14
Ethan’s failure to get into high school threw
Uncle Mark’s family into turmoil.
They finally decided to send him to vocational school, hoping he’d at least get a high school
diploma.
But Ethan refused to go. He wanted to compete in a provincial gaming tournament. Uncle Mark slapped him, accusing him of
being brainwashed by video games.
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Aunt Sarah locked him in the house.
Whenever he went out, he went straight to
the internet cafe.
After a week, a man in glasses showed up at
their apartment.
He showed Uncle Mark his credentials as a
national gaming coach and presented a stack
of documents.
He talked for a long time, praising Ethan’s
exceptional talent.
“Training for the national team is free. All you
need to do is support him, take care of his daily needs. We’ll take care of the rest.”
Hearing that it was free, Uncle Mark’s
suspicion eased. He agreed to visit the
training facility the next day.
After the visit, Uncle Mark decided to send
L
Ethan.
Aunt Sarah bragged to the neighbors, “Ethan
doesn’t want to go to regular high school
because he doesn’t like studying. He’s much
smarter than some girls I could mention.
The neighbors asked if joining the national
esports team meant he’d be a star.
“It’s only a matter of time. The coach said
he’s incredibly talented. Once he’s on the
national team, he’ll represent China in
international competitions.”
The neighbors, though unfamiliar with
esports, understood the concept of gaming.
They marveled that playing video games
could lead to representing the country.
Their envious looks made Aunt Sarah beam.
Before Ethan officially joined the training
く
camp, Uncle Mark threw a celebratory
banquet at a restaurant in town.
He invited all the relatives and neighbors a
month in advance.
I went back to school early. Senior year
started sooner, and the schedule was
demanding.
After lights out in the dorm, I studied in the
hallway outside the bathroom.
I studied until I could barely keep my eyes
open, then crept back to bed.
When I went home for a weekend break to
get my fall clothes, I saw Dad rifling through
Mom’s things, looking for her bank book.
Clothes and papers were strewn across the
floor.
