Chapter 39 (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

It was the first round of the Luoyang Regional Qualifiers for the 15th edition of the National High School Soccer Championship. The match between Shu Guang and Kai Ta would be played at the latter’s soccer field.

Nothing had changed; whether it was the main gates, classrooms, laboratories, mini store, car park or the toilet facing the running track―everything stayed the same.

There was a humorous recollection that Zhang Jun had of the toilet.

In his third year at Kai Ta, he signed up for the 100-m dash in the autumn track and field event. He was confident that his sprinting was peerless save for Yang Pan in school and by luck, Yang Pan was not competing in the same category―his greatest obstacle was therefore, gone.

At the sound of the umpire’s gunshot, he dashed ahead and already lost the others by the five-meter mark. Leading far up front against the others with his explosive speed, he crossed the line ahead of them under the loud cheers of the other students―but everyone was stunned when he did not stop even after he had crossed the line with both hands raised; maintaining his speed, he made a beeline for that toilet by the tracks. Everyone stared at him blankly before breaking into thunderous laughter after five seconds.

Yang Pan poked fun at his friend afterwards, saying, “I was finding it weird that you could run so fast the other day. So, it was the pee talking! Your goal in the first place was the men’s room, not the finish line, huh?” He completely disregarded Zhang Jun’s explanation that since he was wearing nailed boots, he was not able to stop, extending the length of the run instead. In addition, he could not have ran into the ladies’ room hence, his dash into the boy’s toilet.

But Yang Pan’s version of the story still spread throughout the school and everyone learned afterwards that Zhang Jun’s gold medal was won by his full bladder. But gossip changed as it traveled and as the news floated further, it turned into “Zhang Jun’s speed on the pitch comes from the power of a full bladder”. Zhang Jun could not decide whether to laugh or cry.

…

The pre-match arrangements were simple but effective. Liang Ke had arranged for Wang Ning and Li Hao to mark Yuan Gang together. While he chose not to avoid Liu Peng, he told his four forwards to take turns in making runs at him. “Even if he’s made of iron, we’ll wear him down!” Liang Ke screamed with a clenched fist in an impression of Hitler―both of them were adherents of the offensive doctrine.

Just before they stepped onto the pitch, the coach stopped Zhang Jun.

“Zhang Jun. Remember, a match is a match.”

…

Liu Qi and his expanded troop of Shu Guang cheerleaders appeared by the stands on the Kai Ta pitch. They were looking more the part as they raised the atmosphere and shouted roars of support for their school’s team.

The number of journalists from High School Soccer who were sent to the scene had been increased to three thanks to the special attention from Chief Editor Liu. Two of them were writers and the other was a photojournalist. Chen Huafeng, being one of the writers, took the other writer―an intern they all called Xiao Zhang―up the viewing platform.

“You have to realize that watching Shu Guang matches is a form of enjoyment, especially when they attack,” Huafeng reminded his junior. “When the time comes, you’ll have to watch carefully. I’m hoping that you can write a breathtaking account of the game for me!”

“But the chief editor wanted you to―”

“Ahem! It’s a great opportunity for some practice y’know! You have to take it! There aren’t many like me who’d slip such a chance to their juniors!” Trying to look the part of a senior, Chen Huafeng patted his colleague on the back. The intern had recently graduated from Zhengzhou University under a specialized course for journalism. However, his efforts were lost on the younger man.

“Ah! You wanted to watch the match, didn’t you? Hmph! And you’re quite the newcomer yourself!”

Chen Huafeng smiled. “Hehe, but you’ve only been here for a month, right? That’s why I’m your senior!”

…

Zhang Jun had just stepped out of the locker room when he bumped into Yuan Gang.

“Monkey?”

“Call me Yuan Gang.”

“How are you?”

“Not bad! You on the other hand, are quite on the roll, eh? Becoming a star player, getting interviews and being photographed for magazines. You’ve forgotten all your old friends. Over a year, not one call, not one letter. Having a blissful time making friends in Shu Guang, is that it?”

“I…”

“There’s no need for explanation. Nothing more needs to be said.” Zhang Jun felt like he had seen that expression on Yuan Gang’s face before. Oh, right, it was in that dream. “Forget about what you promised! We’ll meet on the pitch and Zhang Jun, don’t get cold feet!”

At those words, Yuan Gang turned and left, leaving a quiet Zhang Jun behind.

…

“Wasn’t that a bit too much?” Liu Peng asked when Yuan Gang approached him. “You do know that Zhang Jun neither called nor wrote because he was afraid of us getting angry at him for not saying goodbye.”

“Of course I know. But it’s all necessary for victory.” Yuan Gang slipped the captain’s armband around his triceps. “Let’s go, Liu Peng. The game is starting.”

…

The referee blew on his whistle and the game started.

Kai Ta was on the attack. Yuan Gang carried the ball forward while two of his team’s strikers ran ahead to divert the attention of the Shu Guang defense.

Wang Ning and Li Hao closed in on Yuan Gang, with Wang going near for a challenge as Li Hao waited for an opening beside them. Still, despite Wang’s best efforts to steal the ball, Yuan Gang looked quite relaxed as he held the ball firmly at his feet.

A winger came by to help, Yuan Gang slipped the ball to him beautifully and he crossed the ball into the box with a single stroke!

Lin Xiaofang headed the ball clear thanks to his advantage in height and the ball fell back to Yuan Gang. Even though he had just freed himself from Wang Ning and Li Hao, he dared not tarry―those two stubborn fellows were closing in on him once more―and he fired a long shot.

An Ke dived to the side and pressed the ball down to the ground.

With a long-range effort right after the opening minute, it was apparent that Kai Ta’s desire for victory was intense. The game would not be a walk in the park for Shu Guang.

But Shu Guang’s attack were also seeking release after almost a year of not letting loose.

Kaka showed beautiful control as he chested down An Ke’s long ball and turned to dodge an incoming defensive midfielder; those slick moves drew shrill screams from girls on the stands.