Figure Skating: Waltz on Ice

The two cleaned up the trash and left. Du Liangchen saw online that Mei Jing wanted to see a concert by her favorite singer.

"Hey, Mei Jing, look, your favorite Ziqi is having a concert on May 10th, that's still a month away."

Mei Jing took Du Liangchen's phone: "Let me see, it really is. Pre-sales start tonight. I'll see if I can snag a ticket tonight."

Du Liangchen said with a smile, "I'll try to grab it with you; that way, our chances of winning are higher."

"Mm," Mei Jing nodded in response.

Mei Jing likes Zi Qi because she watched a singing competition show and was moved by her powerful singing skills and the emotions she conveyed. She became a fan and always hoped to hear her sing live.

I received a call from Du Langxing on the way.

Du Liangchen answered the phone: "Hello, Uncle."

Du Langxing: "Hey, Xiao Chen, your grandpa told me you went out to play with Mei Jing. Where are you now?"

Du Liangchen asked, "Yes, what's wrong?"

Du Langxing: "I just got a call. A variety show wants you and Mei Jing to be guests. Do you want to go?"

Du Liangchen turned on the speakerphone on his phone and said, "Uncle, Mei Jing is next to me. You can speak, we can both hear you."

Du Langxing said on the phone, "A program director contacted the team, and the team contacted me, saying that you guys should participate in an episode of the variety show 'Day Day Up.' Do you want to go?"

Du Liangchen hesitated for a moment and said, "Uncle, you know how much I attract negative attention. Aren't you afraid of being criticized if I go on their show?"

Mei Jing asked, "Coach Du, what's the team's opinion on this matter?"

Du Langxing: "Of course the team wants you to go. We hope your exposure can attract more people to pay attention to ice and snow sports. The team also knows about Xiao Chen's situation, but the final decision is up to you. Don't put too much pressure on yourselves."

Du Liangchen glanced at Mei Jing and then said, "Uncle asked us to think about it. Can we tell you tonight?"

Dulangxing: "Okay, you guys have fun, I'll hang up now."

After hanging up the phone, the car became quiet.

Du Liangchen didn't actually want to go. Although his uncle didn't say it explicitly, it was clear that the team really wanted them to participate in the show.

Du Langxing must have been under a lot of pressure, otherwise he wouldn't have made the call. This had happened before, but the messages never even reached Du Liangchen before he rejected them; Du Liangchen only found out afterward.

Mei Jing was a little worried when she saw Du Liangchen's stern face and sullen expression.

"What's wrong? If you don't want to go, then don't go. You didn't ask them to spoil your mood."

Du Liangchen said in a low voice, "I'm just wondering what the team means by this. Are they using us as bait to lure fish?"

"If we look at the essence of things, what you said is correct, but your thinking is a bit too extreme."

Mei Jing, fearing that Du Liangchen might not understand, gently comforted him, saying, "We are in the prime of our lives as athletes, but we won't stay in this state forever. We might retire at any time or for any reason. The national team needs fresh blood, and it's understandable that they want to use us to replenish their ranks."

Du Liangchen: "I understand what you're saying, and I'm willing to contribute to help the team add more new members."

"But... I'm afraid it will backfire. You know what people say about me online."