Chapter 84

After the start of the third round, Song Haowen changed his strategy, intensifying his attacks. This thrilled and surprised the audience.

They seemed to see a glimmer of hope in Song Haowen’s confidence, but they also feared a repeat of Zhao Meng’s fate, ending in a miserable defeat.

The entire audience was on edge, even the head coach Miao Chong shook his head in worry. However, even if he wanted to intervene, he was powerless.

Seeing Song Haowen’s aggressive approach in the third round, Benjamin couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy. Confident in his overpowering strength, he wasn’t afraid of his opponent’s strong attacks.

Instead, he feared evasion, preventing him from utilizing his full force. With a loud roar, Benjamin bolstered his spirits, intending to deliver a powerful punch.

After a few strong attacks from Song Haowen, seeing Benjamin’s intensified assault, he immediately changed tactics, employing Tai Chi’s soft techniques to continue engaging with his opponent.

Benjamin, who expected a direct and forceful exchange, felt a bit deflated as his aggressive approach faltered, and his strikes slowed down.

In the blink of an eye, Song Haowen seized the opportunity. Advancing boldly, he closed the distance, using his left shoulder to collide with Benjamin’s chest at lightning speed.

Simultaneously, he landed a punch on Benjamin’s chin. Under the dual impact, Benjamin couldn’t defend himself for a moment. His massive body flew backward like a cannonball.

Before his body could touch the ground, Song Haowen followed up with a swift kick. Benjamin’s body rotated 180 degrees in the air, and as his feet faced forward and his face downward, there was a resounding crash as he landed heavily on the arena’s wooden floor, cracking it in several places.

The entire stadium, after a moment of gasping in amazement, fell silent as if sound had been muted. It felt like an eternity before the entire arena erupted in cheers, screams, and tears of joy. Unexpectedly, Song Haowen had secured a victory.

As the bloodied and seemingly lifeless Benjamin was carried away for medical treatment, the referee officially announced Song Haowen’s victory.

The Huaxia team won the international martial arts competition against the United States with a significant 3-2 score. This unexpected triumph sent shockwaves across the nation, making Song Haowen and the other participants instant national heroes.

On the night of the competition’s conclusion, instead of returning to rest, Song Haowen was arranged to stay at the State Guest Fishing Hall. There, he received an audience and encouragement from the country’s top leaders.

Following that, the Sports Association organized a grand banquet to honor Song Haowen and the other two winning participants. The day after the competition, a prestigious celebration ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People, where Song Haowen and his fellow winners were recognized as outstanding athletes of China.

Coach Miao Chong was acknowledged as an excellent coach, and all four received first-class honors. The martial arts team was collectively recognized as an outstanding sports group, earning a collective first-class honor.

After the morning celebration, and a quick meal at the reception, Song Haowen hurried back to school for classes. During this period, due to training, he had missed quite a few classes and needed to catch up as much as possible.

However, he didn’t expect that news of yesterday’s match had already spread throughout the school. In the morning, as soon as he entered the classroom, his classmates surrounded him. Both Zhu Hongyu and Narenhua wanted to say something to him, but they didn’t get the chance.

Just ten minutes into the first afternoon class, the counselor, Mr. Jin, called Song Haowen to the meeting room. The school leaders collectively met with him, asking detailed questions about the competition.

They expressed astonishment at his remarkable martial arts skills and encouraged him to continue excelling, bringing glory to the school.

Before the end of the school day, Song Hua, his second sister, found him in the physics department. Seeing Song Haowen, she reproached him, “Participating in such a big event, and you didn’t even inform me or our parents.”

Song Haowen chuckled, “I didn’t want you and Mom and Dad to worry. Knowing now is good, right?”

“Pah, you little rascal!” Suddenly, Song Hua scolded loudly. “You’re so daring! How did you know you’d win the competition for sure? Do you realize the extraordinary background of your opponent? What if you had lost? Still dare to laugh!”

“I won’t laugh anymore; I’ll cry right away.” Song Haowen immediately surrendered, teasing Song Hua, who couldn’t help but laugh, breaking her stern expression. She then grabbed his hand and scanned him from head to toe. “Let me check if you’re injured.”

Pushing Song Huahua away, Song Haowen said, “Second sister, this is at school. Many classmates are watching us.”

Blushing, Song Huahua retorted, “You’re my little brother. What’s wrong with checking on you? Didn’t you like to run around the house naked when you were little?”

“Pah, second sister, are you talking nonsense now? Stop it, stop it! This is school, and I’m embarrassed by you.” Song Haowen felt a bit self-conscious.

At this point, classmates in the room gathered around, and knowing that Song Huahua was Song Haowen’s second sister, they playfully started making jokes.

“Song Haowen, is this beauty your new girlfriend? What department is she from? She’s so pretty.”

“You have Tian Nana; how about letting this beauty be my buddy’s girlfriend?”

“You’re quite lucky, kid…”

Song Haowen, afraid of his classmates, directly hid in the restroom.

After school, Song Haowen didn’t go back to the business store but followed his second sister directly to Guihua Hutong Courtyard, where the whole family lived.

His parents were still unaware of the competition. When Song Huahua mentioned it, they half-believed, saying, “Third son, is this true? Do you have such great skills? Can you really defeat a foreign boxing champion?”

Song Haowen was about to explain the competition when Song Huahua turned on the TV.

It happened to be broadcasting the highlights of the martial arts competition. Seeing Song Haowen’s heroic figure on the screen, the entire family was jaw-droppingly amazed.

Mom, Li Ying, kept asking, “Is this our third son? How did he become so talented?”

Song Haomin, the fourth child, and the youngest sister, Song Huifang, watched the TV while surreptitiously glancing at Song Haowen to confirm if their elder brother and the skilled person on TV were the same.

Song Haomin exclaimed, “Third brother, you’re going to be famous again, not as a singer but as a martial arts champion.”

Song Huifang leaned on Song Haowen’s back, her little mouth close to his ear, “Third brother, you’re so strong. Can you carry me around at home?”

Song Haowen sighed, “I had a tough time competing with a tough opponent, and my silly sister wants me to carry her?!”

Song Huasheng laughed heartily, took out some change from his pocket, and handed it to Song Huahua. “Today, let’s liven things up a bit. Second daugther, go to the store and buy some firecrackers. Let’s set them off.”

“Sure, I’ll go buy them with Second Sister.” Song Huifang slipped down from Song Haowen’s back and held Second Sister’s hand, heading outside.

Worried, Song Haowen said, “Our courtyard is almost full of tenants. Setting off firecrackers now, won’t it disturb others?”

“What’s there to worry about?” Li Ying said loudly, “If possible, I want to go out on the street and beat drums and gongs.”

Song Haowen hastily said, “Mom, keep it low-key, keep it low-key.”

Song Huasheng and Li Ying exchanged glances and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Soon, Guihua Hutong echoed with the crackling sound of firecrackers. In the evening light, the firecrackers sounded particularly loud and piercing. Soon, the front gate was crowded with tenants and passersby, asking about the joyous occasion.

Li Ying warmly answered every inquirer. Soon, people were surprised to find out that the martial arts star shown on TV was the third son of this family, and he was also a popular singer. They couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh my goodness.”

This was like dropping a heavyweight bomb out of thin air in the courtyard, causing a sensation. Their tenants were even more ecstatic, unable to believe they were living in the same courtyard as a big star.

Song Haowen complained, “Mom and Dad, now you’re in trouble.”

Song Huasheng smiled and said, “After moving to the city, everything is fine, just too lonely. We don’t even have anyone to visit. This is considered—”Top of Form

Song Huahua quickly said, “Third brother, don’t worry too much. Mom and Dad are just trying to attract attention. With you as a topic, there will definitely be more visitors in the future, reducing their loneliness.”

Song Haowen smiled wryly. “Second sister, don’t be too happy for them. Fame can bring trouble. There might be times when they get fed up. For no reason, a few paparazzi might be squatting at the entrance, restricting my movements.” After saying that, he went back to the courtyard alone.

Following Song Haowen into the house, Song Huahua comforted him, “It’s okay; it’s not that bad yet.”

After thinking for a moment, Song Haowen said, “I can’t dampen Mom and Dad’s enthusiasm right now. Second sister, you’ll have to help me tell them. If someone asks about my situation, try not to answer them too much. It’s to prevent giving them leverage against me, and I don’t want to be targeted.”

Hearing this, Song Huahua’s expression immediately became serious, recalling the incident reported in the “Suburban Daily.” “You’re right; this matter should be taken seriously by the whole family. By the way, how do you plan to handle the reports in those tabloids?”

“What else can I do? I can’t go to court, right? I can only let it go. If I have the energy, I’d rather take a break at home. They like spreading rumors; let them go ahead.” Song Haowen said somewhat helplessly.

“Third brother, you’re a public figure now. You should cherish your reputation and not give those bad people a chance. I remember you’re not short of money. If there are envy and resentment towards the music studio, and they won’t let you operate it, just give it up. It’s better not to catch any fish and end up smelling like fish yourself.”

“Hehe, second sister, if you don’t mention it, I’d forget about it. I never wanted to get involved in that music studio; it was Nana and her mother who pushed me to join. But because of me, they got into trouble. I feel a bit guilty. Not for myself, but for the sake of them, I have to handle this, and handle it well.”

“You’re a powerless young man; how can you compete with those officials?”

“Not all officials are on their side. Second sister, just watch; there will be a way.”

“Okay. I hope so.” Song Huahua took a turn in the kitchen and came out. “You see, Mom and Dad were so busy being happy for you today that they forgot to make dinner.”

Song Haowen shrugged. “Not making dinner is also fine. Let’s all go to a restaurant as a family.”

Excitedly, Song Huahua said, “Great! I’ll go inform Mom and Dad right away.”

The family joyfully went to a restaurant on the street and had a hearty meal, all very happy. As they left the restaurant, Song Haowen said, “Mom, Dad, I haven’t been to the shop for a few days because of the competition. I need to go check on things now.”

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow? Every time you come home, you can’t stay for more than a few minutes,” Li Ying said somewhat discontentedly.

Song Huai Sheng waved his hand at Song Haowen. “If you have something to do, go ahead. We have plenty of people at home. You take care out there alone.”

“I know. Mom, Dad, I’m really busy,” Song Haowen said earnestly.

Li Ying smiled, “Alright, there’s nothing at home that requires your help. Go attend to your matters. On your way back, ride your bike slowly and be careful.”