Capítulo 97: 97 The New Schedule Is Set In Daxia: A Quiet Return to the Village
Ye Chen strategically glossed over the Covington incident, drawing attention away from his team's past issues. He chose not to delve deep into the specifics, opting instead for a more abstract discussion. His immense visibility in the sport can be attributed to two main factors: his exceptional performance on the court and the fact that he operates independently, without the backing of a team. This unique position spurred a wave of curiosity among fans, prompting them to closely follow his journey. By maintaining an aura of mystery, he effectively attracted more attention, a tactic that has proven extremely successful.
The crowd quickly became engrossed in Ye Chen's remarks about Covington, allowing the contention surrounding the team to fade from their minds. Remarkably, many in the audience harbored a dislike for Covington, even while acknowledging his formidable skills. Covington has long been viewed as the top contender just below Wusman, having gone toe-to-toe with him for ten grueling rounds, showcasing his resilience and strength. The mixed feelings towards Covington—both admiration for his prowess and disdain for his personality—created an electric atmosphere as spectators eagerly anticipated his comeuppance.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen's triumphs against Oliveira and Makhachev have positioned him as a seemingly unstoppable force in the lightweight division. Many fans believe he is currently unrivaled, unless the elusive Peak Kitty makes a comeback—a possibility yet to be confirmed, especially since Xiaoying, after Mahai's loss, has not made any public statements regarding a return to the ring. As a result, there is mounting excitement amongst boxing enthusiasts regarding Ye Chen's potential ascent to the heavyweight category. As a rising star in the sport, who finds himself entwined with a popular figure, Ye Chen has certainly garnered a legion of admirers. Unfortunately, this fame also breeds jealousy and resentment from others who quietly hope to see him falter.
The journey to ascend the weight classes is fraught with challenges. Guan Bao serves as a striking example; he dominated in the featherweight division but struggled to find his footing in the lightweight category, facing tougher opponents who proved resilient against his once-dominant punches. This shift in performance illustrates the harsh reality many fighters encounter when moving up in weight. Thus, numerous supporters are anxiously speculating that this may be Ye Chen's first chance at defeat should he step into a higher weight class.
While both Ye Chen and Covington elicit strong reactions from fans, the sentiments expressed are quite different. One garners jealousy, while the other incites ire, particularly due to Covington's notoriety for his brash and abrasive personality. The prospect of a clash between these two fighters is enticing, as many predict it would be an explosive matchup, with the potential for one to definitively come out on top.
As the tension in the venue peaked, viewers—both live and online—erupted with enthusiasm. Ye Chen capitalized on the moment by mocking Covington's previous victories, particularly emphasizing how he only managed to triumph over lower-tier fighters. This taunt resonated with the crowd not because they disapproved of Covington as a fighter, but because they were tired of his boastful nature. At thirty-five, Covington's time in the ring is also being challenged by the dawning realization that he may be nearing the end of his career as an athlete.
Within the audience, murmurs of anticipation filled the air as fans speculated about a potential match-up. Some shouted supportive lines for Ye Chen, urging him to put Covington firmly in his place. The strident opinions echoed the same central theme: while Covington is indeed skilled, he is not on the same level as Ye Chen, who reigns supreme in the current lightweight division. "Ye Chen is the champion, why would he waste his time on someone beneath him in the ranks?" resonated throughout the crowd.
In the throes of this fervor, Covington, unable to voice his frustrations clearly, paced anxiously in the audience. Without the aid of a microphone, his protests went unheard, no doubt leaving him seething inwardly. Those coordinating the event, fully aware of the potential for chaos, kept the two men separate, opting for hype over malicious confrontation.
Logan, lingering nearby, jestingly probed Ye Chen about the feasibility of his moving up in weight classes. "If you switch to junior heavyweight," he remarked with a grin, "you might just have a real shot at Covington."
Ye Chen humorously countered, shaking his head dismissively, "Covington dreams of the spotlight and the wealth that comes from facing me in the ring. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in his mind." But he also expressed reluctance, acutely aware that Covington, having suffered defeat against Wusman, has aged into "old man" territory in boxing—a fact that could lead to narrative pitfalls should Ye Chen pursue a fight with him.
"I am at the top of my game," he continued, "and if Covington wants to step into the Octagon with me, he needs to first prove himself and secure a few decisive victories to earn that right."
Ye Chen's remarks refrained from any inclination towards a direct confrontation with Covington; rather, they served as a clear rejection of any ideas advocating for such a fight in the immediate future. His refusal, expressed candidly in front of cameras, was also a clever denouncement of Covington's recent lackluster performance record.
As their conversation turned back to Gazi's subsequent fight, it became apparent that Gazi himself had lost passion for the sport and was merely waiting for the opportunity to cash in on participation, rather than for the thrill of victory. However, Ye Chen and Gazi's time in the limelight was short-lived, as Dana White soon stepped in to congratulatory applause, declaring a newfound bonus for Gazi's victory—though the praise may have really been aimed at keeping Ye Chen motivated.
Later, the atmosphere shifted as Ye Chen found himself lounging comfortably in a hotel room, unaware of the brewing chaos at the company headquarters. A call from Dana ultimately signaled the urgency of the situation, inviting Ye Chen to return alongside him. Their discussions led to potential promotional matches, with Dana explicitly highlighting the immense public interest in hosting fights on Daxia's home turf. Ye Chen, motivated and flattered, contemplated the benefits of showcasing his prowess in familiar territory, particularly against a heavyweight contender.
Dana proposed a matchup against Dustin Poirier, sparking concern in Ye Chen's mind. Recent health reports regarding Diamond had raised doubts, and the prospect of facing an athlete who may be recovering from serious injuries felt more like an easy target than a fair fight.
"Dustin?" Ye Chen echoed skeptically, ruminating on the implications of such a battle. "Isn't he still recuperating from that severe foot infection?"
"Yes, but he's agreed to it," Dana chuckled gently. "You've made a strong case for this fight, especially with the enthusiasm from the fans, and we're confident this could be a lucrative win for you—while also granting you the chance to address the naysayers who question your standing."
The strategic conversation soon morphed into plans for financial success, with Dana reassuring Ye Chen that a battle against Diamond wouldn't just affirm his current prowess; it could also secure a substantial payday and bolster his legacy among fans as he readied himself for inevitable greatness.
The thrill of returning to his homeland soon beckoned Ye Chen, as he boarded a flight back to Daxia. Little did he know, amidst the anticipation and revelry, a personal journey awaited him—one filled with nostalgia and reconnection. Upon arrival at the Xianyang International Airport, the two couldn't help but draw attention, they had an extravagant amount of luggage and appeared more as if they were relocating than taking a brief trip. The contrast between them was evident, particularly in Catwoman's vibrant style, which stood out amid the drab scenery.
As they made their way through the crowded terminal, whispers followed them. "Is that Ye Chen?" some speculated, while others marveled at the woman's formidable stature beside him.
"Oh finally, off the plane!" Catwoman exclaimed, stretching her legs dramatically with an air of exaggerated relief before wrapping her arms around Ye Chen in a lighthearted embrace, her laughter infectious. "You tired? Need me to carry your stuff?"
Despite the playful jest, Ye Chen felt a swell of gratitude wash over him—returning home, combined with the presence of someone as supportive as Catwoman, was invigorating.
"I guess we should tone it down a bit," he mused, casting a glance around them. "People are staring."
Catwoman waved dismissively, asserting her intentions to leave a positive impression on Ye Chen's family, determined to stand out for all the right reasons. With a twinkle in her eye, she embraced the atmosphere of Ye Chen's hometown with a sense of adventure, as if each moment was a new opportunity for exploration.
Once Ye Chen finished the car rental process, they embarked on a scenic drive—a journey that evoked a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and eagerness within him. An unyielding sense of home swept through him as he navigated the winding roads toward his rural village.
As Catwoman peered into the lush, mountainous landscapes, she was full of curiosity, eager to learn about Ye Chen's upbringing, laughing at the stark contrasts between their two worlds. Ye Chen was taken by how she embraced each aspect of his life so willingly, a stark contrast to past relationships that had fallen short due to pre-conceived notions about his humble beginnings.
An unexpected warmth enveloped Ye Chen when they finally arrived at his village. Parking seemed effortless amidst the comforting familiarity. As they approached his family home, a sudden wave of nostalgia washed over him. He could feel his parents' eyes glued to the car, their expressions a blend of anticipation and surprise—the realization that they were about to meet the significant other of their son.
With a gentle pat on Catwoman's leg, Ye Chen offered encouragement. "Alright, here we go."
Reluctantly, she released her hold, her nervousness evident as she prepped for introductions. Knowing the genuine warmth of his parents, Ye Chen knew the nerves would swiftly dissipate, yet their initial encounter promised a palpable tension. With a swirl of emotions reflecting the memories from his childhood, he stepped out into the future he had built—one that was destined to intertwine with Catwoman's enthusiasm and spirit.
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