Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 50: Dad, Did You Come to Watch My Game Today?

The match was over. Class Ten’s soccer team had triumphed over Class Three five to one, securing their second consecutive victory and advancing to the semifinals a round ahead of schedule.

The players of Class Ten were elated, their faces beaming with uncontainable joy as they left the field. Each of them gave Xu He a high-five, accepted the bottled water he handed out, and thanked him with genuine smiles.

Yang Xin was the last to approach. He paused for a moment, gazing at the bottle Xu He offered, then murmured a quiet thank you, bent down, and took a bottle from the crate on the ground himself before walking away.

Xu He was taken aback, not having expected this.

He shook his head with a wry smile and muttered, “Is it so bad to just take it from me?”

With that, he opened the bottle himself and took a drink.

Yang Xin had performed exceptionally today. Not only had he helped the team equalize, but he’d also scored twice, showcasing formidable skill. Most notably, the dominance he displayed in the penalty area placed great pressure on Xu He.

In this regard, Yang Xin’s advantage was irreplaceable. For Xu He to surpass him and reclaim his starting position would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.

Of course, it was equally unlikely for Xu He to edge out Zhang Zhen for a spot in the starting lineup.

So, perhaps for a long while to come, Xu He would remain a substitute.

The thought left Xu He with a bitter taste.

He clenched his fists tightly and told himself, “Xu He, you must work harder. Don’t give up!”

He silently cheered himself on, resolving to devote more time to training and improve his shooting skills in hopes of reclaiming his place in the starting eleven.

If he did not persevere, he would end up like Lu Yiming, training alone on the sidelines.

Thinking of this, Xu He glanced toward the field’s edge at the diminutive Lu Yiming.

At this moment, Lu Yiming was dribbling the ball onto the pitch, beginning his solitary, meticulous training once more, entirely focused and absorbed.

Xu He was deeply impressed by Lu Yiming’s perseverance and self-discipline.

He chuckled inwardly. “If you don’t work hard, you might not even be able to match Lu Yiming. Xu He, you must keep going.”

He tightened his fists, steeling himself with renewed determination to train diligently and give his utmost.

Xu He then turned to look at Yang Xin’s departing figure, vowing silently, “I won’t lose to you. Soon, I’ll catch up and reclaim our rightful starting spot.”

Just then, Li Jie appeared at Xu He’s side, clapped him on the shoulder, and said, “Don’t mind him. Just pretend he doesn’t exist. Focus on your training. I believe you’ll make it back to the starting lineup one day. I believe in you.”

Xu He grinned. “Thank you. That’s what I think too.”

Li Jie laughed heartily. “That’s what I like about you—nothing can keep you down.”

Xu He chuckled. “The feeling’s mutual.”

Li Jie took it in stride, though he knew in this respect, he was no match for his friend.

At that moment, Zhu Ge gathered everyone together and announced, “We won today thanks to everyone’s effort! I’m going to treat you all to a celebration tonight. Nobody is allowed to leave early—everyone has to come!”

No sooner had Zhu Ge finished than Xu He frowned.

Truth be told, he wanted to celebrate with his teammates, but he had his own training plan and needed to get home early. There just wasn’t time.

But he had already declined Zhu Ge once before—saying no again would seem unfriendly.

Unexpectedly, Mu Yang stepped forward and declared, “I’m busy!”

With that, Mu Yang strode off coolly, his tall figure receding from the group.

Seeing this, Zhu Ge was left speechless.

Yang Xin and a few others also said they needed to hurry home, given there had been exams today and it was the weekend—they couldn’t stay out late.

With so many declining, Xu He no longer worried and politely refused Zhu Ge as well.

He stayed behind to continue his training, focusing on his shooting skills, which desperately needed improvement.

Yang Xin’s performance today had been a wake-up call, spurring Xu He to greater effort and intensity. Immersed in practice, he soon lost track of time.

By the time he realized it, it was already late.

He quickly packed up and left.

As he departed, he noticed Lu Yiming, still practicing alone on the track. Though breathless and exhausted, he persisted.

Xu He truly admired Lu Yiming.

That little guy had remarkable perseverance—surely his future would be bright.

Xu He didn’t dwell on it, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and ran home.

On his way, he didn’t see Li Liying; rumor had it she’d been called away by Principal Wang and the others. Xu He had no idea what it was about and simply went home.

On the way, he stopped by a small shop to buy two lollipops for the little ones at home. They both loved these, and Xu He brought them home once or twice a week.

It was already a bit late when he arrived, but his mother, Tang Qian, seemed in a good mood. She was busy in the kitchen and didn’t scold him for coming home late.

Seeing her son return, Tang Qian called out, “Hurry and get Xiao Yi and Xiao Fei to wash their hands. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Xu He replied, “Okay!” set down his backpack, and rushed into the room to call the little ones.

Little Xu Yi was diligently practicing the ukulele. When Xu He entered, the child was still strumming away, while Xu Fei sat beside him on a small stool, resting her cheeks in her palms, gazing at Xu Yi with the adoration of a little fan. She was so captivated she didn’t even notice Xu He come in.

Seeing this scene, a smile blossomed on Xu He’s face.

He didn’t interrupt Xu Yi. Only after the tune was finished did he call out, “Alright, that’s enough for today. Go wash your hands—it’s time for dinner.”

As he spoke, he produced the lollipops he’d brought.

The two little ones’ eyes sparkled as they saw the candy. They dashed over, calling “Brother! Brother!” in sweet voices, their chubby hands reaching eagerly for the treats.

Xu Fei piped up in her childish voice, “Thank you, brother! I love you the most!”

Xu He smiled warmly, stroked her head, and replied, “And I love you most too, my little Feifei.”

He added, “But save the candy for after dinner. Go wash your hands now.”

The children, thrilled with their treats, nodded enthusiastically and obeyed.

Unable to resist, Xu He hugged them both. “You’re such good kids. Let’s go!”

Taking their small hands in his, he led them out to wash up.

Just as they finished, their father returned.

Xu He called out, “Dad, you’re back! Wash your hands—dinner’s ready!”

Xu Tie nodded. “Alright.”

The family’s cheerful atmosphere made Xu He especially happy. But his joy was short-lived, for his mother soon began anew.

Tang Qian first served Xu He a fried egg, then asked, “Xiao He, you had your monthly exams at school these past two days, right?”

This news had already spread through the parents’ group, so it was no surprise she knew.

Xu He nodded. “Yes, Mother!”

Tang Qian gazed at him gently, but before she could speak, little Xu Fei, imitating her mother’s usual tone, asked gravely in her childish voice, “So, how did you score? How were your results?”

The serious mood was immediately undercut by this little one.

Tang Qian and Xu Tie both broke into laughter, and Tang Qian shot Xu Fei a glare. The little girl, far from frightened, only giggled gleefully.

Tang Qian could do nothing with her, only saying, “Eat your dinner!”

She turned to Xu He, but the mood she’d built up was ruined, impossible to recover.

Her gaze now lacked the icy edge that always made Xu He nervous, and he relaxed.

As she filled his bowl with food, she asked, “So, how did you do?”

Xu He answered promptly, “I think I did well. The questions weren’t too difficult, and I’d practiced most of them before. I should have done alright.”

Tang Qian nodded with satisfaction. “Really?”

Xu He nodded firmly. “Yes.”

Tang Qian reached over to gently stroke his head. “Good. As long as you did well. Eat more—you’ve lost weight lately.”

With that, she heaped more food into his bowl.

Xu He’s smile became a little strained. He wanted to say he couldn’t eat any more, but seeing the smile on his mother’s face, he couldn’t refuse.

Truth be told, Xu He was rather afraid of his mother.

She didn’t look fierce—in fact, she was gentle, like the soft-spoken girls of the south. Yet, inexplicably, Xu He found himself wary of her.

He murmured, “Thank you, Mom.”

Tang Qian said, “Alright, eat up,” and went to help Xu Yi and Xu Fei with their meal, allowing Xu He to breathe a sigh of relief.

Xu Tie, sensing his son’s predicament, said, “If you can’t finish, leave it—Dad will take care of it.”

Xu He looked up in delight. “Thanks, Dad! I knew you’re the best!”

Xu Tie replied, “That won’t work on me. Save that for your mother.”

Xu He felt aggrieved—he hadn’t meant to fool anyone!

Xu Tie glanced toward the other room, saw that Tang Qian wouldn’t be back soon, and asked, “You played soccer at school again today?”

Xu He didn’t hide it. “Yes, Dad. Our team won again.”

Xu Tie fixed him with a steady gaze. “Do you really like playing soccer?”

Xu He paused, then replied firmly, “Of course! I’ve played since I was a kid—I love it.”

Xu Tie considered this for a moment, then clarified, “I mean, do you really enjoy playing in your league?”

Xu He answered without hesitation, “Absolutely. I love it.”

Xu Tie stared at him. “Even if you have to sit on the bench the whole time… you still enjoy it?”

Xu He was taken aback, and after a long pause, asked, “Dad, did you go watch my match today?”