Chapter 260

Eindhoven and Bei lai yin are only over a hundred kilometers apart.

The next Premier League match day is four days away.

The time given to Arsenal players to adjust is not tense.

Wenger patted Li Kang on the shoulder and said, "I'll give you a day off to go back and have a look, but you must stay safe…"

Li Kang nodded.

Many coaches in the football world are also psychology experts.

Enke's suicide by lying on the tracks, Deisler's depression after serious injury, Pesotto's suicide by jumping, Tevez's mental breakdown, Snead's fainting in the locker room… these incidents drew people's attention.

Arsenal's head coach is even the grandmaster of sports psychology.

The youths at the Ke Er Ni Training Base had to take 117 test questions… were systematically evaluated for indicators such as endurance, competitiveness, emotional control, stress resistance, and aggressiveness.

Wenger probably repeated the precautions seven or eight times.

Li Kang finally parted ways with the club and headed for Bei lai yin.

Of course, besides his assistant, a group of team doctors and masseurs followed him… the crowd boarded the train in a mighty procession.

Arsenal club bus.

Boerde glanced at the tablet results and exclaimed, "Boss, Doctor Yakes has sent the test results: Li's psychology and IQ are fine… especially his self‑awareness score is full, tying Bentner's from back then!"

Wenger's mouth twitched…

Who is Bentner?

The once‑raging‑in‑Asia 'Zixin Di'!

'I will surpass Yin Bu in the next three years.'

'Henry has taken my playing time.'

'Within five years I will surely become the Premier League's top scorer, the World Cup's top scorer, and the world's strongest forward.'

'I can lift an elephant.'

European Cup pants‑dropping.

Champions League semifinal pants‑dropping.

During the match he violently beat up a teammate.

Bare‑assed he insulted a taxi.

He kicked a royal princess.

He wore women's underwear.

The professor gathered his scattered thoughts, rubbed his temples gloomily, and declared firmly, "Li would never do such a thing!"

Bei lai yin is deep in autumn.

The train sped along, the scenery outside shifting from green to yellow, ending in an endless golden, enchanting wilderness.

【Ding! Congratulations on completing a Champions League victory.】

【Task feedback: Too thrilling! The tough Eindhoven... well, such a tough Arsenal.】

【Congratulations on obtaining: Platinum Treasure Chest.】

Li Kang had no interest in viewing the prize pool contents.

Treasure chests without affixes mostly yield consumable items as rewards.

Indeed.

【Platinum Treasure Chest is opening...】

【Congratulations on obtaining: Divine Tiger Power Spray!】

【Tiger Power Spray: Single-use consumable, usable only on teammates with affection >100, greatly shortening severe injury recovery period!】

This is yet another item that opposes the "Turning the Tide" module.

In recent years, leg-breaking incidents on the field have become increasingly rare.

Arsenal players won't be that unlucky.

Clang.

The little assistant shook the suitcase full of handicrafts and whispered: "Li, are we going to Gelsenkirchen tomorrow?"

Li Kang thought for a moment, then shook his head.

He still held a tablet in his hand, playing a match video of the Iron Hammer Gang.

The time was too rushed.

The next two Premier League matches were both grim, hard-fought battles.

The tactical structures and variations of West Ham United and Tottenham are extremely complex; regardless of the outcome, Arsenal will suffer heavily.

Emotions will only become a disturbance.

Next morning.

Li Kang arrived in Gelsenkirchen.

Accompanied by his little assistant, he familiarly entered the building of the Fairtinss company branch.

mainly to study "endorsement products that fans can afford", the management team thinks endorsement fees are one aspect, and for fast-moving consumer goods market endorsements, they must find a suitable quality product partner.

The "old friend" Fairtinss is naturally the first choice.

Over the past year, their beer sales topped Europe, especially during the French European Cup; Li Kang's beer advertisement... was a smash hit.

Hmm.

Mainly to discuss cooperation.

By the way, take a look at Claudia.

From a work perspective, the two basically don't need to meet; Ms. Sandra is the signatory representative for Fairtinss's business cooperation.

Li Kang only felt that the shadow in his brain had shown no signs of activity for a long time, and the phantom of the legendary module in matches... appeared less and less frequently, especially that guy Bale, who seemed to only show up when facing Real Madrid.

We need to find the wheelchair girl to 'charge'.

Pah! Pah! Pah!

He came with a very sincere attitude to visit his only female friend.

Ms. Sandra's complexion looked good.

She failed to maintain her professional smile, and couldn't but happily reach out to compare her height with Li Kang's.

"Li, you're looking more and more... like the legendary penalty-box fox, Mr. Wo Le Er, the prince in the hearts of countless girls!"

The little assistant's expression stiffened slightly.

I really can't associate the old director with the word 'prince'.

"Cough cough, Ms. Sandra, let's still discuss the preliminary cooperation."

He hurriedly pulled out a stack of endorsement proposals from his document bag...

Li Kang saw Claudia.

The wheelchair girl's face still had no color, her lips pallid.

"Long time no see."

She smiled.

Just like the misty banks of the Bei lai yin River.

The shadow in Li Kang's brain spread wildly.

He instinctively covered his chest, trying to dispel the chaotic emotions.

The suitcase quietly opened.

Various styles of wooden shoes came into view... they are the most distinctive handicrafts of southern Holland.

Claudia shook her head.

"To me, it has no meaning."

Li Kang thought for a moment, bent down to pick up a pair of shoes, and slowly approached the cold wheelchair.

He often touches men's feet.

During training.

During the match.

He often helps teammates or opponents who are cramping.

He has seen all kinds of calves—sturdy and thick, or slender and beautiful.

But he has never touched a girl's feet...

His vision seemed to be obscured.

His palm felt icy cold.

After a moment.

Under her black pleated skirt appeared a pair of colorful wooden shoes printed with tulip patterns.

"I really like it."

The two exchanged a smile and then ceased communication.

Through the floor-to-ceiling window, they gazed at the rebuilding Gelsenkirchen... the once-declining mining city, now far more prosperous than before.

After a long while.

The shadow in Li Kang's brain contracted wildly.

Only then did he rise to say goodbye.

Afternoon.

Lewokusen training base.

Li Kang saw his former comrades-in-arms.

Havertz, Brandt, Jonathan Tah... and even Kiessling, who retired and became Wo Le Er's new assistant!

Among the Bundesliga lads, reunions after long separations never lack some playful grabbing.

Everyone rushed forward at once.

They fiercely pressed the former Bei lai yin lad onto the turf and roughed him up.

"Li, if you don't leave Bei lai yin, we'll definitely win the Champions League this season!"

"Use your brain, Li—if you hadn't left a big sum of money for Lewokusen, could we play so easily?"

"Bayern's new coach this season is too good, Ancelotti! We spent so much money and still can't beat them."

In the distance.

Tuopu Laotou saw this scene, instantly flew into a rage, and came running over, puffing angrily.

His sharp voice released the dissatisfaction of the Lewokusen head coach.

While running, he almost tripped.

"You bunch of idiots, don't hurt Li!"

"He is the treasure of our Bei lai yin!"

"Damn it, let go quickly!"

Everyone burst out laughing and scattered in a hurry.

Dino quickly helped Li Kang up.

Tuopu Laotou patted the grass clippings off his former beloved disciple with heartache, muttering:

"Bosque simply doesn't know how to bring out your strength, Wenger neither... they're all inferior to me."

"What are you laughing at? If I were the coach of the Spanish national team or Arsenal, I could win every trophy!"

"Damn it, I really wish I could coach until Li's final year."

Half an hour later.

The Lewokusen crowd strolled through the empty Hall of Fame...

How could it not be empty?

The Bundesliga salad plate won last season was placed in the most prominent spot.

All four walls were covered with wonderful moments of Li Kang on the pitch.

A black-and-red Lewokusen number 10 jersey was placed between the two trophies.

Embroidered on the back of the jersey was a name: Lee.

"That Wo Le Er guy ran off to Munich again to attend some stupid meeting."

"He originally planned to build you a half-body bronze statue, but faced fierce protests from extremist fans..."

"The plan hasn't been cancelled; next year you'll be able to see that statue."

"You are our hero, fulfilling Lewokusen's century-old wish."

"Forget it, you wouldn't care about that stupid thing."

Li Kang smiled.

Listening to Tuopu Laotou and Dino's conversation, as well as the teammates' laughter.

It felt as if I had returned to the peaceful days of Bei lai yin....

Chateweierxisi Training Base.

Paye trained alone on the field.

In the Euro semi-finals, he once represented the French national team, but right at kickoff he was 'injured' by Li Kang and forced off, losing his chance to shine in Europe.

He felt bitter inside.

During his recovery, the seed of revenge was quietly planted.

"If I hadn't been injured."

"How could the French team lose so badly!"

"Li, take a good look—you don't have those peak Bullfighter teammates by your side!"

Such random thoughts have some basis.

Although West Ham United's total transfer value is low, their strength is not bad.

Last season they faced Arsenal twice, achieving a win and a draw for an advantageous record.

As long as their lineup is full, they could thrash the Premier League BIG6 in a round... but even then, they inexplicably lose to relegation teams...

The resonant name "Rich-Poor Hammer Gang" was earned through real action.

Will Paye develop a shadow because of Li Kang?

No.

Personality determines playing style.

Even superstars like Messi, Neymar, CR7... and other top stars, he fears nothing.

Just get dirty and it's done!

But in the upcoming Premier League showdown, his target isn't Li Kang himself...

Are the other West Ham United players dirty?

No.

Every time they go on an away trip, they help clean the opponents' locker room.

Many people look down on Paye's playing style.

This French black egg with superb free-kick ability, after shining in the Euro group stage, constantly clamors: either he wants to return to Marseille, or he wants to go to a powerhouse like Barça or Real Madrid.

A few days later.

Premier League match day arrived.

The sky over the Emirates Stadium was dyed red and white.

Tens of thousands of Yinsilindun fans waved their flags and scarves joyfully.

"Lee!"

"!"

"Lee!"

"!"

"Lee!"

"!"

No more insulting banners targeting players and coaches appeared.

Wenger and Li Kang posters, like specks of stars, were distributed in every corner of the stands.

Pre-match press conference.

West Ham United manager Bilic entered the field slowly.

His appearance is distinctive; many Premier League fans might not remember his name, but they would surely recognize his face.

Not exactly handsome, yet somewhat handsome.

Not exactly ugly, yet somewhat ugly.

Quite ordinary, yet he possesses a strange, peculiar aura.

He is Croatian, and as a player he had strong fighting spirit.

1998 France World Cup, he became famous overnight, feigning injury to get the main referee to send off the French star Blanc.

He can barely be considered Busquets' master.

After retiring... he became the guitarist of a heavy metal rock band.

Only after a few years of madness did he begin his coaching career.

During the match, this guy always pulls off moves full of entertainment value.

The reporters naturally liked him.

"Mr. Bilic, can you keep your emotions in check tonight?"

West Ham United's head coach laughed and shook his head.

"Nothing is more worth going crazy over than beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium!"

"They now occupy first place on the league table, not fourth."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Wenger on the side also laughed.

He did not, as before, elegantly throw a tantrum... and still struck.

Calm and composed.

Victory is within reach.

"West Ham United is an opponent worthy of our respect."

"Arsenal's players will maintain their previous form."

Player tunnel.

Players from both sides simply exchanged greetings.

Including Payet, this guy.

He actively reached out and patted Li Kang's shoulder.

"Li, great to see each other again in the Premier League!"

Li Kang didn't have time to respond.

The system notification sounded softly.

【Ding! Mission triggered: Frenzied Rhythm!】

【Mission brief: The secret to 'rob the rich to help the poor'? No secret! Control the rhythm in attack! The Premier League has no weak teams; every team has extremely distinct style traits!】

【Mission reward: West Ham United Legend·Golden Treasure Chest.】

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"Welcome to watch the sixth round of the 2016/17 Premier League season!"

"Arsenal at home versus West Ham United."

"Last season, the two sides met twice, with scores of 0-2 and 3-3!"

"Can Wenger tonight avenge his previous humiliation?"

"Let's eagerly anticipate!"

"This could very well be a breathless showdown!"

"I am the commentator for this match, Duan Xuan!"

"I am He Wei!"

Duan Xuan and He Wei are excited.

CTV5 finally secured the broadcast rights for the Premier League.

And the first match is Li Kang's game.

The broadcast timing is just right: the early slot.

Live broadcast room.

Bullet comments fly everywhere.

-【Again 'Wenger avenging past humiliation'... Was Arsenal really that bad before?】

-【The Hammers are different from other teams...】

-【Finally can watch Little Li's match without paying!】

-【After washing dishes and mopping the floor, my wife finally let me watch the game!】

-【How should we watch this match, brothers?】

-【Arsenal can't possibly cover the spread every game, right? Where does that long red line come from! I think it'll be a draw! West Ham United will end Arsenal's winning streak!】

-【West Ham United this team is weird, its strength surpasses all data, nobody can analyze its win/loss.】

-【Li Mingdeng is similar, last season's Champions League knockout stage was all draws.】