Chapter 303: Considering Withdrawal? (Part 2)

“Two people are indeed too few, and since we can’t take any backdoor or make any additions, let’s agree to withdraw.”

Actually, if it were anyone else competing, the principal and the head could have decided not to participate in the competition long ago.

However, since the participant was Zhao Qingfeng, the well-known provincial top scorer and their favored seed player, they had no choice but to seek his opinion.

Zhao Qingfeng still shook his head, “Principal, head, I think we can make it. I want to give it a try.”

Teacher Yu also encouraged from the side, “Principal, let Little Feng try. What’s wrong with just two people? I believe Student Zhao can be like Zhao Zilong from Changshan in the past, charging in and out seven times in the competition, achieving a respectable result.”

The principal frowned, “Teacher Yu, I know you have high hopes for Little Feng, and so do I. But to be honest, the opponents are too strong. Since you brought up the Three Kingdoms, let me do the same. In my view, Little Feng is still green, although he has exceptional talent, he lacks any real combat experience and capability. On the other hand, our opponents are like heroes competing for supremacy, each with formidable strength. So, I really think it would be better for Little Feng to study for another year, to be fully prepared before competing with them for supremacy.”

Furthermore, to ensure withdrawal, the principal and the head demanded that Li Ping immediately declare his firm intention to withdraw.

Li Ping was very unwilling.

After preparing for so long, to just not participate suddenly, how could he feel good about it?

Especially since he was already in his senior year and about to start working.

Zhao Qingfeng might have another chance next year, but he would not, yet facing the pressure, he dared not disagree, “I… I, Li Ping, firmly decide to withdraw. Student Zhao, if you still want to participate, then go by yourself, I won’t go…”

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebration was about to start in two hours, at five o’clock.

Today is September 31st, also the last day to decide on withdrawal. After five o’clock, everything would be set in stone. The principal was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, “Little Feng, quickly, decide to withdraw, withdraw, I’ll call the organizing committee right away!”

After all, not participating is better than ending up at the bottom of the national competition.

And the school ultimately cares about recruitment, honor, and many other interests, whether personal or collective.

Zhao Qingfeng was clear-headed but still shook his head, “Principal, since we have already registered, I will not withdraw no matter what. But please believe, I am not being reckless or blindly confident, but have full confidence in myself.”

The principal nodded in agreement, “Okay, if you want to compete, that’s fine. If you insist on participating, I can agree. But the problem is, a single participant does not have the right to compete, at least two are needed. Now that Li Ping insists on withdrawing, leaving you by yourself, and the organizing committee does not allow substitutes, you surely don’t intend to call Zhang Qiang and Zhang Ziyu back, do you?”

Of course not.

Their father had passed away, going back to mourn and wait for the seventh day after death is human nature.

No so-called honor is more important than family; otherwise, one does not deserve to be called human.

So, the solution was clear, just to get Li Ping to not withdraw.

Zhao Qingfeng looked towards Li Ping.

The principal, the head, Teacher Zhou, and Teacher Yu all looked at him as well.

Li Ping felt uncomfortable under their gaze, his mind tormented by conflicting emotions.

Teacher Zhou cleared his throat, “Li Ping, think carefully before you speak. Affecting the school’s honor is no small matter. Moreover, the two of you are too few in number, going to the competition is like being solitary ghosts, with everyone wielding the scythe of the Grim Reaper frantically reaping at you, you’d just be stepping stones.”

Li Ping looked around, only Zhao Qingfeng’s face remained calm and confident, his dark eyes gently looking at him, which reminded him of the ‘selection’ scene and suddenly brought a sense of calm to his heart.

Zhao Qingfeng raised his eyebrows, continuing to encourage, “Senior, I’ve said it, through a million people I shall go. If I, being inexperienced, am not afraid, what about you, who have been through battles? The more difficult the situation, the stronger we must be. Plus, I’m confident, and you’re confident too. You’ve said our strengths are comparable, we’re both young, what’s there to fear? My intention is still to compete, to give it our all against them. You’re in your senior year, if you don’t compete this year, you’ll never have the chance again. Don’t you want to turn your four years of learning into a sharp sword and prove yourself on the battlefield?”

Li Ping was moved by his words.

Yes.

He had been preparing for four years, always with the goal of proving himself in the competition.

A burning ambition ignited instantly within him.

He took a deep breath, glanced at Teacher Zhou, and then solemnly said to the principal, “Principal, you can punish me however you want afterward. I’ve studied for four years, waited for four years, I want to compete. Teacher Zhou, you’re right, we’re at a disadvantage, indeed like solitary ghosts on the competition field, at the mercy of others. But, as my junior said, what’s there to fear for us young people? So, I want to meet them!”

———-
Support the Translation! 🌐✨

Your donations not only show appreciation but also keep the translator motivated! Every contribution helps continue bringing you more of what you love. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 💖

https://www.ko-fi.com/maxoofie