Chapter Thirty-Five: Somewhat Unique

Wang Lei had not expected that, even though he could escape the nuisance of being labeled an “insider connection” in official matters, he would end up entangled in such private complications. Let’s call Aziguli Maimaiti’s persistent blocking a kind of entanglement—this young woman, not well-versed in the ways of the world, had little understanding of how to deal with someone like Wang Lei. The only thing she could do, upon hearing news of the provincial youth team’s formation, was to wait at the entrance every day, hoping for a chance encounter.

Among the comings and goings, only Wang Lei and his two companions looked remotely like coaches—Wang Lei’s tall stature set him apart. Seeing the hope shining in those strikingly beautiful eyes, Wang Lei remained unmoved. He knew very well this was a path that could not be taken. After all, there were still plenty of “connected” candidates waiting at the provincial sports bureau. Even though the youth team’s results were abysmal, the desire of certain nouveau riche families to add a layer of prestige to their children was relentless.

Wang Lei exchanged a glance with Aili, who immediately understood his meaning. Aili began conversing in Uyghur with the lovely Aziguli Maimaiti. Taking advantage of this, Wang Lei hurriedly motioned to Xue Yongjiang to make a quick exit. To be honest, there was no easy way to resolve this situation. A direct refusal would be too hurtful—this Uyghur girl was obviously from a poor family, and it was already a rare act of boldness for her to muster the courage to wait at the training base’s gate. On the other hand, if he gave her hope but ultimately nothing came of it, the media might seize on the story and blow it out of proportion. In the border regions, anything involving ethnicity was never a simple matter.

Although Wang Lei didn’t know how Aili ultimately handled things, he trusted that Aili could manage. Even if Aili Maimaiti was somewhat lacking in nutrition science, he was nonetheless an outstanding candidate for an assistant.

The next day, Wang Lei booked a flight back to the heartland. The coming week would see him spending most of his days in the air. His former teammates were now scattered throughout clubs across the Republic. Some had become stars of their teams. Drawing on these connections, Wang Lei hoped to recruit a few recent graduates in sports management.

Unlike on Earth, the Republic followed a strict coach-responsibility system. Coaches alone selected the staff for training and matches, while commercial operations were left to the rest of management. Most professional qualifications had been abolished, which, while causing some issues, allowed for a much more rational flow of talent. There was no living off certificates here; the Republic had always honored the capable and weeded out the mediocre.

During that week, Wang Lei also made a point to visit Jinling; he and his girlfriend had been apart for over a month. Having just tasted the sweetness of love, they missed each other desperately.

After posting some appropriate, affectionate photos on RapidCast, Wang Lei continued on his journey. All in all, the trip was a success. Though he had always been somewhat proud, he had good relationships with his former teammates. Few would deliberately embarrass him when he came seeking a favor; after all, in their circle, word got around quickly. Even if not out of respect for Wang Lei, they had to consider Li Weihong. Most professional athletes ultimately reported to Li Weihong.

Amidst a whirlwind schedule, Wang Lei recruited six promising young university graduates—some in logistics management, others in sports management, and even an experienced traditional Chinese medicine therapist. Strictly speaking, this thirty-something therapist, Liu Shi, should not have joined Wang Lei’s team, as his experience would have made it easy for him to find work back in the heartland. But Liu Shi, a die-hard backpacker, was simply looking to travel. Single and in his thirties, he spent most of his income on travel. He had only one request for Wang Lei: once he saved enough, he wanted to leave and explore the entire border province. Yet another character similar to Xue Yongjiang, though even more irresponsible.

The other graduates were mainly swayed by Wang Lei’s generous offer: a monthly salary plus bonuses, not less than seven thousand—a highly attractive sum for new graduates.

With these matters settled, Wang Lei found his trip running over schedule. He had to return to Urumqi at once; assembling the team before December was the deadline set by the sports bureau.

Upon his hurried return, Wang Lei immediately asked Aili Maimaiti and Xue Yongjiang for a report on player recruitment.

As he’d expected, only nine students out of the more than fifty he’d targeted had accepted their invitation. These nine were all marginal players on their own teams—too short, lacking the physicality, or tall but lacking technical skills. Still, most saw the provincial youth team as a rare opportunity, and with their schools’ approval and an eighty-yuan daily training allowance, it seemed a good deal.

Clearly, player recruitment still had a long way to go. Wang Lei thought he might have to speak to some of the young prospects himself.

“Um, Coach Wang, there’s something I should tell you,” Aili Maimaiti added a little sheepishly after his report. “Do you remember the Uyghur girl who blocked us before you left? Her name is Aziguli, and she’s still waiting at the gate. I’ve explained it to her many times, but she just keeps coming.”

Aili felt embarrassed for not having completed Wang Lei’s assignment.

“Da Lei, to tell the truth, that girl is really something,” Xue Yongjiang chimed in, genuinely moved by Aziguli’s persistence. “There was heavy snow the other day, and she stood outside all morning. She’s really pitiful. Maybe…you should see her?”

Wang Lei was not angry. Though the matter was tricky, there was no need to lose his temper. To inspire such persistence in someone, either Aziguli was exceptionally stubborn, or perhaps her younger brother was truly talented. Since they still needed more players, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.

“Sigh, all right, let’s go see. But don’t talk about this. It wouldn’t look good if word got out.”

He asked Aili to call Aziguli—Aili had taken her number because he couldn’t bear seeing her at the gate every day.

“You want to see my brother? Don’t lie to me. Good, I’ll bring him tomorrow. Ah, but there’s something I should tell you—my brother is a bit special. But he’s healthy, just a little different. You’ll see.”

Hearing Aziguli say “special,” yet also “healthy,” Wang Lei couldn’t quite figure out what she meant.