Chapter 257: Tang Ye Returns Home, Resetting Anthony's Ultimate Spin

whoscored's selection for the 2016-17 La Liga Best XI (4-3-3 attacking formation):

Goalkeeper: Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders: Carvajal (Real Madrid), Ramos (Real Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Musacchio (Villarreal)

Midfielders: Kroos (Real Madrid), Tang Ye (Villarreal), Bruno (Villarreal)

Forwards: Messi (Barcelona), Suarez (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Head Coach: Escriba

"Wow"

Looking at the Best XI selected on his phone, Tang Ye, sitting on the plane, sent congratulatory messages to his teammates and coach.

This season, Villarreal had three players selected for the Best XI, marking another significant breakthrough.

Putting away his phone, Tang Ye shifted his attention to his system.

Tang Ye (39 years old)

【Ball Control: 84; Passing: 88】

【Shooting: 77; Heading: 50; Set Pieces: 76】

【Speed: 73; Stamina: 72; Physical Confrontation: 77】

【Defense: 70; Vision: 95】

Overall Rating: 82

Compared to when he first arrived at Villarreal, all of Tang Ye's attribute points had increased significantly by the time he left.

The most exaggerated improvement was in Ball Control, which surged from just over 70 straight to 84!

One could only say that Tang Ye's initiative to propose playing in La Liga was correct; the league's passion for possession-based football forced Tang Ye to improve his weaknesses.

With 84 in Ball Control, this attribute was already sufficient for Tang Ye to survive in any football league!

Then there was the 88 in Passing...

This was Tang Ye's most important ability, yet he would not temporarily consider focusing on improving his Passing attribute.

With a base value of 88, plus the 10% precision bonus from the 【Fernandes One-Touch Module】, Tang Ye could even unleash passing ability exceeding 95+ on the field!

Tang Ye, who often played FIFA games, knew how exaggerated a 95+ Passing attribute was.

Generally, only legendary players possessed such exaggerated values!

So... was Tang Ye a stat monster?

No, he was not!

Tang Ye could not be a stat monster; his base Passing attribute was only 88 points, and he relied on a special module to unleash attributes exceeding 95+.

What was this?

This was technique!

Facts proved that Tang Ye did not rely solely on stats; on the field, he required extremely precise calculations and technique to seize the opportunity of the first touch.

Technique was the essential difference between Tang Ye and a stat monster!

With no plans to improve Passing for now, Tang Ye's current focus should be on the two attributes of Stamina and Physical Confrontation.

A season of experience in La Liga told Tang Ye that as a midfielder, he must possess an exceptionally high level of stamina!

And then there was physical quality!

This was also essential!

Only with a strong body could Tang Ye execute spectacular long-range shots outside the penalty area and shove aside opposing defenders when posing as a striker.

Speaking of physical quality...

Hiss—

Taking a gentle breath, Tang Ye thought of his Haaland Forge.

【Ronaldo's Chicken Breast +2 → Ronaldo's Chicken Breast +3】

Material Cost: Counterattack Points * 500

Tang Ye's current balance of Counterattack Points was 582; if he spent points to upgrade the chicken breast, his balance would drop below one hundred.

However, upon further reflection, the Asian Preliminary Tournament matches were about to begin.

One assist yielded 15 Counterattack Points, one goal yielded 20 Counterattack Points, and braces and hat-tricks came with additional rewards.

It seemed Tang Ye only needed to reserve enough money to buy Red Bull before the match!

Gritting his teeth, Tang Ye made his move.

【Ronaldo's Chicken Breast +2 → Ronaldo's Chicken Breast +3】

【Ronaldo's Chicken Breast +3:】

Account Balance: Counterattack Points * 82

With his account balance now below 100, Tang Ye would need to score goals diligently in the upcoming matches!

Then there was the forge's other function.

Resetting the template weight!

Previously, Tang Ye had used the forge to reset the infrequently used 【Mbappe Volley Strike】 template weight into the more commonly used 【Mbappe Aim Far Hit Near】 template weight.

Now he needed to use the forge for a reset once again.

The target was... 【Anthony Ultimate Spin】!

This template weight carried the word "Ultimate," which seemed very cool.

But according to Tang Ye's practical experience, the utility of this template weight in high-intensity attacking matches was actually quite average.

Gritting his teeth.

Although somewhat reluctant, Tang Ye ultimately decided to reset it.

【You place the Anthony Ultimate Spin Template (Star) into the forge to reset it】

"Ugh!"

A familiar sensation, as if something suddenly tore open the crown of Tang Ye's skull.

【Ball Control: 84→84】

【Speed: 73→72】

【... Error】

【Speed: 72→73】

【Defense: 69→70】

"Hmm?"

The system's activity made Tang Ye feel somewhat strange.

After the forge reset, Tang Ye lost the speed boost from the 【Anthony Ultimate Spin Template】, but the system error report immediately returned the lost speed attribute to Tang Ye.

Study it carefully.

It seems the Speed attribute cannot be lowered!

Damn!

Realizing this, Tang Ye burst out laughing.

Good lord, he triggered a bug again!

【Reset complete, you have obtained a random Star Template】

【You have obtained... Busquets "V" Drag Template (Star)】

【Ball Control: 84→84】

【Defense: 69→70】

【Passing: 88→88】

Exploiting the bug where the Speed attribute wouldn't drop, Tang Ye not only swapped for a more practical template, but his base attributes hadn't decreased either.

This was a massive profit!

Taking a sip of the orange juice on the table, Tang Ye felt something strange enter his brain.

Hmm, I've gotten stronger again!

Check Dongqiu Di Pinned Post: Tang Ye has confirmed his return to the national team for training and will soon depart with the squad for the Asian Qualifiers.

Match Preview: Round 8 of the Asian Qualifiers against Syria; can the Chinese National Team push for 12 points?

China, Hebei.

Shaking his legs and rubbing his hands, Tang Ye walked out of the locker room wearing a short-sleeved training kit.

"Tang Ye!"

Zhang Zhang Linpeng ran over from behind, patting Tang Ye on the back: "Brother Lei told me yesterday that you arrived at the dorm, so you're starting training directly today? Don't you need to adjust to the time difference?"

"He (Ripley) said to let me join today's training directly because we leave tomorrow."

"Oh, that makes sense."

Zhang Zhang Linpeng nodded.

The Chinese National Team's training camp preparing for Syria is split into two phases; the first phase started at the end of May and continues until now, with the location being Langfang.

The second phase is from June 4 to June 12, right before the match against Syria, with the training location set in Guangzhou.

"That's back in your hometown."

Zhang Zhang Linpeng stepped onto the training field.

"Training in Guangdong is great; it's not cold there in winter, just one jacket is enough."

Tang Ye really liked the weather in Guangdong: "Much better than the Netherlands; the winter there is unbearable."

"With heating, it's all the same, right?"

Zhang Zhang Linpeng shrugged indifferently, but Tang Ye didn't reply immediately.

"Tang Ye!"

Wu Lei, Zhang Zhang Linpeng, and Feng Feng Xiaoting, who were chatting together, saw Tang Ye approaching and quickly raised their hands to greet him.

"Europa League Champion!"

Feng Feng Xiaoting put his arm around Tang Ye's shoulder from the side: "I watched the match past 3 AM; I thought watching until 5 would be enough, but I ended up watching until nearly 7. It was f***ing thrilling."

"Haha."

Tang Ye fist-bumped Wu Lei, then broke free from Feng Feng Xiaoting's grip: "We almost had to take penalties; if we had taken penalties, we might have really lost."

"Anyway, your final shot blasted Manchester United's goal."

Zheng Zhi suddenly appeared and punched Tang Ye on the chest: "Did you bring back your Europa League Golden Boot? Let us see it."

Tang Ye pointed his finger at a not-too-tall building in the distance: "It's in my room; I'll show it to you after lunch."

"Sure!"

The players chatted briefly about Tang Ye's transfer for the next season, and soon the coaching staff arrived.

It was still Ripley and Mataloni! "Tomorrow we go to Guangzhou; today's training intensity won't be high; small-sided passing and shooting are the main tasks."

Translator Wen Wen Qianshi spoke slowly in front of the players while Tang Ye shook his head left and right, looking around as the training team began setting up the field.

Just like when Tang Ye first arrived at the national team, this morning was also small-sided training.

"I'm very good at this."

Tang Ye whispered to Zhang Zhang Linpeng beside him.

Training began quickly, with Ripley and Mataloni standing together.

These two fellows appeared to be supervising the team's training, but in reality, their gazes had never left Tang Ye.

The 2v2+1 drill, as the name suggests, involves two attacking players facing two defenders plus a goalkeeper.

Tang Ye was queuing at the back; his partner was Wu Lei.

Tang Ye kicks off!

Slap!

Pass to Wu Lei!

Then start making forward runs!

With only two attacking players, their positioning and passing coordination at this moment are extremely important.

This will directly determine the success or failure of this attack!

!

Run into the gap between Feng Feng Xiaoting and Zhang Zhang Linpeng!

Bang!

Wu Lei passes the ball over!

The instant he completes the pass, Wu Lei makes a forward run from the flank.

Tang Ye uses his body to shield against Zhang Zhang Linpeng.

Turn left!

That's a feint!

Go right!

Feng Feng Xiaoting stretches out his foot to attempt a tackle, but Tang Ye seizes the opportunity, kicking the ball straight through Feng Feng Xiaoting's legs to precisely find Wu Lei ahead.

Wu Lei calmly scores on the breakaway; goalkeeper Wang Wang Dalei is helpless!

……

On the afternoon of June 3rd, all Chinese national team players and coaching staff arrived in Guangzhou.

This is the location for their second training camp.

"Tang Ye!"

"Awesome, Tang Ye!"

"Wu Lei, wow!"

"Tang Ye!"

"Ball King, GOAT!"

While carrying a backpack and signing autographs for fans, Wu Lei came over and patted Tang Ye.

Oh, right!

Tang Ye quickly realized, unzipped his backpack, took out the Europa League Golden Boot that was inside, held it with both hands, and displayed it before the fans.

Click!

Click-click!

"Can we take a photo together?"

"Sure."

Tang Ye turned, stood in front of the fans, squatted down, and asked the national team's traveling photographer to take the picture.

"3, 2, 1!"

"Va..."

"Damn, sorry, sorry!"

Tang Ye stood up, gave a thumbs-up, then squatted down again.

"China Team must win!"

Check Dongqiu Di match report: In the Champions League final, Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4-1 to claim their 12th Champions League trophy in club history; C. Ronaldo scored twice, while Casemiro and Asensio also found the net.

……

"The midfield is key; we must control possession. The reason we lost last year was because our midfield was choked by the opponent; our midfield must be stable!"

On June 7th, Lippi was explaining match tactics to the national team players for the game against Syria.

Speaking of the Chinese national team's midfield, one cannot help but mention a certain player.

Lippi scanned the room.

Not finding the person he was looking for, he looked around again, but still did not find him.

"Where is Tom?"

The Chinese national team players looked at each other in bewilderment; at this moment, Zhang Zhang Yuning glanced at the empty seat beside him and whispered, "He said he went to take the Gaokao."

"Huh?"

Lippi leaned his upper body forward, staring wide-eyed at Zhang Zhang Yuning; the latter, thinking Lippi didn't understand, explained, "It's an exam we have here in China; he already told the team manager, perhaps the manager forgot to tell you."

Oh?

Lippi raised his eyebrows: "Then when will he be back?"

"The exam finishes the day after tomorrow."

……

"If there are no errors, use a 0.5mm black ink signature pen to fill in your name, admission ticket number, and seat number in the designated areas on the answer sheet..."

The air conditioning in the examination hall was a bit cool; Tang Ye kept his hands in his pockets, looking at the loudspeaker hanging on the wall.

A 0.5mm black signature pen...

Tang Ye narrowed his eyes, picked up the black pen his father had bought for him from the desk, and took a look.

M&G stationery pen, tip size: 0.38mm.

"..."

Hiss, does his pen not quite meet the standard?

Forget it, never mind.

After spacing out for a few minutes, the proctor placed the exam paper on his desk.

【2017 National Unified Examination for Admission to General Institutions of Higher Education – Mathematics Paper (Science) (New Curriculum Standard I)】

"Begin answering now."

Tang Ye stared at the first multiple-choice question for a long time; just then, the proctor suddenly walked over, pointing at Tang Ye's answer sheet: "Hello, you need to fill in your admission ticket number."

"Okay, okay... then regarding this 'absentee' mark, what should I do with it if I'm not absent?"

Tang Ye pointed at the absentee mark on the answer sheet; beside it was a rectangular box.

Seems like it needs to be filled in with a pencil?

?

The proctor paused for a moment, then replied: "Just leave it there; no need to do anything."

"OK, OK..."

After the proctor left, Tang Ye held his pen and continued staring blankly at the exam paper.

4. Given the function f(x) = ln x + ln(2 - x)...

"..."

He rubbed his nose.

The difficulty seemed a tad high, but Tang Ye was not the type to give up easily.

He would find the questions he could solve!

6. In the early hours of March 11, Beijing Time, FS City's teenage prodigy Tang Ye, following Villarreal Football Club, defeated Barcelona and won the club's first-ever King's Cup championship trophy...

"..."

Less than ten minutes into the Gaokao, Tang Ye saw his own photo on the exam paper.

Right beside the question, Tang Ye and Bruno were holding the King's Cup championship trophy together, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.

Several students in the surrounding seats glanced over at Tang Ye; the proctor, assuming Tang Ye was some kind of top scholar, hurried over to stand beside him to prevent anyone from copying his answers.

Tang Ye paid no attention to any of this, continuing to stare at the question.

The King's Cup championship trophy has always been manufactured in the Joyeria Alegre workshop in Madrid. The cup is made of pure silver, and the vessel bears the gilded silver coat of arms of the King of Spain. Including its base, the trophy stands 79 cm tall, 43 cm wide, and 41 cm deep... Given that the density of silver is 10.5 g/cm³, and the total weight of the base's wood and alloy is 2.55 kg, assuming the main body of the trophy is a standard cylinder, calculate approximately what the total mass of the trophy is.

A. 9 kg.

B. 13 kg.

C. 15 kg.

D. 20 kg.

Hiss—

Tang Ye placed his pen on the desk, frowning as he began to think.

The weight of the King's Cup championship trophy...

Tang Ye did not know the weight of the King's Cup championship trophy, but Ma Ti had mentioned it briefly to Tang Ye when the trophy was placed in the club's honor room at the end of the season.

The Europa League trophy weighs 15 kg.

Tang Ye stretched out his hand and carefully gauged the weight in his mind.

The King's Cup trophy was much lighter than the Europa League trophy, because when they won at the Bernabéu, Tang Ye could easily lift the entire trophy over his head.

He remembered it very clearly.

Therefore, both 15 kg and 13 kg were impossible.

Then there was only one answer left.

Tang Ye picked up his pen and quickly wrote the answer inside the parentheses.

The answer to this question is A.

(End of Chapter)