Chapter 21: Difficulties from Foreign Journalists, Wang Xiaoming Truly Enters the Swimming Competition

Ever since they learned that Wang Xiaoming had successfully joined the swim team and was about to compete, his teammates on the shooting squad had come to admire him even more. For some reason, even though Wang Xiaoming had never displayed any talent for swimming, deep down, they felt certain he would win a medal this time.

It must be remembered that although Wang Xiaoming did not compete in the three-position event in shooting, in the public eye, he was already considered a grand slam champion. If a competitor of such caliber were to cross over into swimming and actually win a medal, Zhao An and the others dared not imagine how smooth and successful Wang Xiaoming’s life would be from then on.

"Man, once Brother Ming goes back, he's going to be swamped with advertisements and endorsements!"

"That's a given. But there are still too few categories for a shooting champion to endorse. Do you think that’s why Brother Ming decided to join the swim team?"

"Are you kidding? That limited range only applies to others. For a grand slam winner like Brother Ming, what could he not endorse?"

As they discussed this, they entered the swimming venue. Since the preparation phase had not yet begun, athletes from various countries had not yet arrived. However, the media personnel inside the venue were sharp-eyed observers, and they spotted the members of the shooting team immediately. Even though two days had passed, the buzz surrounding the Chinese shooting team had not diminished in the slightest. No sooner had Zhao An and his teammates sat down than several media outlets swarmed them.

"Hello, are you here to cheer for the Chinese swim team?" a foreign reporter asked. Zhao An frowned at the question. *Are these foreign reporters brainless? If we aren't here to cheer for the Chinese swim team, would we be here to cheer for yours?*

However, since he was on camera, Zhao An maintained basic decorum. "Yes. Our shooting team nearly swept all the gold medals, so we are here to support our brothers on the swim team, hoping they can achieve the same success as we did!" He added with a smile, "We hope your country does well, too!"

Basic etiquette was mandatory, but that didn't mean Zhao An couldn't be sarcastic. Since the Chinese shooting team had nearly taken every gold, he was effectively saying that the swim team would do the same, and the other countries better be ready. Back home, the Chinese audience watching the screen burst into laughter. What a guy—the foreign media had truly brought this on themselves.

The foreign viewers' comments flooded the live stream instantly. "F***! Arrogant! If it weren't for Wang Xiaoming in shooting, how could you have won so many gold medals?"

"Exactly! Do you really think your swim team can produce someone like Wang Xiaoming?"

"Laughable. I bet your swim team is going to get shut out by our USA team!"

"Hahaha, I can't wait to see the look of shame on the Chinese faces!"

The foreign reporter naturally caught the underlying meaning, and his expression soured. However, he wasn't about to let Zhao An lead the conversation. Since he had brought up Wang Xiaoming, the reporter decided to strike back.

"It seems unity among athletes is an indispensable factor for victory," the American reporter said with a smile. "But may I ask, where is your country’s athlete, Wang Xiaoming? Didn't he come to cheer for the swim team?" The implication was clear: *Now that he’s won his gold, does your Wang Xiaoming no longer care about other events? Does he only care about his own glory, and not national honor?*

Zhao An smiled. He had known from the start that the reporter had an agenda. *Aha, you’ve shown your true colors quickly, haven't you?* Prepared for this, Zhao An replied, "Brother Ming? He doesn't need to come and cheer for the swim team."

The foreign reporter thought he had baited him. "Why not? Is it that once he won his shooting gold, he no longer cares about the country's other events?"

But Zhao An's next sentence stunned the reporter. "Well, you're not wrong; he really doesn't have the time to pay attention to other events right now, because..."

"He has to focus on preparing for his own upcoming matches. He can't afford any distractions!"

The foreign reporter was confused. "Upcoming matches? But hasn't Wang Xiaoming already..." He looked toward the pool, a realization dawning on him. "Could it be?"

Only then did Zhao An slowly explain, "Yes... Brother Ming really can't cheer for the swim team, because when he competes later, we’ll be the ones cheering for him!"

In an instant, the audience watching from every country erupted. The comment sections showed a stark divide. The Chinese audience was both shocked and worried: *Is Wang Xiaoming crazy? He almost got a grand slam in shooting, and now he’s going to the swim team? Is he not leaving any room for other countries to survive?*

Meanwhile, viewers from other countries were shocked and then turned to hysterical mockery. "Ridiculous! A shooter wants to compete in swimming? Who gave him the courage?"

"Speechless. Does he really think he’s Superman? Dominating both shooting and swimming?"

"The athlete is ignorant, but is your Chinese coaching staff just as foolish? How can one compete in two completely unrelated sports?"

The foreign reporter, after a moment of stunned silence, asked, "You mean Wang Xiaoming is going to compete in swimming? Which events is he entered in?"

If Wang Xiaoming were only doing one event, perhaps it could be dismissed as a mere experience. But Zhao An smiled and said, "I'm not sure, but it seems he signed up for all of them!"

At that, not only the foreign audience but even the Chinese viewers began to doubt. *All of them? Is this a joke? Do they think the Olympics is child's play?*

Zhao An continued, "So, we are mainly here to cheer for Brother Ming. We hope he shines as brightly as he did in the shooting competition and strives to win the gold!" As he said this, he pumped his fist at the camera.

This move infuriated viewers everywhere. The swim competition was packed with powerful rivals, including the previous gold medalists. Even the legendary Michael Phelps would not have dared to claim he could easily snatch gold from them. A shooter joining mid-competition saying such things? Was it a joke?

"Forget gold! If Wang Xiaoming even places, I'll publicly call him my grandfather!"

"Hmph, laughable. To place? You think too highly of him! If he isn't in the bottom three, I'll post on Facebook that China is No. 1!"

As the debate raged in the comments, the swimming athletes from various countries finally appeared on screen. Everyone went silent. They were all searching for that one man.