243: Do you know how big the difference is between amateur and professional?

Coach Chen spoke in detail about how he noticed Lei Jun at the Modu University Games, how he was shocked by her technical characteristics and competitive aura, and even took out several video clips of Lei Jun's matches he had secretly filmed with his phone.

"Look, her defense, her anticipation, her sense of rhythm—this is simply not the level an ordinary college student should have!"

"Her talent is the best I've ever seen! I know she has no prior record, but that exactly proves her potential is immense and has yet to be tapped! The National Games is a stage; I believe she will definitely prove herself!"

The leader frowned while watching the video. Although he wasn't a professional coach, he knew a bit about table tennis.

In the video, Lei Jun's effortless, controlling feeling over the entire court was indeed quite unusual.

But after all, her opponents were just college students, so the persuasiveness was limited.

"Old Chen, it's not that I don't believe you." The leader sighed. "But the pressure from public opinion is too great. She has no past achievements to support her; how do you expect me to explain this to the public? Many people are demanding an investigation into you right now."

Coach Chen got anxious: "Leader, an innocent man needs no alibi! I am willing to accept any investigation! But I implore you, give Lei Jun a chance as well! Let the facts speak! The National Games is right before us. As long as she plays one match, everyone will see her true level!"

"If she really can't do it and gets eliminated in the first round, then I, Chen Guohua, will resign on my own and accept any disciplinary action from the organization! But if she makes it, it will prove my eye was right and shut everyone's mouths!"

Looking at Coach Chen's eyes, red from excitement, and his resolute attitude, the leader pondered for a long time.

He knew Old Chen's character; he wasn't the type of person to act recklessly. Right now, public opinion was raging. Forcing the cancellation of Lei Jun's eligibility might temporarily calm the controversy, but if a truly talented player and an old coach were wronged, that would also be a loss.

Perhaps letting the match be the test was the only and best way.

"Fine!" The leader finally made the decision. "Old Chen, I'll trust you this once. Lei Jun's eligibility to compete is retained. However, at the National Games, her performance will be the best proof for you and for herself. If... if she performs poorly and causes an even greater backlash in public opinion, then you..."

"I understand! I'll bear all the consequences!" Coach Chen said firmly. He was actually breaking a sweat, but he had a near-blind confidence in Lei Jun, a confidence that stemmed from the things he had seen with his years of professional experience—things that transcended common sense.

Leaving the leader's office, Coach Chen felt his back was drenched in sweat.

But he soon cheered up again. Now, all hope was pinned on Lei Jun's performance at the National Games.

He believed that Lei Jun would definitely use her strength to slap the faces of all the doubters!

...Time soon arrived at the opening day of the National Games.

This National Games was held in the southern metropolis of Guangfu, and the grandeur was unprecedented.

The opening ceremony was magnificent, with bright lights as athlete representatives from all over the country entered the venue in high spirits, showcasing the demeanor of the Dragon Country's athletes in the new era.

The competition venues had first-class facilities, the audience's enthusiasm was high, and the media was focused, highlighting the solemnity and grandeur of the highest-level comprehensive sports event in the country everywhere.

Table tennis, as a popular event, attracted a large number of spectators and media attention.

Women's singles was the focus of focuses, with famous players gathered and fierce competition.

Lei Jun's first match was scheduled in a secondary venue. Although it wasn't the center court, because it was the debut of a controversial player, the attendance rate was unexpectedly high.

Many people weren't there to watch the game, but to watch a joke.

Tony, Qin Yu, Lin Xiaoya, Zhao Ya, Su Qing, Su Ya, Lei Ying, Lei Yue, and the others all made a special trip to fly to Guangfu to cheer for Lei Jun.

Sitting in the stands, they could clearly hear the various discussions and mockery coming from around them.

"Look, that's the silver-haired one, the 'specially invited player' of the Modu Team, called Lei Jun."

"She is quite pretty, but she's in the wrong place. This is the National Games, not a beauty pageant."

"Heard she's never played an official match before? The Modu Team has really gone crazy, sending someone like this to embarrass themselves."

"Chen Guohua must have taken dirty money! Just wait for the post-match investigation!"

"I bet she won't last past the first set; she'll definitely be beaten to tears by her opponent."

"Modu is going to lose face across the whole country this time."

These harsh words made Lin Xiaoya and the others turn pale with anger. Qin Yu couldn't help but stand up and retort to the few spectators nearby who were speaking the loudest.

"What nonsense are you talking about! Sister Lei is amazing! If you haven't seen her play, then don't talk rubbish!"

Those few spectators saw they were just a few youngsters and were amused.

"Yo, she even has a fan club? Little brother, you're only saying that because she's pretty, right? This is table tennis; you can't win matches with your face! Do you know who her first-round opponent is?"

"It's Li Jing from the Dongshan Provincial Team, a retired player from the National First Team. She's experienced and has a steady playing style! How is your Sister Lei going to win? By dreaming?"

Tony was also so angry that he raised his orchid finger. "You... you're making personal attacks! Muse's technique is an art! You don't understand!"

"Art?" Another spectator sneered. "Table tennis is table tennis, what art? Just wait until she's beaten so badly she doesn't know which way is up; let's see if you still call it art then!"

A burst of laughter erupted around them.

Lin Xiaoya was both anxious and angry as she said loudly, "Don't be so absolute! What if... what if Sister Lei wins?!"

"Win? Win against Li Jing? Hahahaha!" This time, even the spectators further away laughed. "Little girl, do you know how big the gap is between amateur and professional? Win against Li Jing? If she can win a single set, I'll drill my own ass with an electric drill!!!"

The others were instantly amused by his words and burst into loud laughter.

"Exactly! Never mind Li Jing, if she can pass the first round, I'll do a handstand and eat my shoes on the spot!"

"If your Modu Team can win a medal because of her, I'll wash my hair in the toilet."

Mockery and sarcasm flooded in like a tide, with words that were sharp and mean, filled with disdain for those who got in through connections and the lack of recognition for an amateur entering a professional field.

Tony and the others were trembling with rage, but they couldn't use facts to retort. They could only hold back their anger and silently pray that Lei Jun would prove her worth and fiercely slap these people's faces!

Coach Chen, also sitting in the coach's seat, felt the strange looks and faint mocking discussions coming from all directions.

His expression was calm, but his clenched fists betrayed his inner tension and anticipation.

He hoped more than anyone that Lei Jun could prove herself, not only to vindicate him but also to vindicate the Modu Team and to win a fair chance for truly talented people.

Finally, it was time for Lei Jun's match.

She wore a simple Modu City team tracksuit, her silver hair tied up, and walked onto the court with a calm expression.