Awakening the Messi template, Florentino Pérez begs me to join Real Madrid

Chapter 5: The Last Battle of the China League One

November 6, 2010, Nanjing Olympic Sports Center.

The cold rain did not dampen the fans' enthusiasm at all, with 20,000 spectators in attendance.

This is the second leg of the China League One promotion play-off – Shaanxi Chanba playing away against Nanjing Youyou.

The first leg ended 2-2, and a win or a draw today would secure promotion. However, playing away from home puts a lot of psychological pressure on the Shaanxi players.

Wu Shi stood in the center circle, his breath dissipating quickly in the rain.

He was wearing the number 10 jersey—two weeks ago, Coach Wang personally handed him the number, saying, "You deserve this number now."

From August to November, from the bench to the core, from being unknown to being dubbed "China League One Messi" by the media. Four months felt like four years.

The referee whistle blows.

Playing in the rain is a disaster for technical players. The grass is waterlogged, and the ball stops halfway through its roll; passes require 30% more power, and shots must be held back, not dared to be lobbed.

The Nanjing team was well aware of this. They started the game physically, with moves so aggressive that even the referee frowned.

The first time Wu Shi got the ball, the opposing defensive midfielder swept his leg, bringing down both him and the ball.

Mud splashed all over my face.

"Kid, don't do delicate work on a rainy day." The person behind him pulled him up, patted his shoulder with a smile, and the force was not light.

Wu Shi didn't say anything, but wiped his face.

He knew the other person was trying to provoke him.

In the second half of this season, all teams used the same tactic to defend him: foul him first, then trash talk him. In the Chinese League One, physical strength is more important than technical skill.

But he is no longer the same Wu Shi who only wore a hoodie in August.

Because Wu Shi has gradually progressed from understanding the "system" in his mind to being able to use it flexibly and maturely.

It's not like the all-around nanny in novels; it's more like... a super-enhanced version of football data analysis software combined with a top-notch personal trainer.

A semi-transparent data panel and prompts will flash before your eyes, but you still have to do the actions yourself.

It has several main functions:

1. Real-time analysis and suggestions: In many cases, it will analyze the ball's landing point, the defensive player's position, and the success rate, and provide several options. Of course, Wu Shi has to observe this information himself, and the system will help analyze it.

However, the specifics of how to do it and what choices to make are still up to Wu Shi; the system cannot activate the so-called takeover mode.

2. Attribute Statistics and Tasks: Similar to FIFA player cards, your speed, shooting, dribbling, and stamina are all quantified, allowing you to see your progress. It also issues "tasks," such as "Achieve an assist in this match" or "Score X goals this season."

Completing tasks earns "experience points." Once you have enough experience points, the system seems to "level up," unlocking more features or providing more detailed guidance.

It is currently in the "initial" stage, and all its values are currently censored and cannot be seen. It will be enabled after a subsequent system upgrade.

3. Training optimization and simulation: When you practice extra in the evening, it will correct the details of your movements and simulate some defensive scenarios for you to practice.

4. Injury warning and recovery advice: This is quite useful. It can tell you in advance where you are under heavy load and whether to apply ice or relax.

Its core "mission" is clear: to play in higher-level competitions and achieve better results.

From a key player in the China League One to making his debut in the Chinese Super League, and then to the national team... each step brings corresponding "experience" and potential "rewards".

Although it's unclear what the specifics of this "reward" are, the real-time guidance and attribute optimization alone are already considered cheats.

Of course, the premise is that you practice hard yourself. It just points out the way more clearly, and his training and improvement path, including skill points, is based on Messi to improve himself.

In the 27th minute, the opportunity came.

Li Jianguo intercepted the ball in midfield and made a long pass to Wu Shi.

The ball's landing point was awkward due to the resistance of the rain and the wind speed – half a step behind Wu Shi.

If it were before, without relying on the system, and if Wu Shi had to make his own judgment, he would have considered how he would turn and stop the ball, and then be closely marked.

But at this moment, the system notification appeared before consciousness:

[Rainfall Point Prediction Corrected]

[Suggestion: Without turning, use the outside of your right foot for a direct volley pass]

[Target: Open space on the left flank]

Success rate: 71%

Wu Shi had already moved. He didn't even turn his head; his right leg lifted back, and the outside of his foot gently scooped up like a spoon—

The ball drew an arc that defied the laws of physics, bypassing the defender's head and landing precisely at the feet of the winger who was making a run down the left flank!

One-on-one!

The winger slotted the ball into the far corner. 1-0.

The entire action, from the interception to the goal, took less than eight seconds. The Nanjing players were still stunned in place.

"This is fucking..." The other person looked at Wu Shi from behind, as if he had seen a ghost.

Coach Wang was seen clenching his fist and roaring from the sidelines.

Amid the sound of rain, the shouts of the Shaanxi fans drowned out those of the home team for the first time.

In the locker room during halftime, Coach Wang was patting the tactics board:

"They'll definitely push forward in the second half! Wu Shi, drop back a bit deeper, and when you get the ball, switch it to the wing!"

Wu Shi nodded and gulped down an energy drink. His mind was updating data through the system.

[Half-time passing accuracy: 84%]

Key passes: 2

Success rate in combating [the enemy]: 67%

[Recommendation: Reduce possession in the second half and increase off-the-ball runs]

He closed the notification.

The rain is getting heavier.

In the second half, Nanjing pressed forward relentlessly. In the 51st minute, they equalized the score through a corner kick.

The score was 1-1, making the aggregate score 3-3, but Nanjing had the advantage of away goals.

The stands erupted in cheers. The Shaanxi fans' section was deathly silent.

Wu Shi felt his legs getting heavy. The rain battle had taken a toll on him; every acceleration felt like struggling in a mud pit.

He looked towards the sidelines, where Coach Wang was gesturing to him: Forward! Push forward!

The 73rd minute marked a turning point in the game.

Li Jianguo intercepted the ball in the backfield, had no time to adjust, and launched a long ball forward. The ball was too high and too far.

Wu Shi and the two opposing center-backs rushed towards the landing point at the same time.

The three jumped almost simultaneously. Their bodies collided in mid-air, and Wu Shi felt a sharp pain in his ribs from being nudged by an elbow. But he still managed to bump the ball—not forward, but slightly backward.

It was completely subconscious. The system didn't even have time to give any prompts; it was purely the ball feel I developed over the past four months.

The ball landed in the unclaimed area at the edge of the penalty area.

After landing, Wu Shi staggered two steps, broke free from the pull, and rushed towards the ball. The opposing goalkeeper was hesitating whether to come out.

Five meters to go.

The system finally gave a prompt:

[Shooting Plan: Low shot with the instep of the left foot]

[Target: Bottom left blind spot]

[It is recommended to add an external swivel to counteract the resistance of water accumulation.]

[Strength coefficient: 0.85]

Wu Shi unleashed a left-footed shot.

A powerful, explosive shot. The ball flew low to the ground, carving two swirls across the waterlogged grass.

The ball hit the net, and the goalkeeper was a beat too slow to react.

2: 1.

Wu Shi celebrated with a sliding kneel, tilting his head back to let the rain hit his face in the mud. His ribs ached, his legs ached, but a fire burned in his chest.

His teammates rushed over and pinned him to the muddy ground. In the stands, the chants of Shaanxi fans finally pierced through the rain:

"We are the Northwest Wolves—"

"We're going to try our luck in the Chinese Super League!"

"The Chinese Super League is coming back!"

"Wu Shi is the most handsome, Wu Shi, I love you."

Many female fans also expressed their enthusiastic support.

In the final moments of the match, Nanjing pressed forward with all their players. In the third minute of stoppage time, Wu Shi intercepted the ball in his own half and dribbled forward alone.

The opposing team only has one center-back left.

The two faced each other in the rain. Wu Shi slowed down and used his right foot to perform three consecutive bicycle kicks—not to actually cross, but to buy time. His opponent dared not kick, and could only retreat.

Up to the corner flag area.

The referee blew the whistle. The match ended.

2-1, 4-3 on aggregate. Shaanxi Chanba is promoted to the Chinese Super League.

The locker room erupted. Beer, champagne, and—why, even baijiu—were all poured on people. Coach Wang, holding Wu Shi, tears streaming down his face, cried, "You brat!"

It turns out that people really do cry when they are extremely happy. Wu Shi cried as he recalled this period of time.

In those four months, he played 21 games (seven as a substitute and fourteen as a starter), scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists.

He was involved in a large portion of the team's goals during their journey from mid-table to promotion to the top flight.

The price to pay was: fluid buildup in his left knee, two sprains in his right ankle, a rib cartilage contusion (just now), and countless bruises all over his body. The coach also told him he must take good care of himself; I don't want a promising talent to be injured so early.

But he looked at his teammates celebrating wildly in the room.

That's the price we pay.

Three days later, in the team office.

Coach Wang called Wu Shi over; there were four faxes on the table.

"From Shanghai, Shandong, Beijing," Coach Wang tapped the table with one finger, "and... Guangzhou."

Wu Shi picked up the offer from Guangzhou Hengda.

Three-year contract, annual salary... He counted the zeros, and his heart skipped a beat. In 2010, this figure was at the level of a top national team player in Chinese football.

"They promised starting positions, but there were no supplementary contracts guaranteeing playing time."

Coach Wang's voice was hoarse, "Next season Lippi will coach Guangzhou Evergrande and we'll be playing in the AFC Champions League. And..." He paused, "the transfer fee they offered can give our club a three-year reprieve."

Wu Shi understands. Small teams can't retain players; that's an ironclad rule of professional football. The team has just been promoted to the top league; it needs money to buy players to strengthen the squad and to improve its youth training. Selling him will benefit everyone.

"What do you think?" Coach Wang asked, looking at him.

Wu Shi remained silent for a long time.

He recalled those four months: the hugs from his teammates when he scored his first goal, supporting each other during the rainy match, and everyone hugging and crying after being promoted.

It also reminds me of when I was sixteen, my professional career just beginning. Should I be a key player in a Chinese Super League relegation-threatened team, or a piece in the puzzle for an AFC Champions League team?

I recall Evergrande and the old man known as the Silver Fox – Lippi.

"I..." Wu Shi began, his voice a little hoarse, "I want to play in the AFC Champions League."

Coach Wang closed his eyes and nodded. When he opened them again, his eyes were red: "I knew it. Good... to a bigger stage. You'll have to make it into the national team someday."

He stood up and hugged Wu Shi tightly: "Don't be a coward when you get there. You're one of our Northwest Wolves!"

The signing took place in Guangzhou.

The enormous conference room was breathtakingly large, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Zhujiang New Town skyline. The club's general manager personally received them; although Lippi didn't appear in person, he sent a message through a intermediary: "I have high hopes for your future."

Wu Shi's hand did not tremble when he signed.

A three-year contract, from Shaanxi to Guangzhou, from China League One to the AFC Champions League. He put down his pen and looked at his name on the contract.

"Welcome to Evergrande." The general manager smiled broadly as he shook hands. "The team will assemble next week, and Mr. Lippi will personally develop your training plan."

Takeshi nodded.

Stepping out of the building, the Guangzhou sun was blinding. November in the south still felt like summer; some people were wearing short sleeves. It was a completely different world from Xi'an.

He opened his phone and saw dozens of unread messages.

Zhang Hao (his best friend from a past life, and still his best friend in this life): "Holy crap, you really went to Evergrande?! I'll ask you for help buying tickets from now on!"

Li Jianguo: "Kid, you're treating us to a meal when we get to Guangzhou! Otherwise, I'll kill you next time we meet!"

Old Chen: "Don't forget the basics. Practice juggling the ball for an extra half hour every day."

There was also a voice message from his mother, her voice trembling with tears: "Son, Mom saw the news... Take good care of yourself out there..."

"Soon," he said, pointing to the poster. "We'll see you on the field very soon."

It's not like a fan meeting their idol.

It's players meeting players.

That evening, Guangzhou Evergrande officially announced: "Shaanxi Chanba player Wu Shi has officially joined Guangzhou Evergrande and will wear the number 21 jersey."

The news article included a photo of Wu Shi holding up a jersey. The comment section exploded:

"Is Evergrande trying to form a youth guard?"

"Giving so much money to a 16-year-old? Isn't that too risky?"

"The person Lippi has chosen is definitely not simple."

Wu Shi didn't read the comments.

He was practicing dribbling in front of the mirror in his hotel room. A system notification flashed in his mind:

[Environmental changes detected: Top professional club]

[Training module under upgrade...]

[Coming Soon: High-Intensity Combat Mode]

[Next goal: Chinese Super League debut]

He stopped what he was doing and looked out the window.

He'll be playing there next season.