I just wanted a bicycle, but someone insisted on giving me a huge Harley!
Ono Binchi felt exactly like that. Facing Coach Tahara, who exuded an imposing aura of wealth and power, he couldn't use any of the words he had prepared.
"I believe our cooperation will be very pleasant, and you definitely won't regret your choice today."
In the end, Ono Binchi could only say that. Even as he said it, he couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
As Zhang Han's Coach, he believed he understood the boy quite well. That kid was indeed extremely talented, especially in hitting. But to say Zhang Han's talent was enough for Ichidai Third High School's Coach to be so eager? It didn't seem quite right.
Ono Binchi was completely puzzled.
Meanwhile, when Zhang Han returned home, he encountered an unexpected guest.
"Xiao Han is back! The guest has been waiting for you for a long time!"
Guest?
When Zhang Han heard those two words, he instinctively frowned. In a foreign land, their fellow workers—especially those from their hometown—were like family. Those who could be called guests were basically Ms. Lan He's suitors.
Despite being a mother of two, time had barely left any marks on her. Sometimes Zhang Han thought this might be related to Lan He's straightforward personality. It was precisely because she didn't worry about anything that she could maintain an optimistic mindset and resist the erosion of time.
"Who introduced him? What are his conditions? Do we need to act like good kids or problem children?"
Emotionally, Zhang Han didn't want his mother to marry a man completely unfamiliar to him. But he was an adult now; his thoughts were no longer stuck in childhood. It was already very difficult for his mother to raise them and provide a decent life. Don't let this woman's constant smile fool you; the burden of life she carried was something most men couldn't endure.
If Lan He wanted to pursue her own happiness, Zhang Han could only do his best to cooperate, besides offering his blessings.
"You brat, what are you talking about?"
Lan He pushed Zhang Han, then reached out and pulled him back into the house.
Upon entering the living room, Zhang Han knew he had misunderstood.
The guest was an intellectual woman in her early twenties, wearing gold-rimmed black-framed glasses, with confidence radiating from her eyes. Moreover, this woman had a very impressive cleavage.
Zhang Han desperately racked his brain, trying to recall any memories related to this woman.
None, absolutely none.
Although Zhang Han wasn't like those geniuses in movies who could remember everything at a glance, as long as he had genuinely interacted with someone or made an effort to remember them, he would have an impression. For a woman like this, if he had seen her before, he definitely would have remembered.
"You are?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Takashima Rei, Vice President of the Seido High School Baseball Club and head of recruitment. Today, on behalf of Seido, I extend an invitation to Zhang Han. I believe that as long as you join us, Seido will certainly not disappoint you."
"My brother has already received an invitation from Ichidai San, and they've waived all the school selection fees, as well as most of the tuition and textbook fees."
Lan Yu jumped out at the opportune moment, speaking with a proud expression.
Ichidai San was a famous, prestigious high school throughout the entire nation. Being able to attend that school was already a great honor, not to mention the waived fees. This kind of treatment was like being recommended directly to Tsinghua or Peking University.
Lan Yu certainly had reason to be proud of her brother. Although she didn't explicitly state it, her meaning was clear: Why would her brother not join such a prestigious school and instead join some damned Seido High School? Does this school even exist?
"Oh!"
Takashima Rei pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose with her ring finger, then carefully scrutinized Zhang Han.
Based solely on his achievements in middle school, Zhang Han would at most qualify for a special admission without an entrance exam. He wouldn't be able to get benefits like tuition fee waivers, especially school selection fees. Since he had received them now, it meant that something must have happened that greatly interested Ichidai San.
What could it be? Could it be that they also saw Zhang Han's true talent?
"Zhang Han, did you participate in the private tryout held by Ichidai San?"
Zhang Han instinctively wanted to say no. Deep down, he already considered himself a part of Ichidai San and wanted to protect their interests. But Takashima Rei spoke so confidently that he couldn't bring himself to deny it.
In the end, he remained silent.
His attitude was equivalent to giving Takashima Rei the answer.
Sure enough, Coach Tahara of Ichidai San had also discovered Zhang Han's unique qualities.
To be honest, Zhang Han's inherent talent wasn't quite top-tier. His talent was mainly reflected in hitting and fielding. Simply put, he was a powerful hitter with extraordinary defensive ability.
Such individuals are usually not lacking in prestigious teams. They can recruit good prospects themselves, and after careful cultivation, such players naturally grow. Theoretically, this is the case, but in reality, top-tier sluggers, like excellent pitchers, are rare species.
No prestigious team would let one go. Especially a powerful hitter like Zhang Han who understands his responsibilities; he is the backbone of a championship team. If they truly want to reach Koshien and dominate the nation, such a player is indispensable.
"Your sister may not be aware, but in terms of recent renown, we are indeed not as prominent as Ichidai San. However, this does not mean that our school is inferior. We are an elite school; both our faculty and teaching methods are the most advanced. If we compare from this aspect, we are only stronger than Ichidai San, not worse."
"They also waived..."
"I apologize, we are an elite school and have never had such a system. We will not waive any fees."
Having said that, Takashima Rei paused slightly and continued.
"However, considering Zhang Han's achievements during his middle school years, the talent he displayed, and his excellent academic performance, we believe that such an outstanding student is precisely what we need. We will provide him with a scholarship each year to support his studies. This scholarship is free and does not need to be repaid."
With that, Takashima Rei pulled out a check.