Chapter 15: Hospitality and Verbal Abuse
The focus of the pre-match press conference still remained on Qi Rui-Feng.
This was a very interesting phenomenon. In Chinese sports, although women have earned more world championships in various events than the men, the men were always the ones who received more attention. For example, Qi Rui-Feng was the only one in the Chinese men's swimming team to have achieved an Olympics gold, while the female candidates had obtained 3 gold medals in the last Olympic Games. Moreover, Xiang Yang-Yang had managed to defend their champion status in the female 200 mixed medley. And yet, in the eyes of the common folk, the leader of Chinese swimming was not Xiang Yang-Yang, but Qi Rui-Feng.
Right now, Qi Rui-Feng was being besieged on all sides due to his "irresponsibility" —— he had only signed up for one event this time, the men's 100-metre freestyle.
A reporter asked, "Why didn't you sign up for an event you're better at, like the 1500-metre free?"
Qi Rui-Feng blurted out in response, "The opponents are too ——" his words cut off with a sharp inhale. His eyebrows knitted together, his face scrunched up in a twist.
The opponents were too what? Tell us!
Qi Rui-Feng decided to say no more. Because the woman beside him was currently pinching him with all her strength, as punishment for his outburst of nonsense. Only another Olympics champion would have the guts to treat an Olympics champion this way.
That's right, the one pinching him was Xiang Yang-Yang. As the coaches were seated with other coaches for the press conference this time, with the athletes being seated together with other athletes, Qi Rui-Feng's coach, Yuan Roon-Mei, was not close enough to keep him under control. He could only task Xiang Yang-Yang to watch this fool's mouth.
Qi Rui-Feng sullenly shut up, but the reporter continued to press, "What about the opponents? Were you trying to say that the opponents are too weak?"
"Guess."
"I won't ..."
The sharp-eyed reporter saw Yuan Roon-Mei moving towards his microphone, obviously planning to take over and answer this question.
He could not let a coach answer! Coaches were the slickest in the world ... far less cuter than athletes who dared to say anything.
And so, he turned decisively to Tang Yi-Bai. "Tang Yi-Bai, regarding Qi Rui-Feng's decision to only compete against you in this entire competition, what do you think?"
These words were obviously trying to set off some gunpowder into the air.
As such a minor player, Tang Yi-Bai had not expected to be called on. He pursed his lips and replied, "Brother Feng is not like me. I'm gravely lacking in competitive experience, and so need to participate in all kinds of competitions as much as possible to accumulate experience. But Brother Feng has already participated in many international competitions. His results in the 1500-metre free is very good. With that kind of results, it is already very hard for him to gain experience in national competitions. Besides that, I personally think that competing under the premise of assured victory too often will foster a sense of complacency. And so I think that Brother Feng's decision is extremely wise. I don't understand what is confusing about it."
He spoke surely and sedately, and the entirety of his speech could be boiled down to this basic idea: The opponents are too weak.
However, his words were articulated so well and so perfectly that it was impossible to pick out any thorns from it. The reporter was rather disappointed. Are athletes these days also this slick now? Not cute at all!
Still somewhat reluctant to let it go, he asked, "So, the opponents are too weak, right?"
Tang Yi-Bai looked at him with some censure. "We athletes do not have it easy. Please be kind with your words."
"F*ck ——" the reporter could not help but burst out swearing. Realising that he had lost control of his emotions, he flushed, and without saying anything else, sat back down.
Xiang Yang-Yang said softly with her head bowed, "Yi-Bai did good."
Qi Rui-Feng had also figured out by now that Tang Yi-Bai was helping him smooth things out. Good bros, right? They take the piss out of each other behind the scenes, but had each other's back on formal occasions.
Another reporter stood up and, as a follow-up to the topic, asked Tang Yi-Bai, "Are you afraid to compete against Qi Rui-Feng? He's an Olympic champion."
Tang Yi-Bai smiled. "No. I may be able to swim better with a formidable rival."
Qi Rui-Feng repaid Tang Yi-Bai for his earlier help by supporting him now. "What's he afraid of? He has a very strong heart — even if ArbussyNot a real swimmer as far as I can tell. It's almost like a mangling of Phelps in Chinese, with close rhymes and similar looking characters, but I think the author wanted to avoid using real athlete names. comes, he's not afraid — hiss!"
Yet another sharp inhale — and this one was even louder than the last one. Qi Rui-Feng felt as if his flesh was about to be ripped out by Xiang Yang-Yang.
When the reporter heard these words, his eyes shone brightly as he looked at Tang Yi-Bai. "Is what he says true? You aren't afraid even if Arbussy comes?"
Tang Yi-Bai's smile seemed rather forced. "Of course."
Arbussy was the men's 100-metre freestyle champion for two consecutive Olympics, and he was also the world record holder for the event. Qi Rui-Feng did not understand why the question needed to be avoided; of course, he would understand the next day.
Once the press conference ended, the athletes and the coaches departed first before the reporters. Seated below, Yun Duo looked around and saw that everyone had left, leaving only Lin Zi and her behind. She was a little worried — Tang Yi-Bai couldn't have forgotten her ... right?
This worry lasted for less than two seconds, because Tang Yi-Bai soon returned.
Yun Duo put her things on Lin Zi's lap. "Wait here for me." With that, she walked over to sit with Tang Yi-Bai at a table to the side.
"What can I do for you?" she asked.
Tang Yi-Bai was just about to speak when someone dashed out from behind him. The person's tall figure was like a small mountain — who was it but Qi Rui-Feng? Qi Rui-Feng walked over and casually draped his arm over Tang Yi-Bai's shoulders. "Why haven't you left yet," and then glancing at Yun Duo, he said, "Egg ——"
"Cough, cough, cough!" Tang Yi-Bai suddenly began coughing violently.
"Um, Yun Duo," Qi Rui-Feng changed what he was about to say. His eyes swept across the venue, and then facing towards Lin Zi, he asked Yun Duo, "Is that your boyfriend? As weak as a rabbit."
Yun Duo felt like collapsing to the ground. What was with that description?!
What she didn't know was that this question of Qi Rui-Feng's had been copy-pasted from Tang Yi-Bai.
Right then, Tang Yi-Bai naturally would not admit that he was the original source. He merely shook his head solemnly, saying, "QQ, don't connect 'men' and 'rabbits' together. It's unbearable."
It took Qi Rui-Feng two seconds before he reacted, shoving Tang Yi-Bai away roughly. "You're so lewd! You beast!"
Tang Yi-Bai was not at all ashamed. He rubbed his jaw as his gaze drifted lazily over to Lin Zi, and then he grinned at Yun Duo. "He indeed looks a little weak. Is he really your boyfriend?"
Yun Duo felt rather uncomfortable. "No ..."
Right at that moment, a head popped out from behind the two of them. "Big bro Feng, Big bro Yi-Bai, so here's where you are!" It was little boy Ming Tian. He walked over to Tang Yi-Bai's other side and did not seem surprised to see Yun Duo. He too glanced at Lin Zi. "Big sis, your boyfriend is really weak!"
Yun Duo was speechless. "Can you all not be so synchronised in your misunderstandings ... he's not my boyfriend, just a colleague. Also, he's not weak. He's can eat a whole cow in one meal, so he should be very strong."
Qi Rui-Feng was disdainful. "And also a glutton."
Ming Tian nodded. "Weak but also eats a lot ... it must be such a loss taking care of him."
Hey, hey, hey! What's with that tone so like that of an administrator of a pig farm?! Yun Duo facepalmed, and then looking at Tang Yi-Bai, she asked, "What did you want to say to me?"
Tang Yi-Bai looked around. "Can the two of you go back first?"
Qi Rui-Feng and Ming Tian pouted, but turned to leave. Ming Tian grumbled as he walked away. "Big bro Yi-Bai, we even know how many moles you have on your butt. Isn't it a bit too late now to worry about privacy?"
Qi Rui-Feng smacked the back of his head. "Don't say such things in front of ladies, you idiot!"
Yun Duo sweatdropped, bowing her head. She really pitied Tang Yi-Bai — having to spend all day with this bunch of abnormal human specimens, and yet still being able to come off relatively normal ... it wasn't easy!
After the two left, Tang Yi-Bai said, "Yun Duo, I want to treat you to a meal after this competition ends."
Oh, so that's what he wanted to talk about. Yun Duo knew he wanted to thank her for the tutoring for the level 4 exam, and so she nodded. "Okay. But you could have just told me this over WeChat. And here I was thinking something big has happened."
Tang Yi-Bai smiled. "It's more sincere to extend an invitation in person. What would you like to eat?"
"Hmm, just something light will do. I've been eating a few too many rich meals lately," said Yun Duo, rubbing her tummy. Lin Zi had been a true man of his word, generous with his side of the bargain, even stocking up lots of snacks in their unit office. And so she ...
Tang Yi-Bai looked at her with a smile. "You don't have to help me save money. Athletes aren't that poor."
Yun Duo really did not know how to explain, so she could only say, "Then, why don't you choose? I'm fine with anything."
"Alright."
Immediately following his agreement, two voices cried out in unison from the semi-closed door behind Tang Yi-Bai. "I want to come too!"
Needless to say, it was those two who had been eavesdropping. Tang Yi-Bai facepalmed. He had neglected to take his teammates' shamelessness into account. He tilted his head slightly, his chin raised just a tiny fraction, to reveal a long and slender ivory neck. He stuck both his hands in his pockets and stood tall, his strong and upright figure resembling that of a straight little redwood tree. And then, this lovely little redwood tree shouted, "Go to hell!"
Yun Duo found that her aesthetic appreciation was becoming slightly twisted — she actually found Tang Yi-Bai very handsome even when he was cursing vulgarly.
When Yun Duo and Lin Zi returned to the agency, she let Lin Zi draw up several article headlines based off the day's press conference. Lin Zi's results were as follows:
Qi Rui-Feng gives up on main event to take on Tang Yi-Bai. Reason: Opponents are too weak.
Tang Yi-Bai subverts the natural order by challenging Arbussy — I'm not afraid even if you come!
Why were Xiang Yang-Yang and Qi Rui-Feng making eyes at each other at the press conference?
Aaaaaaaah! What the hell was all this?! Qi Rui-Feng had never admitted that 'the opponents were too weak', alright?! When had Tang Yi-Bai challenged Arbussy?! And you're using a phrase like 'making eyes' for a press conference on sports? Also! What the hell is up with 'subverts the natural order'?!!
From those few words, Yun Duo somehow managed to sense the vibes of the classical stories of Jin Ping Mei金瓶梅: A Chinese novel that is known for its explicit depiction of sexuality, which has caused it to be officially banned most of the time across the span of centuries. Google it to find out more for yourself. and the Sunflower Arcana葵花宝典: A fictional martial art manual in Jin Yong's novel 《笑傲江湖》. Anyone who intends to practise the very powerful martial art contained within its pages has to castrate themselves. Basically, what Yun Duo is trying to convey here is that Lin Zi's headlines are twisted and sordid.. She was seriously about to break down into tears. "What should I do? I still really feel like shattering your skull!"
"Calm down." Lin Zi calmly handed her a bag of dried mangoes.
"I won't eat them!" Yun Duo decided that she must be a person of integrity.
Seated next to her, Teacher Sun shuffled his swivel chair over and accepted the dried mangoes on behalf of Yun Duo. He then helped her tear the package open, and continued to help her eat the mangoes. As he ate, he asked, "What's the matter?"
Yun Duo briefly recounted what had happened at the press conference today to Teacher Sun, and then showed him the headlines Lin Zi had crafted for the event.
After looking over them, Teacher Sun said, "The second one can actually be used, but how did Tang Yi-Bai 'subvert the natural order'?"
Lin Zi explained, "Those words were just added for word count. That way, all three headlines look about the same length."
So the truth was that simple? It was all because this fool had obsessive-compulsive disorder? Yun Duo truly wished she could shoot him dead with her gaze.
Teacher Sun nodded. "Well, remove those four words, and add an attributive clause before Tang Yi-Bai's name. Otherwise, the average person might not know who he is."
"No way," Yun Duo shook her head, "Tang Yi-Bai did not challenge Arbussy directly. Qi Rui-Feng was the one who spoke for him. We need to reflect the situation truthfully and objectively."
"Oh you," Teacher Sun shook his head, "Just do as you see fit then."
That same day, Yun Duo's manuscript truly reflected the situation truthfully and objectively, refusing the use of any sensational titles just to hook readers in.
However, Yun Duo may have been objective, but there would always be biased media in this world. Accordingly, the next day, there were still several newspapers which had published news about Tang Yi-Bai along the lines Lin Zi had crafted. Titles like 'Tang Yi-Bai calls out Arbussy', 'Tang Yi-Bai challenges Arbussy', 'Tang Yi-Bai has the confidence to take on Arbussy' ...
Arbussy's fans refused to take this lying down. Who the hell is this Tang Yi-Bai? Daring to challenge God Arb? Transparent small fry these days were really willing to go to shameless lengths for fame!
Many readers only looked at the headlines of articles when reading the news — when they saw those titles, they would naturally assume that Tang Yi-Bai was borrowing Arbussy's fame to promote himself. In other words, he was using Arbussy. Then, looking back to see who this Tang Yi-Bai was — okay ... he has never even attended the world championships, and he had even been banned from competition before. Clearly someone with a flawed character! His results are nearly two seconds off from God Arb's! What bullshit basis does he have for his challenge?!
In summary, this person is too shameless! What a disgrace to the Chinese! He needed to be scolded, harshly scolded!
Badmouthing a relatively unknown person was the best, because this person would not have the backing of fans, so no one would fight back for him. Therefore, everyone could curse him out as much as they liked one-sidedly while finding mutual validation from others in the process, obtaining a sense of accomplishment.
But there were also some people who could not bear to scold him. For no other reason than the fact that this person was just too goddamn handsome ... how could they speak so harshly about such a delectable adonis?!
The majority of those who held this opinion were women. As for the men? Blast it all, how could this person look like such a dog in human skin?! He must have deceived countless naive young girls before — he's really asking for a beating! Scold him!
In this manner, Tang Yi-Bai's name was thrown into the roiling seas of saliva of the battle of words among the masses. From news and review segments to the forums, then further on into the various types of social media, in just half a day's time, he had become the focus of all kinds of communal scorn, with even the honour of his female relatives being brought up several times. In the field of 'verbal abuse', there was no disparity among nationality and class — many ordinary folk were highly gifted in the art of verbal attacks.
Yun Duo stopped following what was happening after a while, unable to bear it, hurriedly turning off her computer. She felt terrible, like there was a heavy piece of lead weighing her heart down. She was sad and hurt on Tang Yi-Bai's behalf — he really had not done anything; why was he drawing such abuse? Even if he had said anything about challenging Arbussy, was that wrong? Isn't it normal for an athlete with ambition to want to challenge a major figure in their own field? Was it wrong to verbalise this desire? Did this mean that they deserved to be ridiculed and jeered at? Personally attacked and have their entire ancestry scorned and shamed?
Yun Duo took in a few deep breaths and then sent a WeChat message to Qi Rui-Feng.
Yun Duo: Qi Rui-Feng, don't let Tang Yi-Bai read the news today.
Very quickly, Qi Rui-Feng replied: He has already seen it ...
With her heart in her throat, Yun Duo asked: How is he now?
Qi Rui-Feng: He said he was going to do some reading comprehension to calm down.
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Next: Chapter 16: In Her Singing Voice
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This was a very interesting phenomenon. In Chinese sports, although women have earned more world championships in various events than the men, the men were always the ones who received more attention. For example, Qi Rui-Feng was the only one in the Chinese men's swimming team to have achieved an Olympics gold, while the female candidates had obtained 3 gold medals in the last Olympic Games. Moreover, Xiang Yang-Yang had managed to defend their champion status in the female 200 mixed medley. And yet, in the eyes of the common folk, the leader of Chinese swimming was not Xiang Yang-Yang, but Qi Rui-Feng.
Right now, Qi Rui-Feng was being besieged on all sides due to his "irresponsibility" —— he had only signed up for one event this time, the men's 100-metre freestyle.
A reporter asked, "Why didn't you sign up for an event you're better at, like the 1500-metre free?"
Qi Rui-Feng blurted out in response, "The opponents are too ——" his words cut off with a sharp inhale. His eyebrows knitted together, his face scrunched up in a twist.
The opponents were too what? Tell us!
Qi Rui-Feng decided to say no more. Because the woman beside him was currently pinching him with all her strength, as punishment for his outburst of nonsense. Only another Olympics champion would have the guts to treat an Olympics champion this way.
That's right, the one pinching him was Xiang Yang-Yang. As the coaches were seated with other coaches for the press conference this time, with the athletes being seated together with other athletes, Qi Rui-Feng's coach, Yuan Roon-Mei, was not close enough to keep him under control. He could only task Xiang Yang-Yang to watch this fool's mouth.
Qi Rui-Feng sullenly shut up, but the reporter continued to press, "What about the opponents? Were you trying to say that the opponents are too weak?"
"Guess."
"I won't ..."
The sharp-eyed reporter saw Yuan Roon-Mei moving towards his microphone, obviously planning to take over and answer this question.
He could not let a coach answer! Coaches were the slickest in the world ... far less cuter than athletes who dared to say anything.
And so, he turned decisively to Tang Yi-Bai. "Tang Yi-Bai, regarding Qi Rui-Feng's decision to only compete against you in this entire competition, what do you think?"
These words were obviously trying to set off some gunpowder into the air.
As such a minor player, Tang Yi-Bai had not expected to be called on. He pursed his lips and replied, "Brother Feng is not like me. I'm gravely lacking in competitive experience, and so need to participate in all kinds of competitions as much as possible to accumulate experience. But Brother Feng has already participated in many international competitions. His results in the 1500-metre free is very good. With that kind of results, it is already very hard for him to gain experience in national competitions. Besides that, I personally think that competing under the premise of assured victory too often will foster a sense of complacency. And so I think that Brother Feng's decision is extremely wise. I don't understand what is confusing about it."
He spoke surely and sedately, and the entirety of his speech could be boiled down to this basic idea: The opponents are too weak.
However, his words were articulated so well and so perfectly that it was impossible to pick out any thorns from it. The reporter was rather disappointed. Are athletes these days also this slick now? Not cute at all!
Still somewhat reluctant to let it go, he asked, "So, the opponents are too weak, right?"
Tang Yi-Bai looked at him with some censure. "We athletes do not have it easy. Please be kind with your words."
"F*ck ——" the reporter could not help but burst out swearing. Realising that he had lost control of his emotions, he flushed, and without saying anything else, sat back down.
Xiang Yang-Yang said softly with her head bowed, "Yi-Bai did good."
Qi Rui-Feng had also figured out by now that Tang Yi-Bai was helping him smooth things out. Good bros, right? They take the piss out of each other behind the scenes, but had each other's back on formal occasions.
Another reporter stood up and, as a follow-up to the topic, asked Tang Yi-Bai, "Are you afraid to compete against Qi Rui-Feng? He's an Olympic champion."
Tang Yi-Bai smiled. "No. I may be able to swim better with a formidable rival."
Qi Rui-Feng repaid Tang Yi-Bai for his earlier help by supporting him now. "What's he afraid of? He has a very strong heart — even if ArbussyNot a real swimmer as far as I can tell. It's almost like a mangling of Phelps in Chinese, with close rhymes and similar looking characters, but I think the author wanted to avoid using real athlete names. comes, he's not afraid — hiss!"
Yet another sharp inhale — and this one was even louder than the last one. Qi Rui-Feng felt as if his flesh was about to be ripped out by Xiang Yang-Yang.
When the reporter heard these words, his eyes shone brightly as he looked at Tang Yi-Bai. "Is what he says true? You aren't afraid even if Arbussy comes?"
Tang Yi-Bai's smile seemed rather forced. "Of course."
Arbussy was the men's 100-metre freestyle champion for two consecutive Olympics, and he was also the world record holder for the event. Qi Rui-Feng did not understand why the question needed to be avoided; of course, he would understand the next day.
Once the press conference ended, the athletes and the coaches departed first before the reporters. Seated below, Yun Duo looked around and saw that everyone had left, leaving only Lin Zi and her behind. She was a little worried — Tang Yi-Bai couldn't have forgotten her ... right?
This worry lasted for less than two seconds, because Tang Yi-Bai soon returned.
Yun Duo put her things on Lin Zi's lap. "Wait here for me." With that, she walked over to sit with Tang Yi-Bai at a table to the side.
"What can I do for you?" she asked.
Tang Yi-Bai was just about to speak when someone dashed out from behind him. The person's tall figure was like a small mountain — who was it but Qi Rui-Feng? Qi Rui-Feng walked over and casually draped his arm over Tang Yi-Bai's shoulders. "Why haven't you left yet," and then glancing at Yun Duo, he said, "Egg ——"
"Cough, cough, cough!" Tang Yi-Bai suddenly began coughing violently.
"Um, Yun Duo," Qi Rui-Feng changed what he was about to say. His eyes swept across the venue, and then facing towards Lin Zi, he asked Yun Duo, "Is that your boyfriend? As weak as a rabbit."
Yun Duo felt like collapsing to the ground. What was with that description?!
What she didn't know was that this question of Qi Rui-Feng's had been copy-pasted from Tang Yi-Bai.
Right then, Tang Yi-Bai naturally would not admit that he was the original source. He merely shook his head solemnly, saying, "QQ, don't connect 'men' and 'rabbits' together. It's unbearable."
It took Qi Rui-Feng two seconds before he reacted, shoving Tang Yi-Bai away roughly. "You're so lewd! You beast!"
Tang Yi-Bai was not at all ashamed. He rubbed his jaw as his gaze drifted lazily over to Lin Zi, and then he grinned at Yun Duo. "He indeed looks a little weak. Is he really your boyfriend?"
Yun Duo felt rather uncomfortable. "No ..."
Right at that moment, a head popped out from behind the two of them. "Big bro Feng, Big bro Yi-Bai, so here's where you are!" It was little boy Ming Tian. He walked over to Tang Yi-Bai's other side and did not seem surprised to see Yun Duo. He too glanced at Lin Zi. "Big sis, your boyfriend is really weak!"
Yun Duo was speechless. "Can you all not be so synchronised in your misunderstandings ... he's not my boyfriend, just a colleague. Also, he's not weak. He's can eat a whole cow in one meal, so he should be very strong."
Qi Rui-Feng was disdainful. "And also a glutton."
Ming Tian nodded. "Weak but also eats a lot ... it must be such a loss taking care of him."
Hey, hey, hey! What's with that tone so like that of an administrator of a pig farm?! Yun Duo facepalmed, and then looking at Tang Yi-Bai, she asked, "What did you want to say to me?"
Tang Yi-Bai looked around. "Can the two of you go back first?"
Qi Rui-Feng and Ming Tian pouted, but turned to leave. Ming Tian grumbled as he walked away. "Big bro Yi-Bai, we even know how many moles you have on your butt. Isn't it a bit too late now to worry about privacy?"
Qi Rui-Feng smacked the back of his head. "Don't say such things in front of ladies, you idiot!"
Yun Duo sweatdropped, bowing her head. She really pitied Tang Yi-Bai — having to spend all day with this bunch of abnormal human specimens, and yet still being able to come off relatively normal ... it wasn't easy!
After the two left, Tang Yi-Bai said, "Yun Duo, I want to treat you to a meal after this competition ends."
Oh, so that's what he wanted to talk about. Yun Duo knew he wanted to thank her for the tutoring for the level 4 exam, and so she nodded. "Okay. But you could have just told me this over WeChat. And here I was thinking something big has happened."
Tang Yi-Bai smiled. "It's more sincere to extend an invitation in person. What would you like to eat?"
"Hmm, just something light will do. I've been eating a few too many rich meals lately," said Yun Duo, rubbing her tummy. Lin Zi had been a true man of his word, generous with his side of the bargain, even stocking up lots of snacks in their unit office. And so she ...
Tang Yi-Bai looked at her with a smile. "You don't have to help me save money. Athletes aren't that poor."
Yun Duo really did not know how to explain, so she could only say, "Then, why don't you choose? I'm fine with anything."
"Alright."
Immediately following his agreement, two voices cried out in unison from the semi-closed door behind Tang Yi-Bai. "I want to come too!"
Needless to say, it was those two who had been eavesdropping. Tang Yi-Bai facepalmed. He had neglected to take his teammates' shamelessness into account. He tilted his head slightly, his chin raised just a tiny fraction, to reveal a long and slender ivory neck. He stuck both his hands in his pockets and stood tall, his strong and upright figure resembling that of a straight little redwood tree. And then, this lovely little redwood tree shouted, "Go to hell!"
Yun Duo found that her aesthetic appreciation was becoming slightly twisted — she actually found Tang Yi-Bai very handsome even when he was cursing vulgarly.
When Yun Duo and Lin Zi returned to the agency, she let Lin Zi draw up several article headlines based off the day's press conference. Lin Zi's results were as follows:
Qi Rui-Feng gives up on main event to take on Tang Yi-Bai. Reason: Opponents are too weak.
Tang Yi-Bai subverts the natural order by challenging Arbussy — I'm not afraid even if you come!
Why were Xiang Yang-Yang and Qi Rui-Feng making eyes at each other at the press conference?
Aaaaaaaah! What the hell was all this?! Qi Rui-Feng had never admitted that 'the opponents were too weak', alright?! When had Tang Yi-Bai challenged Arbussy?! And you're using a phrase like 'making eyes' for a press conference on sports? Also! What the hell is up with 'subverts the natural order'?!!
From those few words, Yun Duo somehow managed to sense the vibes of the classical stories of Jin Ping Mei金瓶梅: A Chinese novel that is known for its explicit depiction of sexuality, which has caused it to be officially banned most of the time across the span of centuries. Google it to find out more for yourself. and the Sunflower Arcana葵花宝典: A fictional martial art manual in Jin Yong's novel 《笑傲江湖》. Anyone who intends to practise the very powerful martial art contained within its pages has to castrate themselves. Basically, what Yun Duo is trying to convey here is that Lin Zi's headlines are twisted and sordid.. She was seriously about to break down into tears. "What should I do? I still really feel like shattering your skull!"
"Calm down." Lin Zi calmly handed her a bag of dried mangoes.
"I won't eat them!" Yun Duo decided that she must be a person of integrity.
Seated next to her, Teacher Sun shuffled his swivel chair over and accepted the dried mangoes on behalf of Yun Duo. He then helped her tear the package open, and continued to help her eat the mangoes. As he ate, he asked, "What's the matter?"
Yun Duo briefly recounted what had happened at the press conference today to Teacher Sun, and then showed him the headlines Lin Zi had crafted for the event.
After looking over them, Teacher Sun said, "The second one can actually be used, but how did Tang Yi-Bai 'subvert the natural order'?"
Lin Zi explained, "Those words were just added for word count. That way, all three headlines look about the same length."
So the truth was that simple? It was all because this fool had obsessive-compulsive disorder? Yun Duo truly wished she could shoot him dead with her gaze.
Teacher Sun nodded. "Well, remove those four words, and add an attributive clause before Tang Yi-Bai's name. Otherwise, the average person might not know who he is."
"No way," Yun Duo shook her head, "Tang Yi-Bai did not challenge Arbussy directly. Qi Rui-Feng was the one who spoke for him. We need to reflect the situation truthfully and objectively."
"Oh you," Teacher Sun shook his head, "Just do as you see fit then."
That same day, Yun Duo's manuscript truly reflected the situation truthfully and objectively, refusing the use of any sensational titles just to hook readers in.
However, Yun Duo may have been objective, but there would always be biased media in this world. Accordingly, the next day, there were still several newspapers which had published news about Tang Yi-Bai along the lines Lin Zi had crafted. Titles like 'Tang Yi-Bai calls out Arbussy', 'Tang Yi-Bai challenges Arbussy', 'Tang Yi-Bai has the confidence to take on Arbussy' ...
Arbussy's fans refused to take this lying down. Who the hell is this Tang Yi-Bai? Daring to challenge God Arb? Transparent small fry these days were really willing to go to shameless lengths for fame!
Many readers only looked at the headlines of articles when reading the news — when they saw those titles, they would naturally assume that Tang Yi-Bai was borrowing Arbussy's fame to promote himself. In other words, he was using Arbussy. Then, looking back to see who this Tang Yi-Bai was — okay ... he has never even attended the world championships, and he had even been banned from competition before. Clearly someone with a flawed character! His results are nearly two seconds off from God Arb's! What bullshit basis does he have for his challenge?!
In summary, this person is too shameless! What a disgrace to the Chinese! He needed to be scolded, harshly scolded!
Badmouthing a relatively unknown person was the best, because this person would not have the backing of fans, so no one would fight back for him. Therefore, everyone could curse him out as much as they liked one-sidedly while finding mutual validation from others in the process, obtaining a sense of accomplishment.
But there were also some people who could not bear to scold him. For no other reason than the fact that this person was just too goddamn handsome ... how could they speak so harshly about such a delectable adonis?!
The majority of those who held this opinion were women. As for the men? Blast it all, how could this person look like such a dog in human skin?! He must have deceived countless naive young girls before — he's really asking for a beating! Scold him!
In this manner, Tang Yi-Bai's name was thrown into the roiling seas of saliva of the battle of words among the masses. From news and review segments to the forums, then further on into the various types of social media, in just half a day's time, he had become the focus of all kinds of communal scorn, with even the honour of his female relatives being brought up several times. In the field of 'verbal abuse', there was no disparity among nationality and class — many ordinary folk were highly gifted in the art of verbal attacks.
Yun Duo stopped following what was happening after a while, unable to bear it, hurriedly turning off her computer. She felt terrible, like there was a heavy piece of lead weighing her heart down. She was sad and hurt on Tang Yi-Bai's behalf — he really had not done anything; why was he drawing such abuse? Even if he had said anything about challenging Arbussy, was that wrong? Isn't it normal for an athlete with ambition to want to challenge a major figure in their own field? Was it wrong to verbalise this desire? Did this mean that they deserved to be ridiculed and jeered at? Personally attacked and have their entire ancestry scorned and shamed?
Yun Duo took in a few deep breaths and then sent a WeChat message to Qi Rui-Feng.
Yun Duo: Qi Rui-Feng, don't let Tang Yi-Bai read the news today.
Very quickly, Qi Rui-Feng replied: He has already seen it ...
With her heart in her throat, Yun Duo asked: How is he now?
Qi Rui-Feng: He said he was going to do some reading comprehension to calm down.
Previous: Chapter 14: Job Interview and Press Conference
Next: Chapter 16: In Her Singing Voice
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thanks!
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