The weather was beautiful on the day of the school sports meet. The sky was clear and azure, without a single cloud, so clear it resembled the eyes of every young person. At that age, who doesn't want to live simply and innocently? Looking back on those stories now, they are truly wonderful, as if they didn't happen to me. It's like reminiscing about someone else's story, but all the joys and sorrows are there. I genuinely laughed, cried, and loved. Who hasn't had a youth?
Lin Zhaoxue was doing pre-competition stretches, her legs shaking unnaturally, waving her hands, and taking deep breaths. Anyone could see how nervous she was. Although Byun Baekhyun had put her through "devil training" for so long, he was still a little worried. Since she had stepped forward to take on the challenge, she had to do her best.
Actually, everyone had comforted Lin Zhaoxue, telling her not to be so scared. Being last wasn't so bad; they hadn't even considered avoiding the bottom. To be honest, her classmates didn't have high hopes for her; they mostly just wanted to finish the race quickly and watch other competitions. But with Lin Zhaoxue's competitive spirit, this 800-meter race was just asking for trouble. Now, everyone's only prayer was that she wouldn't come in last place.
"Next up is the women's 800-meter final..."
Because few people signed up this year, Lin Zhaoxue didn't even participate in the preliminary rounds and smoothly entered the finals. At this moment, Lin Zhaoxue couldn't hear anything; she was so nervous that she completely blocked out any external stimuli, shutting herself off. The female classmate next to her patted her shoulder, but there was no reaction. Finally, it was Byun Baekhyun, who had just finished his high jump competition, who pulled the dazed Lin Zhaoxue back to the starting line.
“Baekhyun... what if I come in last place? Should I just forfeit…”
Lin Zhaoxue still lacked confidence, her mind filled with thoughts of what would happen if she came in last place, and whether everyone would look down on her. She realized that suddenly signing up was a mistake... In fact, what she was most worried and afraid of was that if she suddenly said she was giving up, would Byun Baekhyun look down on her? All that training and time she had wasted would be for nothing in the end.
After saying that, she didn't dare look at Byun Baekhyun. It wasn't that she was afraid of how he would blame her, but she didn't want to see the disappointment in his eyes, the unimaginable coldness of his disappointment in her.
"Lin Zhaoxue, what are you thinking about! The competition is about to start. Let me tell you, you better do your best in the competition. I don't care what place you get, even if you come in last, I will still think you are amazing. As your coach, I will applaud you and be proud of you no matter what place you get. I'm even going to throw you a celebration banquet. Just run with confidence, it's like I'm leading you!"
Upon hearing these words, Lin Zhaoxue was indeed a different person. She didn't show any excitement, nor did she express it outwardly like other young girls when encouraged by someone they liked. However, her heart was pounding with emotion, and she could clearly feel her heart beating strongly.
Lin Zhaoxue turned her head and glanced at her classmates far away in the stands. They were all standing by the railing, leaning out, genuinely concerned for her. Each of them shouted loudly:
"Go Lin Zhaoxue!"
"Go for it! Show our class's strength!"
"It's okay, we're very happy you could join us..."
The referee hurriedly told the participating team members to take their positions and get ready to start, sending Byun Baekhyun and the others who weren't participating out of the field. Lin Zhaoxue watched Byun Baekhyun walk further and further away, but she herself wasn't as nervous as before, and reported in an orderly manner.
"Lin Zhaoxue, if you make it into the top three, I'll grant you one request, so you'd better work hard!"
Byun Baekhyun ran towards Lin Zhaoxue with all his might, just for that promise. The light in his eyes and the determination in his eyes gave Lin Zhaoxue a goal.
Lin Zhaoxue's goals over the years have all stemmed from the words of encouragement she received from Byun Baekhyun back then. It's fair to say that Lin Zhaoxue's success is inseparable from her own hard work, but even more so from the unintentional words Byun Baekhyun spoke to her during her youthful and naive years. His words, spoken at such a young age, didn't seem like profound truths, even appearing quite childish, yet Lin Zhaoxue understood them perfectly. They were like gentle rain, nourishing the field of Lin Zhaoxue's heart, allowing it to take root and sprout. Baekhyun never imagined he was so capable.
"You can't break the contract."
Lin Zhaoxue spoke very softly, so softly that only she could hear her clearly. This was different from the others around her who shouted loudly so that the other person could hear them. She was speaking to herself. The power that love can bring is truly strong.
"Ready, three...two...one, run!"
From the posture and mindset that Lin Zhaoxue had just adjusted, the starting line, like a string, sprang forth several colorful swords at the sound of the starting gun.
In that instant, everything seemed to change. She understood that she wasn't just doing it for face, or just for Byun Baekhyun's hard work, but also because of the care her classmates had shown her. Since she signed up for training, everyone had cared for her. Because of her poor stamina, the female classmates would bring her water, and during training, the male classmates, like Byun Baekhyun, would run ahead of her.
Lin Zhaoxue was a loner in the class, rarely participating in group activities. The other classmates were really kind; instead of encouraging her, they protected her very well. This time, they hoped that Lin Zhaoxue could really make a breakthrough and unleash her potential. It was unlikely that she didn't want to win; who doesn't want to win? But compared to growth, winning or losing didn't seem that important.
Love, friendship, and family—which do you think is greater and more motivating? Often, the most powerful element in a story is love. But when they go their separate ways, their abilities are limited. Only when all three are combined can they become an atomic bomb with immense power.
Lin Zhaoxue is a person who lives in love.