Chapter 10 – Shortcut to Improvement
Apologize?
Why apologize? Did Gao Wen’s supernatural return go out of bounds, prompting McDonald’s apology?
Of course not.
Gao Wen’s return had landed perfectly within the lines. McDonald’s apology stemmed from a different reason—
his own return.
Typically, during practice, extreme shots are avoided. After all, these sessions are focused on honing fundamental techniques. The essence of forehand drills lies in consistency, not victory—it’s not even a practice match. Both players need to feed each other manageable balls to maintain a steady rhythm.
While Gao Wen’s return was sharp and challenging, it was still within reasonable control. His use of spin to alter the rhythm aligned with the purpose of the forehand drill. McDonald’s shot, however, crossed that boundary.
In an overextended position, with his balance completely compromised, McDonald unleashed a desperate, extreme return, leaving Gao Wen almost no opportunity to respond.
Though Gao Wen managed an extraordinary supernatural forehand to counter it—an astonishing shot that left McDonald frozen in place—McDonald’s aggressive play had disrupted the flow of the practice.
Since this was a training exercise, McDonald prioritised an apology over congratulating Gao Wen for the incredible return.
“Sorry, sorry, so sorry,” McDonald said, jogging forward and repeatedly apologising. Then he saw Gao Wen turn toward him. But instead of the expected response—a cheerful “it’s fine” or a playful jab—Gao Wen’s reaction was completely unexpected.
It wasn’t a proud smirk or a lighthearted jest. Instead, Gao Wen seemed… eager. Yes, eager. He looked like he was raring to go, as if he hadn’t had enough yet.
The problem was that such intense shots should be avoided in practice to minimise the risk of injury.
But Gao Wen’s entire demeanour radiated excitement. The raw enthusiasm emanating from him was almost predatory. His eyes gleamed as though lit from within, like a clown spotting Batman—
Wait, was Gao Wen the clown? And McDonald, Batman?
The bizarre thought did nothing to ease McDonald’s confusion. He stood there, words caught in his throat, staring at Gao Wen in bewilderment.
“Dear McDonald, no need to worry, no need to worry,” Gao Wen said, his lips curling into a sly grin. His eyes narrowed mischievously, gleaming with a roguish light. He even rubbed his hands together as if preparing for mischief, the only thing missing being spitting into his palms. His entire body buzzed with impatient energy.
That look—it wasn’t just the clown seeing Batman. It was the big bad wolf eyeing Little Red Riding Hood.
McDonald hesitated mid-step, slowing to a halt. He stared at Gao Wen’s glinting eyes, paused for a moment, then… slowly, cautiously leaned back. “Why do you look like you just found free labour? You’re not thinking about doing extra drills after today’s practice, are you? My schedule is packed—reports, classes, training. I don’t have time for more.”
Since starting college, Gao Wen had trained relentlessly. Feeling the heightened competition and recognising his own shortcomings, he pushed himself even harder. But tennis often requires a partner, so McDonald, also a freshman, frequently stayed behind to help Gao Wen with extra drills.
Seeing the gleam in Gao Wen’s eyes, McDonald’s first thought was clear: if Gao Wen planned to ramp up the intensity, McDonald might not be able to keep up. After all, college academics were gruelling enough on their own.
“Hahaha!”
Gao Wen burst into laughter, unable to contain himself any longer, watching McDonald’s wary expression.
McDonald’s reaction sparked his laughter—but it wasn’t just that.
During their forehand duel practice just moments ago, Gao Wen’s Growth Potential had increased by a full 1%!
During the earlier serve practice, Gao Wen slogged through 150 serves to see just a 1% increase in Growth Potential.
Now, after just one forehand duel with McDonald, his Growth Potential rose by the same 1%.
The ratio of effort to reward was skyrocketing geometrically—an incredibly encouraging result!
Gao Wen immediately recalled the explanation about “Growth Potential“:
“Growth Potential can be gained through basic training, regular practice, and matches. The specific amount will vary depending on the content, intensity, difficulty, and method of the training or competition.”
Now, this explanation was partially verified: the harder the practice or the more intense the confrontation, the greater the Growth Potential increase!
Although a 1% increase still wasn’t much, it confirmed the system’s focus on training as its core function. The exact use of the Growth Potential feature remains unclear for now. Nevertheless, Gao Wen felt optimistic seeing the system’s functions gradually unfold, hinting at endless possibilities for self-improvement.
With enough effort, he could grow stronger!
Perhaps further exploration could lead to even more growth, going beyond just 1% or 2% increases.
At this very moment, McDonald appeared to Gao Wen as a radiant, golden treasure trove—
No wonder this guy would someday rank among the world’s top 100 players. Even casually, McDonald’s play elevated the difficulty of their practice, forcing his opponent to rise to the occasion. For others, McDonald’s serious and committed approach might seem excessive, but for Gao Wen, it is just right.
He needed a practice partner like this—someone far better than one struggling on his own.
Noticing the gleam in Gao Wen’s eyes once more, McDonald couldn’t shake off the ominous feeling creeping over him. Why were his instincts about these things always so accurate?
Gao Wen, however, straightened up with a confident grin, puffing out his chest as he thumped it loudly. “McDonald, I was thinking we could study together, keep up with our classes, and hit the books. You know, study hard and improve every day!”
“Study?” McDonald asked, his scepticism clear. “Why do I feel like your idea of ‘studying’ always turns into training?”
“Hahaha!”
Gao Wen burst out laughing again, watching McDonald stumble backwards, retreating cautiously. Finally, Gao Wen abandoned all pretence, calling out boldly,
“McDonald, let’s practice! Let’s do more drills together!”
“Sure, studying is important, but so is training! McDonald, are you worried you can’t keep up physically?”
Unaware that he had become Gao Wen’s ultimate “resource to milk,” McDonald paused mid-step. A flicker of determination lit up in his eyes as he turned around, signalling Gao Wen with a beckoning gesture from his right hand. He said nothing, but the message was clear:
Bring it on!
Thwack.
Gao Wen scooped up a tennis ball at his feet and, without hesitation, sent it flying across the net. The two launched into a fresh round of forehand rally drills. The crisp sound of the ball hitting the court echoed in the silent arena, stirring the air with the vibrant energy of youth and effort, rippling like waves across the court.
The morning sun climbed slowly above the treetops, its golden light spilling across the ground. Overhead, the blue sky stretched endlessly—so clear, so profound. It felt as though the entire world extended infinitely outward, waiting to be embraced with open arms, ready to offer the boundless sky and vast ocean.
Anything seemed possible.
T/N – Trying to find a job is really hard…
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