[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-41":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},1847439,2452,"Chapter 41 41: New Haircut","foresight-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>[Mr. Wilson's Parlor, North London]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson's haircutting skills were well-known in North London..\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being 67, he had never left the trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he was most proud of, though, was claiming to have once cut the hair of Arsenal's legend, The Iceman, Dennis Bergkamp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was entirely a one-sided story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Verified from multiple angles, there was zero chance Bergkamp had ever set foot in Wilson's Parlor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Mr. Wilson insisted otherwise. And if anyone questioned him, he'd fly into a rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every player I've ever cut ends up becoming an Arsenal legend,\" he'd clarify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With reading glasses perched on his nose, Mr. Wilson steadied his slightly trembling hand as he worked the electric clippers over Kai's hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai's hair had grown long. He hadn't cut it in nearly half a year — it was practically ready for braids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was cutting it for convenience. For the new season. And also for the sake of looking sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted a clean, sharp image, so he'd come to Mr. Wilson to hook him up with a clean cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But had he known Mr. Wilson was 67 and had hands that shook, he might've paid a little more and found a trendy stylist in London.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was back when Arsenal played with both style and grit! Hmph! Not like the lot we have now — soft as butter.\" Mr. Wilson scoffed as he clipped. \"Back in the day, Vieira would scream in Keane's face. Sure, he was a thug, but with him we didn't fear anyone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now? A bunch of lads who don't even dare to throw a tackle. No fight in 'em at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai chuckled, \"Sir, fighting doesn't always mean bloodshed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wilson snapped back, \"True! But if you're too scared to fight, where's the spirit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai could only smile helplessly. This argument was going in circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the old man, a little worried. He was afraid that one misstep would leave him bald.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then — buzz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden chill spread over the back of Kai's head. A hefty clump of hair dropped to the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the deep trench carved by the clippers, Mr. Wilson fell into a long silence before finally saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kid, I think a one-inch cut suits you better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai wanted to cry, but had no tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What else could he do now that the damage was done?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. \"Go on, then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good lad! Knew you had taste!\" Mr. Wilson beamed, and with that, his trembling hands suddenly moved with confidence. He finished the cut swiftly, front to back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two minutes later, Kai rubbed his now bare scalp and cracked a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely enough, the old man had a point. The Scofield look suited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long hair, or even the bowl cut he used to wear, gave off too much of a boyish vibe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied his reflection in the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nice shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai nodded with quiet approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Wilson laughed. \"Well? Not bad, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai shrugged, paid up, and smiled. \"Well, now you can say you cut the hair of a future Arsenal legend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You?\" Mr. Wilson burst out laughing, then said, \"Let's take a photo and keep it on record. If you don't make it, you'll have to come here for every haircut for the rest of your career.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai raised an eyebrow. \"And if I do make it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then free haircuts for life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a deal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Kai walked into the dressing room with his new haircut, Chamberlain did a double-take, and a few teammates offered compliments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kai couldn't exactly admit it had been an accident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so short? Your long hair was your thing, wasn't it?\" Chamberlain asked, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking to make a joke, Kai answered lazily, \"So it doesn't get in the way during fights.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The locker room fell into stunned silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, a few seconds later, it was as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai tilted his head. That wasn't his imagination — why did they react like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The morning session was just basic training — some light work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing too intense for someone like Kai, not even the fitness drills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While training, he kept a close eye on the physical state of his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The season hadn't even started, and two key players were already out injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wilshere and Rosický.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wilshere was self-explanatory — he made a brief appearance at the end of last season and promptly booked himself a return trip to the treatment table. The man was like fine china — fragile and expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rosický had hurt himself during the Euros. After Achilles tendon surgery, he was out for at least three months — and that was a best-case scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Rosický and Wilshere both sidelined and Alex Song shipped off by Wenger, Arsenal's midfield was getting dangerously thin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The options now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta, Ramsey, Denilson, Cazorla, Diaby, and Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Arteta and Cazorla had guaranteed starting spots. The rest, including Kai, were still fighting for a place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this stage, Ramsey and Diaby had the edge — their experience gave them the advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai was probably next in line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His defensive awareness and interception skills were crucial in midfield. With Kai on the pitch, Arsenal's offensive players could push forward with more freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That said, his weakness was also clear: he lacked initiative in the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because he couldn't attack, but because he simply didn't. Without enough confidence, he wouldn't venture forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This frustrated the Professor. Wenger was even considering giving Kai a direct order to push the ball up more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, Kai would always choose the safest option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant… passing it to Arteta. Every. Single. Time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last season, Arsenal had headaches from Alex Song running too far forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This season? The headache might be that Kai is never moving up at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, that didn't mean Kai wasn't effective. His defensive game was solid and reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus the guy was making an effort to suppress those habits\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Training wrapped up around 11 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch and a two-hour break, they'd return for an intra-squad match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant no overeating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Arsenal cafeteria meals were… uninspiring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the first clubs to introduce strict diet management, Arsenal used to be mocked in the days when players still smoked and drank like regular folks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But time had proven Wenger right. These days, most top clubs followed suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, it didn't change the fact that British food was… awful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai stared at his tray — five pieces of grilled chicken breast, assorted vegetables, a small portion of carbs, and a few dipping sauces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He missed the flavors of China.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cafeteria had neat rows of four-seater tables. Three rows, six columns — 18 tables in all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coaches and players ate together. Wenger believed in leading by example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai sat with Arteta.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chamberlain had been pulled aside by Pat Rice. Anyone going through fat loss didn't get to eat with the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai chatted with Arteta over lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he noticed Suarez walk in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came alone, grabbed his tray, looked around briefly, paused at Vermaelen's table, then quietly settled into a corner by himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez had done well in pre-season friendlies, scoring in all three games. But he still hadn't fully blended into the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't the most social guy, and Vermaelen, as captain, wasn't exactly extending a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cazorla, by contrast, had the energy of a golden retriever with a mic. The guy danced and sang in the locker room on day one, immediately lightening the mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez just wasn't like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lately, he hadn't been in a great mental state either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liverpool fans had turned on him. Despite bringing in €57 million in transfer fees, they called him a traitor, especially since he joined a direct rival like Arsenal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backlash left a mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai watched Suarez, chewing slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy's a gem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Suarez looked up, their eyes met awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai took a sip of water and called out, \"Hey, Luis! Come sit with us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez was surprised. He pointed to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai nodded. \"Yeah, you. Come on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez hesitated a second, then got up and walked over, nodding to Arteta before taking a seat beside Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've been great these past few days — three goals in three games. We're counting on you this season,\" Kai said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez looked bashful and grinned, flashing his trademark buck teeth. \"Everyone's playing well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai smiled. \"How's the team been treating you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez frowned slightly. \"Not great. It's been hard to fit in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's normal,\" Kai replied, munching on a piece of chicken breast. \"The last two captains left — the vibe could be better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta shook his head with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai hadn't lowered his voice, and everyone around heard it. They just pretended not to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai clapped Suarez on the shoulder. \"Chin up. Season goal: 31 goals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez blinked. \"Why 31?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai grinned. \"Because Van Persie scored 30 last season. Got it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND SOME STONES.\u003C\u002Fp>",1511,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.211Z",1,"novelbin.me","82a2c6974003c4ed1e40ab16e21e525be11dcfe896a0f7d7175079b8949e972d","foresight-chapter-42","foresight-chapter-40",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]