Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 045: Support from the Old Principal

Xu He suddenly felt the air pressure around him drop several notches; Director Chang’s words were truly devastating. Everyone knew it was over, the outcome was already decided, yet none were willing to leave. Some lingered on the field, unwilling to depart, still hoping for a miracle to happen.

Of course, there were those who gazed at Director Chang with pleading eyes, hoping he might change his mind. But Director Chang’s face remained stern as he barked, “Move along, move along, football is not permitted here.”

Indeed, he was merciless.

Li Liying immediately ran down from the stands, approaching Director Chang with urgency. “Director Chang, starting a football league benefits us, and we haven’t neglected our studies. Why must you forbid our football league?”

Seeing Li Liying, Director Chang’s expression softened ever so slightly. He offered a wry smile. “Do you truly believe that launching a football league is beneficial? As your so-called league progresses, do you really think it won’t affect your studies?”

Li Liying was taken aback. Was it not so?

Director Chang continued, “Even if football is beneficial for a small group of you, what about the others? What about them?” He gestured towards the stands, where the “idol-chasing” girls and other students watched the match. These spectators were deeply engrossed, their fervor potentially more distracting than the players themselves.

Indeed, it often happens that bystanders become more absorbed and passionate than the participants. If these students spend their days idolizing and watching football matches, how could they focus on their studies? Would this not disrupt the academic atmosphere of the entire school?

Director Chang had already discussed this issue with the principal and other school leaders, and they unanimously decided to prohibit such football leagues among students.

The primary purpose for students is still their studies; everything else must be secondary.

Following Director Chang’s gesture, Li Liying looked at the group of lively girls holding posters of Lin Xuefeng and banners supporting him. It truly resembled a fan club supporting a celebrity.

The scene was indeed overwhelming.

No wonder the school leaders were concerned.

Yet, Li Liying was unwilling to give up so easily. She firmly believed that launching the football league was extremely beneficial for them. She could not bear to watch the league they had painstakingly established be dissolved.

She pressed on, “Director Chang, it’s true that things got a bit out of hand. But I believe, with proper guidance, such incidents won’t happen again. Besides, their behavior doesn’t necessarily affect their studies. Play hard when it’s time to play, study diligently when it’s time to study—isn’t that the school’s motto?”

Yes, this was the catchphrase Principal Wang Jingkai often repeated at the Monday meetings, which had gradually become the school’s new slogan.

Chang Derong fixed his gaze on Li Liying. In truth, he thought highly of her. She was clever, full of ideas, and proactive—a promising student. If she focused more on academics, her future would be limitless.

Chang Derong did not want Li Liying to be distracted by football league matters. He said, “You make some good points, and I do agree. However, our decision was made after careful consideration. Right now, students are not suited to organize a football league.”

Upon hearing this, Li Liying’s heart sank; all hope seemed lost.

At that moment, Zhu Ge and other players approached Director Chang, their hopeful eyes fixed on him, earnestly pleading for the league not to be banned. Their sincerity was palpable—they simply wished for another chance.

Xu He too gazed at Director Chang with tearful eyes, hoping he might relent and let the league continue.

Chang Derong raised his eyebrows and replied decisively, “No, the league must be banned.”

Xu He and his companions turned pale, their hearts sinking as if the end of the world were imminent. Xu He looked to the sky and sighed, “Is our league truly destined to end like this?”

The feeling of unwillingness burned within them. Chang Derong pressed on, “Enough. Leave this place immediately. Do not linger here. The league must be disbanded.”

Xu He’s face fell further, his spirits crushed with grief. The other players hung their heads in sorrow, heartbroken. They truly did not wish to see the league dissolve, but they were powerless—deeply pained.

Some of the more sensitive among them even shed tears in their frustration.

From the stands, a gray-haired elder witnessed everything. His white brows furrowed; he sensed trouble.

He glanced at Xu He and his comrades, muttering, “Looks like these youngsters are in trouble. I must help them right away.”

The gray-haired elder stood, straightened his attire, and strode toward the principal’s office. At this moment, he felt compelled to advocate for these football-loving students.

He too did not wish to see the league dissolved. The matches he had watched moved him deeply; the qualities and fighting spirit these players showed were rare among students. He believed football was greatly beneficial, and he supported it.

The gray-haired elder rose and headed for the principal’s office, casting a meaningful glance at Xu He and Li Liying, thinking, “I hope you can stall for time.”

With these thoughts, his steps quickened.

On the field, Xu He and the players refused to leave, making their final stand, doing their utmost to persuade Director Chang to change his decision and allow the league to survive.

Xu He and Li Liying argued logically and passionately, but Director Chang was unmoved, unwavering in his resolve. No matter what they said, he was indifferent, insisting on disbanding the league.

The two sides were locked in a tug of war on the pitch; Xu He and his team fought their last battle.

Yet, deep down, they knew their efforts were futile.

Nevertheless, they would not give up until the very end.

Xu He’s heart weighed heavy; he could not see any future for their league.

On the field, two factions opposed each other, while the gray-haired elder entered the principal’s office. Principal Wang was engrossed in reviewing documents. Hearing a knock, he said without looking up, “Come in.”

The gray-haired elder entered, surveying the office’s arrangement.

Principal Wang, expecting his assistant, was surprised when the visitor remained silent. He looked up, and was astonished.

He had not expected to see the school’s former principal—the current honorary principal of Jinguancheng No. 17 High School. Principal Wang immediately stood and said, “Elder Tang, what brings you to our school today?”

The elder addressed as Tang replied, “What, am I not allowed to come here if I’m busy?”

Wang Jingkai hurriedly responded, “Of course not! We’re always delighted to welcome you, Elder Tang. How could we ever forbid you? Besides, the school belongs to the people; anyone may visit as long as it doesn’t disrupt the students’ studies.”

Elder Tang smiled slightly. “Is that truly how you feel?”

Wang Jingkai nodded, “Of course.”

Elder Tang chuckled, then said, “Let’s not dwell on this. I have something important to discuss today.”

Wang Jingkai signaled his secretary to prepare coffee for the elder, then asked, “So, Elder Tang, what brings you here today?”

Elder Tang did not waste time. “I hear your school is planning to ban student football matches, to prohibit the football league?”

Wang Jingkai was momentarily stunned; he hadn’t expected Elder Tang’s visit to concern such a trivial matter, which left him at a loss.

He nodded, “Yes, we believe at this stage students should focus on classes and improving grades. As for the football league, it takes too much time and distracts from studies. I don’t think there’s any need for such a league in the school.”

Elder Tang’s white eyebrows arched. “There are indeed risks in campus football, but you must recognize its benefits for students. Football helps young people build character and strengthens their will—”

Elder Tang outlined the many advantages of football, far surpassing the arguments Li Liying had compiled. He was indeed a responsible elder.

He continued, “With so many benefits, why should you prohibit students from organizing a football league?”

Hearing this, Wang Jingkai wavered even more.

In truth, he had long been uncertain. Football was undeniably helpful for youth development, but the warnings from Director Chang and other leaders exposed risks and dangers. Hence, when the majority voted to ban the league, he agreed.

However, just moments ago, the national Ministry of Education had sent new documents—the very ones he was reviewing. These papers promoted campus football, urging schools to encourage more children to participate.

Indeed, the Ministry had just issued new directives.

The national sports bureau was set to prioritize campus football and youth training, pushing for development in this area and hoping all schools would cooperate.

This left Wang Jingkai in a dilemma: should the league be permitted or not?

Now, Elder Tang had arrived and supported the football league. Wang Jingkai’s inner scales began to tip, especially recalling the new national leader’s public expression of love for football and desire for its rise in China. He felt he no longer needed to hesitate.

After a moment’s contemplation, Wang Jingkai said, “Elder Tang, you are right. We cannot ban the league.”