Chapter 106: Taekwondo Aspirations

On the platform, Heqing panted heavily, her sweat-streaked face showing a pair of innocent almond eyes as she looked down at the opponent lying on the ground.

Since she started competing against this team, she truly felt the gap in skill between them and the other competitors.

It was completely different from the amateur taekwondo enthusiasts she’d faced before.

Yet that didn’t stop Heqing from powering through, winning every match she entered.

The female competitor from the Potential Team on the ground stared at Heqing in surprise; apart from Lin Xue in their own team, this was the first time she’d encountered a peer with such a massive skill gap.

The referee blew the whistle: “Heqing wins!”

Heqing walked over and politely extended her hand to help the other girl up.

“Here, let me help.”

The girl slowly reached out, and once on her feet, she said admiringly, “You’re incredible. Without professional training, you still fought like that. I admit defeat wholeheartedly.”

Heqing smiled sweetly: “You’re really skilled too.”

The girl offered a friendly warning: “At your level, you’re at least championship material—maybe even runner-up at worst.”

“Runner-up?”

“Yeah, because our team has this girl named Lin Xue. She’s on a whole other level from the rest of us. We all think she’ll take the title. You’ll see if you face her next.”

She glanced at another ring where the sixteen-strong round had just ended, pointing to a short-haired girl: “That’s her—Lin Xue.”

Heqing followed her gaze toward the girl.

After seeing her, Heqing turned back to the girl and said, “No matter who I face, I’ll win.”

The girl paused in astonishment at her confidence, then nodded politely, admiring her spirit: “I hope so. If you pull it off, your future’s boundless.”

In the audience area, Jiang Jingshi watched Heqing, then glanced at the men’s platform. Though her male competitors had won, it seemed they’d just avoided tough opponents.

Honestly, compared to the women, those two guys were far behind in skill. Competitors like them wouldn’t even make it to provincial matches, let alone city ones.

Throwing more money at them would be a waste.

Jiang Jingshi looked serious: “After this tournament, I’ve pretty much sorted out my team’s lineup.”

Lin Zheng Ran eyed the short-haired girl: “Jiang Jie, that short-haired girl must be your team’s strongest, right? She seems way ahead of the others.”

“Yeah, her name’s Lin Xue. She’s not from our province—I scouted her during a trip. She’s got amazing talent, but she’s a bit arrogant. Heqing’s great, but I don’t think she’ll beat her.”

Lin Zheng Ran stayed silent.

Jiang Jingshi asked curiously: “What? Do you think Heqing can win, Zheng Ran?”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at her, a bit embarrassed: “Mainly because you mentioned investing so much in the team, so…”

Jiang Jingshi: “Just be honest. I like straight talk.”

With absolute faith in Heqing, Lin Zheng Ran’s eyes lit up: “I think Heqing will take the championship—and she’ll win for sure!”

Jiang Jingshi’s eyes widened, then she burst out laughing:

“If that’s true, it just proves there’s always someone better out there.” She looked at Lin Zheng Ran again: “But I’ve got full confidence in my competitors. Let’s see who’s right—I bet Lin Xue wins.”

On the competition field, the sixteen finalists were set, and they drew for the quarterfinal spots.

Whether by luck or not, Heqing didn’t draw Lin Xue this time—she got another girl instead.

After a short break, Heqing prepared for her next match.

As she headed aside for water, Heqing spotted Lin Zheng Ran in the audience and noticed the pretty sister had somehow sat next to him—they were deep in conversation.

Heqing froze, staring with a mix of surprise and jealousy.

Luckily, Lin Zheng Ran, knowing she was done, waved at her. Heqing smiled and waved back, feeling re-energized.

That gave her fresh motivation.

Jiang Jingshi caught the whole scene and thought their relationship seemed more than just childhood friends.

Suddenly, Lin Zheng Ran asked: “By the way, Jiang Jie, why are you investing so much in a Potential Team? The Jiang Group does offline products, right? How come you’re into taekwondo?”

Jiang Jingshi smiled:

“It’s just a hobby. As a kid, I watched the Olympics and thought it looked cool. The athletes have such graceful forms, so I dreamed about it. But I don’t have the talent, so I support those who do. And I follow lots of interests—this is just one.”

Lin Zheng Ran: “Other projects too? Like athletes?”

“Not exactly. I also like music and live streaming, so I have a singer team. I’ve got a competition for them next week.”

Lin Zheng Ran blinked at that—music company…

From what he knew, there was only one event in town next week: the music contest Lily was entering.

Did that mean Jiang Jingshi was backing that too? And nurturing singers?

Jiang Jingshi saw him go quiet: “What’s up? Something odd about that?”

Lin Zheng Ran chuckled: “Nothing…”

Jiang Jingshi watched as the quarterfinals started:

“Of course, I’m still a businesswoman at heart. There’s passion in it, but if I can develop future stars, they’ll bring profits to my company. And ones I raise myself are more loyal—they’ll help with ads and promos without extra cost.”

Jiang Jingshi held up a finger:

“Think of it this way, Zheng Ran—I’m building promotion for the Jiang Group and my sister’s company. In today’s online world, stars in sports or music are goldmines. Invest in the right one, get the buzz, and they explode. It’s way more lucrative than people imagine.”

Before Lin Zheng Ran could respond, a thoughtful glint appeared in Jiang Jingshi’s eyes—a mix of admiration and caution—as she studied him: “So, what about you, Zheng Ran? You’ve got a knack for spotting talent, and you’re skilled yourself, but you’re not competing. It’s not just about helping Heqing with her hobby, is it? I sense you’ve got plans…”

She hadn’t finished when the quarterfinal results came in.

“Match over—Heqing wins!”