Zhang Jue sat in the waiting area, draped in a sports jacket with a color scheme reminiscent of scrambled eggs with tomatoes. He held a conspicuous thermos in his hands, took a sip of warm water, and sighed in relief.

Shen Liu glanced at him, then looked again, finally couldn’t resist asking: “Who gave you that thermos?”

Zhang Junbao casually replied: “My grandma.”

Zhang Jue added: “Yeah, my grandma gave it to my mom, and my mom gave it to me.”

Shen Liu suspected that this thermos might be older than himself. Considering that items with the inscription “Learn from the spirit of the women’s volleyball team” were most popular after the women’s volleyball team won three consecutive championships in 1984, and he was born in 1987, it seemed odd.

But remembering how Zhang Jue used to carry a porcelain cup given by his family during provincial team training, Shen Liu couldn’t be bothered to comment.

He praised the young skater: “You, kid, say what you want, but your ability to choose music is really good. You’ve never messed up in this aspect.”

Even at the age of 15, he skated flawlessly to this sad Argentine tango-style song. His expressive power made people doubt whether Zhang Jue was really just a figure skater from China.

In contrast, Shen Liu, during his active years, only received praise for jumps. His performance was constantly criticized as “only good at performing gymnastics on ice.”

The key was performing gymnastics, not jumping gymnastics. This meant that he was more physically stiff and emotionally lacking compared to those who jumped, and in the end, he had to practice quadruple jumps excessively to secure points. It was only towards the end of his career that he made some progress in performance.

Then he had to retire due to injury.

As for the older uncle during his active years, his performance scores were not low. However, due to a hip injury, the difficulty of his jumps could never rise, so he remained stuck in the third tier.

Luckily, his grandnephew had a better physique. The older uncle patted his precious grandnephew on the head: “You did well this time. Your score should be no lower than ‘Autumn.'”

Although the emotional expression in “Adiós Nonino” was not as direct as in “Autumn,” it could withstand even more nuanced appreciation. Frans, who had improved his choreography skills from last year, crafted the program meticulously. The skater’s emotions added rich depth to the program. Zhang Junbao believed that this program’s score would not be below 85.

If Zhang Jue wasn’t the first to perform, the older uncle even dared to boldly predict that Zhang Jue’s short program this time could score above 90!

Even the usually reserved Pino, who rarely praised anyone, spoke up: “This is the first program I’ve seen this season that I want to keep in my memory.”

“The technical style of this Chinese skater is very unique. He is one of the few male singles skaters who rely on spin speed to complete jumps. He is very flexible and can perform many moves that even female skaters cannot do, like the one-handed Biellmann spin. Moreover, he is excellent at performing. His future looks promising.”

Zhao Ning from Channel 5 added: “His ‘Adiós Nonino,’ was very expressive. Zhang Jue has told us a touching story with a tango on ice.”

Jiang Chaosho commented: “Zhang Jue has a classical and elegant taste just by appearance. Coach Song from H Province once said that as long as he doesn’t speak, he automatically gives off a distant and cool vibe. People would think he’s mature and melancholic. So, despite his lively personality, he has an advantage in interpreting such pieces.”

This comment elicited laughter from many figure skating fans familiar with Zhang Jue.

Indeed, the prerequisite for Zhang Jue’s ethereal appearance was that he must not open his mouth. Otherwise, with the strong Northeastern accent, all the elegance would disappear.

After a while, Zhang Jue’s scores appeared on the big screen.

Technical Score: 52.17

Performance Score: 37.95

Total Score: 90.12

Shen Liu exclaimed, and both of his hands clapped together.

Even though this score was slightly lower than Zhang Jue’s record-breaking 90.8 points in the junior category short program last year, it was noteworthy because it was the beginning of the season, and Zhang Jue had moved up to the senior category. The judges, restraining themselves for a newcomer without nationality advantage, still had room for improvement as long as Zhang Jue maintained his performance.

Even Ilya Safoshenko, a Russian prince, only scored 87 points in his first senior Grand Prix debut.

Despite the existence of biased judges in the International Skating Union, there were also a few upright ones, like Lu Jin, currently sitting on the technical judge’s bench.

Although Lu Jin was Russian, whenever Vasily, the leading Russian skater, was in a competition, Lu Jin would rigorously critique without any leniency.

This time, Zhang Jue’s technical score exceeded 50, indicating that his skills had reached a standard that even Lu Jin, a meticulous judge, couldn’t find fault with.

It was worth noting that, during Shen Liu’s active years, his textbook-perfect quadruple jumps were once severely criticized by Lu Jin in a poorly performed competition. The final GOE for that 4T was only 0.25, a bitter memory.

Since the 1990s, whenever male singles saw Lu Jin sitting on the judging panel, they couldn’t help feeling apprehensive.

“Not bad, another clean short program. Let’s go.”

After checking the scores, Zhang Junbao took Zhang Jue away from the kiss & cry area. Zhang Jue found a good spot to watch the competition, wearing his uncle’s jacket and a knitted hat on his head. Since there would be a drug test later, he kept sipping water from his cup.

He looked like a veteran.

After Zhang Jue, Maquen took the stage. His program this year was the famous song “Sun and Moon” from Miss Saigon. Although vocal elements were not allowed in figure skating programs other than ice dance, Zhang Jue could still hear it.

Moreover, Maquen was excellent at portraying a romantic atmosphere. Many female figure skating fans couldn’t take their eyes off the ice when he performed. Zhang Jue overheard Shen Liu and his uncle gossiping.

Well, his uncle was sitting in the middle, with Zhang Jue on his left and Shen Liu on his right. So when these two whispered, they probably thought Zhang Jue, who seemed focused on the performance, wouldn’t notice.

Shen Liu said: “Maquen is currently the best male skater in the figure skating events. He excels in skating to love songs, and he has skated countless love songs in his career. That’s why he has so many female fans. But for some reason, he never sleeps with fans. I heard that a fan once bribed hotel staff to sneak into his room, undressed and lay on his bed, but he calmly put clothes on her and sent her back.”

Zhang Junbao: “Why doesn’t he sleep with fans? Didn’t you say this guy is all over the place, arranging casual encounters without any principles?”

Shen Liu: “I heard him say at a men’s singles gathering that he only arranges encounters with people who know what kind of person he is. It’s all about mutual consent, solving each other’s needs. Everything is agreed upon beforehand. He absolutely avoids those who see him through the lens of a fan, or else he feels like he’s deceiving someone emotionally.”

Zhang Junbao: “Now that you mention it, he does have some principles.”

The older uncle became even more reassured about Zhang Jue and Maquen interactions. Since that guy didn’t even entertain fans willingly offering themselves, Zhang Jue, being a minor, was even safer.

Zhang Jue thought: “Brother Shen looks like a refined person with a scholarly aura. I didn’t expect him to be so knowledgeable about gossip.”

At this moment, Zhang Jue was multitasking—listening to the conversation of the two elders beside him and keeping his eyes on the performance.

Although now, in the world, apart from Zhang Jue, no one could execute a four-turn jump like him, including Maquen, this experienced group of old male singles had well-rounded abilities. Whether in skating or spinning, they were better than Zhang Jue in various aspects.

At the beginning of the season, everyone’s form hadn’t reached its peak, but Zhang Jue judged that Maquen footwork in this short program could definitely earn him a Level 4. As for the spins, one set showed a slight instability, probably at Level 2 or 3, but the other two sets could still secure a Level 4.

Most importantly, compared to Zhang Jue, who excelled in low-rotational speed, Maquen was a typical power-type male skater, jumping high and far. His quad jumps reached a height of over 65 centimeters! Even Zhang Jue, who had the highest height for a 4S jump at 52 centimeters, couldn’t help but envy.

Zhang Jue also wanted to jump that high, but he just couldn’t. After all, the legs of a child were slender, with only a small amount of muscle to support. The power was genuinely limited; it might work for a fight, but jumping 65 centimeters was a different story. Even if he forced himself to jump that high, he wouldn’t be able to land steadily.

When the program ended, enthusiastic applause filled the rink. Zhang Jue saw a brown-haired girl next to him jump up, holding a flower crown adorned with sunflowers and lilies, rushing forward, and throwing it onto the ice. Maquen picked up the flower crown, placed it on his head, and blew a flying kiss to the girl.

Following this, a series of high-pitched screams erupted.

Zhang Jue silently covered his ears.

He thought, competing with Maquen was a bit tough on the ears.

Then he saw Maquen sneeze.

But for some reason, after Zhang Jue and Maquen, the other male skaters who took the stage seemed to have coordinated as if by agreement. Either they slipped here or fell on their backsides there.

When the short program concluded, Zhang Jue was first—well, that wasn’t surprising. Maquen was second, which was also normal.

Third was the Belgian boy, David Bisoli and the fourth was surprisingly Choi Jung-soo. This was quite astonishing.

David had been in the senior division for three years, showing no significant progress before. However, this year’s season opener looked quite promising, giving the impression that he might be on the rise.

Choi Jung-soo, less known than David, securing the fourth place made people think it was a stroke of luck. In the audience, Saren rubbed his chin.

“This kid’s stability is indeed as high as he claimed.”

On the English figure skating fan forum – Men’s Singles

【HOT~】Live broadcast of the American stage from a student studying in Delaware.

…

85L

Ah! The cutie is first in the short program!

86L

Impressive! This boy never loses in the short program! Still holding the world’s first position!

87L

Can’t exactly say he’s holding it down, haha, but he has a temporary advantage. Maquen scored 89.5 points, and the gap between him and Little Crocodile is only 0.62. When the judges give GOE during the free skate, they might lift their hands slightly. That small gap will disappear immediately.

88L

The one above is correct. If Maquen didn’t make a mistake in one of the spins this time, a slight pause during consecutive jumps, the cutie probably wouldn’t have this advantage.

89L

But to be honest, as a newcomer, the cutie’s performance this time is already quite stunning. Most of the newly promoted skaters in the short program score between 65-75. If they can reach 80, they’re considered second-tier. Looking at it this way, his impression with the judges should be quite good. So far, he’s the most impressive in terms of performance points among Asian men’s singles.

90L

Definitely. Judges on the international stage favor athletes with well-developed jumping, skating, spinning, and artistic skills. Little Crocodile perfectly fulfills these criteria, and he looks super handsome. If I were a judge, I’d like him too.

91L

I bought the watch endorsed by Maquen, and recently I also got the cutie’s arena poster. This kid looks better than many child stars. Just looking at it makes me feel like I can have sweet dreams. So, I put his poster on my wardrobe, hahaha.

92L

Is it an official poster?

93L

To the above, definitely an official one [thumbs up]. I had my cousin studying in China buy it for me. He said Little Crocodile is the best-selling figure skater for merchandise in their country. He even sent me a box of milk endorsed by Little Crocodile.

94L

I like the affordable makeup endorsed by Helena. The eyeshadow palette colors are foolproof. Following the makeup videos with Francis Miller, the effect is really good.

95L

Dear, do you also watch Francis Miller’s videos?

96L

Yes, his makeup videos are great, but unfortunately, I can’t use the outfits he recommends. The figures of these figure skaters are too good. They can wear anything they want. Even his recent recommendation for plus-size boys’ outfits is not suitable for me because I’m a girl, alas…

97L

Well, can’t help it. After all, Francis is a boy. He really can’t advise us on how to dress in women’s clothing.

98L

Reading the comment above, couldn’t help but laugh.

99L

The third in the short program was unexpectedly David. My beloved David posted a rock climbing video last week, so thrilling! I don’t know why he does such dangerous things. Fortunately, it didn’t affect the competition.

100L

Because he’s from a single-parent family, his mother passed away early. After his father had a car accident last year, he had to earn money to continue skating. He’s still a college dropout, and the only way to earn money is by filming dangerous videos to get tips from rich people.

101L

He has always loved extreme sports. Really, even before he earned tips, he was already an expert in cave diving.

102L

But thinking about it, even if he participates in extreme sports, he still performs well in competitions. Truly, he’s David. His mindset is stable. If he can focus on figure skating, he’s definitely a super genius not inferior to Ilia and Hayato Teraoka, and Little Crocodile.

103L

After all, he is Belgium’s first men’s singles skater to win the World Junior Championships.

104L

Ah, talking about current athletes, am I the only one who is constantly watching Little Crocodile’s coach?

105L

The one with gold-rimmed glasses or the one with a particularly big chest?

106L

The one with a particularly big chest [Honest cat face.jpg].

107L

I heard that there’s a word in that coach’s name that, when translated into English, means “baby.” Oh my, I really want to call him that to his face!

108L

Of course, Little Crocodile is cute too. I like calling him Little Cutie. But as an adult, the coach is even more enticing. I mean, the one with a particularly big chest.

109

Me too, sometimes when I see the cutie relying on his coach’s chest muscles, I feel super envious. When will China also release a poster of the coach? I would definitely buy it!

110L

Yeah, if we take advantage of Coach Zhang wearing a tight white T-shirt and pour a bucket of water on him, it would seem like we’re engaging in harassment. As law-abiding citizens, even if it’s for the sake of avoiding lawsuits, we shouldn’t do that. But if the official daddy is willing to be considerate of us, that would be great, hehe.

111L

I think someone who maintains such a good physique even after retirement and even improves it, must be extremely disciplined. And the way he cares for his little nephew, feeding Little Crocodile after the competition, I believe he must be a responsible and family-oriented man. Oh my, this man truly captivates me from appearance to personality.

112L

Hey, isn’t Coach Zhang super strict? Look at this↓

【Little Crocodile getting spanked by the coach.jpg】

113L

I remember this photo! It’s the time when the cutie tumbled during the free skate at last season’s Grand Prix, right?

114L

Am I the only one who likes the one with glasses? Shen was one of the most standardized men’s singles skaters in the world for the quadruple jump before retiring! His performance in Vancouver was truly spectacular!

115L

Raising my hand quietly, I also like Shen. He looks like a refined gentleman. Oh no no no, what I mean is, he seems cultured and well-mannered. Coach Zhang’s face looks too young. I mean, Asians already appear small, and Coach Zhang seems to be the super tiny version among Asians. When I see his chest, I get excited, but when I see his face, it’s like someone poured a bucket of cold water on me, immediately igniting a strong sense of guilt, and then I self-loath for 10 seconds.

116L

Well, isn’t Shen also super strict? Look at this↓

【Little Crocodile getting ear-pulled by the coach.jpg】

117L

Um, is this from the time he continuously made grammar mistakes in English during the press conference? I heard he was already close to final exams, and Shen was responsible for his English tutoring.

118L

Why does it feel like Little Crocodile’s coach is super worried about him? Both of his coaches seem like moms.

…

Bai Xiaozhen , who was surfing the internet, saw this and turned to shout at her dad, who was in charge of business liaison at their family’s ice and snow sports center.

“Dad, there’s a new business opportunity, come take a look!”

Bai Suqing turned around: “What? Do we have a new business opportunity in ice and snow sports other than Zhang Jue? Just to be clear, if it involves opening overseas fan purchase channels, it’s already giving me a headache. Don’t disturb me unless it’s a big opportunity!”

Bai Xiaozhen: “It’s really a business opportunity! The commercial value of athletes shouldn’t be limited to the current generation. Dad, come take a look!”

 

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