Chapter 3 — Bridge Yard Beats

The next morning, the entire team gathered in the large meeting room at Coach Kiet's request. A tense atmosphere filled the space as everyone knew that the decision about to be announced would directly affect the team's chances of participating in the Olympics.

Coach Kiet walked in, holding a thick file in his hand, his stern eyes scanning all the athletes sitting and waiting. Next to him is Mr. Trinh Bao Son, Long's father, who has just been invited as a technical advisor for the upcoming important decision. His figure still exudes the majestic demeanor of a former national team coach.

"After careful consideration with the coaching staff," Coach Kiet opened, his voice solemn, "we have come to a decision on a replacement for Tram's position in the mixed doubles."

The entire meeting room was absolutely silent, all eyes were focused on him.

"We decided to pair Trinh Bao Long and Dang Thao Vy to compete in the mixed doubles event at the upcoming regional Olympic qualifiers."

That statement was like a bomb exploding in the meeting room. Vy stood up, unable to hide her surprise. "You're joking, right? I've never competed in professional mixed doubles once in my life!"

"You're right," Coach Kiet nodded, his voice still calm. "But you have excellent physical strength, speed and competitive instincts - the most important qualities to quickly adapt to the doubles event. Long has extensive experience in this content, enough to guide you in the necessary techniques in a short time."

Long, sitting in the opposite row, could not hide his surprise, even though he controlled his emotions much better than Vy. "Teacher, I think this is too risky a decision. The doubles event requires chemistry and mutual understanding through long periods of practice. We have less than two months left before the qualifying round."

"You understand these risks better than anyone," Mr. Trinh Bao Son spoke up, his voice was deep but powerful as that of someone who has led many generations of athletes. "But I have been closely monitoring both of your performances over the past time. Technically, the contrast in your playing styles — a strong attack, a solid defense — is actually the perfect complement that many professional couples take years to build."

"But we have never coordinated together, even..." Vy hesitated, not knowing how to express the conflict-filled relationship between her and Long.

"Still often disagree, right?" Coach Kiet continued, with an unpredictable smile at the corner of his mouth. "I know that clearly. But sometimes, it is the clash of opinions that forces both people to learn to listen and understand each other more deeply, instead of simply agreeing superficially."

The entire meeting room was silent before that convincing argument. Coach Kiet continued, his voice becoming more serious.

"This is not a request, but a suggestion. I will give you two a day to think. If you both do not agree, we will be forced to skip the mixed doubles event in this year's qualifying round, which means the team will lose one of the important tickets to qualify for the Olympics."

The meeting ended in a heavy atmosphere, everyone left the room one by one, leaving only a few whispers about the bold decision that had just been announced. Vy walked out into the hallway, her mind still confused at the prospect of having to compete with the person she had quarreled with just a few days ago.

"What do you think about this proposal?" Long's voice rang out from behind, as he caught up with her in the hallway.

"I don't know," Vy answered honestly, stopping and turning to look at him. "I never thought I would have to switch to doubles, especially with..."

"With me?" Long asked, his voice containing a rare bit of self-mockery.

"That's right," Vy nodded, not avoiding it. "We've never even had a normal conversation that lasted more than five minutes without arguing."

Long pondered for a moment, looking at the yard outside where several young athletes were practicing. "I had similar concerns," he admitted. "But I also think about what Mr. Kiet and my father just said. Perhaps, because we are different, that complementarity is truly valuable on the field."

"Are you trying to convince me to agree?" Vy asked, her eyes searching.

"Not really," Long shook his head. "I'm just trying to look at the issue as objectively as possible, instead of letting personal emotions dictate this important decision."

That evening, Vy called her mother and shared about the difficult decision she was facing. Her mother, a woman who worked hard to sell goods at the countryside market for many years to support her two sisters and their children, listened attentively on the phone.

"What do you think, mom?" Vy asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I don't understand much about sports," Vy's mother replied, her voice warm and familiar. "But I believe, if the coach and the whole family with a badminton tradition like Mr. Long's family trust this opportunity to you, they will definitely see something special in you that you haven't even realized yet."

"But I'm afraid I'll ruin the team's chances, Mom," Vy admitted, her voice quiet. "If you are not able to adapt in time..."

"My daughter has always proven herself in the most difficult situations since she was young," Vy's mother comforted, her voice full of pride. "I believe you will find a way, like you always have done until now."

That sincere encouragement made Vy feel somewhat more confident. She looked out the window at the city lights sparkling in the night, gradually forming a decision that she knew would completely change the trajectory of her career.

At the same time, in the Trinh family's small house, Long sat across from his father in the living room, a quiet atmosphere permeating the familiar space. Mr. Son poured tea, slowly pushed the cup towards his son, his eyes searching.

"Are you still hesitant?" he asked, his voice calm.

"I don't deny Vy's abilities," Long replied, gently turning the hot tea cup. "But I'm worried about the time pressure. If we fail in the qualifying round, it will be a stain on both of our careers, especially on our family's reputation."

Mr. Son was silent for a moment, his eyes looking far away as if recalling something from the past. "You know, your grandfather, when he was a young athlete, was also forced to pair up with a complete stranger just a few weeks before an important tournament. He was just as scared as you are now."

"So what was the result?" Long asked, curious about the family story he had never heard.

"They won the bronze medal at the continental championship that year," Mr. Son smiled, his eyes full of nostalgia. "And that partner, later, became my grandmother."

Long was stunned by that unexpected revelation, unable to hide his surprise. "I never knew about this."

"There are things, sometimes fate arranges itself in ways we cannot predict," Mr. Son said, his voice becoming deep. "I'm not saying you have to love Vy, that's not what I care about. What I want you to understand is that, sometimes, the most seemingly impossible combinations open the most wonderful doors, if you're brave enough to step through the initial fear."

Long pondered for a long time before sharing those words, clearly feeling the invisible pressure that had been weighing on his shoulders for many years gradually being somewhat lifted. "I'll think about it, Dad," he replied, his voice less tense.

"I believe you will make the right choice," Mr. Son nodded, patting his son's shoulder. "No matter what you decide, I will always support you."

The next morning, before practice, Long proactively found Vy who was warming up alone on the field, his eyes much more steadfast than the hesitation of the previous day.

"I agree," he said directly, without beating around the bush.

Vy looked up at him, somewhat surprised by that decisiveness. "Are you sure?"

"I thought hard all night," Long replied, his eyes looking straight at her. "I believe, if we really try, the difference between our two playing styles can become the most powerful weapon, instead of a barrier."

Vy was silent for a moment, her eyes looking at Long with new appreciation. Finally, she nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips. "Okay. But if we fail, I won't hesitate to remind you that it was you who convinced me to agree."

"I accept that risk," Long replied, the corner of his mouth showing a rare smile. "So, starting today, we are a team."

The two shook hands in the middle of the practice field, the morning sunlight shining through the gymnasium windows, illuminating the starting moment of a journey that neither of them could have predicted would lead them anywhere.