Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

On August 8, 2008, before night had fully fallen over Kyoto, the entire city was already ignited by the passion of the Olympics. Chinese national flags and Olympic rings fluttered in the streets and alleys, and the city was bustling with excitement and anticipation.

Zhou Jin deliberately ended her work in Yan City early and returned to her home in Kyoto with Chen Panpan and the siblings Zhou Shouzhen and Zhou Nianqi. Zhou Chengbang handed her two VIP passes for the opening ceremony early on, his tone full of satisfaction: "This is an arrangement by the organization. Take the children to experience it and let them see the strength of our country."

As evening fell, the family of four drove to the Bird's Nest. The roadside was brightly lit, with a steady stream of traffic. Tourists and volunteers wearing T-shirts were everywhere, their faces beaming with genuine smiles. Zhou Shouzheng, peering out the car window at the spectacular view, asked excitedly, "Dad, will there really be fireworks tonight? My classmates said the opening ceremony was amazing!"

Zhou Jin ruffled her son's hair, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Of course there will be, and it will be the grandest fireworks display in the world. Today is a big day for our China."

With their VIP passes, the family entered the Bird's Nest stadium smoothly. The enormous stadium was packed, colorful lights illuminated the night sky, and rousing background music filled the air. Zhou Jin, holding her two children's hands, found a seat with a fantastic view. Zhou Nianqi, stunned by the sight before him, widened his eyes and whispered, "Dad, why are there so many people here?"

"Because today is the opening ceremony of the 29th Summer Olympic Games, athletes from all over the world have come to China, to Kyoto," Chen Panpan explained softly. "This is the first time our country has hosted the Olympic Games, which is a source of pride for all Chinese people."

As night fell completely, and the countdown numbers flashed on the giant screen above the Bird's Nest, tens of thousands of people in the stadium chanted in unison: "Ten, nine, eight... three, two, one!"

Amidst deafening cheers, fireworks burst forth, streaking across the night sky like shooting stars, forming dazzling ribbons of light that illuminated the entire Kyoto skyline. Zhou Shouzhen and Zhou Nianqi jumped up excitedly, clapping their hands and cheering. Zhou Jin held Chen Panpan's hand tightly, his eyes slightly red—he clearly remembered this night in his previous life, the same fireworks, the same cheers; now, experiencing it firsthand, the pride and excitement in his heart surpassed even those of the past.

The opening ceremony featured a dazzling array of artistic performances, from the stunning presentation of movable type printing to the magnificent panorama of the Silk Road, and the flowing grace of Tai Chi. Each program showcased China's 5,000-year-old civilization to the world. Zhou Jin leaned down and whispered to the two children, "Look, these performances speak of the wisdom of our ancestors, the history of China. Now, the whole world is watching us, watching this ancient yet young nation."

Zhou Shouzhen nodded as if he understood, his eyes fixed on the stage, afraid of missing any detail.

The most anticipated moment, the lighting of the torch, finally arrived. When gymnastics prince Li Ning, holding the Olympic torch, slowly ran on the "sky track" above the Bird's Nest, the entire stadium fell silent, all eyes focused on the blazing flame. Li Ning's figure and the Olympic flame pattern on the scroll complemented each other, as if transcending time and space, connecting the century-old dream and glory of the Olympics.

"Dad, he's flying!" Zhou Nianqi exclaimed softly, covering his mouth.

Zhou Jin's heart pounded, his clenched fists trembled slightly, and tears welled in his eyes. He knew that this moment was not only the lighting of the Olympic flame, but also a declaration of a nation's rise. From the "Sick Man of East Asia" a century ago to the host country of the Olympics today, the road has been both arduous and glorious!

"Remember this moment." Zhou Jin's voice was slightly choked, yet exceptionally firm. "This flame ignites not only the Olympic dream, but also the hope of China. It tells the world that China has stood up and become strong!"

The moment Li Ning lit the main torch, the Bird's Nest erupted in thunderous cheers once again, and fireworks lit up the sky, lasting for a long time. Zhou Shouzhen, watching the blazing torch, suddenly turned to Zhou Jin and asked, "Dad, what exactly does the Olympics mean for our country?"

Zhou Jin took a deep breath, composed herself, and answered earnestly: "The Olympics is a stage that allows the world to see China's development, its openness, and its inclusiveness. It proves that we can not only host a successful Olympics, but also demonstrate the responsibility and style of a great power on the world stage. It will allow more foreigners to understand and like China; it will also make us Chinese people more united and more confident."

Just then, the athletes' entrance ceremony began. After the Greek delegation entered first, the delegations from other countries appeared in turn. Zhou Jin led the children, identifying the flags of different countries and explaining their customs and traditions.

Finally, the stirring "March of the Volunteers" resounded throughout the stadium.

A bright red five-star flag led the way, with Yao Ming holding it high and striding confidently at the head of the procession, followed by the vast Chinese sports delegation. The athletes, dressed in red tracksuits, were spirited, smiling broadly, and waving to the audience.

At that moment, the cheers inside the Bird's Nest reached their peak. Tens of thousands of spectators stood up in unison, waving their five-star red flags and singing the national anthem in unison. Zhou Jin also stood up, holding his two children's hands, and sang loudly along with the melody. His voice was hoarse, but full of strength; tears welled up in his eyes and could no longer be held back.

Zhou Shouzhen and Zhou Nianqi sang along with their father. Although they couldn't remember all the lyrics, their little faces were full of the same pride and determination as their father.

"Look, this is our delegation." Zhou Jin pointed to the team entering the stadium, her voice choked with emotion but filled with immense pride. "They will win glory for our country in the upcoming competitions. And you, you must also study hard in the future, and when you grow up, contribute your strength to our country."

The songs echoed above the Bird's Nest, and the torchlight illuminated everyone's faces. Zhou Jin looked at his wife and children beside him, at the jubilant crowd before him, and at the blazing Olympic torch, and his heart was filled with endless emotion.

This night belonged to China, to Kyoto, and to every proud Chinese person. This deep-seated patriotism will accompany Zhou Shouzhen and Zhou Nianqi as they grow, becoming their most precious asset in life.