After a night of entanglement, he was exhausted. Tang En vented out all the energy he had been suppressing for the past six months. He and Shania did not know how many times they had done it, but it was crazy. For a 40-year-old middle-aged man with a heart disease, it was amazing to have such a performance.
Even when the morning sun shone into the room through the gaps in the curtains, Shania was still lying on the bed, unwilling to get up. When Tang En patted her little butt and called her a lazy bum, she pouted and moaned, "Don't you see who turned Little Red Riding Hood into a lazy bum?"
When she finally got up and lifted the blanket, Tang En found a few red spots on the bedsheets. He also understood why Shania refused to get up from the bed.
But he was not surprised.
It was not because he felt that Shania should keep her chastity. He was not surprised because he did not care if Shania was a virgin or not. He knew what kind of world it was now, and he also knew what most of the girls in this world were like.
But this had nothing to do with his love. If he loved a woman, he would love this woman. He might love her beauty, personality, or even her heart. He might even love her talent, voice, eyes, lips, and body … but he would never love the membrane inside a woman's nether regions.
Even if he were to get married, he would marry this woman, not a layer of "plastic wrap."
So, whether Shania was a virgin or not, it could not affect his feelings for this girl. He also never cared if Shania had eaten something as boring as forbidden fruit with some other boy before they met.
When he thought about how he finally ate Little Red Riding Hood last night, he was in a good mood. He couldn't help but lick his lips. He smacked his lips and wanted to say, "Not bad, not bad, it tastes great!"
Shania came out of the bathroom wearing only a pair of white underwear with lace edges. Her upper body was completely naked. Seeing Tang En like this, she asked curiously, "What are you doing, Uncle Tony?"
Tang En saw her perfect body curves and seductive breasts, as well as the faintly discernible scenery behind the layer of lace panties. He chuckled and said, "Little Red Riding Hood is delicious …"
When Shania heard what he said, she walked straight over and climbed onto the bed to straddle between Twain's legs. Her waist slowly sank down. She looked at Tang En with her dark eyes. "Do you want to have breakfast, Uncle Tony? Look, it's hungry again … "She had already gently grasped Twain's mischievous little brother with one hand.
Tang En remembered that he still had to go to work today. If he really allowed Shania to continue sitting there, he would not have the mental fortitude to guarantee that he would not be able to spend the entire morning on this bed.
"Uh … forget it. I have to go to Wilford … "He held up his hands in surrender. "Also, you're preparing to move … Also, is it really okay for the media to see you moving over?"
Little Red Riding Hood bent down to give her Uncle Wolf a good morning kiss and let him go.
"You and I are public figures, Uncle Tony. He was already used to being stared at by the media. As long as they don't rush into the bedroom to film us making love, they can focus on us however they want. "Shania's attitude towards the media was even more carefree than Twain's. "Also …" At this point, she smiled slyly. "I'm a little looking forward to how the media will react when they find out that we're engaged … That must be fun!"
Tang En lovingly patted her smooth back. Shania obediently moved aside, allowing him to slowly sit up from the bed and put on his clothes. Being together with such a lively and cute girl, he would not feel that his days were boring. When it came to love, he had no other desires.
※ ※ ※
After breakfast, Shania drove Tang En to Wilford and returned to prepare for the move. Actually, there was nothing much to prepare. It was just two suitcases filled with clothes, which she placed in the trunk of the car and moved over.
Tang En, on the other hand, walked alone into the still somewhat empty training ground. The team's training time was at ten o 'clock, and he came slightly early.
The training ground, which was the size of three standard football fields, was connected together. At a glance, the unobstructed green filled one's eyes, making one feel relaxed and happy. He could not help but take a deep breath, greedily sniffing the familiar smell here.
It was only after returning here that he could feel the power in his body had not disappeared. A voice was calling out to him, telling him that this was the home of his soul.
Stepping on the turf carefully taken care of by the workers, Tang En warmed up a little and then put his hands into his trouser pockets. He felt a piece of paper — to be exact, an envelope.
Only then did he remember that Allan Adams had given him a letter yesterday, saying that Ribéry had asked him to pass it to him before he left.
Although he was already a person who had left, yesterday's events could not be forgotten. But after all, they had been together day and night for four years. Tang En was still curious about what the boy, who had left because of the pursuit of money, had written in the letter.
He took it out and opened it.
A thin piece of paper was shaken out.
"Dear Boss,
I'm sorry for choosing to leave Nottingham Forest at this time. I don't care if they call me a deserter or how others see me. I just want to apologize to you … You may be very disdainful of my actions. I can only say that for the sake of my family, Spain is more suitable here.
Of course, I'm not writing so much to find a reason for what I've done. Has there ever been a player who wrote a letter to the manager to explain the reason for leaving a team? So this is not an explanation. I'm just thanking you. Franck Ribéry is not a fool. Who was it that gave him a chance when he was at his lowest? I remember it very clearly. I learned a lot and gained a lot in the four and a half seasons at Nottingham Forest. That will be a valuable asset in my life experience. Now I must apologize to say that I'm about to start a new journey. I don't know if I'll have the chance to play under Boss in the future, but these four and a half years have been pleasant memories.
In fact, I've always been reluctant to say this, but objectively speaking, my departure did help the team solve a bit of a financial problem — 55 million euros. If it weren't for the economic crisis, maybe we could sell more. 60 million, 80 million? I don't know. We all know what the second offer before Piqué left meant. Maybe in your heart, I'm different from Piqué. But it was really the last goal I could bring to the Forest team. If you're still watching La Liga, take a good look at our performance during the El Clásico. I hope you won't be disappointed.
Finally, after writing this letter, I'm a Real Madrid player through and through. If we meet on the field in the future, I'll have to do my best to beat your team like that kid Bendtner. Please don't get me wrong — I know you're a little narrow-minded — I just want to prove that the players who come out of Nottingham Forest are the best no matter where they are! If I say I want to score two goals against the Forest team, will you still say 'I believe he will, because he has the ability'?
Yours sincerely, Franck Ribéry, whom you picked up from Ligue 2. "
Twain stood in a daze on the training ground, letting the breeze from the Trent River sweep past him, causing the letter in his hand to flutter.
After a long time, he sighed and came back to his senses. He wanted to take out a lighter to burn the letter, but his hand reached into his pocket and found nothing. It reminded him that he had quit smoking a long time ago, so he naturally did not have to carry the lighter with him.
He put the letter back into the envelope and slowly tore it into two halves, four pieces, eight pieces … Finally, it became countless pieces. With a wave of his hand, it was carried away by the wind.
Score two goals alone?
If you dare say something like that, I'll teach you a lesson just like I taught Bendtner. Franck!
You want to run away just like that? It won't be that easy. The next time we meet, be prepared to suffer my wrath! You bastard!
※ ※ ※
Twain wore sunglasses and stood by the side of the field to supervise the morning training, just like before he fell ill. The team's morale seemed to have recovered to what it was before, and George Wood was especially enthusiastic. The team was slowly getting better, but Twain thought of another matter. The people here might have heard of it, but they mostly treated it as meaningless hype from the media.
Just before the training started, Allan Adams found him. He told him that due to the team's poor results this season and the sharp drop in income after they achieved nothing, the budget for the next season was very tight. Therefore, the team had to sell some players in the summer in exchange for funds. Twain could go to the transfer market to buy new players, but there was a huge limit in terms of price.
Allan hoped that Twain could draft a list of players to clean out for him to help him determine the budget for the new season.
Now, in the team in front of him, who could stay and who had to leave, were all written on that A4-sized piece of paper.
This time, Twain did not kick up a fuss with Allan in the office and firmly disagreed with the club selling players. He only nodded in agreement and did not say anything unnecessary.
He understood that this was reality.
What was reality? It was that people had to eat, live, survive, and live on. It was the same for the club …
Among these people, who could stay in Wilford in the end …
Twain calculated in his heart.
※ ※ ※
After the training ended, Twain pulled Dunn to North Wilford. Dunn did not find it strange. He thought that Twain was preparing to dig up his potential for the next season.
But Twain's actions gave him a huge shock.
"Ian, I've finished reading these two books." Twain placed the two thick training logs on the table in Greenwood's office. "I finished them in one go. I haven't had enough yet."
"It's good that you like them, Tony." Greenwood took this as Twain's affirmation of his work and replied with a smile. But what Twain said next made him unable to smile.
"Why isn't there a third or fourth book? His story is not over. I haven't seen the ending. I've decided! "Twain's finger poked at the training logs." You'll be bringing him to train again soon, Ian. "
The other two people in the room were dumbfounded. They did not understand what Twain was saying at all.
Looking at their puzzled expressions, Twain continued, "I'm saying that I plan to give this kid an apprenticeship contract. The club will handle the procedures for him to transfer schools, apply for a study visa, and register him as a player with the China Football Association. Then I'll let him come here to continue writing the ending for me!"
"Tony!" Dunn exclaimed. His behavior could be considered a loss of composure in his usual image. But he could not be bothered with these minor details. "Do you know what you're doing?"
"I'm very clear, Dunn. I want him to come and continue training for me. "
"Tony … Why are you doing this? He's already left. There's no need to find him again, right? Even though I admire Chen's hard work and spirit, he's not an amazing young genius to us. I don't think we'll be able to reap any rewards by spending our energy on him. "Even Greenwood, who had watched Chen Jian train for a year, disagreed.
"Whether he can reap rewards or not is his problem. Whether we give him this chance or not is our problem. I think I found a piece of rough stone in those two thick logs. The thick piece of rough stone might contain a resplendent diamond. "
"Or maybe there's nothing. It's just a piece of stone." Dunn finally calmed down.
"There's no such thing as a hundred percent genius in this world. A genius can become mediocre, and a loser can become a talent. I believe in my foresight, Dunn. I believe in this kid's hard work even more. Maybe it'll take a long time, but I think we'll be able to reap some rewards. A kid who can stick to George Wood's training standards for a year without giving up and still do a decent job, I don't think he can't succeed. "At this point, he looked at the two men seriously and said," This is the final decision, Ian, Dunn. I want to give him a chance. Just like when I gave George Wood a chance outside the slums. "
Dunn frowned. "Do you know what kind of criticism you'll get from the media for doing this? They'll say you must be crazy to have expectations for a China kid selected from a talent show. There will also be people who think you're just interested in the market of the country he represents. "
Tang En interrupted him. "Whatever I want to do, I don't need the approval of the media. They'll scold them, and I'll do my own thing. They have no right to interfere with my freedom. That's it, Ian. When the kid comes, please give him George's training plan and let him continue to train according to it. Let's see how he can persevere for us. "
※ ※ ※
Tianjin, China.
Tianjin Judicial Police School.
Chen Jian had just come out of the teaching building, holding a pile of books and wearing a navy blue school uniform. It looked no different from the standard police uniform except for the lack of a collar, police rank, and armband.
His companion called out to him, "Chen Jian, come play football later! You're the core, you can't not come! "
"Okay, wait for me to go to the dormitory to put my things down." Chen Jian did not refuse.
In fact, he was thinking about something just now.
It had been more than three months since he returned from England, but he found that he could not forget every day and night he spent there. He even felt that it was no longer important to continue his studies there.
Although the name of the school was flashy, in fact, the standard was very average. It was a technical secondary school where everyone either went out to make a living on their own after graduation or went to university to continue their studies. If he thought he could become a police officer after coming in, then the reality might be disappointing.
As for where his future lay in the real world, he had yet to find it.
And the future of his dreams …
Had he already said goodbye to him?
Although he still stubbornly followed the habits he had developed in Nottingham every day to carry out individual training, he was more willing to admit that it was nothing more than a habit. A year of training life was too deep. It had been branded into his bones. It was a little difficult to forget it in a few months.
What was the use of such a silly approach? What was the use of persevering knowing that the dream was destined to not be realized? If I can't be a professional football player, what else can I do? After graduation, apply for a job as a security guard, or use my connections to get assigned through the back door, or continue to go to university, to those schools directly under the Ministry of Public Security, and become a real police officer after graduation …
But with his academic results and the year spent in England, was there any hope of getting into that kind of university?
Chen Jian felt very confused.
When he went to England, there were three of them. When he returned to China, there were also three of them. Unsurprisingly, no one got the "reward" to stay in the professional team. Even so, Chen Jian was still quite popular among the students who liked football in this school. His close friends always liked to pester him, hoping to hear him talk about what real professional football was like.
He would not refuse these curious students. But every time he talked about those past events, the valve of memory could not be closed. He felt very indignant.
He thought of that rainy day, when Tony Twain yelled at him. Every sentence and every word seemed to be echoing in his ears, unforgettable.
"… Go back to China, go back to study, and find a job after graduation? Then occasionally play amateur football with your big belly, and you'll be satisfied, right? When you're old, you'll brag to your grandson, saying that your grandfather used to train in the youth team of the UEFA Champions League, Nottingham Forest, for a year! What if your grandson asks you what happened a year later? What are you going to say? You'll say … Ah, because your grandfather performed badly in a team match, he gave up and went back to China crying … "
I didn't give up, and I didn't go back to China crying. But that doesn't change anything, Manager Twain. I'm still me, confused about my future in this technical secondary school.
Can you understand, Manager Twain? Can you understand my situation and my feelings?
I've fully experienced the cruelty of professional football, and the gap between me and them. But it's only a year … What's enough for a year? I've already worked very, very hard, and I can't wait to do my bouncing training even when I'm sleeping. But why only a year? Why can't I be like those youth team players and start formal training from the age of ten?
I want to play professional football, I want to become one of those football stars that I can only look up to on TV. I even believe that given a few years, I won't be worse than them. No matter how hard and tiring it is, I can persevere through the cruel training. This time, I absolutely promise not to give up. Just like my name, persevere and strong.
But why is it only a year …
I've just stepped through the door, and it's already closed. What can I do? If I had a lot of money, I would definitely buy Nottingham Forest, and nothing would change, just to give me a chance, to give me more time …
A year ago, I thought that a year was enough. Many people may not even have the time and opportunity of a year even in their dreams. But now, a year later, I understand that a year is only enough for me to touch the surface.
What's the use of understanding this?
Chen Jian laughed at himself and went into the dormitory.
"Chen Jian, you're back? Just in time! "His roommate in the dormitory jumped out of bed. "Someone just called for you. I said you're not here. You just finished class and haven't come back yet. He said he'll call again later. "
Chen Jian thought it was strange. Who would call him? "Did he say who he was?"
"No, I forgot to ask … Are you going to play football? Or are you waiting for a call here? "His roommate picked up the dirty football and shook it with his head in the dormitory. "Hey, catch the ball!"
He forcefully headed the football towards Chen Jian. Chen Jian just lifted his leg and firmly stopped the falling football at his feet. The whole set of movements was light and casual, as if it was not intentional at all.
"Well done, Chen Jian! England has gained a lot this year! "His roommate complimented him, but it made Chen Jian's mind confused. "I say, real professional football is different! I guess they pulled the youth team directly to play in the Chinese Super League. No matter what, it would be a Double Winner? But if Arsenal's youth team came, I guess they wouldn't be able to run away from the AFC Champions League! Tsk tsk, I also want to go to England … Although it's only for a year, I can die in peace to see the world's leading level! "
Chen Jian kicked the football back to him. "Aren't you going to play football? Let's go. "
"You're not going to wait for a call?" His roommate pointed to the phone.
"I'm not going to wait. It's probably to ask me to play football." Chen Jian put his books on his bed and began to take off his school uniform to change into football equipment.
"Hey, coming back from studying in England is really popular … Then I'll go first!" His roommate shouted and rushed out of the door with the football.
When Chen Jian was putting on his sneakers, the phone on the table suddenly rang.
Chen Jian was stunned for a moment before he ran over to answer the phone. "Hello, 705, who are you looking for?"
"Is Chen Jian there?" A man's voice.
"Speaking, who are you?" It was probably the person who had just called him.
"I'm Dunn. Hello, Chen Jian. Fortunately, you left your dormitory phone number when you signed up for that activity, otherwise we really don't know how to contact you … "
When this person said his name, Chen Jian thought there was something wrong with his ears.
"There's someone here who wants to speak to you …" Dunn did not wait for Chen Jian to say anything and passed the phone to another person.
"Chen Jian? I'm Tony Twain!" A strong male voice rang out from the receiver. He spoke in Chinese.
Chen Jian was jolted awake by the voice, but he could not accept the reality at that moment. Why would the Nottingham Forest manager and assistant manager call him?
"I have a question for you, Chen Jian." Twain spoke to himself on the other end of the phone, completely ignoring how Chen Jian felt after hearing his name. "Do you still remember … your first dream?"
First dream? What else could he not remember? Playing football! Playing professional football, like the football stars on TV!
"Football, playing professional football," Chen Jian answered, standing ramrod straight.
"Very good." Twain smiled. "Do you remember what I said to you? Professional football is definitely not as simple as you think it is, and dreams are not … "
"… are not something that can be realized just by talking." Chen Jian and Twain finished the second half of the sentence together.
"Ha, looks like you haven't forgotten. That's good. I don't want to bring back a good-for-nothing who has long given up on himself and doesn't remember that year. "
"I still haven't forgotten every day of that year. Mr. Twain. "
"Alright, Chen Jian. Listen carefully … To you, the road to your dreams has reached a dead end. What do you think is blocking your way? A wall? No, no, no. I want to tell you now that what is blocking your way forward is not a wall, but a mountain! If you have to realize that first dream, what are you going to do, Chen Jian? Answer me. "
Chen Jian thought for a moment, and then said in the tone of an instructor, "Dig it, sir!"
He heard a burst of laughter coming from the receiver. Amidst the laughter, Twain's voice came faintly and intermittently. "Dunn, did you hear what he said? Dig it! Dig it! Hahahaha! Are you still doubting my judgment? How many people have you heard this answer when faced with this question? Dig it, dig it … This is the best answer I've ever heard! "
Following that, Twain's voice grew louder. "Very good, foolish old man. I'm giving you a chance to dig through this mountain now! I don't care how long you need. In short, you have to dig that mountain for me! Do you understand? It's to dig it, not to go around it … You can't go around it. That mountain reaches the earth and stretches left and right, circling the earth once. You can't go around it. Either you turn around and walk back, or you dig it for me! This is your last chance to choose. A, you continue to stay in that school and accept the truth; B, you leave there and come to me, foolish old man moving the mountain! Let me remind you, once you choose B, there's no turning back. You can't return to this school to continue your studies. Your life may undergo earth-shaking changes. Please consider it carefully and give me your answer. I'll leave my contact information for you … "
Before Twain could finish, he was interrupted by Chen Jian's firm voice.
“B。 I choose B, Mr. Twain. "
Twain did not expect Chen Jian to give an answer so quickly. He was a little surprised and asked, "You're not going to consider it? You're really not going to consider it? Is it okay? This is a big matter that concerns your life. You're not going to seriously consider it, or discuss it with your parents? "
Chen Jian clenched his fists on the other side of the phone. "Mr. Twain, for me, this is the only way. To realize my original dream, I'm willing to pay any price. "
He was suddenly no longer confused. The problems that had puzzled him on the way from the school building had all been solved!
The future of reality and the future of dreams had met here and formed a road that was laid out under his feet. It was dark in front of him. Looking up, it was a black mountain that stretched tens of thousands of miles and looked down coldly at him.
There was no way out?
No. Break through this mountain. At the other end, the road was waiting for him.
At that time, he would see a brand new and vast world, completely different from the scenery here. There would no longer be anything that could stop him. Even the dangerous rivers, oceans, and mountains could not stop him from running forward.
How could he turn back halfway to the place he wanted to go when he was holding his original dream tightly in his hands?
He would definitely achieve his original dream. Absolutely! Yes! He would! Arrive! Reach!
"Very good!" Twain's voice became serious. "I'm going to remind you one last time. Even if you come here, you're not an official player of Nottingham Forest. You're just an apprentice. I won't provide you with any guarantees. I won't promise you that you'll definitely become a professional player and realize your original dream. Don't even think about the chance to represent the First Team in a match! The club can't promise you anything. Salary, benefits, contract guarantees … nothing. Other than giving you this chance, we won't give you anything. Maybe you'll only be able to play in the reserve team when you're 26 years old. Or maybe you'll just be eliminated and have to go to those semi-professional teams to live out your days. There's even worse … Do you still want to come? "
"Yes!"
"Even if I bet my life on it, do you still want to come?" Twain raised the volume of his question.
And Chen Jian answered him with a roar.
"Yes!"
"Very good, kid! I'll wait for you. I'll wait for you in Nottingham Wilford! "
※ ※ ※
Twain's emotions were suddenly stirred by Chen Jian's tone. He felt the blood in his body boiling. Even when he hung up the phone, he used a lot of strength.
Dunn was a little surprised. "You hung up just like that? I still want to talk to him about some specific things … "
"Call him again." Twain waved his hands. "It's nothing. Dunn, I suddenly have no interest in Chen Jian's dream now … I just want to see his performance on this road. As for that goal … it's already become a freebie. "
"Do you really believe he can do it? I think more people will only laugh at him for overestimating himself. "
Twain snorted and returned to his previous cold look. "In this world, everyone thinks they're 'clear-minded' people who are smarter than others. It's already to the point where wise men are as common as dogs and wise men are everywhere. But I think it's better to have more foolish men. At least when wise men encounter difficulties, they always shake their heads and say it's impossible, but foolish men are willing to try to see if it's possible. If we walk on this road until it's dark, who knows, maybe we'll walk until dawn? If Chen Jian dares to gamble his life's future to come here to dig mountains, I'll dare to accompany him to the end! If someone wants to laugh at me, let them laugh. Let's see who's the laughing one in the future! "
※ ※ ※
PS: The five-day outburst is over. From tomorrow onwards, it will return to one chapter a day. I hope everyone can understand. These five days of outbursts were the result of my hard work over the past few days. Every day, besides eating, sleeping, and going to the toilet, I was in front of the computer typing. My elbow was bent all the time, and it hurt when I straightened it. My fingers were stiff like chicken claws.
Please rest assured, if I encounter a situation in the future where I have a lot of chapters, I'll also consider outbursting like this once. Although I can't achieve continuous outbursts, I'll still occasionally let everyone feel good …
I understand everyone's feelings of chasing the serial and waiting for updates. But I also hope that you continue to support me. Monthly subscriptions can't be reduced!
Let's not talk about the quality of the writing for now. At the very least, I think I'm still quite professional. Other than the unstable updates during the 512 earthquake, no matter what kind of situation I encounter, I've persisted in updating every day. It's been more than a year. It's not easy to think about it. This book might still need nearly a year to be written. So I hope everyone will continue to support me in the future. Lin Hai bows to everyone here!
Thank you!
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