120 The Huaxia Archery Association is Shaken! (Please Add to Your Favorites)

The internet had completely exploded.

In the real world, the sensation caused by the China Archery Association was far greater than anything seen online.

"What? You want to invite Su Yunjin? President Zhang, you need to think this through carefully. Our association is not a place just anyone can join."

Within the China Archery Association, Liu Yinchang, a board member and secretary-general, rushed over the moment he heard the news. He immediately confronted the association’s president, Zhang Lu, with his objections. Leaving aside the status and social influence of the China Archery Association, even their existing members were not exactly nobodies.

Su Yunjin—a mere idol? Was she really qualified to join? If Su Yunjin was eligible, did that mean every other young pop star and idol was also qualified? This was a matter that absolutely needed to be addressed!

"Exactly, President Zhang, you must think clearly."

"Our association concerns the confidence of all Chinese archers. If we are so reckless, their hearts will be chilled."

"That’s right. Joining the association is a small matter, but the subsequent repercussions are far too serious."

The board members and veteran members who had followed Liu Yinchang into the room voiced their opposition and skepticism in unison. Beyond the prestige of the association, they were truly worried about the future of the sport. Archery had never been China’s strongest suit, and through their tireless efforts over the past two years, the sport had finally started to show some signs of progress. In such a climate, letting a "parachuted" celebrity like Su Yunjin join would be like letting all their hard work go down the drain.

Of course, if the invitation had been extended quietly, it wouldn't have mattered so long as no one found out. But this time, Zhang Lu had made the invitation openly and publicly on Zhang Chuchu’s livestream. How could they possibly pretend to be deaf and dumb now? With such a massive national stir, how could they possibly open a back door?

"Well, my colleagues, aside from the impact on the athletes' morale, is there anything else that makes you feel Su Yunjin is unfit to join our association?"

Even as the barrage of criticism hit him like a storm, Zhang Lu remained smiling, appearing completely unfazed. His elegant demeanor was ingrained in his very bones; even a simple question from him made one feel they were in the presence of a master. And indeed, Zhang Lu was a master. He was the first Chinese Olympic shooting champion, the current head coach of the national archery team, the dean of the Department of Physical Education at Tsinghua University, and an honorary professor at Yale University.

He had achieved fame in his youth and success in his prime, giving him an innate, relaxed aura. Of course, that was not his only side. Those from that era who had witnessed his performance on the field would have been intimidated by the murderous intensity he once projected. On the field, he was a tyrant, a powerhouse, a force meant to crush everything in his path. Off the field, however, he was a coach, a scholar, and a teacher—a man of composure who appeared entirely free of tension.

However, human relationships involve both personal connections and professional matters. On this point, Liu Yinchang and the others would not lose their sense of judgment just because of Zhang Lu’s reputation.

"President Zhang, your tone suggests you are just trying to be difficult with us. Isn’t the potential damage to the entire sport of archery a significant enough impact? Or do you think we have to wait until things reach a breaking point before we can call it an influence?"

"Exactly, President Zhang. Since we all oppose this, it must be wrong."

"Since you asked us, I’ll ask you, President Zhang: what is so good about this Su Yunjin? Has she won any awards? Has she earned any gold medals? Or is she a graduate of some sports academy? If she is nothing, why should she be allowed into our association? You’ve made this invitation so blatantly; if she rejects us, where will our association hide its face?"

Once Liu Yinchang started, the other board members chimed in, venting all their grievances.

"Reject? That is a point I had overlooked. If she really were to reject us, could our association unite with other organizations to blacklist Su Yunjin?" Zhang Lu asked with a smile, sounding as if he were genuinely seeking their advice.

For Liu Yinchang and the others, however, this question was enough to make them choke with rage. What did he mean by uniting with other associations to blacklist her? Had he heard nothing of what they just said?

The board members' faces turned dark. Liu Yinchang, his expression grim, snapped, "President Zhang, have you gone senile?"

In any other organization, such a remark would surely lead to trouble with one's superiors. But within the China Archery Association, Liu Yinchang’s position was not granted by Zhang Lu, and there was no competitive relationship between them. To put it bluntly, their roles were mostly honorary; if they weren’t carrying the burden of the organization, they would just be out sightseeing or exchanging archery techniques—it was a very relaxed life. With no conflicting interests or competition, Liu Yinchang didn’t worry about being targeted for speaking his mind.

Besides, there was no way to target him anyway. Moreover, he was truly furious now, and even if he were to face consequences, he didn't care.

"Secretary-General Liu is angry," Zhang Lu chuckled. Before Liu Yinchang could continue, Zhang Lu asked, "Secretary-General, have you watched a variety show called *Hot-Blooded Warriors*?"

"What does a variety show have to do with this, President Zhang?" Liu Yinchang asked, confused, though he shook his head.

Zhang Lu smiled. "I figured you hadn't watched it, but I suggest you do. Especially the parts with Su Yunjin. You can all take a look; her marksmanship may not be perfect, but you can tell there is a foundation there. I know what you are worried about, but have you considered that Su Yunjin’s inclusion might actually help promote us?"

Zhang Lu stood up slowly from his seat. "My colleagues, we have been working hard for the sport of archery for ten or twenty years. We have always felt that our publicity was insufficient and that people did not pay enough attention to the sport. But when I saw Su Yunjin shooting the other day, I suddenly realized that our approach to promoting the sport had drifted from the core theme."

Liu Yinchang looked puzzled. The other board members were equally confused. As their gazes landed on him, Zhang Lu patted Liu Yinchang on the shoulder and continued, "Actually, I think we should place more emphasis on the 'hard work' aspect. You are all people who have achieved things in the field of archery; you should know that, compared to other sports, archery tests far too many elements. First is vision, then concentration, and finally, the perception of the target. Su Yunjin said the other day that she practiced for ten or twenty years to achieve the skill of 'piercing a willow leaf from a hundred paces.' You all know better than I do just how high a bar that achievement sets."