Chinese fans are actually very easily satisfied, because all it takes is a win, even an innocuous victory, to make them happy. So when the Chinese team reached the World Cup final, great happiness enveloped the Chinese fans, and their celebrations could hardly be stopped.

TV, newspapers, magazines, internet...... The smell of the World Cup is everywhere. For the first time, Chinese paid so much attention to the World Cup, regardless of whether they watched football before, whether they were fans or not, after learning that the Chinese team entered the World Cup, everyone became fans, and it was the kind of special iron.

On the way from their home to the airport, Sophie's parents and Zhang Jun's mother saw countless Chinese flags, jubilant crowds and uplifting slogans, and the land was dyed red with firecrackers.

"I never thought that football would have such an impact in China." Zhang Jun's mother looked at the shop outside the window, and there were notices such as "Celebrating the Chinese team's World Cup final, all products in this store are 50% off". Many department stores sell small flags, and almost everyone on the street has one of them.

"That's because of your son." Sophie's mother, who was sitting in the back of the taxi with her, took her hand and said.

"No, it's our son."

All three laughed.

The taxi driver turned on the radio station in the car, and no matter which channel it was tuned to, it must have been talking about the World Cup final. Looking at the taxi driver's expression, he was also quite concerned and listened attentively.

For a while, the car was quiet, and everyone was quietly listening to the excited voices coming out of the radio.

“…… The Chinese men's national football team has reached the World Cup final for the first time in history, and regardless of the final result, we have become the best team in the whole of Asia in the World Cup. When we reached the semi-finals, there would have been comparisons between us and South Korea in 2002, but now it's different, China is the only one. We don't rely on home advantage, we don't rely on the help of the referee, we entered the final with our own real skills, and this alone is incomparable to the so-called Korean team that made history! After the game ended in the early hours of this morning, the whole country became a sea of joy, and here is a lot of news from our reporters from all over the country......"

※※※

At the beginning of the summer vacation, there was no team training, but Liang Ke still came to school every day, because as a single man with a very monotonous amateur life, it was an important entertainment to go to the school guard room to play chess with the doorman. Every morning at nine o'clock, he would show up at the guard's room on time.

Even now, he often needs to stay up late because he watches the World Cup, and his schedule has never been messed up. Yesterday's semi-finals made him very happy, lying in bed for half a day and unable to sleep, and then he simply got up and spread around the house, walking around, not sleeping.

It wasn't until almost dawn that he took a nap on the sofa, and then at about eight o'clock in the morning he was awakened by the sound of birds outside, got up and wiped his face with cold water, brushed his teeth, and went out to breakfast.

After breakfast, he slowly paced towards the school, and the old man must have made him strong tea in the guard room and was waiting for him.

The morning sun in Luoyang is very bright, and it is even said that it is a little strong, and there is still a feeling of heat on people. There are a lot of pedestrians on the road, and most of them are in a hurry to get to work, but everyone has a smile and pride on their faces. The Chinese football team's entry into the World Cup final has brought a great sense of honor and happiness to the people of this country.

Liang Ke himself was proud of the disciples he had trained.

Because none of today's children can reach their original level, Liang Ke sometimes misses the former Dawning football team.

As you walk forward, turn right and you will see the school gate.

Just around the corner, Liang Ke saw Chen Huafeng, who was obviously waiting for someone. Seeing Liang Ke appear in his field of vision, he walked towards him.

"What? You're going to interview me too? Because of the good performance of the Chinese team in the World Cup, Liang Ke, who has cultivated Zhang Jun, Yang Pan, An Ke and others, has naturally become the darling of the media again. Every day, he receives requests for interviews from media outlets all over the country and even abroad.

Chen Huafeng smiled: "I think you were nervous by those reporters, do you still need to pretend to interview you in our relationship?" Besides, do I need to interview you for what I know? Nothing, just wanted to invite you to a drink. ”

"Drinking?"

"I was so excited to watch the game this early morning that I couldn't sleep for half a day. Look at ......" Chen Huafeng pointed to his eyes, and Liang Ke noticed that Chen Huafeng and the others' eyes were bloodshot, and their eye sockets were still a little black. It doesn't seem like he slept well, no, he didn't sleep at all.

Liang Ke also pulled his eyelids down, and then pointed to the bloodshot in his eyes and said to Chen Huafeng, "We are the same." ”

The two looked at each other and laughed.

"Watching a good game is like talking to someone, talking about football, talking about the kids. When I close my eyes, it's a replay of the game, and it's very exciting. I don't seem to have a decent person to chat with, though, so I'm coming to you. Chen Huafeng took out a cigarette and handed it to Liang Ke. Refresh. ”

"Still need a pick-me-up? I couldn't sleep because I was excited. Although he said so, Liang Ke still took Chen Huafeng's cigarette.

"Haha! Let's go, I know a good place, the environment is very good, and it is not expensive, the wine is good, and the food is good. Chen Huafeng patted the motorcycle behind him, and then handed the helmet to Liang Ke.

"In addition to good wine and good food...... How's the hospitality there? Liang Ke asked as he stepped onto the back of the motorcycle.

"Haha! You old pervert! If you have the energy, you can just find a partner! ”

In Chen Huafeng's laughter, the motorcycle made a loud roar, and then carried the two away.

In the guard room of Shuguang Middle School, the strong tea on the table was cold, and the old man stood at the door, looking at the intersection in the distance, and muttered to himself: "It's strange, why hasn't Lao Liang come yet?" Could it be that I watched the game too late today and overslept? ”

He shook his head and paced back to the locker room.

※※※

The taxi stopped at the entrance of the airport, and to the surprise of the three of them, even the airport hall was dressed up in connection with the World Cup. Football models, player posters - naturally they are all posters of Luoyang players.

The taxi itself was very attentive to help the three of them take out the luggage in the trunk and put it away.

When Sophie's father wanted to give him the car money, he shook his head and waved his hand to refuse.

"Huh? What are you? ”

"Hey, hey. I know who you are, so I can't ask for this money. He pointed to the huge poster of Zhang Jun in the hall. That's my gratitude to them. For the sake of work, some games have to be replayed the next day, so there is no way to cheer them on. You're going to South Africa to watch the game, right? Hehe, thank them on my behalf! ”

After saying that, the driver went up and shook hands with each of the three people. Then he waved goodbye. Taxis are not allowed to stay too long at the airport gate, and they are about to leave immediately after getting off the passenger, and if he moves slowly, he will be detained.

Looking at the departing taxi, Sophie's father muttered, "This is the World Cup...... Let's go, go check in. ”

After speaking, he pushed the luggage cart and walked into the airport hall from under the huge portrait of Zhang Jun.

※※※

Although the final was just two days away, the head coach of the Chinese team, Qiu Suhui, still gave the players a half-day off as usual. This rare holiday was unanimously welcomed by the players. Judging from their excited expressions, it seems that none of them took the final to heart...... "This is the evaluation of Italian TV stations when they do the show."

Their photographer did capture the relaxed smiling faces of the Chinese players, so the reporter guessed based on this.

The Italian media, apart from the Chinese and Brazilian media, paid the most attention to the final, as there were several key players in both teams playing in Serie A. In particular, it is necessary to pay attention to Zhang Jun, the top scorer in Serie A last season, the captain of the treble winner Fiorentina, and the current top scorer in the World Cup.

More than a third of the media from Italy were targeted at him.

Now groups of reporters are gathering outside the hotel where the Chinese team is staying, waiting for the Chinese players to come out of it and see if they can find their target.

Xiang Tao and Crewe came out, Anke and Li Yongle and Yang Pan also came out, and more other players came out. People still haven't seen Zhang Jun. Journalists who are familiar with Zhang Jun know that the low-key Zhang Jun likes to play behind everyone, both when he was not the captain of the club and when he was in the Chinese national team. Therefore, the reporters are still full of hope that they can interview Zhang Jun before the final and listen to his views on this final and the World Cup, which is very valuable news.

When almost everyone walked out and then dispersed, not a single Chinese player entered or left the gate for half a day, and reporters began to wonder if Zhang Jun stayed in his room and did not come out.

※※※

Today, the Chinese team is on holiday, and Li Yan also gives himself a holiday. He is now a gold medal reporter, and he doesn't need to run to join in the fun. It's good to go to the hotel door and let your subordinates do it.

He asked Kaliani, who was also a gold medal commentator for Milan Sport, to have a drink and chat in a bar. The players have been busy on the pitch for a month, and they, the journalists, have been busy off the pitch for a month as well. Now it's time to take a good rest.

"What a rare opportunity to relax before the big war!" Kaliani stretched, "This is really thanks to Qiu Suhui, if he didn't take the Chinese team's vacation, we wouldn't have this time to sit here and brag and drink." ”

Li Yan nodded: "The Brazilian team is also on holiday, and the two sides seem to have a tacit understanding." ”

"Everyone needs to rest."

The two of them just drank and chatted casually. Talk about the World Cup, talk about the season that just passed, talk about the upcoming new season......

"Speaking of which, there must be a lot of reporters waiting for Zhang Jun in front of the Chinese team's hotel now, right? He's now the hottest star in world football. Defeating strong teams such as Italy, England and Argentina has raised his popularity to an unrivaled height. Although Caliani is an Italian journalist, when it comes to Zhang Jun, he does not have the slightest national and ethnic prejudice. Even, he is still proud of his unwavering optimism about Zhang Jun at the beginning.

"Well, yes, many, many people." Li Yan tilted his head and looked out the window. Suddenly, he saw two familiar figures outside the window, snuggling up to each other and quickly disappearing around the corner.

He suddenly smiled, and the corners of his mouth rose: "But I'm afraid those reporters are going to be disappointed." ”

※※※

Sophie happily walked side by side with Zhang Jun on the streets of Cape Town, South Africa. The bright sunshine makes people feel comfortable and happy, and the excitement of reaching the World Cup final has not faded yet.

"You've made it to the finals, and now there are two voices in the country. On the basis of celebrating the final, there is a voice that it is good to be artificial, and you have brought endless joy to the Chinese fans regardless of the final result. Another voice is that since it's all here, why not fight for the championship? If you have the ability to reach the final, why don't you have the ability to lift the championship trophy? I've met journalists from other countries who have asked me if you don't have the motivation to keep trying. Sophie said to Zhang Jun as she walked.

Zhang Jun laughed: "Sometimes it's interesting to watch these people guess blindly and help you worry." ”

"You're not kind, Zhang Jun."

"No, I just think it's fun to surprise reporters once in a while. Whether there is fighting spirit or not, they will know when the time comes. Zhang Jun pointed ahead. Street Garden, let's go sit inside. Tired after shopping for a long time, right? ”

Sophie nodded.

Although it's winter, Cape Town's greenery is still very good. What's more, Cape Town is close to the Atlantic Ocean, and it is not as cold as imagined, and street gardens like Zhang Jun's current street garden abounds.

Green trees, red flowers, birds and flowers. There are plenty of benches in the garden, most of which are filled with people. Zhang Jun and Sophie didn't want to be disturbed, so they didn't go to squeeze a bench with strangers. Take your time while looking for empty benches.

A couple on the bench in front of them showed signs of getting up, Sophie trotted two steps, and then after the other party got up and left, she immediately ran over and sat down, and at the same time reached out to stand in the vacant seat next to her, and waited for Zhang Jun to come over with a smile.

"I didn't expect to see each other so often during the World Cup. I thought we were going to go through a concentration camp in this World Cup, and then we would contact ...... by phone," Zhang Jun said, leaning back on the bench and looking up at the blue sky.

"Are you tired of that?"

"How is that possible? I think that's good because I can always make sure you're there for me. That's when I have the motivation to go for the World Cup...... Remember what came to me before the World Cup? ”

"What?" Sophie doesn't remember, they said too much before the World Cup, how did she know what Zhang Jun asked.

"I said that after the World Cup started, we didn't have such time to be alone, every day except for games is training, and you are flying around with us, making films. Everybody is going to be very busy. I didn't expect Qiu Zhi to arrange a half-day rest after each competition. So I think there are a lot of things in this World Cup that we didn't know before, think about how many people disdained it when I said before the game that we were here for the championship, and now? Hehe. ”

"The future is inherently unpredictable, so what's the point if we all know it?"

Zhang Jun narrowed his eyes, but the winter sun was still a little dazzling. "yes, I can't predict what the final score will be or what the result will be when we play the day after tomorrow. It's all here, and I can only promise to do my best. But there are some things that I know very well......"

He took his eyes off the sun's stinging eyes, and finally stopped on Sophie's fair face. When he first saw this girl on the campus of Shuguang Middle School, the sun seemed to be so bright and bright today, so he saw Sophie, dressed in white, emitting a dazzling light all around her body, which was reflected by the sun. However, Zhang Jun believes that it is Sophie's own charm.

Liu Qi, the lovely "matchmaker", without his enthusiasm at the beginning, may not be where Zhang Jun and Sophie are together now. When you get married, you must not forget to invite him.

The two of them have been through so many ups and downs together, from high school to college and then to Europe. There are also some twists and turns, misunderstandings and contradictions. But thankfully, I never let go or give up at the end of every time. So far, the two have a very deep tacit understanding, and it is almost impossible for their love road to have any twists and turns. Everything is flat, and in the eyes of outsiders, there may no longer be passion, no longer romantic.

But Zhang Jun knows that he and Sophie are not the kind of romantic people, and this kind of ordinary relationship is what they have always wanted. From the summer of 1998 to the summer of 2010, thirteen years have passed, does the relationship between them still need to rely on any romantic stimulation to maintain? Sometimes, a gesture, a look is enough to say it all.

"There are some things that I know very well...... In the future, I will marry you, we will have a lovely and intelligent child, and I will always love you until one day, you will become an old woman and I will become an old man...... You're the one I drew in my life, Sophie. Zhang Jun stared into Sophie's eyes and said affectionately.

Sophie blushed: "I hate it, when did you start learning to be so flamboyant?" ”

Zhang Jun got up and stretched. Then he turned his head to look at Sophie, who was still shy in her chair with her head down, and smiled.

Sophie kept her head down, she didn't want strangers to see her shyness. At this time, she saw Zhang Jun, who was facing away from her in front of her, stretching out his right hand backwards, and then gently hooked it......

Sophie held out her hand and took the lead. Then Zhang Jun pulled her up with a little force.

"Go buy something for our mom and dad." Zhang Jun looked back at her.

Sophie nodded.

Actually, that's good.

There is no need for the promise of the mountain alliance and the sea oath.

There are no twists and turns in life and death.

In this way, I was held by your hand until I was old.

(To be continued)