Chapter 263: Transitional Chapter

Emirates Stadium

Arsenal fans happily kept the beat.

The stands, undulating like waves, shook with red-and-white team flags and scarves.

Suddenly, a huge banner was unfurled in the night sky.

The Premier League's signature 'sky advertisements' were almost spontaneously purchased by the home fans.

The red-and-white lettering was no longer abusive language.

Arsenal consecutively produced slaughter-like incidents in the new season, letting fans regain the joy of the early century.

West Ham United fans hung their heads, clutching the soap originally meant for celebration; the iron hammer bubbles ultimately failed to submerge the Arsenal's ground again.

After the tragedy, Bilic's face was ashen; he struggled to keep his composure... and shook hands with Wenger, who had come down from the stands.

The elements contained in this match were too vivid.

From the gunpowder-filled collisions to a one-sided slaughter.

The two London clubs' future reunion will absolutely not be calm.

At the player tunnel.

Boerde let out a sigh of relief, saying happily: 'Thank God, not too many players were injured in our match.'

Wenger nodded, reviewing the whole match, feeling bittersweet: 'Thank goodness Li is all right...'

As soon as he said it, he felt it was inappropriate.

"We need to prepare well for the North London Derby."

"North London Derby" refers to: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

The two teams are like fire and water, absolute same-city mortal enemies.

As for the grudge between them, we must start from 1913...

Arsenal's original base was in South London.

On the verge of bankruptcy, Sir Norris bought this club.

He thought: 'This plot is too small, unsuitable for the club's long-term development; either merge with Fulham or relocate.'

Indeed, Sir Norris's other identity is: former chairman of Fulham.

Fulham disagreed.

Arsenal also disagreed.

No choice, then let's move.

The old shuttled back and forth on the London map, finally finding a good spot: North London-Highbury.

He quickly gained the support of the Football Association and the local populace.

Construction of Highbury Stadium began immediately.

In 1913, Arsenal officially moved into North London!

Tottenham Hotspur was unhappy, believing Arsenal's relocation affected the North London football market and attention.

The first point of contention arose: 'Who is the master of North London?'

In 1919 and 1928, two promotion-relegation incidents... made the two clubs utterly sworn enemies.

Liking is a kind of inertia.

Hatred needs to be spurred.

The native fans of both sides, starting from their grandparents' generation, have been recounting in each year's local derby... the old grudge between the Gunners and the White Lilies to their descendants.

While watching, they also forge new grudges.

On the pitch.

Players from both sides took turns shaking hands with the referee team.

Morata stood before the billboard, surrounded by a forest of long and short lenses and cameras.

With his hands behind his back, his demeanor was composed.

"To measure whether a forward is excellent, you can't just look at goals; you can check the Premier League assist rankings."

"Is it the coaching staff's deliberate tactical arrangement? I have to keep this answer secret."

"Playing alongside Li is simply the ultimate enjoyment in the world!"

"If one day I'm not on the same team as him, I might fall into confusion."

"What you said is correct; this season I will lift the third league trophy of my career!"

This guy has already won league titles in La Liga and Serie A, as well as the European Championship.

If in the future he wins the Champions League as a starter and the World Cup two years later... he's definitely a life winner.

In the distance.

Li Kang was escorted by his teammates into the player tunnel.

Xhaka and Mustafi's fighting spirit hasn't subsided; they fiercely declared: 'Next time we meet Payet, we'll definitely give him some color to see.'

Maguire held a notebook, taking notes, occasionally biting the pen tip with a doubtful expression; upon entering the locker room, he couldn't help sighing: 'Carroll-type traditional center forwards are easy to handle... but next round against Tottenham, their front‑line pressing focus will surely revolve around my first pass...'

Cazorla nodded in agreement at the same spot, comforting: 'Don't think too much; the coaching staff might not let you start.'

The attacking traits of Tottenham's midfield‑forward players are practically the nemesis of Maguire and Mustafi's central‑defender pairing.

Arsenal's schedule for the coming week is quite relaxed.

The players actually have a full six days to prepare for the North London Derby.

After the tactical review ended.

Wenger gave no thought, directly granting everyone a day off.

No teammate suggested throwing a wild party or going to a nightclub to play; the Arsenal locker room's atmosphere this season underwent a subtle change: Sanchez no longer lets friends hide in home wardrobes to secretly film him and his girlfriend playing games, and Giroud no longer fishes for sexy models through online dating...

Self-discipline isn't contagious.

The will to compete for the championship will spread.

This is Arsenal's strongest season in recent years, and no one can afford a slip-up.

One hour later.

Li Kang returned home.

He didn't continue watching Tottenham's match replay, as Pochettino's in-game tactical changes were too varied.

He had just picked up the game controller.

The system notification sounded again.

【Ding, congratulations on completing: Frenzy Rhythm!】

【Mission feedback: Alright, Payet has been consumed by hatred, losing reason; what was supposed to be an exhilarating rhythm battle turned into a one-sided massacre. Next time playing away at London Olympic Stadium... the Hammers might forge a new attacking core.】

【Congratulations on obtaining: West Ham United Legend·Golden Treasure Chest.】

West Ham United's forebears were indeed quite affluent.

Founded in 1895, it has weathered many ups and downs.

It boasts many renowned veteran players.

The golden treasure chest floated in midair.

The dazzling array of modules in the prize pool occupied Li Kang's view.

【Hurst "Monument" Module!】

【Bruin "Green Field Gentleman" Module!】

【Peters "Wingless Miracle" Module!】

【Joe Cole "Arrowfish Bomber" Module!】

【Bobby Moore "King's Nightmare" Module! (Incomplete)】

【...】

King's Nightmare?

Incomplete module limited by the treasure chest's grade?

Even among West Ham United's legends, there is such an overbearing affix?

【Treasure chest opening...】

【Congratulations on obtaining: Bobby Moore "Emperor Star" Module! (Incomplete)】

【I didn't steal that gold bracelet.】

【Effect: Unknown!】

An incomplete version similar to Zidane's "King Moment" template?

Li Kang's module smelting plan was disrupted.

The treasure chest emitted a more blinding golden light, enveloping the bedroom.

A moment later.

Li Kang opened his eyes and found himself standing on a modest outdoor grass field,

Not far away.

A yellow-clad little black egg displayed ball skills that transcended the era...

The next morning.

The assistant held a stack of faxes, walked into the living room, and said hesitantly: "Li, Longwei Company recently proposed to shoot an extra promotional episode, scheduled for today, but I forgot to remind you... however, there is no conflict in the schedule."

"The temporary additional shoot costs 2 million euros!"

"The shooting time is one afternoon."

Li Kang nodded and put down the game controller.

Zaka couldn't help swallowing, his face full of envy: "Speak for me too—I could become Longwei's spokesperson in Switzerland."

He had recently beaten his agent Noguiera, and the two are currently unable to reconcile, making an early contract termination likely.

Two hours later.

Inside a large building on the outskirts of London.

Li Kang met the person in charge of Longwei Mobile's Europe division: Zhang Wei!

This guy was only in charge of the German division last season...

In the distance, the bearded director was working with the crew to set up the shooting backdrop.

"Little Li! Long time no see, I'm also an Arsenal fan!"

"With you here, we definitely won't be eliminated in the Champions League round of 16 this season!"

Zhang Wei trotted over and enthusiastically shook Li Kang's hand.

The assistant's mouth twitched: "Li, even with Leverkusen you could reach the Champions League semifinals, let alone Arsenal, this bunch of T1-level teammates."

Li Kang smiled.

He indicated understanding.

Arsenal has repeatedly fallen in the Champions League round of 16 in recent years.

Last season, when encountering Leverkusen, they were eliminated due to away goals.

They have also created not a few embarrassing records.

The Champions League goals conceded number 198, exceeding all Premier League teams.

In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 over the past six seasons, four seasons saw conceded goals exceed three, with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses.

Staff hurriedly presented a pile of gift boxes, containing unknown electronic products.

Li... huh? Why are you using another brand's tablet?

You're one of our two most important spokespersons in the Europe region!

In Li Kang's endorsement contract, it only stipulated using Longwei phones in public settings, with no requirement to use Longwei tablets.

Zhang Wei's expression at this moment: like seeing a child holding a neighbor's bowl...

He hurriedly put his arm around the assistant's shoulder, preparing to discuss derivative product endorsements.

Li Kang's advertising impact in Europe is too strong!

Especially the sales in Yin Biliya, the Balkan Peninsula, France, the British Isles, and Bei lai yin!

Not only concentrated in those few city clusters with the strongest purchasing power.

Even the sales in small countries like Monaco are not bad.

Although phones are not Longwei's main business, having a wholesome image spokesperson in Europe is of great strategic significance!

No idle chatter for long.

The production crew had set up the scenery.

Li Kang changed clothes and walked out of the dressing room.

The bearded director's expression was a bit torn: 'Li! You haven't renewed your contract with the Feltins Group temporarily, right?'

He had asked the assistant.

But he still wanted to confirm once more.

He hadn't yet received a reply.

In everyone's sight, a Southeast Asian girl with extremely exaggerated proportions appeared.

Mature and alluring.

Delicate, prominent facial features.

Fiery red lips.

Black silk high heels.

It was Zhifu.

After not seeing her for half a year, she had completely shed her girlish aura, appearing more plump and charming.

She gave a slight smile, her voice soft: 'Li, I'm also an Arsenal fan now.'

Inside, she still felt somewhat defeated.

After so long of effort, Li Kang still doesn't care about himself.

His career had hit a bottleneck; if he could latch onto this infinitely promising young star, the future...

Zhang Wei was still in the corner haggling with the assistant.

He didn't even notice the promotional ad filming had started.

The filming content was very simple.

It was practically a remake of their first meeting.

Li Kang was just standing there juggling the ball.

Unfortunately, Zhifu didn't even get a chance to get close this time.

She was constantly called by the bearded director to step outside the frame.

'Li, take a rest first!'

'Miss Zhifu, you're holding that human-shaped sign, yes yes yes, be a bit closer.'

'Trust our post-production!'

Evening.

Filming ended.

The assistant handed over a dry towel and a banana.

Li Kang peeled it, then walked into the dressing room.

After a simple farewell to everyone.

The two packed up their belongings and quickly left the venue.

Zhifu was a little disappointed.

She even began to suspect Li Kang's sexual orientation...

But last year, clearly in Tokyo and Barcelona, rumors of him and the neon girl had arisen.

The next day.

A 50-second mobile phone promotional short film was produced.

It quickly dominated the headlines of online media, occupying the hot search list.

The promotional film's content is very simple.

Streets with cars, dragons, water, and horses.

Cheerful BGM.

Li Kang juggling a football.

As the football rises and falls.

As his silhouette is blocked by various vehicles.

Each time he reappears on screen, he changes into a different monochrome jersey.

Finally.

At the end, several colored phone cases popped up.

The number of comments, likes, and shares surged wildly.

-【Too fake, no sense of realism at all.】

-【I don't want to see Xiao Li Zi getting too close with other women; director, please keep it that way.】

-【I heard there's a different ad version over in Southeast Asia.】

-【The phone endorsed by Li Mingdeng is the only product I can afford... Damn, even domestic phones are so expensive now?】

-【Hope an electric vehicle brand gets him to endorse! My little electric scooter broke!】

-【The North London Derby is coming up soon, and you're still running out to film an ad?】

-【Tottenham is fierce, the two full-backs are too strong—Kyle Walker and Trippier—and up front there's the true English star—Kane! I think the derby will end in a 5-5 draw.】

-【Currently the strongest teams in the Premier League are three and a half: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and half a Manchester City!】

-【Why is Manchester City only half?】

-【Because Guardiola likes to play tricks, there are also some minor issues in the locker room; the performance isn't stable—sometimes godlike, sometimes terrible.】

-【I think Tottenham will beat Arsenal, no joke—their front-line firepower is too strong, Arsenal's defense can't hold up, plus they have home advantage.】

-【Excluding Li Mingdeng, on paper Tottenham's squad is a notch stronger, but why are the players' transfer fees so much lower?】

Meanwhile

All the Premier League coaching staff are studying Arsenal's match footage.

The two-hundred-million-yuan man, after arriving in the Premier League, has shown dominance that's too strong.

Originally we thought Guardiola's Manchester City would be the toughest to handle, bringing a revolutionary tactical change to all of England.

Didn't expect Arsenal to advance with unstoppable momentum, blood flowing like a river.

On the current Premier League table, Arsenal and Chelsea are tied on points, and Arsenal occupies first place thanks to goal difference.

Pochettino is also studying.

He is a coach with great professionalism, specially staying up all night to deconstruct Arsenal's tactical deployment.

"Arsenal is still maintaining a low defensive line!"

"Where exactly is Wenger's tactical change?"

"The focus of the front-line high-pressure pressing... is to disrupt Li's first pass!"

"It seems Tottenham doesn't have a player with this ability..."

"Exchange?"

"Two midfielders exchanged for one Li?"