very full and looked about to bloom.

“I’ve thought about it!” Pang Jing replied firmly. He had been thinking about this matter at the end of last year. At that time, he was particularly hesitant until the whale Qi Zhixuan painted for him. Yes, he just wanted to be the whale riding the wind and waves in the painting. He just wanted to win.

“I don’t know whether I can get good results or not, but if I don’t, there will be fewer opportunities. I want to give it a try!” He knew it was difficult, but if he didn’t try, he would definitely regret it.

Pan Xiuping stared at him for a long time, and saw unshakable determination in his eyes. He knew in his heart that Pang Jing’s choice was not only related to his own future, but also to himself. He was not young, and Pang Jing was the apprentice he had led for the longest time and devoted the most effort. The achievements of his apprentice were his most dazzling medal as a coach.

But at this moment, Pang Jing’s choice was also his choice. Pan Xiuping was silent for a long time, and finally said, “Okay! If you decide, I will support it.” Pan Xiuping moved his hand from the flower bud to Pang Jing and patted his shoulder.

“Thank you, Master!” Pang Jing stood up gratefully. The anxiety in his heart finally disappeared. He now has a clearer goal and is full of energy.

Pan Xiuping looked at his high-spirited look, then looked down at the two pots of Phalaenopsis that were about to bloom. He couldn’t help but smile. This child, just like the buds, would bloom with the most dazzling light sooner or later if he held back his energy.

“Xiao Qi! Xiao Qi!”

Today is the first day of business for the little painter after the new year. Qi Zhixuan was still cleaning the mounting room when he heard someone calling him outside.

“Hey, here we come.” He responded, quickly put down the feather duster on his hand, and walked outside to greet people.

“Dr. Yu, happy New Year. You’re here so early.” It’s his old customer, Dr. Yu. This is a retired old Chinese medicine doctor. He likes to write calligraphy and draw Chinese paintings. He came to Qi Zhixuan’s shop and asked him to frame his works many times. He became a close friend after visiting Qi Zhixuan.

“Oh, I’m waiting for you to come back. These days, I just sneak here to see if you are open when I have nothing to do. I couldn’t bear it that day, so I called you. Don’t bother the old man!” Dr. Yu poured a cup of Qi Zhixuan’s tea and drank it while tasting it, “Not bad, not bad, this Qimen is much more fragrant than the Wuliangshan you had last time!”

“How could it be? It’s too late for me to be happy that you take care of my business.” Qi Zhixuan also sat at the edge of the tea table and added another cup to the old man.

“Actually, it’s this time. I copied a new one and I’m anxious to ask you to help me palm it.” Dr. Yu unfolded the scroll he brought with him, and a “Loquat Mountain Bird Picture” jumped out.

Qi Zhixuan took his painting, glanced at it briefly, then went to the mounting room inside, turned on the headlight, flattened the painting, and looked at it carefully.

“Well, not bad. This is your first time using silk. The dyeing is quite even, refreshing and neat. The lines have also improved and are much more delicate. The painting is very good!”

Doctor Yu followed him, and after being praised by Qi Zhixuan, the little old man’s tail was about to reach the sky, and he proudly stroked his non-existent beard.

“Hey, Lao Yu, don’t let yourself get carried away.” Chen Runsong suddenly appeared at the door. Looking at the old man’s pride, he couldn’t help laughing.

“Tsk! Why are you here?” The little old man raised his eyebrows. This guy is very talkative. He always likes to argue with himself, but he can’t argue with him. He is not happy to see him.

“Hey, I’m not here to find you. You’re not happy anymore. I’m here to deliver food to Xiao Xuan!” Chen Runsong only resumed business in the past two days. He baked some koluli in the store. It took a lot of effort and he didn’t make it often. He wanted to give Qi Zhixuan a try, but he didn’t expect to see the little old man.

The little old man said that he didn’t want to see Gang Jing, but he was not polite when eating Gang Jing’s food. He grabbed one and chewed it.After finishing it, I still want to comment: “Tsk, what the hell is this? It’s a crispy cake. The biscuits you made are more delicious. It’s just right to drink with tea.”

“Don’t eat it if you don’t like it. I’ll just make a few.” Chen Runsong pushed the plate towards Qi Zhixuan, but the little old man stopped him. “Hey, I didn’t say it wasn’t delicious. I said the biscuits were more delicious. I complimented you. No, it blew up the temple.”

Chen Runsong clicked his tongue and stopped arguing with him. Instead, he asked, “Lao Yu, I haven’t seen you for a long time. What have you been doing?” Normally, this man would have to go to the small painter several times every month, either to buy materials or to frame paintings, but I haven’t seen him for more than half a year.

Old Yu stroked his non-existent beard again, and took a sip of tea on the ground: “I, I went to the United States!”

“Hey, Chinese medicine has gone abroad?” Chen Runsong raised his eyebrows, “You haven’t seen a doctor for a long time, what are you doing there?”

“We’re not recruiting, my daughter is getting married!” Dr. Yu smiled brightly, then sighed, “The place is quite beautiful, but the food tastes terrible! My daughter wants me to stay a little longer, but I can’t stay. I’ll starve to death if I stay any longer!”

Hearing this, Qi Zhixuan and Chen Runsong looked at each other. They knew that Lao Yu’s wife died young and one of their daughters was studying abroad and settling down. They heard that they had been dating his girlfriend for more than ten years, but they didn’t expect that they would become a real person.

“So you are rushing to become father-in-law, no wonder.” Chen Runsong was really a little envious. Although the marriage relationship is not that unbreakable, the feeling brought by the sense of ceremony is still very desirable.

“What father-in-law!” Doctor Yu immediately corrected him and emphasized, “I am my father-in-law! My daughter married a foreigner! My daughter is a T! Do you know what a T is?”

The old man’s words silenced the two of them. Qi Zhixuan, who had reacted, put his hand on his forehead and smiled helplessly, while Chen Runsong burst out laughing, holding his stomach and unable to straighten up.

“Lao Yu, I really don’t know if you are feudal or open.” Chen Runsong gave a thumbs up, “Okay, your daughter is awesome!”

Finally, Dr. Yu left his painting for Qi Zhi to frame. He took out a few boxes of toffee from his bag and stuffed it into his hand: “This is the life-saving candy I ate before I fainted from hunger in America. It tastes much better. I brought it to you specially!”

Qi Zhixuan accepted it dumbfounded, feeling that Dr. Yu was really cute.Looking at the toffee in his hand, he suddenly thought of Pang Jing. It would be great if Xiaoyu’s parents could be like Dr. Yu and accept their child’s choice calmly.I even couldn’t help but wonder whether I should ask Dr. Yu to be a lobbyist in the future to help persuade Pang Jing’s parents?