The winter of 1977 passed quickly.

That year, the entire nation was very excited.

Even though it was winter, it felt like spring to the people because they were full of hope for the future.

In 1978, the whole country was flourishing.

Students who had been admitted to university could finally step into their college campuses, and their futures seemed promising.

For the Lin family, things were different.

It was confirmed that Er Bao would represent the country in the World Middle School Games, and he had transitioned from the sports school to the national sports training camp for training.

Of course, his academic studies were not neglected; there were many students like him in the training camp, and there were teachers specifically assigned to teach them.

Meanwhile, Yi Bao and San Bao’s successful advancement was remarkable.

They had jumped from fourth grade to the first year of junior high, becoming the youngest junior high students in the whole school.

Despite being in junior high, Lin Guodong’s tutoring for them had not ceased.

The teachers at school needed to attend to all students, so the pace of teaching was not fast enough to meet Yi Bao and San Bao’s demand for knowledge.

Fortunately, they had Lin Guodong, a top scholar, at home to help them.

If Ning Shu were to teach them, despite their high intelligence, they might end up with a much lower comprehension.

While the lives of people nationwide were thriving, the Lin family was also experiencing an important moment.

“Mom, Er Bao is about to go abroad. Can we really not go?” Yi Bao asked while eating.

The third World Middle School Games would be held in Izmir, Turkey, from July 19 to July 23, which coincided with the summer vacation.

“Traveling abroad is inconvenient right now; you can’t go.” In a later era, Ning Shu would definitely have taken them to see the event, but in this era, international relations were tense, and there could be many unforeseen circumstances.

Since Er Bao was representing the country, there was no way around it.

If it were any other situation, they would avoid it.

Hearing their mother’s response, Yi Bao and San Bao felt a bit disappointed.

“But don’t worry, you can watch Er Bao on TV and cheer for him there,” Ning Shu consoled Yi Bao and San Bao.

“Okay.”

Though Yi Bao and San Bao wanted to go abroad to see and support Er Bao, they could only listen to their mother.

Er Bao was quite accepting of the idea of going abroad for the competition, but he also asked his coach the same question: “Coach, can’t my parents and brothers come with me?”

The coach, thinking that Er Bao was young and might be scared to go abroad alone, gently reassured him: “Yes, it’s not convenient for your family to go. But don’t worry, there are several coaches and national leaders accompanying you. We’ll be staying together, so you can find us if you need anything.”

“Okay,” Er Bao said, resigned to the situation.

The coach patted his shoulder and said, “Lin Hairui, don’t stress. Winning a medal is not the only thing that matters. The coaches are taking you to see the world, to show you that there are other countries beyond ours. You’re still young, and you have a big stage ahead of you.”

Er Bao blinked and then… “Coach, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.” He looked at the coach with a naive, confused expression.

The coach: “…”

I underestimated this child.

Emotional and philosophical words are beyond him.

Before Er Bao went abroad, Ning Shu was very anxious.

Although she knew there would be national representatives accompanying him, Er Bao had never been so far away from her, especially not abroad.

It was hard for her to be at ease.

Ning Shu wanted to prepare many things for Er Bao, but these items wouldn’t be useful since the country would arrange his schedule and food.

The athletes’ diets were crucial to prevent any issues.

In the end, Ning Shu only gave Er Bao five hundred yuan.

Although it was national currency and not usable abroad, she had taught him to consult the coach if he needed money and exchange it at a foreign bank.

Yi Bao and San Bao also gave Er Bao their pocket money.

Er Bao happily accepted the money from his mother and brothers.

With so much money in his hands, Er Bao felt quite pleased.

On the day of departure, Lin Guodong took a day off, and the whole family went to see Er Bao off.

At the airport, they saw many other parents sending off athletes, not just their family.

In that era, traveling abroad typically involved ships rather than planes.

However, for important events like international sports competitions, the country permitted athletes to fly.

“Erbao, listen to your coach while you’re abroad. If the coach says something, you must follow their instructions. If strangers or unfamiliar people talk to you, just ignore them, understood?” Ning Shu said, her eyes a bit red as she patted his head.

“Mom, I understand. Don’t worry. Just wait, I’ll come back with the first place,” Erbao said confidently.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting.” Ning Shu wanted to emphasize that his health was more important than the competition, but considering how much Erbao valued the competition and his personality, she refrained from saying it.

“Go for it, Erbao,” Yibao encouraged.

Sanbao echoed, “Erbao, we’ll be cheering for you in front of the TV.”

Lin Guodong added, “Take good care of yourself.”

With the family’s reluctant farewell, Erbao followed his coach, leaving behind a slender but surprisingly reliable figure.

The World Middle School Sports Games began with the anticipation of the Lin family and their friends, including You Chengci and his family.

twenty countries participated in the event, with around 600 athletes.

The events included the standard athletics, gymnastics, swimming, and billiards, as well as table tennis, added by the host country.

“It’s starting, it’s starting! Look, Lin Hairui is on screen, Lin Hairui!”

“I see him too.”

“Where?”

“Third from the right.”

In the Lin family’s living room, Ning Shu and her family, along with You Chengci and his family, watched the World Middle School Sports Games on TV.

Everyone was eating popsicles, their excitement turning into loud cheers that almost shook the courtyard.

Since the games were held in Turkey, and given the time difference, they were watching a live broadcast which was sometimes in the evening.

For this competition, Erbao participated in the 100 meters, 3000 meters, 5000 meters, and shot put.

At the moment, Erbao was on the 100 meters track.

Knowing his family and friends were watching him on TV, Erbao looked towards the camera, as if he could see them through it.

Bang…

As the starting gun fired, the runners burst off the track like arrows.

Everyone knew Erbao was fast and expected him to be quick in this race too.

However, all competitors were running fast, and despite Erbao’s proud speed, he fell behind for the first time.

When it became clear that Erbao wasn’t even in the top three, everyone’s hearts sank, feeling disheartened.

Erbao, too, stared at the Screen, feeling frustrated.

As a twin, Yibao could almost feel Erbao’s emotions.

“Those foreigners run so fast,” Ye Chengci said with a hint of bitterness.

“They’re really fast. I wonder what these foreigners eat to grow up so tall,” You He grumbled, “They’re all so big.”

“Erbao not winning is normal. The coach didn’t expect him to win,” Lin Guodong analyzed rationally.

“What do you mean?” Ning Shu didn’t understand, “If the coach didn’t expect him to win, why did he go?”

“Because he thought the other competitors wouldn’t be beatable either, so Erbao was sent just to fill the spots and gain experience for future competitions,”

Lin Guodong explained. “Erbao is only 12, while the other competitors are much older, 15 to 17. They probably have an age advantage. For the fourth World Games in 1980, which is two years away, Erbao will be 14 and have a chance to compete more evenly. That’s likely the coach’s intention.”

Hearing Lin Guodong’s explanation, the other parents agreed it made sense.

“Comrade Lin’s analysis is reasonable. Even though Erbao didn’t win, his condition was good,” said Zhang Mingcheng’s parent.

The children’s parents, who had all gathered at the Lin house to watch and enjoy the cold drinks, felt somewhat better.

“Yes, I think what Old Lin said makes sense. Those older competitors have an advantage,” You He said.

Although it was likely meant to build experience for Erbao, the family’s spirits were still affected by his performance.

Erbao had two events today, the 100 meters and the 3000 meters.

Since Erbao was not in the 100 meters final, the other kids lost interest in the remaining events, but the adults continued to watch intently.

Finally, after an hour and a half, the TV showed the 3000 meters event, and Erbao appeared on the screen.

“Do you think Lin Hairui can win this time?” You Chengci asked cautiously.

Yibao wanted to say yes, but given the age difference discussed earlier, he was unsure if Erbao could win.

Sanbao, straightforward as always, asked, “Dad, can Erbao win this time?”