Chu Zhongtian did not say goodbye to his teammates and coaches in the locker room in the end. He didn't say anything, but he politely declined Joe. Shirin's warm invitation.

By the time he got dressed and walked out of the locker room, it was getting dark. It was almost seven o'clock.

As soon as he walked out of the king's ranch, he was greeted by a person: "Can I talk to you, Chu?" ”

The teammates who followed him laughed. They were no strangers to this scene in the past three months or so - Chu Zhongtian was famous, so naturally all kinds of people would come to the door. Some people want to ask for an autograph or a group photo; Some people wanted to interview him; Others market themselves in the hope of becoming his agent; In fact, the people who come the most are scouts from various teams...... Chu Zhongtian looked at his teammates who were squeezing at him, and then said helplessly to the stranger: "Okay, but I'm still in a hurry to go back......"

"I don't think it will be long in coming. My name is Lee. Newton (lee_newton) is a scout for Chelsea. ”

Chelsea?!

Chu Zhongtian suspected that he had misheard.

He had never been approached by a Premier League club before, and he thought that those Premier League teams were not interested in him, but who would have thought that the first Premier League team to find him would be Chelsea's level...... "Uh, sorry, Mr. Newton...... I remember Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri said in an interview before that he was not interested in me...... "Chu Zhongtian saw this news when he was watching the TV news, he remembered that Ranieri said something similar, he can't remember what the original words were, but the meaning is not bad."

"That's what he said right after the game, you know, a person's mind is always changing." Mr. Newton laughed. "Let's be honest, Chu. Our boss watched your game against our team and was very interested in you. I think the other teams have doubts about your ability, but we feel it more intuitively. ”

He was referring to Wimbledon Athletic's FA Cup fourth-round tie away to Chelsea. It's no wonder that they will be the first to come to the door, obviously they have a more intuitive and first-hand understanding of Chu Zhongtian's strength.

You must know that Chu Zhongtian scored two goals in a row in that game and eliminated Chelsea. Every one of his performances in that game was analysed by Chelsea's scouts.

"But we have to make sure if it's your consistent performance or if it's a super level of performance. So I was sent to follow you and train with you. Believe me, it's not just me, but scouts from other teams are in there too. ”

Chu Zhongnaïve didn't expect that for more than two months, there have been scouts of Premier League teams in the crowd in the stands...... He also felt that his performance was unsatisfactory to the Premier League clubs.

What words should I use to describe his feeling of knowing the truth?

Surprise?

Happy?

Or whatever...... "I've seen all the games you've played since the game against us, including the draw and the FA Cup defeat to Millwall. Want to hear my evaluation, Chu? ”

Chu Zhongtian nodded: "Please speak, Mr. Newton." ”

The other side is a professional scout, they read countless people, and it is their job to judge a player's ability and potential. When it comes to evaluating themselves, no one can be more professional than them, not even coaches.

"I think you're very talented."

The first sentence was a compliment, but Chu Zhongtian did not express his joy. He knew that if he was praised at the beginning, it meant that it was generally not a good thing to say later. If you are scolded at the beginning, then you will definitely be given a candy to eat in the end.

'There's experience defensively, but your talent is mainly in controlling the game and I think you're very, very talented in that. Your question is ...... though."

Here it comes!

“…… Your skills aren't very good, at least they don't match your current position and mission, but that's not the main problem, after all, you've been training in an amateur team, and the level of training is not high. With a high level of training, your skills will improve. I think your biggest problem is not your technique, it's your experience, you don't have the experience to play against a professional team, and that was evident from the way you played against Millwall. ”

Newton talked eloquently, analyzing Chu Zhongtian's advantages and disadvantages from a professional point of view, Chu Zhongtian listened attentively, these things were rarely told to him before, he has always been groping forward, although Russell can teach himself in technical training, but he is not a coach after all, he doesn't know what a player needs most when training, Eames is a coach, but after all, the level is limited, and there is no way to further improve Chu Zhongtian's personal ability, so he can only start from basic training.

'You look helpless against two first-division players and that's a testament to the lack of experience. After all, you've been playing in amateur leagues all the time, and your opponents are just too weak...... Playing against them won't help you improve, and if you keep playing here, I guarantee you won't be able to play in the professional league, no matter how talented you are. ”

Chu Zhongtian knew that what the scout Mr. Newton said was right. If he had started playing again with the goal of playing professionally, he would not have chosen Wimbledon, the level of the ninth division is really too low...... After playing for a long time, the level of the whole person will drop.

"Now that your team has been promoted ahead of schedule, I think the next games are no longer important, so it's time to talk to you, I'm more optimistic about your future, but only if you get regular professional training now and participate in regular professional competitions, otherwise...... I don't think in another year, there won't be many professional teams interested in you, Chu. You're twenty years old, aren't you? This age is already considered old for a professional footballer, you are no longer a young player, you have lost a golden age to grow...... What were you doing during that time, Chu? ”

"Uh......" Chu Zhongtian replied badly. From the age of sixteen to eighteen, he was immersed in high school and had never touched football.

Newton sighed: "It's a pity...... If you've been trained at Chelsea since you were a kid, I guarantee you'll be a top star......

"And now?"

"You can be a professional footballer." Newton smiled at Chu Zhongtian. 'If you leave Wimbledon now and come to Chelsea.'

After speaking, he looked at Chu Zhongtian and waited for Chu Zhongtian's answer.

There was no one at the gate of the King's Ranch anymore, his teammates were leaving, the sky was dark, and the street lights at the entrance of the alley were already lit one after another.

Chu Zhongtian thought of a question: "I'm very grateful to Chelsea for taking a fancy to me, but Mr. Newton...... I'm Chinese. ”

"I'm not racist." Newton explained, holding up his hand. "It doesn't matter what nationality you are, the important thing is that you have talent, Chu."

"Uh...... You are mistaken, Mr. Newton. "Chu Zhongtian knows that he wants to be crooked." I'm a non-EU player and my country doesn't accept dual citizenship, so there's no way I'm British. If I were to join Chelsea, I wouldn't have been able to get a labour certification......

"That's not a problem, do you know Dong?" Newton asked.

Chu Zhongtian nodded, the first player in Chinese football to join a giant team, of course he knew, it was Dong Fangzhuo.

"When he signed with Manchester United, he didn't have a labor certification. United are not looking at his present, but on his future. We're the same, it's not about you now, it's about the future, so we don't ask you to play for the team now. In fact, with your current ability, you are not yet eligible to play in the Chelsea first team...... Sorry, I'm a bit straight. ”

Chu Zhongtian shook his head, not minding the other party saying this. He himself knows that playing at Chelsea next season? That's a fantasy, it's a pipe dream, it's absolutely impossible.

"So we signed up with you to train you, and we're going to loan you out and get you to work out for the competition, and at the same time find a way to get you a labor certification. I think...... As long as you can play on other teams and join your national team, labor certification should not be a problem. ”

Theoretically, it looks like this...... Chu Zhongtian's intuition told him that things were not so simple. But when a team like Chelsea is interested in you, can you think about anything else?

Chu Zhongtian didn't expect that there would really be a Premier League team looking at him, and it was a top team like Chelsea...... He had the feeling of going out on the street and being hit by five million.

But now you are busy agreeing to it?

Although Chu Zhongtian was excited, he was not stupid.

Besides, his mother's side...... I don't know what to think.

'I'm grateful for the compliments from Chelsea Football Club, but it's not a small thing, Mr Newton.'

Newton nodded: "Yes, I know, this is definitely not a small matter, it is related to your future." ”

"So, can you let me think about it for a few days?"

Newton pulled out his business card and handed it over: "Okay, no problem. This is my business card, if you think about it you can call me, my phone does not turn off 24 hours a day. ”

Plum. As Newton prepared to say goodbye, he suddenly remembered another thing: "I don't know if there will be other clubs looking for you." But I want you to know, Chu. I'm not acting personally, everything I say to you speaks for Chelsea Football Club and after more than two months of observation, we think you're worth the investment. So as long as you say yes, that's fine. ”

Chu Zhongtian nodded, that is to say, the decision is up to him.

"Thank you, Mr. Newton."

"You earned it yourself, don't thank me, Chu. Goodbye, and hopefully I can wait for your good news. With that said, Chelsea's scout Lee . Newton waved goodbye.

※※※When Chu Zhongtian returned to the apartment, it was almost eight o'clock, Yang Yang was so hungry that he was ready to go out to eat. When he saw Chu Zhongtian coming back, he asked.

Chu Zhongtian told him exactly what he had happened to be a Chelsea scout.

He was stunned at first, and then hugged Chu Zhongtian very happily: "Great! Ha ha! That's great! Da Chu! ”

"Hey......" Chu Zhongtian was caught off guard, fortunately he was strong, otherwise he would have fallen to the ground.

"What are you so happy to do, old Yang......"

'I'm rooting for Chelsea! Now it's possible for my friend to go to Chelsea, why am I upset? Not only supported my own team, but also supported you, killing two birds with one stone, how good! Ha ha! ”

Yang Yang said excitedly.

Then he grabbed Chu Zhongtian and was about to go out.

"Hey, what's this for......"

"I'm inviting you to dinner to celebrate your affection for Chelsea! Don't disagree, Da Chu. There are so many players and so many professional players in China, but no one can be looked at by Chelsea! It's your luck to be seen by Chelsea and it shows your quality! Of course, this kind of thing should be celebrated! ”

Seeing him so excited and sincerely happy for himself, Chu Zhongtian knew that no matter what he was doing in the future, Yang Yang would be his best friend.

"You have to let me change my clothes......" Chu Zhongtian couldn't refuse.

After eating dumplings with Yang Yang at Mack China, which was considered a celebration, Chu Zhongtian went to work at the Wimble Bar.

He didn't tell the people in the bar about Chelsea's visit to him, not because he thought they were outsiders, but because he felt that he hadn't made up his mind yet, so it was better not to make up his mind.

Still, he could feel that the people in the bar were looking at him with a meaningful look, did they know?

Chu Zhongtian quickly denied this idea - when he left the stadium, only the players were left in the King's Ranch, and the fans were gone. There was no one around him when he and Mr. Newton were there, and they could not have known what was going on.

Maybe it's because they're so excited about upgrading early...... Chu Zhongtian thought so.

When he wasn't busy, he looked down at a book, intending to make up for his homework.

But he found that he could not see it. As soon as I lowered my mind, it was all about the events of the day that was about to pass.

Today is an amazing day for him. His team won on this day and qualified for early promotion. On the same day, he lost his first kiss and kissed a girl who had always been very fond of but didn't know what it was, and he was about to part with her forever. It was on this day that he received an invitation from a Premier League club for the first time in his life, and his potential was finally recognized by the top footballers, and the door to another world, which had been longed for a long time but later closed with his own hands, seemed to be slowly opening before him again.

With so many things happening in one day, how could he still read with peace of mind?

Chelsea's invitation, Emily's words lingered in his mind.

-- We have been observing you for two months and are very optimistic about your talent and potential.

- Become a big star, I'll know where to look for you, Chu.

Suddenly, my mother's voice popped into my head again.

- Your dad and I worked hard to save money because you studied in England, not played football!

The distressed Chu Zhongtian touched a pound coin in his pocket. Maybe it's time to flip a coin? Trust your instincts?

But he thought of what he had said to Emily in the same situation: "I choose which way to go." ”

"Chu."

A voice temporarily pulled him out of the quagmire of distress.

"Boss?" Chu Zhongtian looked up at Boss John, who was busy standing next to him. During the period of distraction just now, the work was done by the boss...... "I'll help you, boss......"

"No, I don't. You seem to be a little distressed, why is that? We just upgraded ahead of schedule, which should be a good thing, you should be happy about it, why bother? ”

"Uh, I'm not bothered, boss......"

Chu Zhongtian's lies were ruthlessly exposed by the boss. "Don't lie to me, boy. I've watched more balls in 40 years than you've ever played, and now you're almost writing 'I'm annoying' on your face." What exactly is it? I heard that Emily will go to the U.S. after graduation, is it because of her? ”

Chu Zhongtian wanted to shake his head, but he found that this was indeed a reason for his distress. After Emily became famous, he came to the bar and went to the scene less and less, and he was a little unaccustomed to it, if he was completely gone, would he be able to adapt to life without Emily?

He didn't know.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Boss John thought he was right.

"Emily is a good girl, but how to put it...... Ahem, she is destined to be a big star, and we are not people of the same world. We can't stay with her all the time. ”

Hearing this, Chu Zhongtian suddenly raised his head and looked at Boss John.

Emily is not a person of the same world as herself, she is a big star...... Big Star ...... Big star ...... "Speaking of which, I have to thank you, Chu." Boss John didn't see Chu Zhongtian's eyes gradually shining at all, and continued to say to himself: "If it weren't for you, we would have lost our princess five years ago, and because of you, she found this place again, although the time spent together was very short...... But I, an old man, were satisfied. I can blow it to them later--I asked Emily. Stan has had a drink, haha! What a show-off! ”

He laughed, handed the wine to the waiting drinker, and then turned his head to look at Chu Zhongtian: "Maybe there will be some regrets, but there is no way, this is life, Chu." ”

Chu Zhongtian made a decision, and he smiled at Boss John: "Thank you, boss, I'm fine." ”

Seeing him laughing, Boss John made a frame with both hands and framed Chu Zhongtian's face inside: "That's the expression." Hold on, Chu. ”

Boss John moved his fat body again, busy with other things, Chu Zhongtian lowered his head and continued to read.

He's made a decision. Lao Yang is right, if going to college is just to make money, in order to make a better life for yourself, your parents, and the people around you, you don't have to worry about food, clothing, housing and transportation, and you can have a higher pursuit, then you can also play football.

I love playing football and I can make money, so why not choose to play football?

Chelsea's invitation proved that they have the ability to earn money playing professional football and support themselves and their parents. Why not?

Emily is a person who wants to become a big star, she is not in the same world as her, but there is a way for him and Emily to become a person in the world: she also becomes a big star, you can play football, and the star is also a star...... In that case, I will definitely be able to see her again - not on television, entertainment, news and magazines, celebrity scandals in newspapers, and on the big screen, but face to face as before.

Yes, I'm going to play professional football.

(To be continued)