Staff began removing the trophy.

The field revealed its original bright green turf and the center circle kick-off spot.

In the stands, most students had risen, preparing to line up and leave. Having already consumed their snacks and drinks, a spring outing to the stadium was completely worthwhile.

Girls in the back tapped the shoulders of those in front, telling them to pick up the small flags on the ground.

The southwest monsoon approached the long coastline—this was the wind bringing spring.

Players from both teams ran back out through the tunnel, without a formal lineup, all appearing somewhat urgent.

The young men of Hongjing Eighth School carried out towels and water, tossing them into the rest area before immediately beginning pre-match warm-ups.

Yongchuan Hengda players sprinted across the field, preparing the grounds.

As the referee Chen Weiming led his team toward the locker room, two young players wearing different team uniforms suddenly blocked their way.

Hearing the players’ request, the two linesmen thought their ears were playing tricks on them and refused on the spot.

The wind blew over plains and hills, rivers and lakes.

There was no disappointment on the young men’s faces. They were determined to do this today, so they immediately turned around and began discussing new candidates.

Watching the young men’s retreating figures, Chen Weiming pulled out the hand he had in his left pants pocket.

“Do you have anything scheduled next?” he asked the other two referees.

The linesmen showed confused expressions, “We did, but now we don’t…”

“Then now you can have something,” Chen Weiming said.

Continuing east and south, the spring breeze crossed mountains, with forests stretching green for thousands of acres.

In the VIP room of the stands,

Jiang Xun received a call inquiring about field usage. At first shocked for a moment, he then said without hesitation, “Of course you can!”

Referee Chen Weiming slipped the whistle back around his neck and checked his watch.

Lin Wanxing sat beside Wang Fa on the sideline coaching bench.

The entire field, freshly watered, was moist and beautiful, with the vibrant scent of soil and grass refreshing the spirit.

Players from both teams stood near the center circle.

Fu Xinshu and Fang Sulun stood facing each other.

The stadium suddenly fell silent, and officials who had already descended from the viewing platform stopped in their tracks.

A silver coin was tossed into the air.

Unfettered spring winds swept across the sky, blowing over the entire field.

In the stands, young student spectators tapped on mineral water bottles.

Older city committee officials asked the Football Association representative beside them, “Wasn’t the match canceled?”

The association official laughed awkwardly and immediately called to inquire about the situation.

But before getting an answer, the middle-aged man had already turned and returned to the main platform.

This was Yongchuan Hengda Club’s home stadium, capable of holding 64,000 people. Here, a final match that was not for the championship was about to unfold.

Home fans unfurled their battle flags, and beat their war drums, with neat and uniform chants echoing above the field.

Sunlight penetrated the clouds, spilling golden radiance.

The southwest monsoon continued to blow deeper into the vast inland.

Wang Fa stretched out his hand, pointing toward the distant stands.

Lin Wanxing raised her face. The afternoon sunlight fell from above as he named the approximate locations where Old Chen, Jiang Xun, the physical education teachers, and Professor He was sitting.

Chen Weiming bit down on his whistle, blowing with all his might.

If the human spirit is a seed buried beneath the soil, with roots of thought meandering like a labyrinth—below is moist, rich earth, yet for some reason, there is always a force breaking through the darkness, growing upward.

Wang Fa said, “On the first day I wanted to become a coach, I read a book. The first sentence told me that a coach’s responsibility is to help win matches while developing athletes physically, psychologically, and socially.”

“Throughout my long career, others’ values constantly influenced me, making me almost forget what was truly important. But now, there are two things I’m certain of.”

On the green field, the football flew like an arrow released from a bow, soaring toward the front field.

“First, if there’s anything more important than victory, it must be the courage to challenge.”

Lin Wanxing turned her head, waiting for his “second.”

Wang Fa’s gaze was clear, but he didn’t speak.

Something was placed in her hand.

Looking down, an adorable folded paper frog sat in her palm.

The blue lines of practice paper gleamed in the sunlight.

When teaching students to write down their life wishes, Lin Wanxing remembered folding one herself and placing it beside Wang Fa.

Again and again, recalling the creases from when it was folded, she incredulously opened it gently.

Inside was a densely written wish list.

Beat up little uncle, and lead the team to win the World Cup…

She had told the students then to cross off their wishes one by one, to see what they desired most among the countless beautiful aspirations they had for this world.

Looking carefully, Lin Wanxing discovered Wang Fa had written so meticulously and seriously, and those thoughts in his heart had ultimately been crossed out one by one.

Only one sentence remained.

Written for so long that the handwriting had blurred, yet every stroke of that sentence was etched so clearly into Lin Wanxing’s mind.

Like being shot forcefully in the heart, the most fervent love poured all over her.

Peach blossoms bloomed, and pink cherry blossoms opened.

All the visions of my entire life cannot rival this sentence.

Want to be with Teacher Xiao Lin?

“Narrow Path” – Main Text Complete