Football: Starting with the Crescent Moon Slash

"You're really talking big, kid. What do you mean you'll lead Real Madrid to victory? You're really not taking us seriously."

The remarks made at the press conference naturally reached the ears of Real Madrid's players very quickly.

Back in the locker room, Jiang Yan was thoroughly "tortured" by them.

He apologized repeatedly before they finally let him go.

However, none of the Real Madrid players really took what a child said to heart; after all, who hasn't been young before?

The team has a harmonious atmosphere and a bright future, with the potential to win both the La Liga title and the Champions League – that's exactly what they hope for.

After all, this is a genuine honor!

……

[Congratulations on completing the mission and successfully leading your team to three consecutive victories. Reward: 1 random star player skill pack and 30 points.]

The mission was finally completed, and Jiang Yan received the star player skill pack.

With the Champions League knockout stage drawing ever closer, Benitez has begun arranging for player rotation.

Jiang Yan will not play in the upcoming home game against Espanyol and the away game against Granada.

Finally, I can properly enjoy this hard-won holiday.

Until a phone call came.

"Hello, Jiang Yan, I am Gao Hongbo."

Gao Hongbo played as a striker for Beijing Guoan during his playing career, winning the league's Golden Boot and the FA Cup.

After retiring, he coached the Chinese national football team from 09 to 11, becoming the youngest head coach of the national team that year.

带队战绩23胜11平4负，胜率约60%，FIFA世界排名由108升至69。

However, Jiang Yan is currently unaware of all this, as he has never paid much attention to matters concerning the national football team.

"Gao... Hongbo, what brings you here?"

"It will probably be officially announced soon. I will be taking the helm of the national football team again. I hope to work with you and break through the top 40 together."

Cooperation?

Chinese national football team?

World Championship!

The Chinese national football team's recruitment drive has finally begun!

"Xiao Jiang, you must know that the Chinese national football team hasn't played in the World Cup for a long time, and it's also been a long time since we've produced a phenomenal player. With your addition, I believe it's only a matter of time before we qualify for Russia."

Rushing into Russia...

It sounds like we're going to attack Russia.

With international matches just a month away, they've surprisingly received an offer from the Chinese national football team.

But, won't joining the national team ruin his reputation in his later years?

Ok……

"Okay, I agree." Playing in international competitions was naturally something Jiang Yan was more than happy to do. "However, I have one more question... I don't drink alcohol, will I be able to play?"

"You can play even if you're allergic to seafood!"

On the other end of the phone, Gao Hongbo's voice became much more relaxed after receiving Jiang Yan's reply.

It's normal to feel uneasy, given that this was the national football team's choice to save the day.

Moreover, Jiang Yan is now a very popular figure in Spain and even in China.

Even Gao Hongbo, who had years of experience navigating the complexities of society, couldn't help but feel nervous.

After 30 rounds of La Liga, it will be the international break.

There is still plenty of time.

"Let's take this time to learn more about the current situation of the national football team, since the time span is too long."

……

In the 22nd round of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 6-0 at home.

After Bale's injury, Benitez boldly used James Rodriguez, pairing him with Benzema and Ronaldo in attack.

It achieved good results.

James Rodriguez also scored a goal after a long absence.

The competition between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi intensifies on the top scorer list, while Luis Suarez is not to be outdone, scoring goal after goal and constantly challenging their records.

Rest day.

Jiang Yan had to go to the base due to filming arrangements.

A light drizzle began to fall from the sky.

"What bad luck! Why does it always rain?"

Having completed his filming assignment, Jiang Yan walked towards the gate of Real Madrid's training base.

Just then, I spotted a familiar figure in the distance, with striking blond hair.

"Isn't this Dr. Emily? What are you doing here!"

Upon hearing Jiang Yan's voice, Emily trembled at first, then turned around to look at Jiang Yan somewhat embarrassed.

Emily was dressed in a khaki tracksuit and carrying a thick stack of documents.

Even in sportswear, her curvaceous figure still draws attention.

"I forgot... I left something in the office."

Standing beside Emily, Jiang Yan sensed her struggle and cautiously asked:

"Would you like me to take you home?"

Upon hearing this, Emily's tense body finally relaxed, but after a moment, she looked around warily again.

"If you get photographed, it will affect you."

"I have a way."

After saying that, Jiang Yan took out two black face masks from his pocket.

"I won't be recognized if I wear it, that's based on my experience."

Emily took the mask that Jiang Yan handed her.

"With this... will everything be alright?"

After the two put on masks.

"Let's go, the car is here."

Jiang Yan naturally took Emily's hand, and the two got into a taxi.

After the taxi drove away, a black sedan drove up.

I rolled down the car window in front of Real Madrid's training ground.

"Why is Emily so slow?"

……

The taxi moved smoothly through the cool, rainy night in Madrid.

"You...look a little tired today." Jiang Yan broke the silence first.

Emily nodded slightly. "Bell was injured recently, and reports and recovery plans are piling up."

"Thanks a lot."

His tone was soft, yet exceptionally sincere, warming Emily's heart, and she quietly looked up.

The car quickly stopped in front of a quiet apartment building.

The rain hasn't stopped.

Jiang Yan got out of the car first, opened his thin coat, and held it over Emily's head.

"Go on upstairs and get some rest."

Emily stood at the apartment door, clutching the documents, looking up at him. Rain dampened a few stray strands of hair on his forehead.

"Jiang Yan..."

"Um?"

"Thank you for bringing me back."

"Of course," Jiang Yan smiled. "Remember to call me next time it's this late."

Emily bit her lip, gave a soft "hmm," and turned to walk into the house.

"Oh, right."

Emily turned around and spoke to Jiang Yan.

"I'm going to England."

Jiang Yan's smile froze instantly.

"To England?" he repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice that he himself didn't realize.

Emily clutched the documents in her arms tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white.

She nodded, her voice so soft it was almost swallowed by the rain: "It's my family's decision... and also my own. I don't want to affect your football playing anymore."

Jiang Yan fell silent.

Memories flooded his mind.

"What influence... I'll play even better with you here!"

Emily looked up abruptly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, which then transformed into a warm feeling.

"Would you play better if I were here?"

Jiang Yan nodded heavily.

"I...I will come back," she whispered, "When Real Madrid wins the championship, I will definitely fly back to Madrid to celebrate."

Jiang Yan waved his hand, knowing he couldn't change her decision, his face full of reluctance: "I'll wait for you."

Emily glanced at him, then reluctantly pushed open the door.

"Would you...would you like to come in and sit down?"

……

In the shadows not far away, a black sedan was parked across the street. The person inside had witnessed the entire conversation, took out his phone, and dialed a number.

"Boss, as you instructed, we have arranged for that old man's daughter to go to England. However, their relationship... may be about to take things a step further."

The rain was getting heavier and heavier.

"The man I set my sights on must be mine."