The Final Candidate

The next day, Dai Li texted Jihai Ding to make sure that he was not busy, then dialed his phone after receiving confirmation.

"Dai Li, what a surprise. What made you call? You can just say it." Jihai Ding seemed to be in a good mood.

"Coach Ding, there is something I need you to help with. I want to join the National Youth Training Program!" Dai Li replied.

"Sign up for it, then. I will be the first one from our national team to welcome you!" Jihai Ding suddenly changed his tone and said, "Did you miss the sign up period?"

"I did not miss the date. It was not that my name was not on the list. They chose someone else," Dai Li said.