Dad, Please Try a Little Harder

Huang Lingyan had never mentioned Qian Quan’s background to the other three coaches and didn’t remind them to take special care of him. So, seeing them intentionally or unintentionally isolating Qian Quan, she frowned.

But everything changed with that dunk from Qian Quan.

Even those unfamiliar with the detailed rules of basketball could grasp the significance of that move. The enthusiastic and loud applause from parents and children spoke volumes.

“He’s so handsome, this coach!”

Huang Lingyan even overheard a female parent whispering, while unabashedly taking photos of Qian Quan with her phone.

“That’s not how basketball should be played…” After his dunk, Qian Quan turned to the other coaches and said, “Is this the kind of basketball philosophy you want to convey to parents and kids?”

The three coaches looked mortified, their expressions shifting awkwardly in the ensuing silence.

As insiders, they recognized Qian Quan’s skill from his previous play. Frankly, the skill gap was clear, and further attempts to sideline him would just be embarrassing.

“Let’s continue the game. Everyone is watching,” Qian Quan said, not wanting to dwell on the matter.

The three coaches dared not play any more mind games and straightforwardly played 10 balls.

As soon as the exhibition match ended, the older children swarmed around Qian Quan, teasing him. Meanwhile, parents rushed to inquire about Qian Quan’s classes with Huang Lingyan.

The other three coaches felt even more embarrassed. Initially, the collaboration had been going well to showcase everyone’s talents. It was their cunning intentions that had led to their downfall.

“We offer two basketball classes: one for ages 3 to 5 and the other for ages 6 to 12. Mr. Qian mainly handles the older group,” explained Huang Lingyan.

“However, this isn’t set in stone. We’ll arrange classes flexibly, tailoring one-on-one coaching sessions based on each student’s abilities and needs. All our coaches participate to ensure that every student receives thorough guidance.”

Realizing the charm and appeal of Qian Quan, Huang Lingyan subtly adjusted her standard spiel to amplify Qian Quan’s effect.

The parents seemed particularly interested in the one-on-one approach.

After all, when investing in extracurricular classes, what they wanted was specialized, targeted coaching.

Then came the trial lesson. Staff members led the parents outside the basketball room, asking them to take a seat. They could observe the coaches teaching the children through a glass wall.

The four coaches and the female assistant divided the kids into two groups based on their ages. Two coaches took responsibility for each group.

Since it was a demonstration lesson, they naturally showcased the class’s professionalism. They started with warm-ups, then moved on to fitness training, followed by guidance and corrections on fundamental skills like catching, dribbling, passing, and shooting. The goal was to present a professional curriculum.

After the 45-minute session, they had a clear sense of each child’s skill level.

“Hello, Mr. Qian. I’m Lu Xuan’s mother. How’s my son’s basketball foundation?”

A woman in her thirties, of above-average appearance, slightly overweight, fair-skinned, with dyed blonde hair and a mature charm, approached Qian Quan with soft eyes.

“Lu Xuan? He’s quite good. Among his peers here today, his foundational skills stand out. I’ll focus on enhancing his dribbling and shooting techniques in the future,” Qian Quan replied honestly.

“Great!” Lu Xuan’s mother nodded happily. “He truly loves basketball. I hope you can give him some extra attention. I want him to be as talented as you.”

“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you. By the way, Mr. Qian, may I add you on WeChat? So I can consult you about any basketball-related concerns for Lu Xuan.”

It seemed like a reasonable request. Qian Quan added her on WeChat.

Once the connection was established, she sent him a shy emoji as a greeting, to which he responded with a grinning emoji.

“Are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you for dinner.”

“Oh, no need. I have to head back to my university right after this.”

“Are you a college student?” Lu Xuan’s mother seemed surprised.

“Yes.”

“Which university?”

“Seacoast Normal University.”

“No wonder you’re so skilled at teaching.” She laughed.

Qian Quan smiled modestly. He had an inkling that there was something odd about the way Lu Xuan’s mother spoke and looked at him.

“Well, you must be busy, Mr. Qian. I’ll go to register Lu Xuan for the class.”

“Alright.”

Out of all the parents who attended the trial lesson that day, 80% enrolled their kids on the spot. The rest either wanted another trial class or hesitated due to the one-time fee, which was on the higher side.

Regardless of whether they enrolled or not, Huang Lingyan ensured that every child who attended the trial received a small gift.

After wrapping up the session, Qian Quan strolled around the plaza before heading back to his university.

He would return again on Sunday.

Once he left, Huang Lingyan reprimanded the other three coaches. Although she didn’t explicitly mention her connection to Qian Quan, she sternly reminded them of his significance, emphasizing that he had been personally invited by her and the boss. Any issues like the one that had just arisen would not be tolerated.

The coaches, realizing the error of their ways, now understood that not only was Qian Quan talented, but he also had powerful backing.

They were just glad they hadn’t taken things too far.

After dealing with the coaches, Huang Lingyan briefed her husband, Zhao Chunjia, about Qian Quan’s trial session..