Juan was thrilled to get Wang Yi's jersey, like a child who had just received a birthday present.
But Wang Yi interrupted his excitement. "Then would I be lucky enough to get your jersey?"
Juan froze. Once he understood what Wang Yi meant, he looked incredulous. "My jersey? Do I deserve that?"
Wang Yi smiled. "Of course you do. This game alone proves you absolutely deserve it."
Juan still couldn't believe it.
He had always dreamed of getting Wang Yi's jersey, but had never imagined that his idol would ask for his in return.
He hurriedly took off his jersey and handed it to Wang Yi.
At the end, the two faced the stands and posed for photos, each holding the other's jersey.
After exchanging jerseys and greeting the other Brazilian players with handshakes, the award ceremony began.
Wang Yi had attended award ceremonies before, but every time he saw the Five-star Red Flag slowly rise, his excitement and pride were impossible to hide.
As the Five-star Red Flag was raised and the national anthem played, Wang Yi and all his teammates placed their right hands over their hearts and sang along.
The tens of thousands of Chinese spectators in attendance joined in, singing in unison.
The loudest voice among them belonged to that middle-aged, chubby man.
He had lost count of how many times he had attended a ceremony like this.
He thought back to how, from the age of fifteen to twenty-five, he had followed China Team all over the world, yet rarely seen the flag raised.
But ever since Wang Yi began competing on the world stage, he had seen the flag raised again and again.
He felt grateful to Wang Yi, and looked up to and respected him.
In his eyes, Wang Yi was a superhero.