As he came out of the coffee shop, Nicholas looked up, and there was a long, abrupt white streak across the clear blue sky, splitting the sky in half. Under the sky, the spire of the red bell tower rises. The building with its bell tower is very different from the modern floors on both sides, as if it has traveled through time. The spire of the bell tower forms a visually eerie perfect right angle to the white streak. His eyes were still fixed on the right angle, but his right hand brought the coffee to his lips.

"You're a perfectionist, Nick. Her gentle voice sounded in his head.

He lowered his head and wiped the coffee foam from the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

He looked at her and smiled at her, and the girl smiled at him. There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes, and she might have thought that this man was a little familiar.

Nicholas had already crossed the street towards his car. The girl looked back again, and the handsome Latin man was surrounded by two middle-aged men in Everton jerseys. That's when she remembered that it was Everton manager Nicolas Flores. She hurriedly took out her mobile phone and prepared to take pictures. A few customers from the coffee shop also walked out and held up their phones at the opposite side.

Nicolas posed for a photo with two Everton fans and got into the car.

It was a normal summer day, and he had already returned to Liverpool from Marbella.

He's still wearing long sleeves today, and Liverpool summers are cool, especially when it's windy, and you'll need a jacket, and if it's raining, a light cotton jacket is also a good choice. The red-haired girl was wearing a skirt, but she was wearing thick snow boots on her feet.

This section of the road is a bit steep, the port is nearby, and there are more and more seabirds.

The radio show in the car is talking about the relationship between Kristen Lue and Nathan Neil Lawrence.

"I don't think it's fair, if Kristen Lue was a male manager, then his ride on the club owner's private jet would not have caused so much speculation and discussion at all. "It's a female voice that should be the host of the show.

"Yes, I admit it. However, I think the reason why fans have some suspicion about this is not her female identity, but the consistent style of American owner Nathan Neil Lawrence. Kieran Gill, a reporter for the Daily Mail, let out a slightly lewd laugh as he said this, and soon he became serious again, "However, a reporter photographed Lu meeting with Thorin Mitulescu, known as the 'New Haji', at the Hilton Hotel on Oahu. I think that's what Lu was doing on Lawrence's private jet to Hawaii. ”

"Speaking of this young player, Kieran, what do you think of him?"

"There are actually a lot of video clips of him on YouTube. He has played a number of European games for Steaua Bucharest in the last two seasons and has also made it to the Romanian national team. As far as I know, Sorin Mitulescu is a very talented attacking midfielder and I might liken him to Eden Hazard. ”

Nicholas was waiting for the red light, and he turned up his voice a little louder.

"In this way, if QPR can successfully sign the 'new Haji', it may be able to fill the gap in creativity after Amber's departure. Returning to the previous topic, in fact, I don't think QPR fans need to worry about the relationship between the head coach and the owner, Lawrence also tweeted a photo of him eating with Lu in order to avoid suspicion, and from the photo, the two really don't look like they are in a romantic relationship. And it can be speculated that Lu and Lawrence have a very good relationship and may be good friends, which is actually good news for QPR fans. Okay, we'll be here for the time being, and when we come back in a moment, Kieran will bring us a review on the Patrick Amber transfer. ”

The green light is on.

The Everton manager's Land Rover gallops across the crossing.

"Regarding Amber's transfer, at the moment, all the rumours point to Barcelona, who had a very happy time in Catalonia last season. Recently, there have been reports in both Le Monde Sport and Daily Sport that Barcelona are trying to buy Amber for £130 million, which would set a world record for the transfer fee! ”

"At the same time, we also understand that QPR wants to bring in a strong centre-forward. They are currently eyeing Mexican centre-forward Felipe Delgado, who has been a very eye-catching performer at the World Cup, scoring four goals. While Mexico were eliminated by Uruguay, who have León Ferreira, as we understand it, QPR's new director of football, Monchi, was present on the scene of that match, while Felipe Delgado scored two goals in that game. The player's shine has left a lot of big clubs on the move, and our sources say that QPR is the most promising sign at the moment. He now plays for Guadalajara, Mexico, and Monchi has ...... connections throughout Latin America."

Hearing this, Nicholas turned his voice down to the lowest level and dialed the phone of Football Director Steve Walsh.

****

The day after Lu Ling arrived in London, all the players from QPR who did not participate in the World Cup returned to the team.

Pre-season training for the 2018-19 season has officially begun.

In addition to continuing to put the "two Joeys" of the reserve team (winger Joey Freeman and defender Joey Tomlin) into the first team training, Lu Ling also promoted several other young players recommended by the elder Tom.

Among them, 17-year-old Polish-English youngster Peter Szmanovski has been valued by Lu Ling and Thiem, who, like Joey Tomlin, can play multiple positions at the back and is a fast, very lively lad. Elsewhere, the agile and somewhat skinny 18-year-old England goalkeeper Trevor Hawood will also be part of the first team for a series of pre-season fixtures.

Lu Ling, Monch and Tom Jones agreed on a number of criteria for player selection and development, taking into account physical ability and potential in addition to the technical fundamentals – not overly strong players, but with flexibility, agility, quick reflexes and good flexibility. At the academy level, Tom Sr. has always asked for the same, which is a big difference between him and the traditional English manager. Monchi exclaimed, exaggeratedly: "Mr. Jones, I think you are like a Spanish coach, or a Brazilian coach." ”

QPR will play a warm-up game against Reading this week, before heading to the Netherlands and Belgium for three warm-up games before flying to Italy for one before returning to London.

A few months ago, Nathaniel Lawrence tentatively asked Lu Ling if he would like to accept an invitation to the Guinness International Champions Cup, the most talked-about friendly tournament at the moment, where almost all of Europe's biggest clubs will take part in the commercial pre-season tournament in the United States, China and Australia for a touring warm-up trip, including Premier League champions Everton. But Lu Ling refused. Her reasoning is that this is a World Cup year, which would have disrupted pre-season preparations, and she doesn't want to travel long distances to affect the form of her players at the start of the season.

Before leaving Hawaii, the Americans brought up the matter again. Nathan Neal means that in order to increase the club's global presence, tomorrow the team will have to go to the United States or Asia. Lu Ling perfunctorily agreed-anyway, it was still a season later. But she knows that the club manager has always been helpless about this, and in most cases has to compromise.

****

And as far away as Russia, the World Cup has also entered the sprint stage.

In the first semi-final, Argentina and France played out 1-1 at the inside of 90 minutes, with Correa and Antoine Griezmann scoring each. In extra time, substitute winger Coman scored the winning goal for France, which also ended the World Cup dream of a generation of legendary Messi. At the last moment of the game, Messi held the ground with his hands and was reluctant to leave for a long time, which was moving.

On the first day of the QPR training camp, Lu Ling gathered all the players and coaching staff to watch the second semi-final of the World Cup in the Harrington restaurant, Germany vs. Brazil.

Hans Bachmeier continued to start in place of the injured Manuel Neuer. While the geniuses of Gabriel Jesus and Neymar frantically tore at the German defence, Hans made seven saves to keep Brazil at bay.

It wasn't until the 82nd minute that Gabriel Jesus took advantage of Brazil's successive corners to shoot at the post but bounced back into German defender Boateng in front of goal before bounce back into the goal.

This bizarre own goal made the Brazilians have the last laugh, and it can be regarded as revenge for being slaughtered by Germany at their doorstep four years ago. Although everyone felt a little sorry for Hans, it was still very happy to see Mario Fernandez, who was also a team-mate, started this game and performed well.

Brazil and France meet in the 2018 World Cup final.

The last time that happened was two decades ago, when France finally beat Brazil to win the title on home soil.

Lu Ling was naturally looking forward to the final, but she was too busy to continue to participate in the players' discussions. She has instructed Simon and Monchi to deal with the transfer documents for Sorin Mitulescu.

The Romanian prodigy, who dribbles well and is creative, is a key player in the new season for QPR. Lu Ling didn't expect him to replace Pat, but this step was still important. Arsenal and Manchester City are also said to be interested in Sorin Mitulescu, but the new director of football, Monchi, has a wide network and a quicker QPR. Of course, her Hawaiian side is also crucial. However, it was mainly due to Monchi that he was able to capture this player.

It's no secret that she still needs a centre-forward, and there have been plenty of rumours in recent media reports. Mexico's 21-year-old center Felipe Delgado is indeed the first choice recommended by Monchi.

She needs to take the pressure off León and needs a brave, strong, pressing top centre-forward. Both she and Monchi believe that Felipe Delgado is the most outstanding of the new generation of young center forwards.

Due to the scarcity of resources in the centre-forwards, many big clubs are interested in competing, and she knows that Everton also have some interest. Therefore, Lu Ling specially made several phone calls to Simon to urge this transfer.

****

On the day Hans Bachmeier returned to Germany with his national team teammates, the sky was drizzling and a little stuffy, which coincided with the atmosphere of the whole team. There were still plenty of fans and media who came to welcome them back, but the semi-finals weren't a good enough result for the Germans.

Hans had been thinking since he was on the plane if he hadn't had that own goal, if he could have played more perfectly, and even if Manuel Neuer hadn't been injured......

He's not a guy who likes to doubt himself, but it's the World Cup, it's the dream stage for all footballers, and that game is the game to qualify for the final......

It's no exaggeration to say that it was the most important game of his life so far.

In the shower in the locker room after the game, he actually secretly cried. He didn't feel ashamed to cry, so many teammates cried, in their eyes, he was still a child, and there was more reason to cry, but he just didn't want others to see his tears.

Before getting on the plane, Hans called Patrick. The call was brief, and neither of them was in a good mood.

"I'm sorry, Hans. ”

"I'm sorry too, Patrick. ”

They fell in front of the Brazilians, and the winner was Gabriel Jesus, who had not beaten them in the league.

"I guess Gabriel must be very proud. The Englishman said over there.

Hans seemed to be able to imagine Patrick's pouting virtue.

'Yes, but next season in the Premier League, I'm not going to let him continue to be proud. Where are you on vacation?" asked Hans.

"Bournemouth. Why, are you coming to visit me?"

"It was a boring place. …… The newspapers say you'll be joining Barcelona soon. ”

"Yes. ”

"You ...... with the boss"

"If you want to ask if we broke up, yes, if you want to ask if you have a chance, I don't think so. If...... If you want to pursue her, that's your business. The Englishman spoke very quickly, pausing only in the middle.

Hans was a bit surprised. He never wanted to pursue Christine, and he never confided his affection to anyone. But Patrick seems to have known about it for a long time, so Christine should have known it too. He was surprised not only by this, but also by Patrick's seemingly nonchalant attitude.

The German was silent, and when someone around him urged him to get on the plane, he said, "I'm sorry. ”

He didn't think about it again. He was still saddened that Germany had not made it to the final.

Now, he drags his suitcase through the airport hall with his teammates.

A reporter hurriedly asked: "Hans, Hans, will you stay in the QPR?"

He ignored the reporter's question. He didn't think about leaving London. Although there have been a number of recent rumours that a number of big clubs are interested in him, Raiola has tried to see if he wants to change his environment.

On the bus, he overheard a few of his team-mates discussing where to go on holiday and thought maybe it would be a good idea to go to Bournemouth to watch the World Cup final with Patrick. Anyway, the guy is going to be gone soon, and he won't have much of a chance to see him in the future. He still likes him.

****

Yu Zixiang drove the yacht shirtless, with a ridiculous captain's hat on his head. He kept screaming, so he didn't hear Patrick dragging behind the yacht.

Patrick tugged on a rope and was dragged by the yacht to make countless splashes on the sea. The sunglasses were also full of water. He shouted again:

"Bastard, can you fucking hurry up!!"

Maybe it was because the voice was louder this time, and Yu Zixiang finally turned around. He took off his sunglasses and asked loudly, "What did you say?"

Patrick didn't repeat, but gave him a middle finger with a free hand.

This middle finger was more effective than all the previous roars, and Zixiang finally drove the yacht fast away.

Patrick finally felt the wind and freedom he wanted. More precisely, the peace he wants. The water splashed all over his body again and again, and the fishy and salty smell of the sea water slapped his lips again and again. There was nothing else in his head.

Much later, when he lay on the boat, he felt exhausted.

Zixiang's complaint was in his ear: "It's so boring here, I don't care, I'll leave here tomorrow, I'm going to Spain, do you want to come with me?"

Under his sunglasses, Patrick basks in the sun with his eyes closed, ignoring him.

"Forget it, you're going to be there for a whole season. ”

Patrick stretched out his hand.

Yu Zixiang then took a can of beer from the ice bucket, and he was about to hand it to Patrick, but suddenly another idea came to him. He took all the beers out of the ice bucket and stood in front of Patrick with the ice bucket in his hand. As his sly smile flickered, a bucket of ice fell on Patrick's body.

But......

Patrick didn't jump up or scold as Yu Zixiang had imagined. It was as if he didn't feel the cold or pain, and he just shook the ice and ice ballast on his body at will. Yu Zixiang thought that he might not even have opened his eyes.

"It's an outdated challenge, but your response is disappointing. ”

Patrick reached out again, asking for beer.

"What are you thinking? Yu Zixiang sat down silently and handed over a can of beer.

Patrick opened his beer, still silent.

What else could he be thinking?

After a while, Yu Zixiang asked again: "You have to at least tell me, how are you doing with Amber?"

Patrick pinched the empty beer can and answered his question, "Nothing." ”

Yu Zixiang nodded. He knew that after Pat refused to go outside the locker room to see Amber that day, Amber left immediately. Such a girl, even if Sent begged her, she might not give him a second chance. What's more, Pat didn't do that at all.

"Let's go back. I want to have a barbecue in the evening. Patrick said suddenly.

"Go back now?"

"You've poured ice all over me, are you going to have a hot beer? Besides, I need something a little stronger. ”

"Are you going to Barcelona with a beer belly?"

"When did you become Ian?"

“…… Oh, that guy, he's already training. By the way, if you want to eat barbecue at night, I won't grill it......"

"And who's baking?"

Yu Zixiang glanced at Patrick's phone, which was vibrating, and his name showed that it was Hans.

Patrick picked up his phone and smiled, "Looks like someone has come to help us barbecue." ”

"Hans has arrived? So tonight is much more interesting, can I call a few friends?"

"Female?"

Yu Zixiang had an expression of asking.

"No, you can't. Patrick said as he took off the hat on Yu Zixiang's head, and then connected the phone while putting it on his head.

****

Nicholas put his bipod on his desk.

The headline of the newspaper, pressed at the feet of his leather shoes, was sensational:

’tbegoinganyhere,helovesher!

He's not going anywhere, he loves her!

But this is The Sun, and if you just read the headlines and believe what they say, you're a fool.

Hans Bachmeier had this to say in a recent interview with Bild:

'I'm not leaving QPR, I'm having a great time in London and I'm looking forward to next season. It's been a pleasure working with the manager and I think every player in the team loves her and so do I. ”

The Sun quoted the interview and later used the headline.

Juan came in and took the newspaper from Nicholas's feet, and after reading it, he exaggeratedly said, "Oh, if you just look at the headline, it's really a West London full of romances." And there's never a shortage of pretty boys there. ”

Nicholas laughed, "What the hell are you trying to say, Juan?"

"You're too old for her. ”

Nicholas burst out laughing, and tapped his desk twice with the sole of his shoe, but instead of responding to the TA's words, he asked about his work. 166 Reading Network