Chapter 89: This Kid Really Knows How to Spin a Tale! (First Update)

In the days that followed, Ming Han and Yu Hang found themselves under strict supervision. Their routine was confined to physical training and basketball skill practice, and even their diet was strictly regulated. Dong Zhijun assigned a tall, alluringly dressed image consultant to manage their appearance, and thus began their nightmare.

Both of them had always enjoyed barbecue and soda—foods and drinks high in calories. But ever since Ms. Fang took charge of their daily life and meals, they weren't allowed to touch any of those. Their menu consisted of boiled meat, vegetables, apples, eggs, milk, and so on. Though nutritionally balanced, the monotony of it all made them want to gag.

Fang Ping spoke earnestly, “Countless people who aspire to this path fail at the hurdle of physical appearance.”

Yu Hang was unconvinced. “You mean celebrities, don't you? We’re here to showcase our basketball skills, not our faces.”

Ming Han nodded in agreement. They were focused on honing their basketball techniques above all else.

“To me, your future paths are no different from those of celebrities,” Fang Ping replied calmly. She had seen too many idol trainees and understood the company’s philosophy all too well.

“You’re both in your adolescence. If you break out in acne, I doubt the company will schedule any activities for you. At that point, forget about making big money.”

Ming Han fell silent. If basketball was their sole pursuit, they wouldn’t have signed with the company so early. In truth, they wanted to enter society sooner and start earning.

Seeing her words had struck a chord, Fang Ping continued, “The company sees great potential in both of you. Cherish this opportunity. Remember, it often takes just one chance for someone to rise.”

Yu Hang thought of his family, of his grandparents laboring tirelessly, and clenched his palm. “Ms. Fang, I’ll remember everything you’ve said.”

“We’ll have much time together, and I’ll gradually teach you two naive students the harsh rules of this society.”

With that, Fang Ping picked up the day’s schedule. “This afternoon is all about basketball drills. Tonight, we’ll discuss tactics and analyze our opponent's play style.”

While everyone else basked in the comfort and leisure of winter break, Ming Han and Yu Hang were exhausted to the bone. The company woke them at seven; after breakfast, they ran, practiced their basketball skills, and worked on their teamwork.

Ming Han called Su Yan to complain, “Mom, I’m being subjected to inhuman treatment. I miss your spicy boiled fish so much.”

Su Yan comforted him, “Hardship endured brings success, Xiao Han. And honestly, with you gone, the household is saving a lot on groceries!”

Ming Han felt a pang. At a time like this, his mother was still thinking about grocery expenses. Did she value that more than him? Reflecting on her money-minded ways, Ming Han had to admit she probably did.

The Qianyang Club didn’t give them excessive fitness plans. According to Fang Ping, “You’re still growing. Too much training will stunt your development. Those who make a living here should be tall and handsome.”

Life at Qianyang Club was monotonous but fulfilling. Their days were packed from morning to night.

What hurt Ming Han most was that, after nightly tactical discussions with the coach, Yu Hang could return to the dorm and rest, but Ming Han had to accompany Fang Ping for an extra hour of vocal training with another teacher.

“Ming Han, with your wonderful voice and exceptional musicality, the company must fully develop your potential!”

Ming Han felt thoroughly exploited by the capitalist machine.

Yet, since studying with a professional vocal coach, his singing had indeed improved by leaps and bounds.

He usually returned to the dorm around nine thirty, by which time Yu Hang had already showered and was comfortably reading novels.

Their whereabouts during this period were kept secret except from their families.

Last night, Huang Ying called in fury, “Yu Hang, are you chasing after another girl? You’re not even answering my calls!”

Yu Hang chuckled and apologized, “It’s just a mishap. I’ve been training with Ming Han these days!”

Huang Ying scolded, “Listen, Yu Hang, don’t pick up Ming Han’s bad habit of flirting with every girl he meets.”

The speaker was on, and Yu Hang laughed till he was breathless.

Ming Han was exasperated; so that’s the impression he left on Huang Ying?

Not long after, Chen Li called, “Ming Han, what are you up to? You seem busy lately.”

Ming Han laughed, “I’m working to support my family! When I get paid, I’ll treat you to burgers.”

Burgers were Chen Li’s least favorite food.

“Not serious,” Chen Li assumed Ming Han was joking.

“Bro, tomorrow’s the Lantern Festival. If they watch the local channel, we won’t be able to keep this under wraps,” Yu Hang sighed. “We can’t hide it forever. We’ll see how it goes. Besides, the local station doesn’t have entertainment segments or variety shows. They’re not that idle.”

Early the next morning, someone was assigned to escort them to the event venue. When Ming Han stepped out of the car, he was astonished by the number of reporters in a county of seventy thousand people.

The official media presence was particularly impressive.

An official female reporter stood broadcasting: “Tonight is the Lantern Festival. Every household will celebrate with various activities, riddles, and rice dumplings. Our county mayor, foregoing his own rest, will join the people in their festivities. This morning, he will attend a basketball tournament organized by local students.”

Listening to her rapid-fire delivery, Ming Han couldn’t help but admire her. Clearly, any profession requires skill honed by experience.

The official media focused on live coverage and closely tracked the mayor’s movements. The smaller papers, deprived of such privileges, sought opportunities wherever they could.

When they spotted Yu Hang and Ming Han getting out of the car, especially in their basketball uniforms, several reporters rushed over. “Are you participants in today’s tournament?”

Ms. Fang Ping had instructed them not to refuse any media interviews at first. You never know what might make you famous.

They had spent the past few days learning how to interact with the press.

Ming Han greeted them with a smile, speaking slowly: “Yes! It’s an honor to represent the student body at this event. Our goal is to showcase the energy and vitality of youth. As students, we understand that we are the future of our country, its blossoming flowers. We are grateful for the leadership’s concern for our lives, studies, and sports. We will strive to play our best in this match.”

The reporters switched on their recorders and cameras, documenting everything in an orderly fashion.

Standing anxiously beside Ming Han, Fang Ping finally breathed a sigh of relief. “This kid can really spin a tale…”