Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 046: This Sudden Surprise

Old Tang examined the documents handed over by Wang Jingkai with meticulous care. The more he read, the heavier his heart became.

He had always known how dire the situation of Chinese football was, but never imagined it would be this severe. The glaring red numbers on the report made it clear that Chinese football was at its lowest point, teetering on the brink of extinction.

Among the country's 1.7 billion people, with over 300 million youth, only tens of thousands were engaged in football nationwide, and a mere few hundred were eligible to be selected for the national youth teams. The situation was truly alarming.

If things didn’t change soon, perhaps there would be no youth participating in football in the future.

When the new national leadership took office, they had called for a vigorous effort to develop Chinese football. Now was the time. After numerous discussions between the National Sports Administration and the Ministry of Education, they proposed two major initiatives: one, for professional clubs to invest heavily in youth training; and two, to actively promote football in schools, encouraging more children to play and participate.

For this development, they planned to learn from Japan and South Korea, whose national teams had long fostered school football and, through years of progress, built systems that produced countless talents. Many professional teams in those countries recruited directly from school football leagues.

The National Sports Administration and Ministry of Education hoped Chinese school football could reach this level, but for now, their goal was simply to popularize the sport, increase the base of players, and lay a solid foundation for the future.

As he read, Old Tang nodded slightly and said, "Launching school football is imperative; it’s the trend of the times. Our school must fully support the Sports Administration and the Ministry of Education. We must make school football happen here!"

In years past, Wang Jingkai would never have agreed. But with this official directive, he had to take it seriously.

Old Tang continued, "At present, our school has a strong football atmosphere, especially among the first-year students. They have even organized their own first-year football league. I think starting school football here shouldn’t be difficult."

Wang Jingkai had thought about this as well; indeed, football was thriving in their school.

He replied, "Yes, we have an advantage in starting school football. I believe we can even compete in the national tournament."

The document had mentioned national tournaments: to better promote school football and boost student enthusiasm, the Sports Administration and the Ministry of Education planned to launch nationwide competitions next year, such as the National Junior High School Football Championship, the National High School Football Championship, and the National University Football League.

The University League was already somewhat established and had been operating well for several years. But due to the weak player base, even it suffered setbacks recently, making school football expansion a necessity.

With his school’s vibrant football culture, Wang Jingkai felt their level shouldn’t be low. Perhaps they could make a splash in the National Junior High School Football Championship and gain some recognition.

It was a good prospect.

Let’s do it!

School football would be secured by No. 17 Middle School in Jin’guan City.

Old Tang saw through Wang Jingkai’s thoughts and said, "We won’t give up the national competition, but that’s not our only goal. The main purpose of school football is to increase the player base and popularize the sport. For our school, it’s also about nurturing young people, helping them build healthy, robust personalities, develop their willpower, and become outstanding individuals..."

Wang Jingkai’s eyes lit up and he responded, "Old Tang, it seems you have a deep understanding of football and school football. We’ll need your help when the time comes!"

Hearing this, Old Tang remembered his original purpose. Oh no! He slapped his thigh, troubled.

How could he have forgotten such an urgent matter? He quietly blamed himself.

Wang Jingkai was startled and asked, "Old Tang, what’s wrong?"

Old Tang replied, "Ah, your document drew me in—I was so absorbed, I forgot why I came."

Wang Jingkai looked up, fixing his gaze on the old principal, Tang Qing, and said, "Old Tang, didn’t I already promise not to ban the student football league?"

Old Tang shook his head. "It’s not just that; there’s something more important."

Wang Jingkai was alarmed—what could be more important?

He pressed, "What is it?"

Old Tang then told him what he’d seen on the playground. "We need to head to the football field immediately, before Director Chang hurts these children’s spirits."

Wang Jingkai nodded in agreement.

Without that document, he might not have taken it seriously, but now he had to. He worried about possible conflicts between Director Chang and the students.

Wang Jingkai rose and followed Old Tang to the football field.

When they arrived, they saw the players still there, beseeching Chang Derong for something.

Old Tang’s heart tightened—these youngsters were remarkably persistent.

As they approached, they heard Chang Derong say, "Students, you needn’t keep pestering. The school has decided to prohibit you from participating in the football league. This is for your own good and won’t change. Please go back."

There was impatience in Chang Derong’s voice, but he wasn’t shouting or angry. He was still trying to persuade them and maintain order.

Wang Jingkai nodded quietly to himself—thank goodness.

He and Tang Qing quickly walked over to Chang Derong.

Seeing the principal and the old principal, Chang Derong hurried to greet them.

He asked, "Principal, Old Principal, what brings you here?"

Before they could respond, Xu He and Li Liying and others surrounded them. Xu He called out loudly, "Principal, please don’t disband our football league! We promise to study hard!"

The other students echoed him, pleading.

Seeing their young faces filled with determination and entreaty, Wang Jingkai’s heart was moved. He was shaken by their resolve and tenacity.

He had rarely seen students like this.

Could it really be because of football?

He didn’t know, but now he was willing to believe it. Perhaps that’s why the Sports Administration and the Ministry of Education valued school football so much.

Looking at their bright, earnest eyes, Wang Jingkai raised his hand to signal silence.

Xu He and his peers quieted instantly, watching Wang Jingkai with hopeful eyes.

Seeing their pleading gazes, Wang Jingkai felt a pang of sympathy. Maybe they really had made a mistake before. Even without the document, these children deserved an environment to play football.

At this moment, Xu He and the others watched Wang Jingkai anxiously, afraid their last hope would be dashed. If that happened, they might truly break down.

Some of the boys looked on the verge of tears, and Tang Qing felt a sting of heartache.

Wang Jingkai said, "Alright, I promise you! We won’t disband your league. Our school will also actively develop school football and fully support you."

Chang Derong’s eyes widened in shock, staring at Wang Jingkai.

His mind was a jumble—what was happening? How had things changed so dramatically?

Chang Derong was stunned.

But Xu He and his friends were overjoyed, almost afraid they’d misheard.

Tang Qing spoke, "Children, you heard right. Your league will not be disbanded, and the school will support you in developing school football. In the future, we’ll establish the No. 17 Middle School football team and participate in national competitions."

Surprise—extreme surprise.

Everyone could hardly believe their ears, thinking they must be hallucinating.

Xu He jumped up in delight, muttering, "Really? Is it true? Is it really true?"

The others were equally bewildered, unsure where they were.

Li Liying’s beautiful eyes lit up instantly. She seemed to realize what was happening, though she was still excited. The league would survive, and she was very happy.

Li Liying said, "Thank you, thank you, Principal."

Wang Jingkai waved his hand, "No need to thank me. This is the decision of the National Sports Administration and the Ministry of Education. You were born at the right time."

Only then did Chang Derong understand why Wang Jingkai’s attitude had changed so much.

Zhu Ge timidly stepped forward, "Can we play our match today?"

Wang Jingkai asked, "You have a match today?"

Zhu Ge replied, "Yes, Principal, our league has two matches today. One is already finished. We were about to play the second, but..."

Zhu Ge glanced at Chang Derong, and Wang Jingkai understood.

He didn’t pursue the matter further. "You can play. Go ahead—I’d like to see your skills. Go and prepare."

Hearing this, Zhu Ge and the others thanked him, then hurried off to get ready.

Xu He was thrilled and excited.

He had thought their league was doomed, but suddenly everything had turned around. He was so happy, he nearly cried.

This hard-won opportunity—he would cherish it. He would play his best.

Xu He, come on!

He took a deep breath, focused, and prepared for the match ahead.