Chapter 1 "I Do"

"I do," Sophie's voice was as gentle as ever, but very firm. Zhang Jun was right; they were separated by too much distance, making it too difficult to meet. To keep this relationship from faltering, relying solely on mutual longing wasn't enough; they needed a promise, a commitment to hold hands and grow old together. When Sophie spoke those three words, no matter how the world changed, they would always wait for each other. At this moment, waiting also became a form of happiness.

"I do."

Hearing those words, Zhang Jun's ramrod-straight posture suddenly slumped, his left hand clenching into a tight fist.

"Sophie, it's getting late. You should rest. Wait for me, I will definitely come back and marry you! Don't worry!"

Yang Pan saw Zhang Jun switch off his phone and then leap high into the air. "Yes! She agreed! Sophie agreed! Yes!" Zhang Jun excitedly hugged Yang Pan at the door and shouted.

Yang Pan looked at Zhang Jun's excited face. Even scoring a hat trick wouldn't make him this thrilled. Sophie was truly important to him; from now on, Sophie was no longer just Zhang Jun's girlfriend, but his fiancée.

Zhang Jun had found his life's anchor. What about himself?

At 8:26 PM on December 16, 2002, Zhang Jun hugged Yang Pan, lost in deep elation. No one could wake him up at this moment, because he was already drunk…

The next day, Hua Fang returned and heard about the rumors involving herself and Zhang Jun. Her first reaction was to laugh uncontrollably, and her second reaction was also to laugh uncontrollably. When she finally ran out of energy to laugh, she said to Zhang Jun, "Give me the name of the newspaper that published this news first. We can solve this through legal means."

But Zhang Jun shook his head. "Forget it, there's no need."

Zhang Jun's behavior surprised Hua Fang, because she heard from Yang Pan that Zhang Jun's reaction was very intense last night. "Why? They have infringed on your reputation."

"They don't know I already have a girlfriend. Ignorance is bliss. Besides, I've already explained it to Sophie. The innocent are innocent, and the guilty are guilty."

Hua Fang thought for a moment, "I think it's better to sue them. We can also use this opportunity to create hype, increase your fame rapidly, and attract more attention and commercial contracts…"

Hua Fang's words were interrupted by Zhang Jun. "I don't like others using my personal life to create hype. I hope my fame and attention increase because of my performance on the field, not those miscellaneous, trivial hype!"

"Zhang Jun, your thinking is too naive! In today's football world, if you don't use the media, you will never become a superstar and never earn big money…" Hua Fang still wanted to persuade Zhang Jun to change his mind.

But Zhang Jun replied, "Earn big money? I think enough money is enough. As for becoming a superstar, I've never thought about it. I just want to play football happily!" After saying that, he turned and walked out the door.

Yang Pan looked at Zhang Jun's back, then at Hua Fang. He shrugged at Hua Fang, then followed him out, leaving Hua Fang alone shaking her head and sighing, "Naive child!"

The Wednesday edition of *Sports Weekly* gained attention because it exclusively published Zhang Jun's statement. In this statement, which was only three hundred words long, Zhang Jun first clarified the rumors, then condemned some of the domestic media involved. But the statement didn't say whether Zhang Jun had a girlfriend or not, nor did it say that he would resort to legal means to seek justice, let alone demand a public apology from the media.

In short, this first oral statement from Zhang Jun was full of loopholes, so much so that many people thought it was fabricated by Li Yan, and some media even countered that Zhang Jun's approach was itself a cover-up.

However, while the domestic media was making a lot of noise, the people involved were still living calm and busy lives. The outside world was lively, and the outside world was boring.

Adriánse suddenly noticed that Zhang Jun was highly enthusiastic in training. He didn't understand the reason, but judging from the training effect, Zhang Jun's condition was very good. It seemed that the game against Ajax on Saturday would be interesting.

In addition, Kozyell was also very excited. He was looking forward to showing off in front of Ajax. After all, the loan period was only one year, and he would have to return to Amsterdam next season. If he could show his strength in front of his parent club, then going to the first team next season should be no problem. As a player cultivated by the Ajax youth training system, being able to play for the Ajax first team was his biggest dream.

Yang Pan's performance was as stable as ever. With the gradual progress of this group of young players, Volendam's prospects were becoming more and more promising.

Adriánse had to thank Qiu Suhui. He only stayed in the team for half a month, but he gave the team's young players a very good lesson and laid a solid foundation. Now, wish him good luck in China!

If the Amsterdam Arena had thoughts, it would never have imagined that its stands would have so many Chinese people. Students from all over the Netherlands, some overseas Chinese, Chinese reporters in the Netherlands… So many five-star red flags were blooming like flowers in the Amsterdam Arena for the first time.

Li Yan took a picture of this scene. Maybe this photo won't make it to the newspaper, but it can be treasured. This game, which was being watched by the entire Netherlands and China, was a pity that it couldn't be broadcast live in China, otherwise it would have created a new ratings high. Ajax coach Koeman appeared cautious when interviewed before the game. He first highly praised Volendam's strength, saying that the team was young and energetic, and then expressed his respect for Adriánse, saying that compared to the old coach, he was still a student. Finally, he also commented on the rising Chinese players.

"The two young men are very strong. This can be seen from their goal and assist statistics. I think if they can maintain this state, Volendam can at least get into the top eight!"

Adriánse warned his players not to be fooled by Koeman's low profile. "Their goal is to take all three points!" In fact, Adriánse was the same. He talked a lot about the happy times he had on this field in the past, praised Ajax as one of the greatest clubs in the world, and the foundation and symbol of Dutch football. Van der Meyde, Van der Vaart… are the hope of the future of the Netherlands, and so on. But as soon as he turned his head, he said to the players in the locker room, "In this game, defend steadily and counterattack. We are not here to play supporting roles. One to three points are our goals!"

Regardless of what the coaches of both sides said to the media before the game, it can still be seen from the starting lineups of both sides in this game that they are both sending out their main players, and no one is giving up the game.

Volendam sent out their favorite 5-4-1 formation, with a diamond midfield, five defenders in the backfield, and Zhang Jun as the only striker at the front. Koeman also adopted his favorite three-striker formation. The combination of Litmanen, Mido, and Ibrahimovic was invincible in the Eredivisie. At the same time, there were two rising stars of the Netherlands in the midfield, Van der Vaart and Van der Meyde on the left and right. The defensive core in the backfield was naturally Chivu, the captain of both Ajax and the Romanian national team, who was only 21 years old.

Many media outlets have defined the contest between Zhang Jun, Volendam's top scorer with eight goals in six league games, and Chivu, the best center back in the Eredivisie, as the biggest highlight of this game.

Which is sharper, the spear or the shield? The answer will be revealed after ninety minutes.

More than one person has mentioned this Romanian to Zhang Jun. He is only one year older than himself, but he has already worn the captain's armband for Ajax and the Romanian national team. Many people say that he is the successor of the famous German center back "Iron Plaster" Kohler. To be honest, before coming to the Netherlands, Zhang Jun had never heard of such a person. Later, after staying in the Eredivisie for a while, he often heard evaluations about him. Everyone believed that his future was beyond doubt, and going to a big club was only a matter of time.

Zhang Jun's understanding of him was also limited to other people's evaluations. He was only one year older than himself, but he had already succeeded, while he had only just started.

At the start of the game, Ajax's Van der Meyde launched an attack on the right, but Ibrahimovic's shot was deflected under interference from Louis Linker.

Adriánse knew that it would be very stupid to adopt an attacking approach against the powerful Ajax. Courage is not doing what you know is impossible, but knowing when to do it and when not to do it. Zhang Jun, Yang Pan, and Hevel were all very fast, making them suitable for playing defensive counterattacks. Adriánse had asked his players in pre-match training not to dribble too much after getting the ball in midfield, to pass the ball no more than four times, to quickly and concisely pass through the midfield, and to use the speed of the forward line to threaten Ajax's back.

Fifteen minutes into the first half, Ajax was still pressing Volendam to attack, and the cheering at the Amsterdam Arena rose higher and higher with Ajax's offensive.

"Ajax is really powerful. In fifteen minutes, they have suppressed Volendam so much that they can't even breathe. Look, Zhang Jun has returned to the front of the penalty area to defend." Two Chinese colleagues next to Li Yan discussed.

"Four shots, Volendam hasn't conceded a goal yet, not bad. It's obvious that Adriánse came to the Amsterdam Arena with the intention of drawing."

"Then, when will we see Zhang Jun and Yang Pan's performance?"

"They probably won't have many opportunities to perform, after all, Ajax is now dominating the game."

"But the Dutch media hyped up the duel between Zhang Jun and Chivu before the game?"

"Isn't it the same in China? We reporters and fans always hope so, but the coaches have their own arrangements."

Li Yan listened for a while, then turned his attention back to the field. Westerloper just saved a long shot from Mido, which was Ajax's fifth shot in eighteen minutes. The home team's desire to take three points was exposed from the beginning. Koeman really lied before the game.

Adriánse was prepared for the situation at the start, and the defensive counterattack strategy was correct.

Westerloper threw the ball directly, Volendam was about to launch a counterattack! He threw the ball to the right wing. The ball was thrown very far. Ajax's Van der Vaart and Yang Pan chased the ball at the same time, but obviously Yang Pan was faster. He took the falling football in front of Van der Vaart and poked it forward. The football rolled out more than ten meters, rolling along the sideline but not yet out of bounds!

Yang Pan knew that if he competed for speed, there were not many opponents on the field. So he poked it so amateurishly, just to give his speed a chance to play.

Van der Vaart wanted to grab the ball, but he didn't expect Yang Pan to come from behind and make such a poke. In surprise, Yang Pan had already passed him. Van der Vaart didn't want to admit defeat, but he found himself getting farther and farther away from the opponent. If he dribbled the ball, he would definitely have the confidence to stop him, damn it! Cunning Chinese! Van der Vaart waved his hand in annoyance and didn't chase.

Volendam fans saw Yang Pan sprinting along the wing and cheered loudly for him. Because Ajax had just attacked, there were only two central defenders in the backfield! Chivu was indeed following the inserted Zhang Jun, while his partner was protecting Yang Pan's running route, preventing him from cutting inside and also preventing him from shooting from long range.

Yang Pan didn't cut inside, nor did he shoot from long range, but passed the ball! The football bypassed the defender and passed towards the penalty area!

As soon as Zhang Jun saw Yang Pan pass the ball, he rushed forward, but Chivu blocked him firmly in front, preventing him from accelerating and jumping. Then, when the ball came, Chivu stretched out his long legs and blocked the ball to his partner, who immediately passed the ball to Van der Vaart behind Yang Pan.

Zhang Jun and Chivu's first duel ended in Zhang Jun's failure. As expected of the captain, his defense was experienced and impeccable. Compared to him, Zhang Jun was still too green.

Yang Pan shrugged at Zhang Jun regretfully, then ran back to participate in the defense, leaving Zhang Jun alone slowly walking back to the frontcourt.

Chivu was indeed powerful. Although this was only the first encounter, Zhang Jun had already learned something. A true expert only needs to make one move to make you understand his power. When Chivu blocked him behind, Zhang Jun felt like he had hit a wall.

Another highlight of this game was the competition between Yang Pan and Van der Meyde, two right wingers. Because of their positions, they couldn't directly communicate, but secret competition was inevitable.

Before the game, a Chinese reporter asked Van der Meyde for his opinion of Yang Pan. The 22-year-old genius on the right wing, who had just been selected for the national team for the first time and had already scored a goal, smiled and said to the reporter, "He is a very potential player, but he still lacks match experience. Maybe in a year, he will become a first-class star."

Then the reporter took Van der Meyde's words and asked Yang Pan. Yang Pan cleverly avoided the question. He only said that the team's performance in this game was the most convincing. As for the competition between him and Van der Meyde, "That's not what I'm considering." Yang Pan shook his head, put on his coat, and left.

So far, Van der Meyde has had several very threatening crosses, causing a lot of trouble in Volendam's penalty area. And Yang Pan has also proved himself with his lightning-fast wing breakthrough just now.

When the game reached the thirty-second minute, Van der Meyde broke through Batley's defense on the right, then passed the ball to veteran Litmanen, who retreated from the penalty area. The Finn then transferred the ball to the left wing. Van der Vaart adjusted slightly and crossed!

Mido and Ibrahimovic attracted the attention of Hosman and Louis Linker in the penalty area, while Van der Meyde had quietly inserted and then poked the ball into the net in front of Kozyell!

Goal!

"Goal!"

Van der Meyde roared with his fists clenched in the cheers of the Amsterdam Arena after scoring! He was quickly surrounded by his excited teammates.

Volendam was behind on the road!

Westerloper picked up the football from behind his goal in frustration, then kicked it towards the midfield. Kozyell looked at the Ajax players in red and white jerseys, then turned to look at his teammates, not knowing what to do. He was partly responsible for the goal he had just conceded. He didn't expect Van der Meyde to insert so resolutely, and he was one step slow in reacting. This may be the gap between the youth team and the first team!

After the restart, Volendam still adopted a defensive counterattack tactic, but increased the long passes in the middle, but…

Zhang Jun staggered and almost fell to the ground. He was completely defeated when he competed with Chivu for a header. The ball was headed back by the opponent. His second encounter with him also ended in failure.

Ajax fans unceremoniously gave Zhang Jun boos to increase his psychological pressure.

Kozyell and Louis Linker joined forces to intercept the ball from the Finnish veteran Litmanen in front of the penalty area, and then Kozyell passed the ball long to Hevel. Hevel stopped the ball very beautifully, then passed it diagonally forward.

Zhang Jun ran towards the ball, and Chivu followed. He didn't chase the ball, but blocked it on the inside to prevent Zhang Jun from breaking through and shooting. Because at the moment of starting, he found that he was half a beat behind Zhang Jun! "His starting speed is really fast…"

Zhang Jun got the ball and once again singled out Chivu.

Chinese fans in the Amsterdam Arena cheered loudly for Zhang Jun, and some even unfurled a banner that read "Zhang Jun, we will always support you!"

But unfortunately, their cheering didn't help Zhang Jun much. Zhang Jun wanted to shake off Chivu, but the opponent didn't move at all. Instead, he quickly poked the ball away from him when Zhang Jun shook, and then blocked in front of Zhang Jun to take the ball. Zhang Jun wanted to turn around and counter-steal it back, but found that he had hit a wall again.

The boos of Ajax fans rang out again.

The third duel, still a failure.

The first half ended with a score of 1:0. The players and coaches of both sides entered the locker room to prepare for the second half of the game. And Ajax fans kept singing and setting off fireworks during the intermission to build momentum for their home game.

"Hey, Li Yan, what do you think of the first half?" A domestic colleague asked Li Yan next to him.

"The first half, well, Ajax obviously had the advantage, and their lead is beyond doubt."

"What do you think of Zhang Jun and Yang Pan's performance?"

"Zhang Jun and… huh? You should ask Adriánse these questions, right?" Li Yan was a little strange.

"Haha, just exchanging ideas." The colleague smiled, "I think Zhang Jun was completely suppressed by Chivu, and Yang Pan also didn't invest enough in the offense and didn't have any performance because he participated too much in the defense."

"Not bad, you're right."

"Then what changes do you think Volendam will make during the intermission? For example, letting Zhang Jun avoid Chivu…"

"Avoid?" Li Yan thought for a while, "Unless Zhang Jun is substituted off the field, otherwise he can't avoid him…"

In the locker room, Baeyes patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder to show comfort. The first half was not successful for Zhang Jun, and he was completely defended by Chivu.

Adriánse didn't expect that Zhang Jun would be helpless against Chivu in the first half and didn't have the slightest chance. Was the gap between the two really that big? He thought for a while and decided to liberate Yang Pan and let him participate more in the offense instead of defense.

"Yang, you should consciously strengthen your long shots in the second half. The opponent is pressing forward, so you don't need to consider passing the ball too much when counterattacking. If you think it's appropriate, try to shoot as much as possible."

Yang Pan nodded. His duel with Van der Vaart in the first half only won once, and he was busy with defense later. He didn't have a chance to use his best long-distance raid and powerful long shot.

On the other side, Koeman praised Chivu's performance in the first half, and then reminded the team's defense: "In this game, we must pay special attention to the opponent's number 25, Yang Pan. He was mainly defending in the first half, but his assist with the ball made everyone jump, right? Van der Vaart, tell us your feelings."

"That guy's speed is terrifying!" Van der Vaart shrugged and said, "Van der Meyde, he may be a strong competitor to you on the right!"

Van der Meyde smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying Van der Vaart's words.

"I think the opponent will definitely arrange for Yang Pan to strengthen his long shots. After Zhang Jun was frozen by Chivu, Yang Pan became their most important attacking point. However, when our midfielders and defenders are near Yang Pan, immediately reduce the space for him, and then try to interfere with his feet. I have observed carefully that Yang Pan's preparation for shooting is very long, his concealment is not enough, and his goal is too obvious. These are all things we can take advantage of. As long as we defend him again, Volendam will be like a tiger with its teeth and claws pulled out, and will be no threat!"

The intermission was always very short in the eyes of the players and coaches. Adriánse clapped his hands, signaling the players to go on the field.

Zhang Jun walked at the end of the team. He saw Chivu, the captain of Ajax, coming out from the other side again. That person was talking and laughing with his teammates. Noticing that someone was paying attention to him, he moved his eyes over.

Seeing Chivu looking over, Zhang Jun quickly moved his eyes away and walked forward with his head down.

Mido smiled and said to Chivu, "Your defeated opponent, hides when he sees you! Haha!"

Chivu thought for a while. He singled out Zhang Jun three times in the first half, and he won all of them. "I don't know what kind of adjustments the opponent will make. Let him overlap? Attack from the back row? Or retreat to get the ball? Or, still single out…"