Chapter 18 — Bridge Yard Beats

Returning to the country in glory, the couple Vy - Long was warmly welcomed at the airport by a large number of fans, family and the media. Congratulatory banners were spread throughout the arrival hall, and cheers were as loud as a welcoming ceremony for top sports stars.

Vy's mother and Nguyen walked through the crowd, unable to hide their tears of happiness when they saw their daughter walk out of the security door, wearing a sparkling gold medal on her shoulder. "My daughter is so talented," she said, hugging Vy in pride that couldn't be expressed in words.

"I did it, mom," Vy replied, tears of happiness mixed with a bright smile on her lips.

In the days that followed, both Vy and Long continuously received interview invitations from television stations, sports magazines, and even entertainment programs that wanted to exploit their inspirational love story. Despite being busy, the two still tried to arrange time to participate in some important interviews, seeing this as an opportunity to spread positive sports spirit to the public, especially the younger generation who are pursuing their passion for badminton.

In an interview on national television, the host asked about the biggest difficulties the two had experienced during their preparation journey. Vy, without hesitation, shares sincerely about her humble background, about her tireless efforts to overcome prejudice and prove herself.

"I want to send a message to young people in difficult situations like the one I went through," she said, her eyes full of sincerity towards the camera lens. "Your background does not determine your future. As long as you work hard enough and are persistent enough, no dream is too far away."

That sincere sharing quickly spread widely, becoming a source of inspiration for many young people across the country, especially those coming from difficult circumstances similar to Vy. Many messages and letters were sent to her, expressing emotion and new motivation after hearing her story.

Long, meanwhile, also received special attention from the media for his story of overcoming family pressure to find his own path. "I used to think, I have to become a perfect version like my grandfather and father," he shared in another interview. "But I realized, the best way to honor family heritage is not to copy, but to find your own path, bearing your own personal mark."

In the midst of a busy schedule with interviews, the two still do not forget to maintain regular training intensity, preparing for the long journey towards the Olympics. Coach Kiet emphasized the importance of not letting new fame distract from your main professional goal.

"Reputation is secondary," he reminded in a team meeting. "The most important thing is that you continue to strive and improve yourself to achieve the best results at the Olympics."

One afternoon, after practice, Vy received a special invitation from her old elementary school in her hometown, inviting her to visit and share with the students on the occasion of the opening of the new school year. Despite her busy schedule, she still decided to make time to return, seeing this as a valuable opportunity to inspire future generations right in the place where she grew up.

The sharing session took place warmly in the small school yard, hundreds of students sat attentively listening to the story of the former student who has now become the pride of the whole countryside. "Once upon a time, I also studied at this same school, with a simple dream of playing badminton professionally," Vy shared, her voice filled with emotion as she looked back at the familiar rows of tables and chairs. "I don't have good conditions like many other friends, but I have one thing that no one can take away - that is the determination to never give up."

A small girl raised her hand and asked, her voice full of admiration. "Sister, how can I never give up? Sometimes I find it very difficult to practice without seeing progress."

Vy smiled and sat down at eye level with the girl. "I think, the secret is not to never feel difficult, but to learn how to get up every time you fall. I also have many times when I want to give up, but I always remind myself of why I started."

The sharing session ended in warm applause, leaving a deep impression on not only the students, but also Vy herself, when she realized that her journey now has a meaning far beyond what she ever imagined - not only conquering the pinnacle of sports for herself, but also being an inspiration for many other generations of young people.

On the way back to the city, Vy told Long about that meaningful sharing session, her voice still filled with emotion. "I never thought my story could inspire so many people," she said.

"That is the true power of sports," Long replied, his eyes full of appreciation. "Not just medals and titles, but also the ability to inspire and change the lives of those around you in a more positive direction."

A few days later, the national badminton federation held an official honor ceremony for the Vy - Long couple, with the attendance of many high-ranking sports officials and a large number of media. At the ceremony, both were awarded certificates of merit for their outstanding contributions to the country's sports.

"This is a great pride not only for the two athletes, but also for the entire Vietnamese badminton industry," the federation president said, his voice full of solemnity. "We believe that with this spirit and energy, the two athletes will continue to bring about even more impressive achievements in the upcoming Olympic arena."

After the ceremony, when returning to the small room at the training center, Vy sat down, looked back at the newly received certificate, her heart filled with a feeling of deep gratitude for what life had bestowed upon her, from a girl from a common background to an athlete known and admired throughout the country.

During the honor ceremony, Long also received another unexpected piece of good news - the federation decided to establish a scholarship in the name of the Trinh family, specifically for young athletes in difficult circumstances but with rich potential, based on the proposal that Mr. Trinh Bao Son had quietly prepared in advance.

"What do you think about my decision to establish this scholarship?" Mr. Son asked his son after the ceremony, his eyes full of anticipation.

"I think this is a great decision, dad," Long replied, unable to hide his emotion. "Thanks to Vy, I have a better understanding of the difficulties that many talented young athletes face simply because their family circumstances are not qualified. This scholarship will help many people."

"I think so too," Mr. Son nodded, his eyes looking towards Vy who was chatting with a few reporters nearby. "Vy taught her entire family a valuable lesson about strength and integrity, far beyond what money or fame can bring."

When she learned about the scholarship named after the Long family, Vy could not hide her deep emotions. "This is really meaningful," she said when Long told her about it. "I wish, when I was a child, I had such opportunities to help difficult families like mine."

"That's also the reason my father decided to establish this scholarship," Long replied, holding her hand tightly. "It was your story that inspired that decision."

That evening, both families - Vy's mother, Nguyen, and Mr. Trinh Bao Son - had an intimate meal together to celebrate their recent successes. A warm, cohesive atmosphere covers the entire dining table, marking the complete harmony between two families with completely different backgrounds but sharing the same pride and love for two talented young people.

"I never thought that a reluctant pairing decision by the coach could lead to so many meaningful things," Vy's mother said, raising a glass of water to congratulate the whole table. "It's not just about athletic achievement, it's about love, it's about the bond between two families, and now it's about opportunity for many other generations of young athletes."

"That is the miracle of life," Mr. Son replied, raising his glass in response. "Sometimes, the best things come from the most seemingly difficult beginnings."

The whole party raised their glasses and clinked glasses in joy and warm connection, closing a series of meaningful days after a historic victory in the regional qualifiers, preparing a strong spirit for the long journey ahead towards the Olympic Games.