Choosing a high school was undoubtedly a significant decision for Zhou Hui at this stage, and he wasn't ready to jump to conclusions just yet. With some time before school started, he wanted to think it over carefully.
He needed to assess which schools genuinely wanted him and which were merely seeking publicity. If a school truly wanted Zhou Hui, they would provide him with a substantial tactical position. Conversely, if they were only after the hype, they would simply want to use him to gain attention without offering him any playing opportunities.
These two scenarios would lead to two very different outcomes for Zhou Hui.
However, in reality, Zhou Hui was overthinking it. The second possibility was almost nonexistent.
In high school baseball, there were no significant benefits; it was all about passion. There was no such thing as a "traffic player."
"I'm back."
Just as the atmosphere reached a subtle standstill, a deep, robust voice echoed from the entrance.
"Is Dad back?" Zhou Hui looked toward the door.
His father wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked into the room carrying a toolbox.
"You're off work," Zhou Hui said, noticing his father passing by.
Upon seeing Zhou Hui's father, Ms. Takashima immediately greeted him with a professional smile. She had a very good impression of Zhou Hui's father.
Previously, Zhou Hui was in a similar situation as now—still undecided about which high school to attend. There were even several instances where he almost ruled out Seido High School from his options because he initially thought about finding a school in Hokkaido to stay close to his parents.
However, Zhou Hui's father had a completely different perspective. He wanted Zhou Hui to play in a big city, and naturally, a team in West Tokyo was the best choice.
Zhou Hui had never been assertive and had always listened to his parents. Thus, he limited his school search to the West Tokyo area, which led to Ms. Takashima's repeated visits to their home.
"Ah, Ms. Takashima is here again," Zhou Hui's father said, immediately putting down his toolbox, changing out of his dirty clothes, and plopping down next to Zhou Hui.
"Hahahaha, yes."
"This time, you're here for Hui, right?" Zhou Hui's father quickly deduced Ms. Takashima's purpose.
Every visit had been for Zhou Hui, without exception.
Sometimes, Zhou Hui's father was genuinely curious about what level Zhou Hui played at in the youth baseball league that made Ms. Takashima so invested in him. However, he didn't understand baseball well and had no time to learn, leaving him puzzled about what kind of talent his son truly was.
Since Zhou Hui expressed his desire to play baseball, his father hadn't had to worry much or spend much money. The only time he took Zhou Hui to a baseball event was to sign him up for the Eagles youth team.
But even then, the Eagles' supervisor was so impressed with Zhou Hui after just half an hour of tryouts that he waived the fees to recruit him.
Now, with so many prestigious high schools offering enticing conditions to recruit Zhou Hui, his father could be sure that Zhou Hui was indeed a remarkable player.
"Yes, I still hope Zhou Hui will consider our school. We currently have a special enrollment spot reserved for him. In addition to waiving the entrance exam and tuition fees, we have more sincerity to offer this time," Ms. Takashima said, pulling out a box of expensive pastries from her bag.
While it wasn't as tangible as a check, it still demonstrated Seido High School's sincerity. This box of pastries was from the most famous brand in West Tokyo and cost nearly a month's salary for Zhou Hui's father.
"You're too kind; this is too extravagant. We can't accept it," Zhou Hui's father said, pushing the pastries back.
He didn't want to owe her a favor.
Although he wanted Zhou Hui to play in West Tokyo, the final decision rested with Zhou Hui. Moreover, there were many high schools in West Tokyo; it wasn't just Seido High School that mattered.
If Zhou Hui was truly working hard for Koshien, he might not even choose Seido High School.
Accepting such an expensive gift would create a significant obligation if Zhou Hui ultimately decided against attending Seido.
"This is just a small gesture; please enjoy it," Ms. Takashima insisted, adjusting her glasses, clearly well-prepared.
"And if I remember correctly, your family is from China, right?" she added.
"That's right. Why do you ask?" Zhou Hui's father replied.
"How about this: if Zhou Hui chooses to join Seido High School, we will cover your family's travel expenses for visiting China over the next three years. What do you think?" Ms. Takashima smiled, presenting another condition.
This offer made Zhou Hui's father's heart race.
Seido High School was genuinely interested in Zhou Hui, and their sincerity was evident! They would even reimburse the airfare for a trip back to China!
Since the Zhou family moved to Japan, their quality of life hadn't improved much; the money they earned barely covered their basic needs. If this trip back home was considered an investment, the Zhou family had already lost significantly.
Because of this, they hadn't returned home in a long time. During the New Year, they often chose to stay in Japan due to their tight finances.
Zhou Hui hadn't seen his grandparents in three years. With their age, both Zhou Hui and his father were very concerned about their health.
Given this offer to cover the airfare, Zhou Hui might very well choose Seido High School.
"What do you think? Have you made a decision?" Ms. Takashima asked with a slight smile.
Zhou Hui's father was eager to agree, but he still wanted to hear Zhou Hui's opinion. He didn't want to hinder his son's future with his own desires.
Ultimately, the decision rested with Zhou Hui.
"Since your school is so sincere, I can't refuse," Zhou Hui said.
Upon hearing this, Ms. Takashima couldn't help but smile broadly, though she tried to maintain her composure.
"I choose to join Seido High School."
Zhou Hui had made his decision. It seemed that not promising Giant Troll Vine was the right choice after all; otherwise, he would have missed this opportunity to attend Seido High School.
"Then I hope we can work well together in the future, Zhou Hui," Ms. Takashima said, relieved that the recruitment was finalized. Her efforts in visiting the Zhou household three times had finally paid off.