Lu Ling was finally asked about Patrick Amber at the pre-match press conference for the friendly match against Real Madrid. At that time, everywhere she looked, there was enthusiasm and curiosity. She realized in people's expectations that they didn't really want a real answer. They just wanted to see how she reacted and what she had to say. She casually talked about it.

"I'm happy with the current squad in the team. But if we have the opportunity to sign some good players, we will definitely take advantage of that opportunity. Is Pat a good player?"

A reporter immediately replied to her: "Of course it is." Christine, do you mean QPR is also trying to make this deal?"

She smiled, "He's too expensive." ”

Everyone laughed, even the press officer of the QPR lowered his head and secretly laughed.

She added: "All I know is that Patrick Amber is still a Barcelona player. ”

At this point, Lu Ling almost wanted to end the topic, but a reporter wanted to go around the question, so she said with a straight face: "I have already answered." ”

At the end of the press conference, the reporter who asked the first question, made a joke, "Christine, would you mind talking about what it's like to meet Nick again after the Real Madrid game?"

She looked at the reporter and answered him quickly.

"If you're still here, if I win the game, maybe I'll talk about my friends — if I can call it that. But just maybe, I didn't promise anything. ”

She also made a joke.

****

Lu Ling somewhat didn't expect so many people to come to watch this preseason game. She still remembers the cold play against the New York Red Bulls and Roma before.

She probably knew that there were more and more Real Madrid fans in the United States, and she expected that, but she saw a large number of fans in blue and white covering a quarter of the 90,000-person stadium...... Maybe more, to her surprise.

Tim explained, "In the last few years, especially in the year when you weren't there, which is after we won the Premier League, our North American fan base has grown a lot, and Simon and Nate have taken the North American market very seriously, oh two Americans, can you blame them? So now QPR has started to become one of the most popular Premier League teams in the Americans. I remember coming in fourth. ”

Lu Ling then remembered that Nate had told him about this many times. She couldn't help but ask herself what the hell was going on all those days? She coughed lightly, "Okay, that's good." We're not going to play entirely away. Can I make a guess -- we have far more fans on the West Coast than on the East Coast?"

Tim thought about what she said. "I haven't heard anyone say that from the marketing department, but based on the number of fans in the stadium, it's very likely. At this point, he also made a joke, "Maybe there are more Britons on the West Coast." ”

"Really?" asked Lu Ling, tilting his head. And then I found that the two of them were quite bored when they stood on the sidelines and chatted about this before the game.

"I'm. How do I have this data? But you know it's easy to look up on wikis...... I said, Christine, have we known each other for too long, and we've finished talking about everything, and we'll talk about these things that can bore people to death in the future?"

Lu Ling smiled and shook his head. "Oh, I hope that's not true, otherwise it's more fatal than a bad marriage. ”

"I never received an invitation, may I ask when you got married?"

This voice sounded behind Lu Ling along with the noise of the scene. She smiled helplessly at Tim, and Tim smiled at her, but his eyes immediately drifted behind her - "Nick, long time no see." ”

"Long time no see, Tim. Are you okay?"

As may seem odd, Tim shook hands with the Real Madrid boss and gave him a hug.

On the field, the players of the two teams were already shaking hands.

Lu Ling turned around slowly, raising his eyelids slightly, "Long time no see, are you okay?"

Summer in Los Angeles sounds like a vacation. Nicholas wore shorts and short sleeves, had short haircuts, had a short beard, and had a summer smell on his body.

There were people in the stands howling his name and others howling "Queen Christine".

Lu Ling had never imagined the picture of a reunion, and with what she knew about him, he probably wouldn't.

The Real Madrid coach shook her hand and casually agreed, "It couldn't be better, thank you, how are you?"

Old people see each other, greet each other, are you okay, always polite, whether each other really cares about how each other is doing, and it is always not wrong to answer a good one.

"good, thanks," Nicholas let go of her hand before Lu Ling could finish speaking. He didn't hold it seriously, he patted her on the back casually, muttered, and strode away after saying "after match". A camera hurriedly followed his footsteps and moved quickly.

Tim, who had finished greeting Juan, was seeing this scene, and his expression told Lu Ling that he was about to laugh. Lu Ling's surprise and embarrassment were fleeting, she nodded at the assistant coach, and hurriedly exchanged greetings with Juan, who had a strange expression, and then walked to the coach's seat.

When the whistle blew, Lu Ling realized that Nick hadn't made eye contact with her from beginning to end. She couldn't remember what kind of expression he had on his face.

****

In the warm-up game, all the purpose of the team is to adjust the state and check the newcomers. In fact, QPR is now having vacancies to arrange new players - in order to raise funds and balance the balance of payments, Lu Ling has been purging players recently.

Two players brought in by Benitez last season, Ruben Neves and Ting Yedewai, were the first to be bought by Premier League promoted Wolves and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig respectively, with the two deals totalling £34 million for QPR. In the eyes of the media and fans, these two transfers are nothing more than the legacy of the "returning queen" purging the previous manager, and have not attracted much attention and commentary.

Two days ago, Kico Pino, also brought by Benitez, also passed Valencia's medical and returned to his parent club on loan – the price that QPR had to pay to bring in left-back Gonzalo Chica, with new boss Bielsa calling for Pino's return.

Regarding Gonzalo Chica, the youngster with round eyes and agility has joined the team. In fact, when he came to the team, Lu Ling even felt that he was a little too clever. He kept blinking, and his loose, medium-length curls dangled and tied with a headband. Although he still likes to keep his head down, Lu Ling is already very sure that this kid is definitely not the same character as Glenn.

"Actually, I'm half Portuguese, and Lisbon is my hometown. But my mom is Spanish, so I came to Spain when I was five years old, so of course I'm more familiar with it. He looked at the ground, and immediately raised his head to look at Lu Ling, his eyes rolling.

Lu Ling raised his eyebrows. "Glad to know this, Gonzalo, welcome, your English is very good, it saves a lot of trouble. ”

Gonzalo's eyebrows curled with a smile, and his eyes below narrowed. "yes, the pastor of our church taught me, and I think it's useful, isn't it, gaffer?" he deliberately used a very British word specifically for the coach to address the coach and show his knowledge.

And now, the Spanish-Portuguese guy who says "you alright mate", "cheers mate" and "lovely" is standing on the pitch at Los Angeles Memorial Stadium, and the left-back is wearing the number 16 shirt and making his first appearance for QPR.

Lu Ling didn't expect him to completely replace Yu Zixiang - but he also had his own advantages, and his style was completely different from Zixiang. This is a left-back who can share the playmaking tasks in central midfield, a bit like John O'Connor, who is not as fast as John but has better skills.

Joey "JT" Tomlin and Peter Shmanovski stand side by side, with the two homegrown defenders both managed by Tom Sr. who have gradually gained first-team attention over the past two seasons, and Lu Ling hopes that the two boys will also get more opportunities in the new season. Of course, it depends on their performance.

The 21-year-old has made 25 first-team appearances over the past three seasons and, although his initials and moniker are the same as those of England's legendary centre-back John Terry, the style is not the same as that of the old-school Chelsea captain. QPR's "JT" is a versatile defender. Nineteen-year-old Polish-English Peter Šmanovski, who can also play in multiple positions, became a first-choice right-back during his loan spell at Celta Vigo in La Liga last season, and Rafael Benitez specifically requested him to hone his technical skills at La Liga last year, which seems to have been quite successful – in fact, Peter himself lived in Argentina for five years as a young man and is no stranger to the Spanish language.

In addition, 20-year-old winger Joey Freeman, who was also on loan last season and has a lot of experience, as well as 19-year-old French striker Salomon Cisse, who was promoted to the first team by Thiem a few months ago, and backup goalkeeper Trevor Hawood are also on the field.

Among the first-team regulars on the pitch are Mario Fernandes, Mensah, Sorin Mitulescu, Hoel Campbell, who has been recalled from Juventus on loan, and captain Ian Parker.

With Ian training on his own during the holidays, he is in the best form of any player who has returned to the team recently, and Lu Ling is ready to let him play the full game.

In this matter, Lu Ling was also pleased with Phil's situation, and perhaps a little surprised. The bad boy who became a father only gained a pound when he came back - Alice was dumbfounded. Phil was naturally smug: "I'm a professional footballer. "The kid Bitch made all the lip shapes, but fortunately he didn't call it out - otherwise, no matter how good his relationship with the coach or the team doctor is, he will inevitably be punished.

For Real Madrid, the squad is also discounted. Due to the dual impact of the European Championship and the Copa America, the front three of Gabriel Jesus, Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe, who combined to score 119 goals last season, did not come. Nicholas also sent a number of young players to workout.

It doesn't look like it's going to be a big game.

****

Phil, who was sitting on the bench, had been observing the words and deeds and exchanges between the two managers. Now that the head coach was seated, he whispered to the person next to him, "What do you think of them, I mean the boss and that Spaniard, what is their relationship now?" So Phil heard the standard answer: "I don't know." ”

Benjamin has long since stopped driving that white Lamborghini, he has a lot of magical sports cars - Porsche classics from the 70s, limited edition Bugatti Veyrons, Ferraris from the 60s, etc. Like Patrick, Benjamin is also a fan of Top Gear and Aston Martin. What British boy doesn't love Top Gear and Aston Martin? Top Gear and Matchthe Day are two of the biggest BBC aces that have grown up with countless young boys and girls from all walks of life in the UK. However, there may still be fewer little girls. As for Aston Martin, James Bond is so cool, isn't it? Little boys want to be such cool men.

Benjamin was well-bred and modest. It's just that he's not really a low-key guy. He doesn't mind showing off his sports car and his hot girlfriend at all. You can see him in gossip magazines and in the Sun, the Daily Star, and the Metro.

Phil sometimes wondered, why should he keep a low profile? He didn't have to. Phil felt that if he were Benjamin, he wouldn't. But Phil wasn't envious or jealous of Benjamin. His cars are so cool though. It's good that Benjamin himself is not cool. Not at all.

That boy is cool.

That's it.

The question is, in case, if that pretty boy does come back, who does the No. 7 jersey belong to?!

That's what Phil Warren is most worried about lately.

Although Phil actually wanted him to come back. Playing with the best players in the world – that must be a awesome feeling.

Phil didn't talk to Benjamin anymore, he knew what was the reason why Benjamin started to distance himself from him, but he wasn't interested in knowing why. You don't like me, I look down on you. Phil leaned forward and asked the assistant coach sneakily, "Mr. Luis, will we buy Patter?" because he was afraid of being heard by the manager.

Unexpectedly, the coach still heard it, she turned her head casually, and said to him: "That's not something you should think about, watch the game carefully, Phil, you have to play in the second half." ”

Bitch!!! Phil scolded in his heart and smiled at the manager, although she didn't look at him at all, he said, "I know, boss." Ask. ”

****

The pace of the game was a bit slow, which could have bore the crowd at the scene. They played in the stands to liven up the atmosphere. It's not the same way that English fans support their teams.

The way England fans support their own teams – if you go to the stadium, you have to understand that you're not going to the stadium for the weekend, you're going to support your team to win! They love to chant chants – to praise their teams, managers and players and to insult their opponents, coaches and players mercilessly – and they love it. Also, boo referees are sometimes important. This is one of the meanings of home and away.

Real Madrid still got on the scoresheet first, with Isco firing the ball into the wicked goal of QPR substitute goalkeeper Trevor Hawood.

This goal caused a high/tide from the fans at the scene. Even the fans in blue and white were excited.

Lu Ling frowned, she hadn't stood on the sidelines so far. She doesn't worry about the scoreline, and winning or losing doesn't matter in the warm-up game. But this ball is a bit of a responsibility for both JT and Mario in defence, and that's what she'll pay special attention to. She stood up, her eyes fixed on the field.

From time to time, her eyes fell on one of the Real Madrid players on the pitch. With fluffy hair, not quite a tall build—a little stockier than he seemed at his peak, maybe a few pounds longer during his vacation? Lu Ling knew that this player might not be the most disciplined of the players. His technique is still fancy and delicate on his feet, but he is clearly a little faltering by the 35 minutes, and his fitness should be far from his peak.

Real Madrid scored a second goal late in the first half, which was scored by Marcos Asensio, and the assister – the player Lu Ling kept watching – didn't look very excited after delivering the pinpoint through ball, or did he know his days at Real Madrid were coming to an end?

After half-time, Lu Ling made a series of personnel changes, and in the second half, Phil Warren and Benjamin Hamilton were both on the field.

And that Real Madrid player has gone down.

Lu Ling watched the performance of his own player, but he kept thinking about that player. That's right, she had some ideas in the meantime, researched it with Monchi, Tim and the scouting team, and now she's seen him in action.

Perhaps, it's time to take that step.

The game ended 2-1 with Phil Warren setting up Dutchman Henk De Graaf, who also came on in the second half, to score a goal.

The results were somewhat disappointing, but still, unimportant.

The whistle fell, and Lu Ling walked towards the Real Madrid coach. This time, she stared at his figure, then his eyes.

****

Los Angeles is a bit of a dreamy city. Travelers come here to see tall palm trees, to see Hollywood in the Hollywood Hills, to meet superstars, to have a beautiful encounter – not about love, or about love, it doesn't matter, it's important that it's going to be a part of their lives. When you look back on it or talk to someone about it later, it will actually be decorated beyond recognition. Just to prove that I was so young, met such a big world, and met you in such a big world.

Nicholas couldn't remember how many times he had been to the city. When you've been to a city too many times, that mystery fades away, no matter how legendary that city may seem to the world. Although, it doesn't mean you don't like it anymore.

He knew he would be here to reunite with her. He just didn't know if he was ready or not.

It is not difficult to admit that there is no letting go, what is really difficult is the reality.

In front of tens of thousands of people, she walked towards him. With so many cameras pointed at them, how many tens of thousands of people?

Nicholas spoke a few words to the two assistants and walked over to her as well. He smiled at her and looked into her eyes.

A few steps away.

She laughed, her eyebrows and eyes still the same, similar but not similar to what she remembered. The temperature is 20** degrees, she is wearing a team's sports T-shirt and sports shorts, and she is still a girl like summer.

Her voice had reached his ears.

"You won, but I have nothing to complain about. ”

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders, "I have a lot to complain about. It was so easy to lose that ball, and apparently some people still miss the beaches of the Caribbean. ”

She was silent for a few seconds, then asked abruptly, "Do you still need him?" she pointed to the number 12 player in white on the field.

The Spaniard glanced at it, slightly surprised.

She shook his hand with no small amount of force, and continued: "If the answer is no, I am interested, please give priority to selling to us. ”

Nicholas looked at the opposing coach in front of him, if it was someone else, he would just say perfunctory, sell it or not, the price has the final say. But this person, he needs to be treated with care.

"Why, why do you want a 32-year-old Brazilian?" asked the Real Madrid boss probingly.

She restrained her smile and said slyly, "I don't need to answer that question. It's just that if he's not in your plans for next season, why don't you sell it to us? I think we can negotiate a pretty good number. ”

Nicholas pondered. In fact, with Zixiang and Theo Hernandez, the 32-year-old left-back with one year left on his contract should not have many appearances, as he did last season.

It's just for her, so that he doesn't feel very down-to-earth.

After a while, Nicholas spoke, "Christine, are you going to talk to me about a transfer here? It's not that I can't give it to you, but didn't you just buy a left-back?"

"It's a big deal, we don't have as big a squad as you have, and we need a lot of substitutes, especially experienced ones. She smiled, her dark eyes full of calculation, but she immediately returned to seriousness. "Simon and Monchi will be in touch with you, I hope ...... Marcelo was able to appear in Harrington after his trip to the United States. ”

Nicholas did not give a definite answer in the end. However, this topic can be put to rest for now.

Together, they walked in the direction of the players' tunnel, which was not expected by each other, but strangely natural.

Perhaps countless eyes are following this journey.

Nicholas covered his mouth and whispered, "You haven't dated anyone yet." He said in the affirmative.

She also covered her mouth and responded to his words, "Yes." Neither do you. ”

Approaching the players' tunnel, he sighed almost inaudibly, "I know you always will." Me too. ”

After a while, she seemed to sigh as well, and then calmly said, "Yes." ”

Nicholas paused for a moment.

He turned his face and smiled at her, "I'll think about Marcelo." By the way, I'm curious, is Patrick really too expensive for you guys?"

She raised her head slightly, squinted her eyes and smiled, and said exaggeratedly, "It's too expensive." ”

Nicholas stared at her for a moment, then smiled silently, "If I sell Marcelo to you, you owe me even more." ”

Her expression was a little stunned for a moment, probably not remembering what she owed him.

"Forget it. Nicholas said, "Christine, you always have a bad memory. However, I have a good memory, don't forget this. With that, he walked over to the reporters. 166 Reading Network