Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 35: Should We Continue Playing in the League?

Today’s regular meeting was a blow to everyone involved in the football league—a heavy one, almost catastrophic. Yet, they did not give up. They would not admit defeat so easily.

Li Liying thought carefully and said, “The reason Director Chang opposes our football league is because he’s worried it’ll affect our studies, maybe even distract our classmates, and in turn harm the entire school’s academic atmosphere.”

Xu He nodded slightly; that was precisely what Director Chang meant. Those around them nodded as well.

Li Liying went on, “So if we can prove that holding the football league won’t affect our studies, wouldn’t that solve the issue? Then he shouldn’t have any reason to stop us, right?”

Everyone’s eyes lit up—indeed, that made sense. But Xu He was worried—how could they possibly prove that the football league wouldn’t interfere with their studies?

Li Liying continued, “As long as we can show good academic results, Director Chang will have no grounds to oppose our league. Besides, there’s a big misunderstanding about our football league. It’s not just for fun—it fosters teamwork, builds character traits like courage, resilience, positivity, determination, perseverance, and the spirit of never giving up…”

At this, Xu He stared wide-eyed at Li Liying, transfixed. He had never imagined she would say something like that—these were ideas he’d never even considered.

How did Li Liying know all this? She really was remarkable.

Zhu Ge and the other team captains gazed at Li Liying with admiration. They were deeply impressed.

Li Liying went on, “For young people, playing football can also boost self-confidence, cultivate a positive and sunny disposition, and strengthen physical health—it contributes greatly to shaping a well-rounded and healthy character…”

Where did she get all these words? Xu He was in awe of her.

Li Liying added, “Don’t worry, I’ll organize all these points and submit them to Director Chang and the principal, so they can gain a fuller understanding of football and our league. I believe once they’ve read through everything, they won’t refuse to let us continue.”

Hearing this, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief; they trusted Li Liying.

Zhu Ge said, “That’s a huge favor, Li Liying!”

Li Liying smiled and shook her head. “I’m part of the league too, and I’m the president of the League Football Association. This is my responsibility.”

A true heroine—no less than any man!

Xu He gave her a thumbs up.

Just then, Zhuo Jun, the captain of Class Sixteen’s football team, suddenly asked, “So, should we still play our match tomorrow? Or should we wait until you’ve handed in your proposal and Director Chang responds before continuing with the league?”

Everyone turned to look at Li Liying—this was the crucial question. They were all eager to know.

Xu He also fixed his gaze on her.

Li Liying frowned slightly. Truth be told, she was torn. She knew the best move would be to pause the league and then negotiate with Director Chang about its merits. This would also save face for the school leaders and show that they respected their authority—putting the school’s leadership first.

If you tell us to stop, we stop.

But if the league were suddenly suspended, who knew when it could resume? Some players might even drop out completely, never to return to the game. Even if the league eventually gained school approval, it might no longer be viable.

It was a dilemma.

Li Liying was conflicted.

She thought carefully before saying, “Let’s wait for now—give me another day. There’s still more than a day left. I’ll do my best to persuade Director Chang and Principal Wang within that time, so tomorrow’s match won’t be affected.”

Hearing her decision, Zhuo Jun and the others nodded—they thought it was a good solution.

Zhuo Jun said, “Alright, we’ll wait for your good news.”

Li Liying replied, “I’ll do my best!”

Zhuo Jun and the others said, “Thank you—sorry for troubling you again!”

Li Liying assured them it was no trouble; this was her responsibility. Her strong sense of duty was clear to see.

After this, everyone parted ways, as there were still lessons to attend.

Since the classes of Grade One, Class Ten and Class Eleven were on the same floor, Xu He walked with Li Liying toward the teaching building.

Xu He, still amazed, asked, “Li Liying, you’re incredible. That speech you gave earlier was really impressive—how did you come up with it?”

Li Liying looked puzzled, thought for a moment, and asked, “You mean the part about the benefits of football for young people?”

Xu He nodded eagerly.

Truthfully, Xu He understood the gist of what she’d said—but he could never have articulated it himself. That’s what he admired about her.

Li Liying glanced at him and said, “Oh, I didn’t come up with that—it wasn’t my own words.”

Xu He was dumbfounded. “What? Then whose words were they? Did you read it in a book?”

Clearly, reading more books was necessary.

Li Liying’s lips curled into a smile. “My dad says those things all the time. He’s always reciting them next to me, so I’ve just memorized them over time.”

Xu He was startled—so that was it.

Could it be that her father was in the football business?

Xu He asked, “Is your dad in the football profession?”

Li Liying nodded, “Yes.”

Xu He’s eyes lit up, “Is he a professional player?”

Li Liying paused, then shook her head. “No.”

Xu He was surprised again, “Then what is he?”

Li Liying replied, “He’s a football coach.”

A coach!

Xu He was even more astonished. He never expected Li Liying’s father to be a football coach—what a surprise.

He wanted to ask which team her father coached, but unfortunately, it was almost time for class, and Li Liying had already entered the classroom. She waved goodbye to Xu He and stepped inside, leaving Xu He feeling a bit lost.

Still, learning that Li Liying’s father was a coach was quite unexpected.

If her father was a coach, he must know how to improve shooting skills. Perhaps Xu He could ask him for help one day. That way, it would be hard not to improve.

Suddenly, Xu He looked forward to the future with hope.

But that hope was quickly dashed.

Right now, the league itself was on the verge of being canceled. Even if he improved his shooting, what was the point?

Alas.

Honestly, today’s school meeting had hit him hard.

Xu He suddenly turned to his friend Li Jie, “Old Li, do you think Li Liying can persuade Director Chang and Principal Wang?”

Li Jie was equally anxious. After a moment, he replied, “She… probably can, right?”

Xu He could tell that Li Jie wasn’t confident. Clearly, this was going to be tough—there was a real possibility the league might be shut down.

He sighed again, feeling low.

But as soon as he sat down in class, Xu He quickly pulled himself together and focused on his studies. After all, keeping the league depended on good grades—he had to work hard and not drag Li Liying down.

This period was math class, and Teacher Ye Ziqing began by mentioning the Thursday and Friday exams.

This monthly exam would last two days and cover five subjects. They were learning seven subjects in total—Chinese, Math, English, History, Geography, Biology, and Politics—but Biology and Geography wouldn’t be tested, so the exams would cover Chinese, Math, English, History, and Politics—plenty to fill two days.

This week, the teachers would spend less time on new lessons and more on review, so everyone could aim for good results.

In this math class, Ye Ziqing didn’t teach new material, but organized key points from earlier lessons and highlighted common mistakes to help the class review.

Xu He was called on several times to answer questions. His math scores had risen rapidly from 74 to 105, making him memorable to Ye Ziqing, who wanted to test his progress.

He’d been studying diligently, and his math foundation was solid, so he always managed to answer the questions correctly, which pleased Ye Ziqing greatly.

Ye Ziqing even singled Xu He out for praise, urging the class to learn from him.

For once, Xu He blushed, then proudly lifted his head, wearing a smug expression.

Li Jie gave him a thumbs up, cheering for his buddy.

Learning brings me joy.

Indeed, Xu He had found happiness in learning and was enthusiastic every day. He felt a thrill every time he learned something new, and the day passed quickly.

Soon, it was Tuesday. Xu He was filled with anticipation for Li Liying, hoping she’d bring good news. He’d seen her go to Director Chang and Principal Wang the day before—surely to discuss the football league.

He wondered how the talks had gone. Would the league survive?

His mind was unsettled all day, but in class, he remained focused and hardworking.

Before he could hear from Li Liying, he got some not-so-great news from Li Jie: that afternoon, the football league would continue as usual.

Apparently, Zhuo Jun and the others had made the decision that morning.

Normally, the continuation of the league would be good news for Xu He. But with no word from Li Liying and no indication of the school leadership’s stance, resuming the league so abruptly might provoke them.

Could this further antagonize the administration? If the conflict escalated, the league would be doomed.

Xu He was worried.

But clearly, the decision to continue wasn’t his to overturn. All he could do was watch as the league went on.

Li Jie asked, “Are you going to watch the match this afternoon?”

Xu He thought for a moment, then replied, “Of course—I won’t miss a single match.”

At the same time, he pondered: if the school ultimately didn’t approve the league, but they still wanted to continue, should he play in Friday’s match?

Should he? Shouldn’t he?

Xu He fell deep into thought.