Chapter 066: Ambitions as Lofty as a Swan's Flight

This story is entirely a work of fiction.

“Just look at this child, just look at him,” Aunt Fan said to the head coach. “He never touches a drop of alcohol, but today, upon your visit, he had his very first glass of baijiu. It’s truly a rare occasion, isn’t it?”

“Absolutely, it is,” the head coach replied. “Not drinking is a good thing. Nowadays, so many young people indulge in drinking and smoking without restraint—sometimes to the point of oblivion. Many of the club’s players are fond of drinking and spending nights at bars. There are few as pure as Fan Wei left. Aunt Fan, you must have raised him well; I’ve heard many of his good habits were cultivated through your guidance as he grew. It’s truly commendable!”

Nian Weiyi also praised Fan Wei’s character and how he was so well-liked by everyone at the club.

As the three of them enjoyed their drinks, Fan Wei suddenly heard a strange sound outside. He sensed someone was near the door.

He stood up and said to the coach and his aunt, “I’ll go take a look. I think someone’s outside.” With that, he walked toward the door. Opening it, he found nothing but emptiness—no sign of anyone. Perplexed, for he was certain he’d heard footsteps, Fan Wei shook his head, unable to make sense of it.

Just then, Nian Weiyi’s phone rang. Seeing that it was the club’s general manager calling, he answered. “You need to come back immediately—Hao Benshan has just arrived at the club and is taking up his new post today.”

Upon hearing this, Nian Weiyi rose at once and bid Aunt Fan farewell. “The investor, Hao Benshan, has suddenly come to the club. He says he has urgent matters to arrange and wants me there before seven. I must leave now, or I won’t make it in time.”

Aunt Fan looked at him with some regret.

“I’ll come again next time—there will be plenty of opportunities,” Nian Weiyi said, hurrying out to start his car and drive away.

Seeing the head coach was leaving, Fan Wei asked, “What about me? Do I need to go back too?”

“No, you stay here. I’ve already arranged leave for you. Stay and have dinner with your aunt. We’ll have another meal together next time. But be sure to return to the club early tomorrow morning,” the head coach replied, then left in haste.

After seeing him off, Fan Wei prepared to return inside to continue their meal...

~~~~~~

The Dahe Club’s headquarters was ablaze with light.

Hao Benshan had already been in his new post for some time, though he was originally scheduled to officially assume office on Friday.

On a whim, without notifying the club, he arrived suddenly in the company of his assistant. He immediately summoned the club’s senior staff for a briefing meeting. During the meeting, he outlined his medium- and long-term plans for the club, as well as immediate objectives. The officials expressed their enthusiastic approval, their applause echoing around the room.

Hao Benshan raised his hand for silence, and the applause ceased at once.

“I want to tell you all that this weekend, our club will face a crucial match, a chance for us to make our presence known. All my friends from H City will come to Dahe to support our team. I expect everyone to make full preparations before the match.”

“Rest assured, sir,” the executives replied loudly.

“We must win glory for Dahe with our strength, and with a resounding victory, give my friends and the fans from H City a football feast to remember. Over the past few days, I’ve seen that our team—both defense and attack—has shown excellent form, and this truly gratifies me. Through reform and innovation, we will hone our tactics and skills, and show Dahe’s spirit and energy on the football fields of Z Country!” Hao Benshan spoke unhurriedly, sharing his vision for the team.

“Some of my friends don’t understand this investment of mine. They say to me, ‘Football in Z Country will always be an undeveloped child, a child bordering on incompetence.’ But I think, even if this is our child, even if he’s slow, we cannot abandon him! We have many outstanding players who need opportunities and experience. In the Y-League, our midfield engine can’t play even a minute as a starter. Our national team’s mainstay, Neptune, is forever a super substitute in the E-League. In the G-League, our national players struggle year after year just to avoid relegation on lower-ranked teams. Thinking about this, every football-loving fan in Z Country is heartbroken.”

“Seeing the state of Z Country’s football, can you truly turn a blind eye? As a fan, it is my lifelong wish—and my responsibility—to see Z Country’s football reach the world stage. Right now, football in Z Country is at a crossroads, a century-old turning point, filled with both opportunity and challenge. Look at the level of football in neighboring countries—ours has sunk to the level of a fourth-rate team. We all know the situation: we are a fourth-rate team fighting tooth and nail just to make Asia’s top ten. It’s heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking, my friends!” Tears welled in Hao Benshan’s eyes as he drew out those words, his tone weighted with sorrow.

“Every time I think of this, it feels like a knife twisting in my heart. But in pain, we find resolve. If we don’t bear this burden and press forward, then when will we? If I can’t contribute my bit to Z Country’s football, I’ll feel ashamed and regret it for the rest of my life. I don’t want the history of our football to remain trapped in a tunnel of darkness. If that happens, there will be no shine on any of your faces.” Hao Benshan’s speech was nothing short of impassioned.

Meanwhile, among the club officials, one sat trimming his nails under the table. The sound caught Hao Benshan’s attention. Instantly, he flew into a rage, his temper flaring. “Some people here, while I speak myself hoarse, just go about their own business. I saw this person’s expression—utter indifference. As the investor in Dahe Football Club, I pay your generous salaries, but have you ever asked yourselves whether you deserve them? I won’t call out names today, but I hope you take this to heart. Anyone who doesn’t work properly can leave at any time!”

Hearing Hao Benshan’s rebuke, the officials all wore grave expressions, though some secretly smirked. They watched this seemingly iron-fisted figure, each pondering their own thoughts, waiting to see how the club’s future would unfold.

After the meeting ended, Hao Benshan kept the head coach and the general manager behind to share some of his ideas. They reached a consensus: to play with three forwards and strive for a complete victory. They also finalized the lineup for the upcoming match.

~~~~~~

Just as Fan Wei was about to enter the house, he heard footsteps. He quickly scanned the area and spotted a shadow slipping away in a hurry.

From behind, Fan Wei had a vague sense that the figure was his childhood friend, Zhang Chi. He took a few steps forward, wanting to confirm his guess.

When Fan Wei caught up to the shadow, he was certain—there was no mistake, it was Zhang Chi.

Fan Wei slapped Zhang Chi’s shoulder and called out, “Hey!”

Earlier, after school, Zhang Chi had seen Fan Wei and Aunt Fan talking at the market entrance. After eating something at home, he went to wait outside Aunt Fan’s house. He’d wanted to chat with his old friend about some personal matters, but seeing an unfamiliar middle-aged man drinking and talking inside, he gave up on his plan.

Fan Wei’s sudden call startled Zhang Chi. After a brief hesitation, he turned around. In the dim light, he saw Fan Wei behind him.

“Sorry, I peeked through the door crack and saw you drinking. Did you hear something and come out after me?” Zhang Chi asked.

“Yes, I heard someone out here and came to check,” Fan Wei replied.

The two of them sat down in an open space and continued their conversation. “As I was saying, our head coach came to Hexi today for some matters, and after finishing up, he stopped by my aunt’s home for a meal and a drink. I usually never touch alcohol, but today I had no choice. The head coach came to visit, so I had to keep him company, even at the cost of my own comfort!”

“The man drinking at your aunt’s house—is that the head coach of Dahe Football Club? I thought so. I’ve only ever seen him on TV during broadcasts. I’ve never met him in person. Could you introduce me sometime?” Zhang Chi asked with anticipation.

“Yes, that’s the head coach of Dahe. What’s so special about that? Besides, you’re not in this line of work—what’s the point of meeting the coach? You’re just a student; don’t fill your head with such nonsense,” Fan Wei replied dismissively.

“I already knew you played for Dahe Club. But during televised matches, I never see you on the field. Every time Dahe plays, I brag to my classmates that Fan Wei, the star from Dahe who studied in Brazil, is my friend. I tell them to watch the broadcasts. But time and again, they’re disappointed. They’ve never seen you, not even as a substitute. Eventually, they stopped believing I knew any football stars. But let me ask you: now that you’re on such good terms with the coach that he visits your home for drinks, why can’t you even get a substitute appearance?” Zhang Chi couldn’t understand it.

“That’s just it—you really don’t understand football. Every profession has its hidden rules, and football is no exception. The waters run deep. You’re not in it, so you wouldn’t understand even if I explained.”

“Don’t act mysterious with me. I’ve heard all about those shady things in football. There’s nothing I don’t know! It’s not just football; any competition nowadays has those issues. I probably know just as much as you, if not more!” Zhang Chi carried on boastfully, acting like an old hand, convinced there was nothing beyond his knowledge...

(To be continued)