Chapter 401: Barcelona

Headline of Beijing Youth: China Men's National Team defeats Germany 2-1, shattering a decade-old stereotype in one match.

On the night of the match, China time, Wanda began its move as sponsor.

By morning, when people returned to Wanda, the mall was covered with giant posters of Tang Ye.

This is China's national team number 10.

Also Wanda Group's global brand ambassador.

The entrance featured a 30-meter-tall poster of Tang Ye, completely obscuring the words "WANDA PLAZA."

In the poster, Tang Ye stands with arms outstretched, facing the stands.

The angle works well—right at his feet is the live "WANDAPLAZA" digital billboard.

Caption: He Rules Luzhniki.

The poster was made by Tang Ye's commercial partner, so some exaggeration was inevitable.

But it didn't matter.

The poster was displayed only at domestic Wanda Plazas, meant primarily for Chinese viewers.

"Tang Ye Rules Luzhniki"—whether this makes sense or not doesn't matter; if Chinese people think it makes sense, that's enough.

In Chinese fans' eyes, GGBond is the strongest in the world!

…

Click-click!

The mixed zone was packed with reporters—roughly 200 by estimate.

Tang Ye stood beside the billboard holding the MVP trophy.

He had just prepared for interviews when his phone rang in his pocket.

In the stadium, Tang Ye always kept his phone on Do Not Disturb—unless it was a teammate, coach, or agent calling, his phone never made a sound.

"Sorry, give me a moment."

Tang Ye signaled the reporters to wait, then pulled his phone from his pocket.

It was a message from Boer.

【Wanda increased the budget—get closer to their billboard.】

"…"

He put the phone back, rubbed his nose, glanced around like a thief, quickly spotted the "WANDAPLAZA" sign, and took a few steps toward it.

Imagine—if you were a reporter, your camera would now capture that billboard in the frame.

Click-click!

"Tom?"

"Oh, hi, hi."

Tang Ye raised his hand to greet the reporter.

"Tom, you nearly created a miracle tonight—beating the defending champions 2-1. Did you ever imagine the score would be like this before kickoff?"

"2-1? Uh, honestly, I didn't think so."

After a moment's thought, Tang Ye answered: "My original plan was a draw. I thought, sure, Germany is strong, but since we're here, not doing anything would be a waste."

The World Cup comes only once every four years; Tang Ye, who'd watched football since childhood, knew exactly how long four years was.

If I don't show off this year, I'll have to wait until 2022 to do it again!

"Can you comment on Germany's performance?"

"Uh, I think Germany wasn't in good form today—that's why we had a chance to win."

"Was it the midfield or the attack?"

The reporter pressed.

"Both, mostly the midfield."

"So you mean Germany's midfielders are far inferior to you, which is why they lost?"

"Oh no, no!"

Realizing the reporter was steering the focus off track, Tang Ye suddenly tensed up, staring at the camera with an earnest expression.

"I've always respected our opponents. Germany just wasn't in form—I never meant to insult them."

The reporter nodded, then asked Tang Ye more details about the match.

"We noticed you repeatedly directed your teammates during the game. Can you explain how you did it?"

"Oh, it's simple."

This kind of question, requiring no judgment, was effortless for Tang Ye—he just told the truth.

"My position is central, so I can see most players' positions just by glancing left and right. Plus, Germany's players are all stars—we studied their traits before the match."

"Knowing how they'd act, I'd predict in my mind—think a few steps ahead—and then I'd know where the players would be after each pass. That's crucial. Once you know that, you can shout to your teammates to move into the right spots, creating good chances."

"…"

Tang Ye smiled at the reporter, but the reporter seemed frozen, silent.

The other reporters watching from below were the same.

Fans knew this was the World Cup.

Those who didn't might've thought it was the Go World Cup.

"Uh… hello?"

"Oh, sorry, Tom."

The reporter regained composure: "We saw Germany dominated in the first half, but your team surged in the second. What did Li Pi say at halftime?"

"…"

Tang Ye squinted in thought.

"He said a lot."

"What exactly?"

"A lot, same as always—Marcello talks a lot in the locker room."

"…"

…

Dongqiu Di top post: 15-minute miracle—what really happened in China's halftime locker room?

What happened in China's halftime locker room is what every fan worldwide wants to know.

Why did China, so timid in the first half, turn into tigers in the second?

Is this Marcello's magic?

In the locker room, Chinese players packed up. Tang Ye moved fast—stuffing gear into a small bag, then the small bag into a large one, a nesting routine complete.

He sat on a chair chatting with Wu Lei when someone tapped his shoulder. Seeing who it was, Tang Ye stood up immediately.

"Uh, Dad!"

"What's this? You just called him dad?"

Before Wu Lei finished, Zhang Yuning pulled him over: "It's real dad—the actual one."

"Oh oh, my bad, my bad."

Tang Ye instinctively reached out to fist-bump Tang Zhengxiong, then pulled his hand back.

He sat back down. Tang Zhengxiong came over but didn't sit—he stood beside Tang Ye: "You played well."

"Haha, I thought so too."

"They say you bet ten million on us winning—so you must've made a fortune? I heard most people didn't think we'd win."

"Uh, about that…"

At the mention of ten million, Tang Zhengxiong fell silent, pinched his nose, then rubbed his neck: "Actually… I didn't bet."

"What? You didn't bet?"

Tang Ye leaned forward.

"Yeah, ten million's a lot—I couldn't possibly bet that much on you guys winning. I was just bluffing, but I stayed calm…"

"Hahaha!"

Tang Ye laughed: "Haha, I knew it! I thought you'd made a fortune—I was terrified! Dad, you really don't believe in me?"

"…"

Tang Zhengxiong shook his head, expression weary: "I didn't think you'd actually win. Honestly, I was about to bet—but then I changed my mind."

Ten million, though in RMB, was still a huge sum.

At the time, betting ten million on China's national team was practically a donation.

Tang Zhengxiong had some savings, but he wasn't an idiot.

Still, it was a pity.

If he'd been an idiot and actually bet on China to win outright, he'd be laughing now!

"Go get 'em, King Tang! Crush Senegal!"

Tang Zhengxiong clenched his fist and shouted at Tang Ye.

"Uh…"

As Tang Ye chatted with his father, the rest of the national team watched. Wu Lei stared at Zhang Yuning: "Are they really father and son?"

Zhang Yuning said nothing. Behind them, Wei Shihao's voice came: "Yeah, that's how it is—I heard him say so before, but I've never met his dad."

"Hmm…"

Wu Lei nodded slightly.

A bit absurd.

But considering he's the father of a genius, it's only reasonable that he's different from ordinary people.

……

FIFA World Cup Group F standings.

1. China, 3 points.

2. Senegal, 3 points.

3. Germany, 0 points.

4. Sweden, 0 points.

The Times — Portugal drew 3-3 with Spain, Argentina drew 1-1 with Iceland; among Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Tom, only Tom has won a match at the Russia World Cup.

Sky Sports commentator Dawson: True GOATs must prove themselves with victories, and neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Messi currently meet that criterion. Only one person possesses the potential to become the true GOAT, though I won't name him directly — everyone already knows who it is.

German Football — Headline: Shock Defeat to China; Fans Utterly Disappointed in Löw.

"If you can't even advance from the group stage, don't bother returning to Germany — you'll be in big trouble!" shouted a Moscow fan at Löw.

Besides major newspapers, the teams have also issued statements in succession.

Manchester United moved quickly — half an hour after the match ended, they congratulated China's victory on Twitter and Instagram, along with an image.

The image showed Tang Ye's back in jersey number 10, but this jersey was unusual.

It was red, but the red on each side differed slightly.

Upon closer inspection, it was clear: the left half was Manchester United's home jersey with the number "1," and the right half was China's home jersey with the number "0."

The two jerseys stitched together, the two numbers merged naturally into Tang Ye's number "10."

……

That night was the victory banquet — the atmosphere was great, the food abundant — but Tang Ye was distracted.

Because he still had an unopened Barcelona Legendary Chest!

The banquet lasted an hour and a half; Tang Ye spent one-third of it texting with Pore.

Pore discussed business cooperation matters with Tang Ye.

If they advance to the knockout stage, all 27 of Tang Ye's contract add-ons will trigger, bringing him at least 50 million euros in pre-tax income.

This guy Pore takes money way too seriously — he slipped in such an add-on even though everyone knew China couldn't possibly advance.

The agent's thinking was sound.

But…

Beating Germany only gave Tang Ye a brief moment of relief.

Senegal and Sweden — neither team is easy to handle.

Want to advance from the group?

Hmm. China still has a long road ahead.

While China held their banquet, Brazil completed their World Cup debut in Russia.

"China beat Germany?"

Neymar stared wide-eyed at Casemiro beside him.

"Oh, Tom's over there."

Realizing, Neymar smiled.

"If it's Tom, I don't find it surprising at all."

"You know — Tom's just like that."

Neymar knew Tang Ye's strength all too well.

Back when they were teammates in Desert II, Tom could win 1v5 endgames like a super soldier!

……

"King Tang! Good night!"

"Haha, good night, Ning!"

After bidding farewell to Zhang Yuning in the next room, Tang Ye opened his own door.

Thud!

He tossed his backpack on the floor, stripped off his clothes one by one, flung them onto the living room sofa, slipped on slippers, and headed for the bathroom.

Though Tang Ye loved to play, when it came to serious matters, he was extremely serious.

After showering and lying on the bed, the dirty clothes beside him looked annoying, so he just tossed them onto the floor.

Swish! Swish!

Rubbed his hands together.

【Confirm opening Barcelona Legendary Chest?】

Tang Ye already had many Barcelona legendary templates — today, he'd gain another.

【You obtained Iniesta's Insight Template (Legendary)】

【Vision: 97→97】

"…"

Iniesta's Insight Template — apparently boosts vision.

Tang Ye squinted, sensing it.

A strange sensation, like water, flowed into his mind, then vanished.

Didn't seem to change anything?

Hmm…

Tang Ye rubbed his nose.

This template seems kinda useless…

Should he reset it?

This was the problem he faced now.

Although Iniesta's Insight Template was Legendary, its vision boost for Tang Ye was like pouring water into a pond.

It seemed useful, but not truly impactful.

If he reset it, he might get a better template — or even a chance at a goalkeeper template.

This was a decision requiring serious thought.

"…"

Check the team's upcoming schedule.

June 23: China vs Senegal (Group F, Matchday 2).

June 27: Sweden vs China (Group F, Matchday 3).

Senegal and Sweden — and only four days between the two matches.

The situation no longer allowed Tang Ye to develop slowly.

【Confirm placing Iniesta's Insight Template (Legendary) into the Forge for reset? Upon confirmation, you will receive a completely random template of equal rank.】

【You lost Iniesta's Insight Template (Legendary)】

【Vision: 97→97】

【You obtained Messi's Step-and-Shoulder-Feint Template (Legendary)】

【Ball Control: 86→87】

【Speed: 75→76】

【Endurance: 74→74】

All three attributes gained experience; ball control and speed leveled up.

A smile spread across his face.

Tang Ye now looked every bit the gambler.

Fortunately, his bet paid off!

Tang Ye (40 years old)

【Ball Control: 87; Passing: 90】

【Shooting: 78; Heading: 56; Set Pieces: 77】

【Speed: 76; Endurance: 74; Physical Confrontation: 82】

【Defense: 73; Vision: 97】

Overall Rating: 84

Both ball control and speed — two critical attributes — improved, significantly boosting Tang Ye's individual performance.

Against African teams with superior physicality, enhanced ball retention was crucial for him.

……

Anything involving money always draws internet users' attention — after the China-Germany match, many fans went through the firewall to find the Singapore Gambling Council's anti-gambling ad.

【The video you searched for has disappeared. Please try again later.】

"…"

Rumor had it the Asian kid in the video had moved into a villa and suddenly gained five mothers.

Of course, that was just netizens joking.

Singapore's Gambling Control Council is too naive!

City Morning Post — A university student from Hebei bet 3,000 yuan on China's national team winning.

"You must believe in the King of Football!" said the student.

Evening News — A mother in Zhengzhou, following online recommendations, bet 5,000 yuan on China defeating Germany, eventually profiting over 100,000 yuan — but was later scammed out of 228,000 yuan by the same "netizen" under the guise of "inside information."

The student's 3,000-yuan bet on China's outright win returned nearly 70,000 yuan — a story that went viral during the World Cup.

Still, since the student used legal channels to purchase an official lottery ticket with his own living expenses, netizens could only envy him without complaint.

The mother in Zhengzhou, however, had a much harder time.

She appeared to have earned 100,000 yuan, but actually lost nearly 230,000 yuan — within half a day, the story surged to trending, nearly knocking Tang Ye's three-bar kneel down from the top.

The backlash was intense; the Zhongyuan District Public Security Bureau consequently released a video.

This was the transcript of the victim's conversation with police officers; the victim's eyes were blurred.

"So why did you believe him?"

"I'd been chatting with him for a while. He told me he used to be a professional player but had to quit due to a tendon injury."

"He told me Tang Ye was incredibly powerful, that China would definitely beat Germany, so I should put all my money on it."

"But I'm not stupid — I know Chinese football is weak, so I only tested it with 5,000 yuan."

The mother spoke slowly.

"And then?"

"Then I made over 100,000 yuan. After that, he told me he had inside information — he was Tang Ye's QQ friend, and before the match, Tang Ye sent him a message saying they'd definitely win, so he told me to bet on China."

"By the way, he was very handsome — he sent me his photo."

"..."

The officer's lip twitched.

"What do you mean 'Tang Ye's QQ friend'?"

"Didn't he say he was a former pro? He claimed Tang Ye used to be his backup during training, that Tang Ye used to serve him tea and water — so he knew some inside details."

"Then he told me lottery tickets required taxes and charity donations — if I transferred the money to him to buy for me, I could avoid taxes. So I gave him all my money."

"Did he say anything else?" the officer pressed.

"He said Tang Ye would message him before China played Senegal."

"..."

"And then?"

"I sent him a message, but it failed to deliver — then I realized he'd blocked me."

The video received 60 million views across Douyin, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and other platforms.

【What the hell, QQ message before the match? Even WeChat would've been more believable.】

【QQ, hahaha】

【Our King Tang is now serving tea and water?】

【You'd have to ask my Chao Brother — he gets it, but even he didn't bet on China winning.】

It was now the third day after the China-Germany match. Though over 24 hours had passed, the match's popularity remained undiminished.

The German team was thrust into the spotlight, and their wives and female supporters became targets of attack.

Fans believed German players should have been separated from their wives before the match to maintain peak performance.

Der Deutsche Fortschritt interviewed a fan on the streets of Berlin.

"Why did China win? Because Tom is single."

"Players with girlfriends can't beat single players — any gamer knows that."

(End of Chapter)