[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-371":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","FORESIGHT",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1847669,2452,"Chapter 371 371: The Gap, As Big As Mt. Tai","foresight-chapter-371",371,"\u003Cp>Throughout January, Arsenal's performance remained steady, disappointing those who had hoped to see the team falter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These fans had long expected Arsenal to produce moments of inexplicable brilliance, and this season was no exception. Yet after January began, the team kept performing consistently, revealing a simple truth: Arsenal's strength this season was stable and continuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with rotated squads, Arsenal managed to control matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less critical games, the main players got plenty of rest. The FA Cup lineup was almost entirely reserves, letting the club conserve energy while leaving fans with a sense of mild frustration. Many of the first-team stars weren't on the pitch together, reducing some of the usual highlights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Arsène Wenger occasionally played his core players to keep them sharp, often as substitutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, since the start of the season, Kai's minutes had been noticeably reduced, part of Arsenal's strategy to preserve him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Kai's statistics remained on par with last season, drawing admiration from the media. His performance alone could earn him a starting defensive midfield role—or even a core position—at any top club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Kai never stopped improving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone wondered what his future would look like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day before a match, Wenger let the players go home after a light training session. Kai took the chance to visit Colney, London.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was where he had first lived when joining Arsenal, and even after two or three years, the place still held a deep sense of home. The locals weren't surprised to see him; he visited regularly, either to see the Billy family or stop by Mr. Wilson's barbershop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bell rang. Mr. Wilson lounged in his rocking chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not open today,\" he called without looking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then where do I get a shave?\" Kai asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the familiar voice, Mr. Wilson sat up and laughed when he saw Kai at the door. \"Well, if it isn't my boy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come, come. Have a seat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai smiled and took a seat, running a hand through his bushy beard. \"It's getting a bit long even with trimming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson nodded. \"I'd say so. You shouldn't keep it like this. Needs to be simpler, cleaner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave it to me,\" Mr. Wilson said with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning back in the chair, Kai joked, \"Sir, this isn't my scalp. If you cut the wrong spot, I'll be dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry,\" Mr. Wilson said confidently. \"Compared to cutting hair, shaving's my real talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spread foam over Kai's beard and began shaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way,\" Mr. Wilson said, \"congratulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai opened one eye. \"For what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't play dumb. Fifth place. Ballon d'Or.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai let out a quiet breath. \"Ohh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't ohh me,\" Mr. Wilson replied. \"Fifth in the world. Not bad for someone who spends most of his time tackling people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai shook his head slightly. \"It's just a ranking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson stopped shaving to look at Kai. \"Still matters. Means people are watching. Means they see what you do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson added, \"And your teammate, Suárez. Third place. Proper baller. Thank god he left his biting habits at Liverpool.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't let him hear that.\" Kai laughed. \"He deserves it. Carried a lot of the scoring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson chuckled and continued. \"You two carried the whole team if you ask me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai let out a small sigh. \"That's not how it works.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson wiped the blade and stepped back for a second. \"You know, give it time. Today, Messi, Suarez, Neuer, and Ronaldo are above you, but one day, you might go even higher. Maybe top three. Maybe number one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai locked onto Mr. Wilson through the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not happening,\" he said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson raised an eyebrow. \"That's a bit pessimistic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's realistic,\" Kai replied. \"That award looks at goals, assists, moments. Attacking players will always stand out more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped the armrest lightly. \"I'm a defensive midfielder. Most of what I do doesn't show up the same way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson snorted. \"Anyone who watches properly knows your value.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai shook his head. \"Maybe. But I'm not chasing the Ballon d'Or. I leave it to those two in La Liga. I just need to do my job.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson laughed, a deep, amused sound. \"You say that now. Wait until you're standing closer to the top.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai smiled faintly. \"If that happens, it means the team's winning. That's enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson didn't argue further. He just nodded and went back to work, finishing the shave with careful strokes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, he stepped aside. \"There. Take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai sat up, wiped his chin, and studied the mirror. The beard was trimmed into sharp, clean lines, giving him a more defined look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai stroked his chin and smiled. \"I'm starting to believe you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson chuckled. \"I wouldn't dare make a mistake. That'd be a sin against Arsenal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai set some money on the counter, knowing Mr. Wilson wouldn't take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The match is tomorrow. Will you come watch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No,\" Mr. Wilson said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai turned, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I went last time, my heart nearly gave out,\" Mr. Wilson explained wryly. \"My family won't let me go anymore. But I'm stubborn. We made a deal: I will only go for the Champions League Final.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai's eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Champions League Final?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does everyone act like this? He thought of Mrs. Winter, too. Everyone seemed to assume Arsenal could reach the final—and maybe even lift the trophy this season. It was a common hope among fans, but it also carried weight for Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm off,\" Kai said, shaking his head with a smile, and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson watched him go. \"If I put pressure on you, I'm sorry. But this… this is what we all hope for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai waved backwards, got into his car, and drove off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson smiled. \"Good lad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning home, he went through a short training session to keep his body sharp. Nothing intense, just enough to stay in rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just stepped out of the bathroom when his phone rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai glanced at the screen and smiled. \"That's rare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other end, Chen Man spoke first. \"Tomorrow's Little Fei monster-fighting match. Thought I should at least show some concern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai leaned against the wall, drying his hair. \"Then why are you calling the monster? Shouldn't you be encouraging Ouyang Fei?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, give me some face,\" Chen Man said with a laugh. \"Don't let him lose too badly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn't a Chinese cultivation fantasy,\" Kai replied, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Man chuckled. \"Jokes aside, be careful. Ouyang Fei has improved a lot this past half-season. If you're not switched on, he might cause problems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai raised an eyebrow. \"You really believe that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief cough came through the phone. \"I'm just reminding you not to get complacent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Chen Man knew it was a stretch. Basel knocking out Arsenal was hard to imagine. The gap in squad quality alone was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even with support, Ouyang Fei wasn't at a level where he could truly challenge Arsenal's midfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow, I'm watching with the cap,\" Chen Man added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai paused. \"You two are together?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would that work?\" Chen Man said. \"He's got Champions League matches, I've got mine. We'll just watch on video call.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai laughed softly. \"Fair enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway,\" Chen Man continued, \"put in a performance. Don't let Ouyang Fei steal the spotlight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai's tone stayed calm. \"Don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They spoke for a bit longer before ending the call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai lowered his phone and sat quietly for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had noticed Ouyang Fei's progress. That much was clear. But in truth, the gap was still there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Physically, technically, tactically, Ouyang Fei wasn't ready to challenge him one-on-one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it came down to a direct battle, Kai was confident he could control it completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Basel, they were a well-organized side with clear strengths, but Arsenal had more than enough to deal with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai believed that without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>. . .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On January 18th, Basel arrived in London ahead of the Round of 16.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Champions League atmosphere was already building across the city. Arsenal shirts were everywhere, and the sense of anticipation was impossible to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Basel's players, it brought pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had spoken confidently before arriving, but standing in London, facing the reality of the occasion, it felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal's history, their form this season, the scale of the stage, it all added weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basel still believed in themselves, but not to the point of thinking they could dominate. That confidence had limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>. . .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>January 19th.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Champions League returned after two months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Round of 16.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal against Basel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Basel's bus pulled up to the Emirates Stadium, the tension was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Ouyang Fei, it was even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked past the main entrance, he saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive poster of Kai is placed prominently at the stadium entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Chinese player, the face of a top club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone said everything about Kai's status at Arsenal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Fei stopped for a brief moment, his eyes lingering on the image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always seen Kai as the target. The level he wanted to reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But standing here now, the gap felt real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was the captain of a Premier League giant, competing among the best in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was still rising in the Swiss league, trying to prove himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among all the Basel players, Ouyang Fei felt that pressure the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>. . .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please do leave a review and powerstones, which helps with the book's exposure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feel like joining a Patreon for free and subscribing to 30+ advanced chapters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Visit the link:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FGRANDMAESTA_30\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Change @ to a\u003C\u002Fp>",1618,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.891Z",1,"novelbin.me","c2998888f2a5360599ac8bbd47d37373fa30b295e44110aac1645a615e73cd00","foresight-chapter-372","foresight-chapter-370",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]