Chapter 14: The Sole Path to a Prestigious University

Returning to the town’s middle school after a night’s rest, Yang Yongqiang explained the situation to the school and the next day brought Su Shen back to their home in Guyi Village. He had already called ahead, informing Su’s parents that they would be visiting today.

For parents of students in this era, when a teacher comes to visit, instinctively they think it’s never good news. It usually means the child has been mischievous at school, and the teacher is coming to “demand an explanation.”

Yang Yongqiang hadn’t made things clear, so as soon as Su Shen arrived home, he immediately sensed the tense atmosphere—it felt very wrong. The air was heavy.

If there hadn’t been outsiders present, Su Shen was almost certain he would have been scolded harshly and then subjected to a “stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork” punishment—a euphemism for getting beaten.

Despite some fruit arranged neatly on the table, the atmosphere was so oppressive that even Yang Yongqiang wondered if he had done something wrong.

Su Shen quietly informed Yang Yongqiang of the situation, which made the latter chuckle. He patiently began explaining to Su’s parents why they had come today.

He proudly revealed that Su Shen had won two gold medals at the city sports meet and had broken the 100-meter record for middle school students in Xiangshan City. They could even catch the interview on the local TV that evening.

Appearing on television, winning gold medals, breaking records—this triple success was like a powerful combination punch to Su Shen’s parents, leaving their minds buzzing.

After all, before this, their son was just an ordinary, somewhat hyperactive village boy in their eyes. Had he been born in their generation, he would likely have been working the fields by now.

Who would have thought he’d suddenly become a “little celebrity”?

In this day and age, even city kids felt honored to appear on TV, let alone two shining gold medals with his name on them. There was no denying the truth, and under Yang Yongqiang’s patient explanation, the parents gradually nodded in acknowledgment.

But the moment they heard the words “sports school,” they became more cautious.

Su’s father asked the first question: “Does going to the sports school mean Xiao Tian will stop studying?”

Su’s mother said nothing, but her expression spoke volumes—she likely thought the same.

Studying was, after all, the only proper path in the minds of millions of parents at the time. The belief that “all trades are lowly, only studying is noble” remained deeply ingrained. Even in 2021, this was considered orthodox thinking. For a young rural couple in 2004 to think otherwise would be strange.

Yang Yongqiang had clearly prepared his response and spoke calmly: “Brother Su, listen to me. The sports school is still a school and offers academic courses. Xiao Tian won’t stop studying. Moreover, with his level, I believe he has a good chance of getting into university.”

“Getting into university.”

That phrase struck a chord deep within Su’s parents. In 2004, university admission rates were much lower than they would be later. For a village to produce a university student was a matter of great pride. And while university graduates then were not as highly valued as those in the 80s or 90s, they were still more prized than after 2020.

Simply put, rarity made them valuable.

This “trump card” surprised Su’s parents, who had been frowning earlier. They glanced at each other uncertainly, because, to be honest, they knew Su Shen’s academic level well. Even getting into a high school was good; university? That had never even crossed their minds.

So the prospect of university admission stirred their hearts profoundly.

“Zhaohua, look—didn’t that old man Zhang from the neighboring village just have a grandson graduate from university? They had lights and decorations, a real celebration. The whole village says he’s a top student. Could our Xiao Tian be the same?” Su’s mother’s words unsettled Su’s father, but as the head of the family, he steadied himself and asked carefully, “Can he really get into university? Don’t deceive us.”

After all, this was his son’s entire future at stake; a father couldn’t afford not to scrutinize.

“Rest assured. As long as he joins the provincial team and performs well, there’s a great chance he’ll enter university, even a prestigious one,” Yang Yongqiang reassured them.

“A prestigious university,” Su’s parents were genuinely moved this time. Compared to the neighboring village’s graduate from an ordinary second-tier university, a prestigious university was an enticing prospect. But words alone weren’t enough. After toiling all their lives in this village, they were understandably skeptical of promises that seemed too good to be true.

Only when Yang mentioned that a coach from the city sports school would come to visit did they feel somewhat reassured.

It was unlikely that these respected city officials would conspire to deceive simple village folk.

“Teacher Yang, please have some tea and snacks. We can continue talking,” Su’s mother invited.

Around 10 a.m., Ning Debao arrived with his team, driving a school vehicle that looked quite impressive. In 2004, private cars were rare and reserved for the wealthy.

Seeing such a grand reception, and hearing Ning Debao enthusiastically share his work experience and qualifications with Su’s parents, they finally believed him.

Once convinced, there was no turning back.

The chance to attend university, especially a prestigious one, was an opportunity they could not block. Otherwise, they’d miss their chance completely.

Their earlier caution was just fear of being scammed and ruining their son’s future.

Originally, Su Shen had no chance at university, but suddenly, there was hope, and his parents’ mindsets shifted.

“How about tuition? Sports schools aren’t cheap, especially with training and nutrition costs. Xiao Tian’s body can’t handle neglect,” Su’s father said.

Finally, Su’s mother couldn’t hold back. She stood up and declared, “What are you saying? This is a university opportunity. Coach Ning said Xiao Tian has talent. I’d sell everything I own to send him. We can’t let our child’s future be wasted.”

“Just don’t deceive us,” she added.

“Don’t worry, Sister Su. I promise I won’t deceive you. Plus,” Ning Debao had clearly done his homework on Su Shen’s family beforehand and was ready with his final card, “our school is officially approved by the province and the state, and usually receives subsidies. For Xiao Tian’s case, we’ve discussed it. The school can help him apply for financial aid temporarily, and personally, I guarantee he’ll be well-fed with proper nutrition.”

His words essentially said, “We’ll take care of everything; just send us your son to train.”

Hearing this, Su’s father was surprised. Usually, such favorable conditions didn’t exist. He wasn’t naïve and knew the unwritten social rules: sports schools weren’t charitable organizations. If they were willing to do this, it meant they truly saw value or potential in their son.

He relaxed, smiled, and shook Ning Debao’s hand. “Coach Ning, we understand your intentions. My wife and I will consider it.”

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“Yes. Once you’ve decided, just send Xiao Tian here. Here’s my card,” Ning Debao said, then stood to leave. She had a bold, straightforward personality. Having achieved her goal, there was no reason to linger. Besides, she wanted to personally see where the “book-loving” Xiao Tian would be studying, as the sports school’s library in Xiangshan City was notoriously barren.

“Hey? Leaving so soon, Coach Ning? Stay for a meal first,” Su’s mother pleaded.

“No, Sister Su. Once Xiao Tian arrives, I’ll treat you all to a meal,” she replied, leaving with Yang Yongqiang.

In the car, Yang Yongqiang was puzzled. Why leave so soon? Hadn’t the matter been settled? Was Su Shen rejecting the offer?

Ning Debao, far more experienced, smiled and said, “It’s already settled. Xiao Tian is coming. Staying longer wouldn’t accomplish anything; the purpose is achieved.”

“Really?” Yang Yongqiang said. “I didn’t hear them agree.”

They were joking—if they hadn’t agreed, would they have left? If one visit wasn’t enough, they’d come twice; if twice wasn’t enough, three times—no matter how many times it took, they’d persist.

In the 21st century, what matters most is talent.

For talent, a bit of sincerity and face-saving is normal.

Anyway, Su Shen was definitely going.

Ning Debao shook her head, smiled, and said nothing more, already planning how to polish this rough gem called Su Shen.

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After Ning Debao left, Su’s mother immediately asked Su’s father why he hadn’t agreed yet. Didn’t they already exchange looks and unify their family’s decision?

No mother would not fight fiercely for her child’s future.

“You don’t understand. Even if we agree, we shouldn’t say yes so quickly. Ah, whatever. Let’s prepare for Xiao Tian. I’ll send him to the city the day after tomorrow,” Su’s father said.

Su’s mother felt reluctant. “So soon? Once he’s in the city, it won’t be easy to see him anymore.”

“A true man aims far. Since Xiao Tian has this talent, we shouldn’t hold him back. Early or late, it’s the same—so let’s make it the day after tomorrow. No more delays.”

Su’s father shook his head and looked at Su Shen. “Come here. I have a few things to tell you.”

Su Shen nodded obediently, knowing the inevitable “father-son talk” was coming.

As a father, seeing his son embark on a different path, he naturally had to say a few words.

PS: The first true stage of Su Shen’s training journey has begun.

It is also the first stage where he will truly make his name known.

If you like Su Shen and this story, please show some support and help the boy along. ┭┮﹏┭┮~~~