Chapter 86: Lewokusen has money!

Spanish Football Association building.

"In Madrid's autumn, the feeling of loneliness often leaps onto the page unnoticed!"

National team head coach Bosque patted his big belly, half-asleep: "Next week's international friendly match day, the opponent is the Korean team; no need to worry about influence! No need to worry about friendship!"

Assistant coach Miniano, delighted: "Chief! Let me mobilize the full starting lineup! I'll definitely crush them..."

Bosque shook his chubby big hand: "No need! Take our lads to Asia, bring Morata! Hmm... Korean team all starters? Then I'll add Diego Costa for you!"

"The Korean team's play is dirty; you must protect our young prospects, especially Li, and must not let him get hurt! If the situation turns bad, sub him out!"

Miniano quickly nodded in agreement: "I guarantee not a single hair of Li's will fall!"

He said.

He again fiddled with the "card game", listing formations while muttering to himself:

"Diego Costa and Morata must start together."

"Little Dennis, Li Kang, Deulofeu... we need to find a tough, intimidating destroyer holding midfielder, chief! Can Mota from La Masia do? That Paris Saint-Germain guy..."

Bosque furrowed his brow, trying to recall.

Miniano clasped his hands, covered his face, and quietly revealed one eye: "During his time at Inter Milan, he was treated like this by Busquets..."

Bosque laughed: "So it's him—how can an Italian represent the Spanish national team? Bring Bayern Munich's Thiago; he can play all midfield positions, orthodox La Masia graduate, strong physique! We don't have to insist on calling up La Masia graduates; we should give other youngsters chances."

Miniano explained: "Those geniuses at Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Osasuna are still young; we need to wait a few more years..."

He turned back and drew a circle on the paper.

"It's you! Thiago! Ferocious enough!"

Spanish football's hatred of South Korea stems from the 2002 World Cup.

June 22, 2002.

In the World Cup quarterfinal, Spain encountered the Korean team.

Judging by paper strength, it was a match with no suspense.

Egyptian head referee Gandour, turning the tide, disallowed Spain's two goals.

Later.

After the Korean team advanced to the semifinals.

Beckenbauer was stunned, pressuring FIFA overnight!

Before the semifinal kicked off, they replaced the referee on the spot!

This finally ended the Korean team's dark journey in the World Cup.

In the years since, at every major tournament.

The Korean team remains the side with the most fouls and most yellow cards.

Lewokusen.

On the desk of the sports director's office lay thick stacks of business cooperation faxes.

The little assistant said bitterly: "Chief, Bayern's side..."

Wo Le Er laughed: "Don't worry, this time it's different—Bayern isn't as... as everyone imagines. We respect Li's own wishes."

The little assistant's expression eased: "That's great—Li doesn't want to leave for now; we might just win the Champions League!"

Wo Le Er shook his head: "You actually dare to think that? In the Nou Camp match, the first half was a surprise victory; the second half relied more on luck. If it weren't for that rain from God... prepare a permanent contract for Tuop!"

The little assistant retorted: "Football is round!"

The lonely office was filled with their laughter.

International match day arrived.

For players who cannot start for the national team, it's a vacation.

Havertz was called up by the German U-17.

Kramer, Bellarrabe, and Klislin went to the Munich training center for national team duty.

Evening.

The wind was bitterly cold.

The two youths kept running tirelessly.

"Li, as long as I solve my stamina problem! Score a few more goals this season! Then I'll have enough money to buy a house!"

"I won't move out! The house is for my family; we two are still poor roommates in the first-team dorm, haha!"

Brandt's family situation is very poor; his parents have rented in Bremen for years, and his greatest wish is to earn money to buy a house.

Li Kang smiled and nodded.

Papapa!

The little assistant clapped his hands to stop them, handed over two dry towels: "Li, hurry up and rest, take a shower, change clothes, finish dinner, then we have to set off!"

Brandt wondered: "Where to go so late?"

The little assistant said: "Feltins' quarterly ad! We're shooting tonight at night!"

Night fell.

A business vehicle bearing the Lewokusen emblem drove along the mountain road.

The little assistant said: "The ad shoot content won't be too complex; accommodation at the Feltins Museum is five-star hotel level; we'll head back home tomorrow morning, you rest a day then report to the Spanish national team—perfect itinerary!"

Li Kang held a tablet, the screen playing the Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich match footage.

British star Wilshere, having recovered from injury, led the team to complete a classic underdog victory!

Why wasn't Li Kang's conquest of Nou Camp shocking enough for Europe?

That's because an English boy had once achieved this feat four years prior!

Back then, the opponent was still Barcelona's peak dream three universe team!

19-year-old Wilshere, alone battling the peak-era 'Ha Bai Bu'.

Asenna's graceful youth amazed the whole world.

Dubbed the 'Earth Defense War'!

Unfortunately, in the second leg Bentner missed an open goal, wasting Wilshere's divine outside-of-the-foot pass.

After the match, the views of all European media were unanimous:

"Asenna lost, Wilshere didn't lose."

Unfortunately, God didn't look after Asenna.

Wilshere was plagued by injuries and fell from his pedestal.

The assistant leaned in and said: "This season Asenna is strong, but the scariest in the Premier League is still Leicester City! We drew the group of death in the group stage! Hope for the round-of-16 draw, may the goddess of luck favor us!"

The driver chimed in: "The group stage isn't over yet, Borisov's icy snow..."

Under the moonlight, the Feiertingsi Museum was like a town from a fairy tale.

Shandela warmly stepped forward: "Li, how long has it been? You seem to have grown taller again! Mr. Wo Le Er, hasn't he come again?"

The assistant replied: "Our director went to Munich to attend a Bundesliga Football Association meeting!"

Shandela's expression showed a hint of regret.

There was no extra small talk.

Everyone got back into the business car and headed to the shooting location.

The brewery museum covers a large area.

The location for each advertisement shoot is different.

Tonight's destination is the underground wine cellar.

Twenty minutes later.

Everyone got out of the car.

The bearded director excitedly threw a football over!

"Li, your partner this time is finally a football!"

"Hurry up! Hurry up! Let's seize the time!"

The assistant warily looked around, seeing no female models, female boxers...

They couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Feiertingsi didn't arbitrarily change the script at the last minute.

The director said: Lewokusen's Champions League broadcast revenue sharing this season has reached a historical high, not lacking petty cash, but we cannot let Li shoot those messy ads again.