Chapter 382: The Body Talent That Drew All Eyes: Premier League Season

After finishing the drink, his junior Luo De carried him home; lying on the bed, Tang Ye fell asleep within minutes.

When he woke up, it was already two o'clock the next afternoon.

Honestly, if Paul hadn't called five times in a row, Tang Ye would still be asleep.

"What's up, Paul?"

Tang Ye was still half-dazed when Paul's words snapped him awake.

"Oh, Tom, you finally picked up—I thought you'd been kidnapped."

"Of course I'm joking—I booked you a flight back to China for tomorrow night; I'll be going back with you."

Go back together?

Tang Ye paused: "Are you coming to play for the Chinese national team too?"

"No no—I mean, many Chinese companies have approached me about commercial partnerships with you; I need to go to China to handle those matters."

"Oh oh."

Shaking his head, Tang Ye became noticeably clearer-headed.

"Won't that be a hassle? I'll have to start training right away after arriving in Shanghai."

"No hassle at all—I'll arrange for their reps to come over and sign the contracts with you."

Paul's playing career was terrible, but his skills as an agent were utterly reliable.

"Okok, I'll hang up now, Paul—see you tomorrow. You better come pick me up, yeah, thanks, alright."

He tossed his phone onto the bed, went to the bathroom, and washed his face thoroughly with facial cleanser.

Back on the bed, Tang Ye stared blankly at his computer screen.

He was considering whether to bring his keyboard and mouse back with him, since switching them suddenly would hurt his gaming performance.

But…

After careful thought, Tang Ye ultimately gave up the idea.

The World Cup finals start in just twenty days; accounting for commercial endorsements before the tournament, he doubted he'd have any time left to play games.

Speaking of games, as his mind cleared, Tang Ye remembered one important task still undone.

【Ultimate Task: Win the championship trophy this season; the number of trophies determines reward tier. Current progress: 2】

【Reward: Weakness Talent Upgrade (Once-in-a-Millennium / Unparalleled / Unrivaled）】

【You may now claim Weakness Talent Upgrade (Unparalleled): Elevate any one of your Weakness Talents to "Unparalleled" level】

Upgrading a Weakness Talent directly to "Unparalleled"—a category reserved for geniuses—was something Tang Ye had been thinking about since receiving the task in March.

【You claimed Weakness Talent Upgrade (Unparalleled)】

Upon claiming the ultimate reward, a new "Talent" option suddenly appeared on Tang Ye's panel.

New feature!

Let's check it out.

Thanks to the Talent Upgrade item, Tang Ye could now see the initial talent ratings for all his attributes.

Rubbing his hands together, Tang Ye felt excited.

He was about to find out whether he truly was a genius!

【Talent Levels: Useless → One-in-a-Hundred → Once-in-a-Millennium → Unparalleled → Unrivaled →???】

There were six talent levels total; Unparalleled ranked fourth.

Clearly, Unparalleled was already an absurdly high talent level!

Time to reveal the results!

Tang Ye (40 years old)

【Ball Control: Unparalleled; Passing: Unrivaled】

【Shooting: Once-in-a-Millennium; Heading: Useless; Set Pieces: Once-in-a-Millennium】

【Speed: One-in-a-Hundred; Endurance: One-in-a-Hundred; Physical Confrontation: One-in-a-Hundred】

【Defense: Once-in-a-Millennium; Vision: Transcendent】

Overall Rating: Unrivaled

A pile of One-in-a-Hundred and Once-in-a-Millennium talents—but combined, they made him Unrivaled.

Simply put, a player like him, with talent across the board, was probably rare.

But…

Tang Ye was now angry.

Why did the system say his heading was Useless?!

He'd been training it, damn it!

Aside from heading, Tang Ye's speed, endurance, and physical confrontation were all One-in-a-Hundred.

Still, considering his age of forty, these talents were already impressive.

Tang Ye now needed to use the Ultimate Task reward to elevate one of his talents directly to Unparalleled level.

This was a question worth serious thought.

Heading had the worst talent—upgrading it would yield the most value.

But Tang Ye played as an attacking midfielder; heading ability was optional.

So he had to choose between endurance and physical confrontation.

Which one…

Recalling the words of Ten Hag and fitness coach Craig, Tang Ye made his choice.

【Physical Confrontation: One-in-a-Hundred → Unparalleled】

【Physical Confrontation: 80 → 81】

Tang Ye (40 years old)

【Ball Control: 86; Passing: 90】

【Shooting: 78; Heading: 55; Set Pieces: 77】

【Speed: 75; Endurance: 74; Physical Confrontation: 81】

【Defense: 72; Vision: 97】

Overall Rating: 84

Mr. Craig was right—talent is a crucial factor in physical training.

With talent improved, increasing Tang Ye's physical confrontation was no longer so difficult.

Whoosh—

Pulling open a drawer, Tang Ye took out a piece of gum and put it in his mouth.

Now he only hoped the World Cup would start later, so he'd have enough time for physical training.

He couldn't imagine how strong GGBond would be with an 85 Physical Confrontation rating!

Unfortunately, the World Cup kickoff date couldn't be changed.

Tang Ye could only do his best within the remaining twenty days.

Tang Ye was about to reply to the unread messages on his phone when a knock came at the door.

Knock knock knock!

Knock knock knock!

"I'm coming in, Tom!"

Rodrigo unlocked the door and walked in, catching Tang Ye emerging from the bedroom shirtless: "What's up, Rodrigo? If you need something, just take it—you don't need to ask me."

"Oh, you didn't know? I thought you'd heard."

Tang Ye's dazed expression surprised Rodrigo.

Under Rodrigo's urging, Tang Ye opened his phone.

English Professional Players Association: The 2017–2018 Premier League Player of the Season is Manchester United midfielder Tang Ye, who recorded 17 goals and 33 assists in 35 league matches this season, breaking the Premier League's single-season assist record.

From the players' association, Tang Ye also saw his own poster beside the news.

In the poster, Tang Ye in Manchester United's number 10 jersey looked up at the Old Trafford stands, where United fans cheered loudly for him.

"Wow."

Turning off his phone, Tang Ye smiled.

"Hah!"

Bang!

Tang Ye and Rodrigo bumped fists.

…

The next noon, Tang Ye received his award at Old Trafford.

Premier League Player of the Season and Premier League Young Player of the Season—these were the two trophies Tang Ye needed to collect today.

He was also the third player ever, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale, to win both awards simultaneously.

"Thanks."

Taking the Player of the Season trophy from the host, Tang Ye faced the camera while the photographer snapped a photo.

Then he placed the Player of the Season trophy on the ground and held the Young Player of the Season trophy for another photo.

Finally, holding both trophies together—that was his third photo of the day.

"Thank you for coming, Tom. We see you've won both Premier League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season—only three players have ever achieved this. Can you summarize this season? How would you rate your own performance?"

"Uh..."

The reporter handed him the microphone; Tang Ye took a step forward: "I think my teammates and I performed quite well—we won many matches and accumulated a lot of points."

"Yeah, and two more titles."

Tang Ye added.

The EFL Cup and FA Cup titles—these were the two matches most memorable to Tang Ye this season.

After all, championship moments don't come around often!

"But we didn't win the Premier League—I think that's where we fell short this season."

Tang Ye looked into the camera, also aware of Rodrigo and Rashford waiting remotely: "Man City played too well; competing against them put immense pressure on me. My coaches often tell me pressure makes us more driven—I think Man City helped me a lot in this regard. If they weren't ahead of us, I might not have trained so hard. Haha."

"Right, you're still eight points behind Man City, but 92 is a solid number. What are your plans for next season?"

The reporter pressed.

"Of course I have plans—we'll compete with Man City again next season. Football has wins and losses. Man City is strong, but I don't think they'll keep winning forever."

Tang Ye smiled.

Missing the Premier League title was already half a month ago; Tang Ye's mood was still fairly good.

"Some reports say Barcelona wants to swap you for Messi—is that true?"

At this question, not only the reporter, but also Rashford and Rodrigo waiting remotely grew tense.

"Uh... that..."

Tang Ye's expression hesitated, making the already serious atmosphere feel suffocating.

Huhh! Huhh!

The reporter's breathing was amplified through the microphone!

Tang Ye opened his mouth: "Uh... these trophies are a bit heavy to hold—can I put them on the ground first?"

"..."

The reporter's lip twitched: "Of, of course you can."

"OK!"

Bending down to carefully place the trophies on the grass, Tang Ye stood up again: "I've heard that rumor, but honestly, I don't know if it's true or not. Maybe it is? Hmm... personally, I still want to stay at United."

Click! Click!

Sky Sports—Season's Best Player and Season's Best Young Player, both won. United's star reveals his intent to stay. Will Barcelona fans' two-year wait end in vain again?

La Razón editor Long Sailuo: Messi's salary and age are both issues; swapping him for Tom isn't realistic. If Barcelona truly wants to make the move, they'll need to raise their offer.

"Just put them on the back seat."

Tang Ye said; Rodrigo placed the trophies in the car, then went to open the driver's door.

Tang Ye was about to get in, but Rashford grabbed his arm.

"Tom, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Oh? Marcus, we can chat in the car."

Tang Ye pointed to Rodrigo's white compact car.

"Better if it's just the two of us."

Tang Ye glanced at Rodrigo: "Rodrigo, can you wait a moment? We'll be right there."

Walking a few steps away from the parking lot with Rashford, Tang Ye's mind raced, guessing what his friend Marcus wanted to say.

"It's just, Tom—if Dembélé transfers over..."

"Ousmane? He probably won't come—he's too expensive, over a hundred million."

Tang Ye cut Rashford off.

"Yeah, just let me finish."

"OK, OK, go ahead, Marcus."

"What I mean is—if Dembélé joins United next season, will we still be able to make as many connections?"

Rashford looked at Tang Ye with hopeful eyes.

As everyone knows, the Barcelona prodigy and the United prodigy are inseparable teammates.

If Dembélé transfers to United and becomes the starting right winger, Rashford's opportunities to link up with Tang Ye—as the starting left winger—will drop sharply!

This season, Rashford's performance was phenomenal.

But next season? Not guaranteed.

Will the Cat-and-Mouse duo's bond continue?

"Of course, Marcus."

Tang Ye said firmly: "It's not an issue at all."

If Dembélé joins, United's front line will take off.

Left flank: Cat-and-Mouse duo.

Central: God's Believer duo.

Right flank: Esports duo.

Which Premier League defense can withstand United's attacking onslaught?

As for Rashford's concern, Tang Ye thought it was completely unnecessary.

When the front line clicks, every forward gets more touches!

"So you won't leave?"

Rashford asked his second question.

"No way, Marcus—we promised each other we'd win the Premier League together. And there's charity too—if I go to Spain, I can't do charity with you anymore."

Tang Ye loved doing charity with Rashford.

Because he was excellent at giving gifts.

"You promise?"

"Yeah, I promise."

World Sports front page headline—Messi says he wants to stay at Barcelona.

"As long as his contract hasn't expired, Messi won't agree to leave. His feelings for Barcelona are undeniable—he wants to retire there."

This is a World Cup year, and the transfer window has been exceptionally busy.

Not just Messi—Ronaldo and his club also seem to have issues.

Spanish football journalist: Ronaldo asked Real Madrid for Messi's salary, but was refused on grounds of protecting the team's wage structure.

As the two biggest superstars in today's football, Ronaldo wants the same weekly wage as Messi—but Real Madrid disagrees.

Fans grew anxious.

Is this a sign he'll leave?

Regarding the transfer rumors, a reporter suggested something to Real Madrid.

That is: swap Tang Ye for Ronaldo!

United could give Ronaldo the salary he wants (500,000 pounds), and if Tang Ye moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona's hopes of reviving their midfield would vanish.

Tang Ye for Messi. Tang Ye for Ronaldo.

Holy crap, this has gone completely insane!

Dongqiu Di hot topic: Premier League season ends—guess which flight Tang Ye will take home? (Comments: 12,198)

News: China national team's friendly against Shanghai Port FC will be open to the public, held at Shanghai Stadium.

【I bet 5 jiao—direct flight from Manchester to Shanghai; let my King Tang crush Shanghai's defense】

【Who came up with the idea of having the national team play Shanghai Port? But honestly, there's logic here—top-tier Chinese club vs. national team】

【What about Wu Lei? Split himself?】

【Tickets priced at 480 jumped to 800? Bro, we don't even know if Tang Ye will play—why are you so eager?】

【I'm heading to the airport now—I'll knock him out and drag him away the moment I see him】

Shanghai Pudong Airport, Tang Ye walked with Bo'er and China national team staff.

"Tom, I'll call you later—don't put your phone on silent."

Bo'er warned Tang Ye: "Last time I called you five times before you answered—turn the volume up."

"Haha, I will, Bo'er."

Tang Ye patted Bo'er's shoulder; both followed the airport staff closely.

Suddenly, the staff stopped: "Mr. Tang, past that glass door ahead, you'll see your fans waiting."

"Mm."

Tang Ye and Bo'er exchanged glances, then walked forward slowly.

Click!

Click! Click!

"Tang Ye, holy shit—he's real!"

"Awesome, flying to Hongqiao Airport? Total loss, haha!"

"King of Football, King of Football, over here, King of Football!"

Click-click!

Outside, there were at least a hundred people; Tang Ye raised his arm to shield himself from the camera flashes.

Pohl looked even happier than Tang Ye, as if these Chinese fans had come to greet him.

"Wow, I told you—your commercial value in China is unmatched, Tom. This World Cup, I'll make you at least a hundred million. Yeah, I mean euros, after tax."

The scene was noisy; Tang Ye couldn't hear what Pohl was saying, but saw him suddenly remember something and set his backpack down.

He pulled out a blue, cup-shaped object.

This was the Premier League Season's Best Player trophy.

Click-click!

Click-click-click!

Meanwhile, hashtags related to Tang Ye's return to China were surging rapidly on Weibo and Baidu's hot search lists.

People's Daily Online—Chinese national team star Tang Ye displays the Premier League Best Player trophy at Pudong Airport.

……

(End of Chapter)