Chapter 1 The News Spreads

The news that Zhang Jun had scored two goals in a warm-up match spread, and reporters flocked to Volendam, the small town becoming lively again after more than half a year of silence. But they could only learn about the situation indirectly, as Zhang Jun maintained his silence in front of the media.

Adriaanse didn't tell him the exact date he could play, just told him to be patient. But after seven months of waiting, Zhang Jun was getting impatient: How long do I have to wait? My injury is healed, my mentality is adjusted, and I've found my rhythm. What am I waiting for?

Zhang Jun didn't understand Adriaanse's good intentions. Volendam's performance had been poor since the start of the season. After eight league rounds, they hadn't won a single game, with three draws and five losses, accumulating only three points, a truly dismal record! And they were eliminated early from the Dutch Cup. He was under enormous pressure from Hoorns down to the fans, almost everyone shouting at him: "Let Zhang Jun play! What are you waiting for?"

But the team doctor hadn't told the head coach that Zhang Jun could now play ninety minutes of intense competition. He didn't want to rashly let Zhang Jun play, in case something else happened.

Feng was still treating Zhang Jun, maybe I should ask him. After all, he's been with Zhang Jun for six months, and he knows Zhang Jun's physical condition best.

Feng Qing told Adriaanse that Zhang Jun's body was currently fine and he could play, but for safety's sake, it was best not to have him play the whole game at first. It was better to gradually increase his playing time.

With the doctor's advice, Adriaanse felt more confident. He looked at the schedule. Volendam would be hosting The Hague in four days, on October 24th. Maybe it would be an opportunity. He would put Zhang Jun on the substitute list first.

※※※

Zhang Jun knew in training that he would be on the substitute list for the October 24th match against The Hague. Adriaanse told him to be prepared. He was overjoyed when he heard the news. The waiting and effort had finally paid off, and he couldn't wait for the 24th to arrive.

But even in his excitement, he didn't forget one thing. He called Sophie to share the good news and wish her a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday, Sophie! Twenty-one years old!"

"Thank you! But I'm another year older. Hehe!" Sophie stuck out her tongue.

"Oh, right, I'm on the substitute list for the next league game, and I might get to play!" Zhang Jun excitedly told Sophie the news, wanting to share his joy with her.

"Really? That's great!" Sure enough, Sophie was also excited.

"Hehe! I'll score a goal as your birthday present!" In his excitement, Zhang Jun made this vow.

"..." Hearing Zhang Jun say this, Sophie paused for a moment, and then said to him, "Zhang Jun, I don't know if I should say this to you, but that birthday present thing isn't something you need to fixate on, especially now that your injury has just healed. I'm afraid you'll push yourself too hard…"

"It won't be. It's not as scary as you think!" Zhang Jun interrupted Sophie, unconcerned. He confidently told Sophie, "I'll score a goal, although it's unlikely I'll score three, but I'll score one, I'll score one for you!"

In the end, Sophie couldn't persuade Zhang Jun to change his mind. After ending the call, she was still a little worried. Seeing Zhang Jun so happy, she didn't want to spoil his mood, and just hoped that everything would go smoothly on the day of the game.

※※※

After the Chinese media widely publicized the news that Zhang Jun was on the substitute list for the October 24th match against The Hague, everyone began to look forward to that day. Although they couldn't see the game, they were all praying for Zhang Jun, praying that his comeback would go smoothly.

"Adriaanse said that Zhang Jun is fine. As far as I know, Zhang Jun met with Basten in Utrecht. He asked Basten to help him find his rhythm. In my opinion, he has a high chance of coming on as a substitute in the October 24th game." Wang Hua was on the phone with Li Yan, who was in Italy, telling him about Zhang Jun's recent situation. Such calls happened twice a week. Although Li Yan was no longer responsible for reporting on Zhang Jun, he still cared about Zhang Jun as a friend.

"How is Zhang Jun's own condition?"

"From the training, he's very excited. He's actively preparing for the game, and he's scored goals in warm-up matches and training."

"I see… If his comeback is successful, I guess he'll lift the media blackout, right? Keep an eye on it. The game against The Hague should be interesting. I envy you, being able to watch him play live. I can only worry here!" Li Yan said reluctantly.

"Haha! Then just apply to be transferred back to the Netherlands, right?" Wang Hua laughed.

"That won't do. Reporting on football in Italy is my dream. I'll leave the Netherlands to you, hehe!"

"Cunning…"

※※※

"Zhang Jun, you don't have to work so hard. Your foot injury has just healed." Gijs Luirink reminded Zhang Jun, who was sweating profusely. The drive he showed in training made others feel ashamed.

"Hehe, thanks, Gijs, but I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself during the game if I don't work hard now. After all, it's been seven months since I played a game..." Zhang Jun declined Luirink's offer and continued his free kick training.

"You're just on the substitute list. What if you don't get to play?" Luirink joked.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jun stopped after hearing these words. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. He hadn't thought about that possibility. What if he didn't get to play? He had already boasted to Sophie, was he going to go back on his word?

Luirink saw Zhang Jun standing there stunned, knowing that he had taken his joke seriously. He quickly explained, "Don't worry about it. I was just joking. You're in such good shape now, how could the coach not let you play?"

"Ah, you have a point." Zhang Jun immediately understood, and stopped worrying about whether he could play. He continued to concentrate on practicing his free kicks.

After so many people left, you're the only star player left on the team. Everyone is looking forward to your early appearance. How could the coach not let you play? But be careful, Zhang Jun. The defenders won't treat you any differently just because your foot injury has just healed. I'm a defender too, so I know very well.

Luirink watched Zhang Jun curve the ball with his left foot, the football bypassing the moving wall and drilling into the goal past the post. I also hope that this kind of smile can appear on your face soon, Zhang Jun. He said silently in his heart.

※※※

Full of hope and enthusiasm, Zhang Jun couldn't wait to call Yang Pan, Kaka, Li Yongle, and An Ke, telling them that he would officially return in the October 24th match, and would also score a goal to celebrate Sophie's birthday, telling them to wait to see the news on the 25th.

Although the game was tomorrow, he was already looking forward to the future. He wanted to tell everyone who cared about him: Zhang Jun has stood up again, he has not let you down. Now is the time for Zhang Jun to repay your concern with goals!

When the new day arrived, the small town of Volendam gradually became lively. Reporters and students from all over the Netherlands, as well as Chinese reporters, made the town a little crowded. They were all there to witness Zhang Jun's comeback. As China's most successful forward, his comeback had been on countless people's minds since April.

Two hours before the start of the afternoon game, more and more people gathered outside Veronica, and the police had to send more officers to maintain security.

Volendam's performance this season was terrible, and fewer people came to watch the games than in the previous two seasons, but today everything was different because of one person.

Hoorns was in the president's private office at the stadium, looking at the lively crowd outside through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and said to Adriaanse behind him: "Look how happy they are! Today will be the day with the most people in Veronica this season, so I'm right, Zhang should have come out earlier. Is he starting today?"

Adriaanse replied: "No, he's a substitute."

"Substitute? Why isn't he starting?" Hoorns exclaimed, "He's my box office guarantee! Do you know? These people are all here for him, they'll be upset if they don't see Zhang... Uh, then let him start in the next game, okay?"

You're a businessman, but I'm not. Adriaanse was angry but couldn't express it, so he had to be as tactful as possible: "I have a plan. We plan to increase his playing time gradually in each game, so that he can gradually find his previous form."

"Oh no, that's not good. I don't understand much, but you're giving Zhang too little time, how can he find his form?" Hoorns' old habit of gesticulating broke out again.

You really don't understand, fatty! "This is because Zhang's foot injury has just healed, and I'm arranging it like this out of caution. Of course, if he performs very well, then this period of time will be shortened." Adriaanse already wanted to leave. He had been inexplicably called up by the fatty, just to listen to his nonsense?

"Then if he scores a goal today, let him start in the next game, okay? How about that?" Hoorns asked shamelessly.

Football is not a business, there are no conditions to discuss, you idiot! "Uh... we'll see how it goes. Okay, I have to go down and check on the team, I have some things to explain." After saying that, Adriaanse turned around, opened the door and walked out without waiting for Hoorns to speak.

The air outside is much fresher!

※※※

"Zhang, are you nervous?" Raoul Henar winked at Zhang Jun, who was warming up on the field.

"Why should I be nervous?" Zhang Jun asked strangely.

"After all, you haven't played a game in seven months!"

"Ha!" Zhang Jun laughed, "No, maybe I'll be a little unaccustomed, but that's not a problem. As long as you give me a chance, I'll still seize it!"

"Really? That's good. But think of me occasionally and pass me a few balls! Haha!" Henar joked.

The team's morale was low due to eight consecutive losses, but with Zhang Jun's comeback, everyone's faces had more smiles. As some fans said, after Yang Pan, Bayes, Kozeer, and van Persie left, Zhang Jun was the only star player on the team. It was no exaggeration to say that he was the king of Volendam. His existence was not only a threat to the enemy, but also an encouragement to his own people.

There were more and more people in the stands, holding large portraits of Zhang Jun and banners congratulating Zhang Jun on his successful comeback. "They're all here to see you, Zhang Jun." Captain Luirink said to Zhang Jun, looking at the lively stands. It had been a long time since it had been so lively. "Don't let them down when you go on later!"

"Yeah!" Zhang Jun nodded.

"Zhang Jun, it's your turn!" Heuvel passed the ball to Zhang Jun, indicating that it was his turn to shoot.

Zhang Jun dribbled the ball, he was finding his feel. Well, not bad! Strong steps, normal dribbling frequency, next see how the shot is... After he reached the edge of the penalty area, he swung his foot and shot hard! The football rolled quickly along the grass towards the far corner of the goal, and goalkeeper Robert van Westerop was unable to save it, letting the football into the goal.

Yes!

Zhang Jun clenched his fist, feeling very good!

A huge cheer suddenly erupted in the stands. This was the first goal they had seen from Zhang Jun in seven months! Although it was just a shooting practice in the pre-match warm-up.

This goal also made The Hague nervous. "It seems that Zhang is in good shape! You can't be careless, if he comes on, you must mark him closely! He is a dangerous person in the penalty area, don't let him into the penalty area. Daniel (Daniel Rijaard), you focus on marking him!" Their coach was already busy arranging man-to-man assignments, although Zhang Jun would not start, and Adriaanse had not even announced whether he would play.

Wang Hua was also happy for Zhang Jun as he watched his figure. It seemed that the suffering he had endured in the past few months had finally been rewarded. Zhang Jun, who was in such excellent condition, would become the nightmare of all opponents. Look at the cheers of the fans! This was just a pre-match warm-up. Wang Hua seemed to be able to hear "Zhang Jun bless Volendam" resounding through Veronica.

There was still half an hour before the start of the game, but everyone must be getting impatient.

Let the game start soon! Let Zhang Jun come on soon!

※※※

The game finally kicked off on time half an hour later. This was just an ordinary Eredivisie match. Both teams were ranked low, and there were no well-known stars, but the stadium was still packed.

The person who attracted so much attention was sitting on the bench at this time, wearing Volendam's orange jacket, occasionally chatting with Wing beside him. It could be seen that he was very relaxed, a good attitude.

The game itself was not exciting. Both sides made many mistakes and the tactics were relatively simple. In addition, there were no star players to attract attention, so not many people put their energy into it. They were just watching the game with their eyes, but thinking about when Zhang Jun would come on.

The first half ended 0:0. Henar missed a great opportunity, but The Hague also inexplicably missed at least two certain goals. Otherwise, there were not many highlights in the game.

During the half-time break, the substitutes warmed up under the guidance of the assistant coach. If you don't warm up during the half-time break in winter, your body will cool down quickly and you'll easily catch a cold.

But Zhang Jun was not among them. He walked into the dressing room with the starting eleven and the coach. Sharp-eyed people noticed this, so the news that Zhang Jun would come on at the start of the second half began to spread in the stands.

"Zhang Jun will come on after the half-time break? Really?" Wang Hua looked at his Chinese colleague next to him. "Who did you hear that from?" If it was true, then Adriaanse was really generous, giving Zhang Jun a full forty-five minutes.

The man pointed to a foreigner next to him: "Him."

Wang Hua went to ask the Dutch reporter again: "Are you sure Zhang will come on at the beginning of the second half?"

"Uh, I'm not too sure, you'd better ask him." The other party pointed to a reporter in front.

Wang Hua was a little discouraged. It seemed that it was just a rumor, causing him to be happy for nothing. But, Zhang Jun, when can you come on? To be honest, if it wasn't for you, this game would be so boring.

※※※

Zhang Jun was originally going to stay on the field with the other substitutes to warm up, but he was stopped by Adriaanse. "Come with me, listen to the arrangements for the half-time break, and I'll arrange for you to come on in the second half."

These words were like divine music to Zhang Jun's ears. After waiting for more than seven months, he finally heard these words.

He was so excited that he hadn't calmed down even when he reached the dressing room, so he didn't notice the gloomy and tired faces of his teammates at all. This game was more difficult than he imagined. Volendam was indeed a little weaker than The Hague. It was not easy to keep the score even in the first half. No one knew what would happen in the second half. Maybe they should pray that Zhang Jun would come on early and be in great shape.

After explaining the tactical arrangements for the second half, Adriaanse came to Zhang Jun specifically: "How do you feel?"

Zhang Jun nodded: "Very good!" He wanted to give the coach the feeling that he was in great shape, he could come on now, and he could score a goal when he came on.

Adriaanse nodded: "Okay, I'll give you fifteen minutes in the second half. Not much time, mainly just to let you find your rhythm, so don't be too anxious."

Hearing the coach say this, Zhang Jun was a little disappointed: So it wasn't because of the situation on the field that he was ordered to take on a critical mission. That is to say, he didn't have any hope for him at all, and it didn't matter whether he played well or badly. He felt that he had lost his fighting spirit all of a sudden.

"Okay, that's it. Follow your own rhythm, don't push too hard, and be careful to protect yourself." Adriaanse patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder, got up and left, completely unaware of Zhang Jun's dim eyes.

※※※

After the second half started, everyone didn't see Zhang Jun in the lineup, but found him on the bench looking a little lost. What's going on? Did the coach decide not to let him come on? Otherwise, why that expression?

The game was still dull and boring. Volendam had the home advantage, but The Hague was stronger. Neither side could gain an advantage, and the score was still tied at 0:0. At this time, some fans had already started shouting Zhang Jun's name. They were using practical actions to "support" Zhang Jun and put pressure on the coach.

Hoorns, who was watching the game on the podium, didn't show anything on the surface, but he couldn't wait to rush to the coaching bench and publicly question Adriaanse. "You damned old bastard, why don't you let Zhang come on? What the hell are you waiting for?" He roared in his heart.

But no matter what others thought or did, Adriaanse strictly followed his own arrangements. He said fifteen minutes, and it would be fifteen minutes. As for the result of the game... Anyway, there was no difference between eight consecutive losses and nine consecutive losses. The goal this season was to stay in the league, and there was nothing to do about being weak.

Zhang Jun watched the game. Everyone was working very hard, unable to score a goal for a long time, and had to be careful to prevent the other side from scoring. There were so many people in the stands watching, the pressure must be great.

Suddenly he understood. The coach said that he was just letting him come on to find his rhythm, and didn't have too many hopes. Although no one would blame him for not performing well, wouldn't it be better if he performed well and scored the winning goal to help the team end their eight-game losing streak? Such a performance would be worthy of my comeback!

Okay, it's decided! No matter what the coach's plans are, as long as I come on, I won't let everyone who came to watch the game down!

Zhang Jun was proud of his arrangement, and he put on a relaxed expression after making up his mind. In his opinion, the more difficult the game, the more glorious and radiant his comeback would be.

Zhang Jun, who was focused on his comeback, didn't realize how unfair his thoughts were to his teammates who were working hard on the field. Was the team's eight-game losing streak deliberately building a stage for him to be a hero and save the day?

It seemed that the long wait in fear and hope had caused some distortion in Zhang Jun's mind. This was also what Sophie was worried about. When Zhang Jun repeatedly emphasized to her that he would score a goal, Sophie found that Zhang Jun at that time was not the Zhang Jun he used to be. He had become obsessed with scoring goals, scoring goals for the sake of scoring goals. To put it bluntly, he was a little selfish now.

※※※

When the game reached the sixty-fifth minute, Adriaanse said to Zhang Jun, who was already a little impatient, "Go warm up, come back in ten minutes and get ready to come on."

Just waiting for this sentence! Zhang Jun stood up quickly, but he thought that this might give people a bad impression, so he immediately calmed down and walked to the warm-up area on the sidelines.

The fans couldn't calm down. When they saw Zhang Jun appear on the sidelines and start warming up, they let out a huge cheer. They finally saw that figure! "Zhang Jun! Zhang Jun!! Zhang Jun!!!" The fans chanted Zhang Jun's name rhythmically and waved their arms. The stands with only six thousand people were exceptionally spectacular.

While doing leg presses, Zhang Jun turned his eyes to the field. The game became more intense as it entered the final stages. However, this intensity was based on the fact that both sides made too many mistakes and the offense and defense switched quickly.

Henar made a bad touch again. If it were me, there would be no problem with a hard touch like this. The advantage of acceleration is most suitable for a forced breakthrough in front of the penalty area. Zhang Jun thought to himself.

Leg presses, high leg raises, shuttle runs, twisting the waist... Why is ten minutes so long? Zhang Jun did the warm-up impatiently, his mind was all on the field.

Finally, he finally saw Adriaanse waving to him! Zhang Jun finished the last set of shuttle runs and ran straight back to the bench.

"Come on, Zhang Jun! Don't think too much, just play!" All the things that needed to be said had been said during the half-time break. Adriaanse just patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder and let him come on.

Zhang Jun excitedly threw off his jacket, took off his long pants, tucked his jersey into his shorts, and then prepared to come on.

The stands erupted again, because they saw that "11" again. After seven months, he finally came back! With everyone's hopes and blessings, he returned to the field again!

The on-site commentator, unusually, introduced the player who was about to come on to the audience before the substitution: "Let's welcome Zhang--Jun!!"

"Woo-rah!!!"

Listening to the cheers of the fans, Zhang Jun felt his blood was burning. This feeling was great! Yes, I'm back, I've kept you waiting!