Chapter Three: Juggling the Ball

Even before Coach Liu and Long Yuyun stood on the sidelines, gesturing and commenting on the players on the field, Fan Pengfei had already keenly noticed something—a remarkable trait in any footballer: if, while playing, one can still observe what’s happening off the pitch without losing focus on the game, it is truly extraordinary. Although Fan Pengfei’s skills at the time were hardly worth mentioning in the eyes of professional players, this quality alone was enough to prove his limitless potential.

Children are fond of dreaming, and Fan Pengfei, who loved football, always hoped he could make it his profession. He fantasized about a team coach noticing him while he played in the military compound and taking him for formal training. So, when he spotted a stranger watching from the sidelines, he played with even greater enthusiasm.

Fan Pengfei’s talent was indeed outstanding. Even in matches between children, his precise and methodical movements always made him the most eye-catching player. After scoring a goal, he glanced proudly toward the sidelines—a childish gesture, to be sure.

But what he saw was Long Yuyun and the stranger waving, calling over Long Bisheng.

Fan Pengfei immediately felt a surge of anger. He was playing so well, yet they called that big oaf instead of him—how could they be so mistaken?

Leaving Fan Pengfei fuming, Long Bisheng, summoned by his father, walked over, glancing back at the field as he went. He had no idea why his father wanted him, but being a well-behaved child, he always did as he was told.

When he finally reached his father, he noticed the stranger standing beside him.

“Say hello to Uncle Liu,” Long Yuyun said to his son.

“Uncle Liu,” Long Bisheng obediently greeted him. Though five-year-old Long Bisheng looked like a little adult due to his height, he was still very much a child in age.

“Good boy.” Coach Liu smiled, ruffling Long Bisheng’s hair. “How old are you this year?”

“Five.”

“Do you like playing football?” Coach Liu pointed at the ball at Long Bisheng’s feet.

“I do.” Long Bisheng nodded vigorously.

“Then why don’t you play with the others?” Coach Liu pressed further.

A nearby child laughed, “He’s the worst among us… unless there’s absolutely no one else, he doesn’t get to play.”

“Is that so?” Coach Liu asked curiously.

“Yes.” Long Bisheng nodded gloomily. Though he was gentle by nature, not being able to play with his friends was the most heartbreaking thing for him.

“It doesn’t matter. For you kids, what technique could you possibly have?” Coach Liu laughed heartily. “But I saw you dribbling just now—you looked quite comfortable. How are you at juggling the ball?”

He was met with a reply that nearly made him stumble: “What’s juggling?”

Coach Liu was speechless. Looking at Long Bisheng’s innocent face, he couldn’t believe the child didn’t even know what juggling was.

Long Yuyun chuckled awkwardly beside them. “Old Liu, he only started playing football half a year ago… When he watched games with me, there were never any juggling demonstrations. But he knows the rest.”

Coach Liu relaxed. “Juggling means using both feet to kick under the ball, making it bounce upward continuously without hitting the ground. How well you juggle can show your feel for the ball… That’s it.”

Coach Liu picked up Long Bisheng’s ball and juggled it over ten times. Then he handed the ball to Long Bisheng, “Got it? If you understand, give it a try.”

Long Bisheng hesitated, taking the ball and looking at the crowd of children gathering around him. Mimicking Coach Liu, he tossed the ball upward and kicked it hard.

The ball shot off at an angle—then crashed heavily into Coach Liu’s face.

A roar of laughter erupted all around, loud enough to shake the leaves from the compound’s trees. Coach Liu clutched his face, unable to say a word.

“Old Liu! Are you alright?” Long Yuyun hurried to steady the staggering coach. “Did you hit your nose?”

“No… I’m fine.” Coach Liu squeezed out a sentence through his fingers. “It didn’t hit my nose, just my forehead… Old Long, your son has quite the kick, but that’s not how you juggle…”

“I’m sorry…” Long Bisheng mumbled timidly, though it was Coach Liu who took the hit, it was Long Bisheng who was frightened half to death.

Coach Liu sighed, “Looks like it’s my fault. Asking a five-year-old to juggle was a bit too much.”

“Who says five-year-olds can’t juggle?” A childish yet indignant voice called out from beyond the crowd, surprising both Coach Liu and Long Yuyun. The crowd parted, and a small figure stepped forward.

Coach Liu’s eyes lit up. The cheeky little fellow was none other than Fan Pengfei, who had caught his attention earlier on the field.

Without a word, Fan Pengfei picked up the ball, tossed it up skillfully, and began to juggle.

His movements were practiced; the ball bounced nimbly between his feet. Yet, being small and weak, after juggling ten or so times, he lost control and the ball dropped from his foot.

“This doesn’t count,” Fan Pengfei said, his face flushed. “I’ve managed up to twenty-seven before.”

“Haha!” Despite his still-dizzy head, Coach Liu burst out laughing. “I believe you! You have a wonderful feel for the ball. To juggle more than ten at your age is remarkable!”

Pleased by the praise, Fan Pengfei grinned and cast a proud glance at Long Bisheng, who responded with a sheepish smile but said nothing.

“Old Long, let’s go. I should be heading off as well.” Coach Liu said to Long Yuyun, who nodded, and the two walked side by side out of the compound.

With nothing more to see, the crowd gradually dispersed, and the children resumed their joyful games in the compound.

Fan Pengfei, satisfied, returned to the field to continue the match, and Long Bisheng didn’t dwell on his embarrassing moment, continuing to kick his ball on the sidelines—watching the others play as he dribbled alone.

Neither child knew that today’s display of juggling would have a profound impact on their futures…