Chapter 30 — Bridge Yard Beats

Six years later, Beat Academy has become one of the most prestigious youth badminton training centers in the country, with more than two hundred students studying each year, many of whom have begun to make a name for themselves at national and regional youth tournaments. Vy, now as the academy's executive director, stood on the podium at the year-end closing ceremony, looking down at the hundreds of faces of students listening attentively.

"Six years ago, when we started building this place, we only had one simple dream — to create a place where any child, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to pursue their passion," Vy shared, her voice filled with emotion as she looked back on the past journey. "Today, seeing the children grow up and shine on each field, I believe, that dream has come true."

Next to her, her five-year-old son named Trinh Dang Minh Khang - Minh Chau's younger brother, born two years after his sister - sat obediently, occasionally looking up to ask his father about what was happening on stage.

"What are you talking about, Dad?" the boy whispered, his big eyes full of curiosity.

"I'm telling the story that has helped many children pursue their dreams, son," Long replied, stroking his son's head affectionately. Minh Chau, now six years old, sat next to her father, holding a tiny badminton racket in her hand that she did not let go of for even a minute, her sparkling eyes following every word her mother said.

After the speech, Vy walked down from the stage, receiving warm applause from all students and parents. Tram, now a veteran professional director of the academy, proudly hugged Vy.

"I did something that not many people can do," Tram said, her voice filled with emotion. "You turned a personal dream into an opportunity for hundreds of other children."

That evening, the whole family — Vy, Long, Minh Chau, Minh Khang, along with Vy's mother and Mr. Trinh Bao Son — gathered together for a cozy reunion meal at the house that the two had built together over the past six years. Phong, who is now married and has his own family, stopped by to join in the fun, bringing along his young child, making the house even more bustling with laughter.

"I still can't believe it, we've come this long," Phong said, raising his glass to congratulate the group, his eyes full of nostalgia as he looked back at the years of training that were full of hardships but also filled with beautiful memories.

"And I believe, this is just one chapter in a long story that we will continue to write," Long replied, squeezing his wife's hand under the dining table, his eyes filled with love as he looked at her and her two small children who were passionately listening to their grandmother tell stories.

After dinner, when night fell, Vy took Long and her two children to the small balcony, where they often sat and watched the stars every weekend night. She told her children about her grandfather, about the beautiful and sad memories that shaped the person she is today, about the long journey full of challenges but also filled with hope that she and her children's father went through together.

"Grandpa will definitely be very proud of mom and you, kids," Vy whispered, hugging the two children tightly in her arms, her voice gentle but still filled with deep emotion, her eyes looking up at the sparkling starry sky.

"I will also become a badminton champion like mom and dad," Minh Chau said, her voice filled with the innocent determination of a six-year-old girl, her eyes shining with excitement as she clasped the small racket in her hand. "I want to win an Olympic gold medal like mom."

Long hugged his wife and two children into his arms, squeezing them tighter in his warm embrace, a happy smile shining on his face as he looked at the starry night sky.

"No matter what path you choose to grow up, your parents will always be proud and support you wholeheartedly," Long said, his voice warm and full of love. "But if you really choose badminton, remember to always maintain the spirit that your parents built together — integrity, perseverance, and the belief that one's background never determines one's future."

Four people stood there, under the starry night sky, hugging each other in complete happiness, closing a long journey full of challenges but also filled with love, and opening a new chapter full of hope for the next generation - a chapter that continues to be written by the common beat that the whole family found together, and will continue to echo for many generations to come, across the fields where dreams take wing.

Before entering the house, Vy lingered a bit, her eyes looking out at the dark horizon outside, where she knew, far behind, was her hometown's shore - where it all began, from the sad memories of her late father, to the happiest moments of her life.

"Dad," she whispered softly, loud enough for only her to hear, "I've lived a life I'm proud of. I've found love, built a happy family, and most importantly, I've helped so many other kids have opportunities I didn't have. I hope you're proud of me, somewhere."

The night wind blew gently, bringing with it an indescribable feeling of peace, like a warm response from afar. Vy smiled, turned back into the house where Long and her two children were waiting, ready for another cozy evening in the happy life she had worked so hard to build.

A few weeks later, Beat Academy received great news when the national badminton federation officially recognized the academy's training model as a typical model, encouraging replication to many other provinces and cities across the country. Vy and Long were invited to participate in a national conference on community sports development, sharing experiences in building an academy with representatives from all provinces and cities.

"We believe that this model can be applied anywhere, as long as there is enough dedication and perseverance," Vy shared before the conference, looking confidently across the hall full of delegates. "The most important thing is not financial resources, but belief in the potential of each child, regardless of their background."

After the conference, when returning home, the whole family had dinner together. Minh Chau eagerly recounted her first badminton practice session at the academy, where she was able to perform an accurate serve herself under the guidance of her mother.

"Mom, I think I really like badminton like you," the little girl said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I want to train hard so that one day I can compete in the Olympics like mom and dad."

"I'm proud of you, no matter which path you choose," Vy replied, hugging her little daughter in boundless happiness. "But if you are truly passionate about badminton, I will always be here, accompanying you every step of the way, just like how dad accompanied me."

Long looked at his wife and children, his heart filled with a deep happiness that he never dared to dream of in the early days of his stressful career. From a young man burdened with the burden of his family's reputation, he had now found a fulfilling life, more meaningful than any medal can bring - a happy family, a noble mission, and a strong love that had been forged through many ups and downs, starting from the common heartbeat that they both found on the badminton court that year.

That night, after the two children fell asleep, Vy and Long sat together on the small balcony that had witnessed so many important moments of their family. Long took out an old notebook, the corners of which had frayed over the years - the notebook that had accompanied him from the first days of preparing for the Olympic qualifiers, until the moment of surprise proposal on the field that year.

"I still have it," Vy said, her voice filled with emotion when she recognized that familiar notebook.

"Of course," Long replied, opening a new page and carefully writing a few more lines. "I want every important milestone in our lives to be recorded here, so that later our children can read and understand how their parents' journey began."

Vy leaned her head on her husband's shoulder, looking back with him at the notes over the years - from the first tactical notes, to the marriage proposal, to the important milestones of married life and the birth of their two children. A lively diary, recording the entire meaningful journey that the two have written together, from a controversial practice session to the happy, fulfilled family they are today.

"Thank you, for always being by my side, through every page, every moment of this life," Vy whispered, holding her husband's hand tightly under the starry night sky.

"Thank you, for giving me a life that I never dared to dream of," Long replied, gently kissing his wife's hair. They both silently looked at the night sky, fully enjoying the peace and happiness of a meaningful journey, and still continuing to stretch forward.