Football: Starting with the Crescent Moon Slash

December 24th, Christmas Eve.

Qin Wanyu received a last-minute assignment to go on a business trip to England to prepare for an interview during the Premier League match two days later.

Dr. Emily returned to her parents' home, where the family celebrated Christmas together.

Even the black guy who usually cooks is taking a day off today.

In the huge apartment, only Jiang Yan remained.

"It's been a long time since I've been alone. System, open the newly acquired skill pack."

With a flash of golden light, a familiar figure appeared in front of Jiang Yan.

This person is lean and has a calm gaze. With flowing blond hair, he stands calmly in the center of the chaotic battle. His body is as light as a butterfly, and his footwork is as delicate as silk. No matter how fast, chaotic, or dangerous the ball is, he can unload it and clean it up in an instant...

He is a true midfield maestro, using magical ball control and dribbling to transform chaotic balls into melodious notes at his feet.

He was also the midfield tempo controller, effortlessly defusing danger and restoring order to a chaotic situation under intense pressure.

Under the spotlight at the Bernabéu, he was the anchor of the midfield, using his exceptional ball control and playmaking to anchor the entire team's operation.

Beneath the Checkered jersey, he is the heart and backbone of the team, calmly controlling the ball time and time again, leading the team through layers of encirclement.

……

[Congratulations on acquiring Luka Modric's "Ball Washing Master" skill!]

【您的传接球属性提升了：短传77→80；盘带：72→74；停球60→66】

[Playing the ball is also an art of midfield. Every control of the ball is as solid as a rock, every distribution is as fluid as flowing water. He can effortlessly retrieve the ball even when surrounded by three opponents, making the opponent's high-pressure pressing ineffective against him.]

finally!!!!!

Finally, a skill set from our own star player has arrived!!

After receiving two skill packs from our arch-rivals, this time we've finally received a skill pack from our own star player!

to be frank,

I'm actually a little touched right now.

[Ball passing] is also one of the core skills of midfielders. A good defensive midfielder must have the ability to pass the ball safely in the midst of a chaotic battle.

This is also one of the essential conditions for becoming an all-around midfielder.

"Ding~ Congratulations, host, for achieving certain results in the Real Madrid squad and acquiring seven skills. The host is now issued a [Long-term Mission]."

A long-term mission?

Previously, each mission was only activated after entering the game.

This time, it's a long-term mission!

That's really something new.

Just as I was thinking this, lines of small white text slowly appeared.

Long-term objective 1: Achieve 10 goals from open play. (0/10)

Reward: Attacking Star Skill Pack x1

Long-term mission two: To top the La Liga assist charts by the end of the season (currently: 7 assists in the league).

Reward: Midfield Star Skill Pack x1

Long-term mission three: To become a regular starter for Real Madrid (currently: a key substitute).

Reward: Backcourt Star Skill Pack x1

Bonus task: Win the Golden Boy Award before age 21

Reward: Random King of Football Skill Pack x1

Golden Boy Award?!

The King of Football's Skills Pack!! ? ?

The Golden Boy award, established in 2003, is the most prestigious award for young football players.

The award is open to players under the age of 21 who play for top European league clubs, regardless of nationality, and no player can receive the award twice.

He was familiar with the Golden Boy award, but this "King of Football Skills Package" was something he had never heard of before.

Just by hearing the name, you know this skill pack is incredibly powerful.

"The Golden Boy Award... Interesting."

Although it might be difficult for him to win the Golden Boy Award with his current abilities, as long as he keeps completing tasks and acquiring more skill packs, the Golden Boy Award is only a matter of time.

"System, what is my current overall rating?"

Your current overall score is 69 points, one point short of the next stage.

Your current total points are 126.

"Not bad, the points are being earned much faster than I expected. After a few more matches, I should be able to redeem the next skill pack."

Just as he was thinking this.

hum...

hum...

Another phone call came in.

"With Christmas Eve approaching, who would call at this time?"

The call connected, and Modric's voice came through.

"Jiang, it's almost Christmas Eve. You're all alone in Spain. If you don't mind, why don't you spend it with my family?"

It turned out to be Modric's invitation.

Although Jiang Yan was very tempted by the offer, he felt it was inappropriate to disturb someone else's family on Christmas Eve, so he declined Modric's kind offer.

Not only Modric, but Bale, Benzema, Isco, and Casemiro all extended invitations to Jiang Yan, but he declined them all with various reasons.

Although he did not accept, the invitation from these people still warmed Jiang Yan's heart.

After all, we're Chinese, why should we celebrate Western holidays!

You should just stay home and behave yourself.

That's what I was thinking.

hum...

hum...

Who is it this time...?

Jiang Yan picked up her phone.

"Besides Benzema and his teammates, who else would message me at this time?"

Benitez: [Address], come here.

Benitez?

Why would he message me at this time?

Seeing that Benitez didn't offer any further explanation, Jiang Yan immediately set off for the address Benitez had sent.

Jiang Yan took a taxi and arrived at her destination.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a villa located in the suburbs.

"Jiang, you've finally arrived."

Led by Benitez, Jiang Yan arrived at his home in the suburbs of Madrid.

Listening to Benitez enthusiastically introduce the furnishings of his home and his wife and children.

"Mr. Benitez, you called me here in such a hurry... I'm afraid there's something else going on."

Upon hearing Jiang Yan's words, Benitez's smile vanished, and he sat down seriously on the other side of the table.

Jiang Yan sat opposite him.

Benitez's wife also wisely took the children to a place where they wouldn't be disturbed.

......

"I'll get to the point quickly: the plan to impeach James Rodriguez has failed, and your starting position... is in danger."

Upon hearing that Benitez's plan had failed, Jiang Yan's face also showed an expression of disbelief.

He believes his performance in the last match was perfect, and that his performance in recent times has even been better than James Rodriguez's.

Even this isn't enough to gain the approval of Real Madrid's management...

"Was my performance not good enough?"

Benitez shook his head.

"What mistake did I make?"

Benitez shook his head again.

"Then why is that?"

Once you become a regular starter, you'll get another skill pack, so the sooner you become a starter, the better.

"Because you are Asian."

?

Because of my Asian identity!

This was something Jiang Yan had never imagined.

"Real Madrid's management believes that you are just a flash in the pan and does not agree to trade James Rodriguez for you. In other words... they are not willing to gamble their future on you."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan unconsciously clenched his fists.

"Just because I'm Asian... what kind of bullshit reason is that!"

Jiang Yan's roar was so loud that it shook the appliances in the living room.

It's unbelievable that Real Madrid would abandon such a talented player for this reason.

Please, I'm a man with a system by my side!

After Jiang Yan calmed down a bit, Benitez slowly spoke:

"However, there is still hope."