242: Has Chen Guohua lost his mind?

Just as Coach Chen was about to continue his earnest persuasion, Lei Jun spoke. Her voice remained calm, but it made Coach Chen hold his breath instantly.

"Coach Chen, Principal," Lei Jun said slowly, "if it's only in a temporary capacity, such as... a college student athlete or a special invited athlete, representing Modu City in this National Games' table tennis competition, I can consider it."

"But I won't change my status as a student because of this, nor will I undergo long-term systematic training with the professional team. After the competition, I will still return to my normal studies and life. Is that acceptable?"

Her words actually offered a compromise: she would only participate in this National Games and not turn professional.

Coach Chen froze for a moment, and then a wave of immense joy surged in his heart!

Although there was a gap between this and his initial hope of recruiting her for long-term cultivation, as long as she could participate in the National Games, there was a chance!

With her talent, as long as she performed well at the National Games and felt the atmosphere of a major competition and the charm of competitive sports, maybe she would change her mind later?

Even in the worst-case scenario, if she really stopped playing after the competition, securing a good result for Modu City in this National Games would still be a huge gain!

"Yes! Of course!" Coach Chen nodded repeatedly, fearing Lei Jun might change her mind. "As a Special Invited College Student Athlete! The training can also be flexibly arranged according to your schedule! As long as you can participate!"

He was already starting to calculate how to handle the relevant procedures and registration for Lei Jun.

Seeing this, the Principal also breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a smile in support. This way, the student's wishes were respected, and glory could be brought to the school and the city—the best of both worlds.

And so, the matter was settled.

Lei Jun agreed to participate in the upcoming National Games' Table Tennis Women's Singles event as a "Special Invited College Student Athlete" for Modu City.

The news quickly spread through school channels and the sports system.

However, when some sports reporters dug into Lei Jun's background, they discovered a surprising fact.

This athlete who was about to represent Modu City in the National Games' Women's Singles was actually a complete amateur with no professional training background and no history of participating in any formal youth or amateur tournaments!

Her only notable achievement was the campus sports meet championship she had just won at Shanghai University.

Consequently, some speculative and suggestive reports began to appear.

"Shocking! Is the Modu City National Games Table Tennis Women's Singles Spot Being Occupied by a 'Connected Person'?"

"From Campus Champion Straight to the National Games? Genius or 'Black Box Operation'?"

"Is Beauty Justice? Modu City Team's New Selection Standards Spark Heated Debate."

Although the reports didn't name names, the implication was clear, suggesting that the Modu City Team coach, Chen Guohua, might have given a precious National Games spot to an unqualified "vase" college student due to non-competitive factors.

These reports fermented online, quickly igniting the anger of Modu City locals, especially sports fans who followed table tennis.

"Are you kidding me?! The National Games spots are so precious, and they're giving one to a college student who's never played a match? Has Chen Guohua lost his mind?!"

"It's definitely a backdoor deal! This girl must have a background!"

"Is our Modu City Table Tennis Team out of people? Do we have to rely on a 'vase' to save face? How embarrassing!"

"Strongly demand an investigation into Chen Guohua! There's definitely something fishy here! Embezzlement or bribery?"

"What we want is a table tennis warrior who can win glory for Modu, not a 'vase' going to the National Games just to pad her resume!"

"Just wait and see, she'll be knocked out in the first round. Let's see where Chen Guohua and this girl hide their faces then!"

Local sports forums and social media topics in Modu were filled with voices of doubt, anger, and ridicule.

People couldn't accept that their city's precious National Games qualification had fallen into the hands of an unknown amateur. In their eyes, this was unfair to other professional athletes who trained hard and an insult to the National Games, the highest-level comprehensive sports event in the country.

Table tennis enthusiasts and even some sports self-media from other provinces and cities, especially some sports powerhouses, took a schadenfreude approach, mocking the situation.

"Is Modu giving up on itself? Sending a beautiful college student to the National Games? Is she there for a fashion show?"

"Hahaha, is that old guy Chen Guohua becoming senile? How does he dare to give away such a spot so recklessly?"

"Waiting for the Modu Women's Singles one-round tour. Let's see how they end this then."

"Maybe she's actually a hidden expert? (Doge face)"

"Forget it, the gap between amateur and professional is a chasm. Just wait for her to get crushed."

Facing the surging doubts and accusations, Coach Chen was under immense pressure. He accepted several media interviews, trying to explain: "Student Lei Jun's technical level is very high; she is exceptionally talented and one of the most promising players I've ever seen."

"Although she lacks match experience, her strength is definitely qualified for the National Games. Please trust my professional judgment and trust Student Lei Jun. She didn't use any backdoors; this spot was offered after our evaluation following her campus championship win based on her strength."

However, his explanation seemed weak and powerless in the absence of a past track record.

Netizens didn't buy it at all.

"Strength? How do you prove it? A campus championship proves she's at the National Games level? Coach Chen, do you think we're fools?"

"Evaluation? Who evaluated her? It's just your word, isn't it?"

"Stop trying to whitewash it; the more you explain, the worse it looks! Waiting for the higher-ups to investigate!"

"We don't look at ads, we look at results. We'll see the truth at the National Games! If this Lei Jun can pass the first round, I'll eat my keyboard!"

The wave of doubt grew higher, and some even reported Coach Chen Guohua to the sports authorities under their real names, alleging abuse of power, illegal operations, and potential bribery.

The higher authorities also faced significant public pressure and had to intervene.

Soon, Coach Chen was called in for a talk by his superiors.

In the office, the atmosphere was solemn.

The leader had a grim face as he pushed a stack of printed online opinions and report materials toward Coach Chen.

"Old Chen, what exactly is going on? What's the background of this Lei Jun? Why did you give her the National Games spot? Now it's caused a huge uproar, and everyone says you're using your position for personal gain! Explain it to me clearly!"

Looking at those malicious speculations and reports, Coach Chen felt both angry and helpless.

He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself, and looked seriously at the leader.

"Leader, I, Chen Guohua, have worked in the table tennis team for nearly thirty years. I might not be able to say much else, but you know my eye for talent and my sense of responsibility for this career."

"I can guarantee with my professional career that I absolutely did not open any backdoors for Lei Jun or accept any benefits! I gave her this spot because I believe she has the ability and potential to win glory for Modu, despite the opposition!"