Chapter Eight: A Stark Contrast

Starting from the second day, things were no longer so easy for Long Bisheng and the others.

Over the following two days, all the coaches began conducting detailed tests of the children’s stamina, fitness, and speed. Admittedly, the process was not particularly scientific, considering the wide age range of this group—especially for the five-year-olds, who still had enormous room for growth. To judge their physical abilities at this stage was clearly premature, but with Chinese football’s professionalization only just beginning, simply reaching this level was already quite an achievement.

A considerable number of children were eliminated in these rounds. After two days, more than half had to pack their bags and return home. Of the twenty or so children brought by Long Yuyun, fewer than ten remained.

Both Fan Pengfei and Long Bisheng were among those who stayed. Long Bisheng excelled in fitness and endurance, though his speed was rather slow—a common trait for children with larger builds. Yet his outstanding performance in stamina and endurance compensated for this shortcoming, allowing him to remain in the selection process.

On the fourth day, the real football tests began.

Very few children of Long Bisheng’s age group were left; after all, five years old was still very young. Those who survived the first three days of testing were all physically robust. At such a young age, simply having any football experience was already impressive.

Fan Pengfei surprised the coaches on the very first day.

Despite being only five, his dribbling, ball control, and juggling were all remarkably proficient. The coaches exchanged astonished glances when he managed to juggle the ball over twenty times in a single attempt. For a child who had only ever played football in a residential compound, to display such skill at his age was nothing short of genius. What heights might he reach after a decade of professional training, with his physical abilities further developed?

As mentioned before, the Bayi team had never lacked tough, combative players; what they lacked were creative talents with a natural feel for the game. Fan Pengfei was exactly the kind of gifted, intuitive player they needed.

Almost simultaneously, every coach at the scene mentally circled Fan Pengfei’s name.

Coach Liu was especially delighted—here was a homegrown talent with extraordinary gifts and a remarkable physique. This little fellow might one day be the savior of Bayi football!

Fan Pengfei’s genius on the pitch was undeniable—a pure, innate talent, not something that could be achieved through hard work alone. Remember, he was only five years old, and his physicality was not lacking compared to other technically skilled children. In other words, this boy’s future was limitless.

As for Long Bisheng, his performance in the technical tests was respectable—his dribbling and ball control were steady and competent. Years of playing with the ball alone at the edge of the pitch had given him a good feel for it, and his solid physical condition helped as well. However, during the juggling test, he barely managed two—barely, because he fumbled the first attempt, and only just managed to get a second touch before almost smacking the ball into a coach’s face. Still, he made it through to the final two days of group matches.

By this stage, very few remained—of the original thousand-plus candidates, fewer than two hundred were left. Even so, only fourteen would be selected in the end.

During the last two days of group matches, Fan Pengfei continued to shine. Despite never having played on a regulation field, he showed no nerves, even when facing opponents four or five years older. Though small in stature, he made up for it with technical skill.

Despite being physically outmatched, Fan Pengfei demonstrated a keen footballing intelligence. He often roamed the flanks, where there were fewer defenders marking him and the narrower space suited his speed and technique.

A five-year-old with refined skills, remarkable feel for the ball, and the ability to think on the pitch—what else could you call him but a prodigy?

So, at the end of the seven-day selection, Fan Pengfei secured one of the two spots for five-year-olds in Bayi's youth academy. He was also the only one among Long Yuyun’s group to pass the selection; the others had been eliminated during the technical tests, not even making it to the final group matches.

As for Long Bisheng? Unfortunately, during the group matches, the drawbacks of always playing alone became glaringly obvious. On a proper pitch, he was completely lost, with no understanding of teamwork. Lacking both individual attacking and defensive abilities, even his physical strength meant little against older, bigger children.

As a forward, he had no idea how to coordinate with teammates or position himself. Worst of all, he was slow; whenever the ball reached his feet, he would lose it after just a few steps. Eventually, his teammates stopped passing to him, and he ran aimlessly around the field like a headless chicken.

When he was moved to midfield, his passes were somewhat accurate, but his intentions were written all over his face. He couldn’t break through on the wings or organize play in the center. He could bump into opponents, but after a few tactical switches, the opposition would leave him dizzy and outmaneuvered.

On the final morning, he played as a defender. He was decent at contesting headers, though his aim was off—several times, he headed the ball straight to an opposing player. He couldn’t defend well either, easily fooled by a feint, and his side became the focus of the other team's attacks.

In the afternoon, he even tried his hand at goalkeeper. Not only were his reactions slow, but despite his height, his hands were small and he couldn’t grip the ball. He kept fumbling, and in less than thirty minutes conceded eight goals. By the end, his teammates were nearly in despair.

After the two days of group matches, Long Yuyun and Fan Yuhan’s expressions could not have been more different—one was elated at his son’s outstanding performance, while the other wore a face as dark as thunder.

Compared to Fan Pengfei’s brilliant showing, Long Bisheng’s shortcomings were even more glaring—though the two of them had been the only children from their compound to make it to the final group selection.