Announcement: Because of the cooperation between Refreshing and Qidian, *We Are the Champions* has joined Qidian's VIP program. However, this will not affect the interests of the vast number of Refreshing VIP readers, because *Champions* will be updated simultaneously in both Qidian and Refreshing. So, friends who have recharged in Refreshing can continue to subscribe to VIP in Refreshing, this will not be affected. Joining Qidian VIP only makes it easier for Qidian's VIP members.

Because there were many rumors this day, I came out to explain.

Lin Hai Ting Tao

05.03.26

***

"Who knows, life is much more bizarre than novels." Li Yan would never have imagined that the subsequent developments would be so unexpected when he said this.

***

Ilaria was in the kitchen making breakfast for Inzaghi, and she was in a good mood today. She was going to the TV station to do a show later, and she could spend the morning with Pippo.

She heard Inzaghi walk in and stop behind her. Then she saw Pippo reach out and silently turn off the induction cooker.

"Don't mess around…" Ilaria reached out to pull Inzaghi, but he grabbed her hand, and with a force, he turned Ilaria around.

"What's wrong, Pippo…" Ilaria was puzzled, she found that Inzaghi's eyes were wrong, it was definitely not the look they usually had when they were joking, "What's wrong with you?"

Inzaghi grabbed Ilaria's hand, raised it to his chest, and looked directly at her. "Didn't you stay in Milan to work last Sunday?"

"Yes… yes." Ilaria was a little surprised, she didn't understand why Inzaghi suddenly asked her this question.

Inzaghi held up the newspaper in his hand and placed it in front of Ilaria: "Then can you explain to me what this is all about? Miss D'Amico."

Looking at the photo of herself lightly touching Zhang Jun's forehead with her hand, Ilaria gasped.

***

Yang Pan finally wiped away the splashed milk and stopped coughing. He saw Zhang Jun sitting weakly in the chair, the newspaper torn in half scattered on the ground.

"Hey, Zhang Jun… don't take it to heart, those are just reporters making things up. Such a blurry photo, it's obviously pieced together with Photoshop. There's still a game this afternoon, you must not…"

"No… it's true, I really did go on a date with Ilaria…"

Looking at Zhang Jun's lifeless face, Yang Pan couldn't help but shudder.

***

When Li Yan saw this report, his first reaction was "It's over!" Zhang Jun still had a game in the afternoon, and Zhang Jun wasn't in a good mood to begin with. He finally had a chance to start and prove himself, but at this critical moment, he was stabbed in the back by the media. How could he still concentrate on the game itself?

Li Yan was right. In the game between AC Milan and Brescia at home, Zhang Jun, who started, was almost sleepwalking and couldn't find his rhythm at all.

He played for seventy minutes, and was later replaced by Yang Pan. He only had one shot, one pass, and ten tackles against him!

This data set a new low in Zhang Jun's career.

Almost no one would believe these numbers. At the time, a Chinese reporter shouted in the press conference hall that the Italian statistics agency had calculated the wrong target. "They must have calculated it as the warm-up players on the sidelines!"

"A disastrous performance!"

"In poor form, Zhang Jun is getting further and further away from the starting lineup."

"Beset by internal and external troubles, Zhang Jun is no longer as brave as before!"

"Maybe we should let Zhang Jun step down from the altar."

…

Looking at the news headlines of these domestic traditional media and online media, everyone felt the seriousness of the situation.

***

While Zhang Jun was still sleepwalking in San Siro, the rumors about him and Ilaria D'Amico had already spread throughout Italy. The Italian media's tireless attention was not because of the male protagonist of this incident; only the Chinese media would put so much effort into reporting Zhang Jun. What made the Italians go crazy was the female protagonist, Ilaria D'Amico, one of the three Italian soccer godmothers, the golden host of Sky Italia, synonymous with sexiness, Filippo Inzaghi's lover. These multiple identities made this incident look particularly interesting, and made many bored people excited, because they finally found a topic to talk about after eating and drinking their fill. People even talked with great interest about how many rounds Zhang Jun would fight with this sexy beauty Ilaria in bed that day.

In front of the media, Inzaghi and Ilaria would always appear together whenever possible. They wanted to prove to the world that their relationship was very harmonious and not affected by this scandal.

But most people knew that Inzaghi and Ilaria must have had a big fight on the day they learned about this. Because many people clearly felt that Ilaria D'Amico, who hosted the show when watching Sky Italia's league live broadcast, looked more haggard than usual. This haggardness could not be made up for even with makeup. Moreover, she was often distracted and absent-minded during the show.

On the night of the game, Zhang Jun secretly called Ilaria alone to apologize to her. Because he knew that she and Inzaghi were a couple, and he didn't want to cause trouble for them.

Ilaria was even more troubled by this. She didn't want to expose these things, because for someone who trusted her, how would this simple person think if they suddenly discovered that her previous contacts were just to extract more valuable news? The blow would probably be even greater, right? Based on this mentality, Ilaria could only force a smile at Zhang Jun after arguing with Inzaghi: "You don't need to blame yourself, Zhang. I took the initiative to ask you out. Play your game well, this matter has nothing to do with you. I watched the game, you performed too badly, this won't do…"

After finishing the call, Ilaria turned around and saw Inzaghi standing at the door with his arms crossed, looking at her coldly: "Who were you on the phone with again?"

"With Zhang Jun." Ilaria answered simply.

Inzaghi raised his eyebrows. He didn't expect Ilaria to admit it so simply. "Okay, did you discuss where to go on a date tomorrow?" His tone was icy cold, and it sounded very hurtful.

Ilaria only felt weak all over. She had explained it countless times, but no matter what she said, Pippo just wouldn't believe it.

This time was the same. As soon as she was about to speak, Inzaghi stopped her in advance: "Are you going to say that those were all interview tasks again? Do you think I would believe that kind of thing? Miss D'Amico, can you please stop using work as an excuse?"

Ilaria was really wronged, but in addition to this grievance, she would also take the time to think about how those reporter colleagues found out.

***

Recently, Sophie has been busy packing her things. She will soon set off for Beijing. Of course, before leaving, treating colleagues to a meal is inevitable.

The time was approaching midnight. After a busy night, looking at the room that was gradually becoming empty, the luggage was packed and placed in a corner. Sophie sat on the wooden floor and picked up today's newspaper. The front page was again about Zhang Jun, but this time it was not good news.

It turned out to be a scandal, a scandal about Zhang Jun. When Zeng Yi handed her the newspaper, she saw a very eye-catching headline and was a little surprised.

But it was only "a little surprised".

Zeng Yi was surprised by her reaction at the time and asked her, "Looking at your expression, aren't you worried at all?"

Sophie shook her head: "Why should I worry, Brother Zeng? I've known him for seven years. Such a long time is enough to trust each other without reservation. I believe in Zhang Jun. Many media have been very excited recently, and it's possible that they deliberately fabricated this." She smiled at Zeng Yi, thanking him for his concern.

Now she was staring at Zhang Jun in the photo in a daze.

Tell me, Zhang Jun, is this true? You should have only had a meal together, right?

The sudden ringtone of her mobile phone startled her. For a few seconds, Sophie just stared blankly at the mobile phone in front of her, but didn't answer it. The forty-chord ringtone produced a loud echo in the empty room, sounding particularly harsh.

It was Zhang Jun calling.

***

After just calling Ilaria, Zhang Jun hurriedly dialed Sophie's mobile phone. Now, the terrible performance, the unbelievably low statistics, the messy news reports and interpersonal relationships, none of these mattered. He just wanted to explain to Sophie and ask for her forgiveness. As long as Sophie didn't misunderstand, he was willing to pay any price.

He silently counted the number of rings in his heart. The call was only answered when the bell rang for the fifth time.

***

Sophie frantically answered the phone. Although Zhang Jun hadn't said a word to her yet, she already knew what Zhang Jun was going to say to her. That idiot would definitely rush to say sorry first, and he would repeat it more than three times, if that date was real…

"Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sophie!" As soon as the call was connected, she heard Zhang Jun shouting on the other end of the phone. "I want to explain to you, I did go on a date with her that day, but we just had a meal together and chatted casually. We didn't do anything else. I'm telling you the truth, you have to believe me, Sophie!"

Zhang Jun said directly in one breath. Sophie didn't plan to interrupt him, and let him finish everything he wanted to say.

So, this date was real. Then, should she believe the media, or believe Zhang Jun?

Did she even need to ask?

After Zhang Jun plucked up the courage to finish everything, he waited quietly for Sophie's judgment. He really regretted it now. Why did he agree to Ilaria's date invitation in the first place? Why didn't he think at the time that someone would definitely take pictures and that it would definitely cause a lot of trouble for both of their relationships.

But what was the use of regretting it now?

"Why do you want to say sorry to me, Zhang Jun?" Sophie said to Zhang Jun in the most ordinary tone. She was afraid that a hint of hesitation in her tone would make Zhang Jun overthink. "Have you ever done anything to be sorry to me?"

"I went on a date with her…"

"That was just an ordinary meeting. You just had a meal together, didn't you?"

"Yes…"

"I love you, Zhang Jun. But I can't tie you down. I can't refuse you from contacting other women just because you're my boyfriend. Love isn't selfish. Love is trust, tolerance, understanding, and honesty. I believe you didn't lie to me, and I understand your situation. So, do you think I still have a reason to blame you, Zhang Jun?"

Zhang Jun was stunned. He didn't expect Sophie to say such a thing. Love is trust, tolerance, understanding, and honesty. Sophie was right. Unknowingly, his originally uneasy heart had settled down.

Why did Sophie have such magic that she could ease and improve his recently anxious mood with just a few words? Zhang Jun didn't want to delve into it now. Now he just wanted to cherish every minute and every second and listen to Sophie's soft words.

"Thank you, Sophie…"

***

After hanging up the phone, Sophie sat on the ground and stretched comfortably. The stone in her heart had finally landed, and her mood suddenly improved a lot.

She looked at the luggage that was almost packed again. The original sadness of parting had turned into anticipation for the future. Zhang Jun went from Volendam, Netherlands, to Milan, Italy, and started a brand new life. She would also go from Chengdu, Sichuan, to the capital Beijing and start another brand new life.

Life is always from one place to another, and since she chose photography, she always had to get used to this wandering life.

Zhang Jun had been wandering outside for three years, and she was just getting started.

Zhang Jun, add oil! Sophie will add oil too! (Add oil: A Chinese expression of encouragement.)

***

Although he had communicated with Sophie, this didn't mean that Zhang Jun's troubles were over. Due to the "scandal" with Ilaria, his situation within the Milan team wasn't very good. Inzaghi, needless to say, was basically "enemies meeting, especially jealous." Many other players also believed that Zhang Jun was a shameful third party who destroyed the happiness of others and despised him in their hearts.

Kaka and Yang Pan naturally believed in Zhang Jun, but what could the two of them do? Zhang Jun didn't want to embarrass his two friends.

In this environment, could he still be expected to play football with peace of mind?

He never regained the form he lost in the battle with Brescia. The fact was that in the first game after the "scandal," he was Inzaghi's substitute, and he didn't even have a single shot statistic in less than twenty minutes. He performed miserably. In the second game, Ancelotti simply didn't take Zhang Jun to the away game. This time, no one questioned the coach's decision, including those Chinese reporters. Because it was obvious that Zhang Jun hadn't been in good form recently. And more unfortunately, Inzaghi and the substitute Boreno both scored in this game. Among the four genuine forwards, his three competitors all exerted their strength when he was in a slump and were in surprisingly good form.

This almost pushed Zhang Jun to a dead end. If he couldn't prove himself, his future might be ruined in Milan. But Ancelotti didn't like Zhang Jun and didn't plan to give him a chance.

In the third game, Zhang Jun was still watching other people's performances from the stands. This time, Inzaghi didn't score, and Shevchenko didn't score either. But the substitute Boreno scored two goals in just twenty minutes!

Looking at Boreno's smiling face, Zhang Jun felt that Milan's severe winter had arrived.

***

December 10, 2005, more than a month had passed since his father's death. And the things he had experienced in this month made Zhang Jun feel physically and mentally exhausted. Now even playing football made him feel bored. Under the torment of various events, he gradually lost his interest in football.

In Volendam before, it was a small place. No matter how much attention he received, it wouldn't be even a fifth of what he received in Milan. The town was small, and everyone knew each other. Zhang Jun never felt any pressure from the residents. To play football happily, he had insisted on this ideal for at least three years in Volendam.

But since he came to AC Milan this summer, everything was different. AC Milan was a top world-class club. Countless reporters and fans focused their attention here every day. Which of the people who played here wasn't the focus of attention?

Zhang Jun hadn't seriously considered the relationship between attention and pressure before. Now that he discovered it, he couldn't bear it anymore.

To be honest, with Zhang Jun's personality, he wasn't someone who could easily adapt to this huge pressure. He wasn't Yang Pan. So, it was normal for such or such problems to arise.

The problem was that people didn't know how Zhang Jun felt. In China, he had a huge fan base, and his name was almost mentioned every day in sports media. His great success in the Netherlands and his joining the world-class AC Milan had created a lot of sensational impact with the help of the media. They had gradually shaped Zhang Jun, this boy next door, into a god. Three years ago, when Chinese football was in its darkest years, it was Zhang Jun who came out of nowhere and then repeatedly used his beautiful goals to let people see a glimmer of hope and have something to look forward to when they felt disappointed.

People were used to such a Zhang Jun, a Zhang Jun who was majestic on the field, a Zhang Jun who always had a smile on his face and was happy. When Zhang Jun changed his image and appeared in front of them with an almost down-and-out feeling, no one could accept it.

They either cursed Ancelotti for being incompetent or cursed Zhang Jun for being an out-and-out coward. But no one could put themselves in Zhang Jun's shoes and think for him. When a young man of only twenty-four suddenly lost his father and then suffered successive setbacks in his career, could he really "turn grief into strength" as everyone expected?

Immediately after hearing the news of Zhang Jun's father's death, in addition to the initial symbolic expression of grief, almost everyone was expecting a movie-comic-style hero to appear. He would turn grief into strength, vent his pain on the pitiful opponent, and raise his hands to accept the cheers they had been preparing for a long time.

But unfortunately, Zhang Jun disappointed them, or rather, they expected too much.

They wanted a hero, but Zhang Jun never wanted to be a hero, or he didn't realize it at all. For him, playing football was his job and his hobby. It was that simple.

On the one hand, there were huge expectations, and on the other hand, there was a somewhat lazy personality. It was conceivable that there would be conflicts between the two. This would form a vicious circle, and continuing it would only lead to a lose-lose situation.

Zhang Jun was trying to find a way to alleviate this conflict. His cold attitude towards the media also had something to do with this. But this could only arouse the dissatisfaction of the media and eventually allow some people to seize the opportunity to make a big fuss.

Regarding the "beating incident," the court's first instance verdict had been issued. Zhang Jun was ruled to have lost the case and had to make a formal apology in the media and compensate the other party for various economic losses. Zhang Jun had asked Hua Fang to help him file an appeal. He wanted to fight this lawsuit to the end, until he could no longer appeal. He didn't care about the money. He was fighting for his pride.

Zhang Jun's recent poor performance also had something to do with this.

A month later, the scandal gradually faded from people's sight. Except for the few people involved who still felt angry and embarrassed, no one would talk about it anymore. There were already new events that people were talking about with relish. And the biggest beneficiary of this scandal wasn't the newspaper that first revealed the incident, but Sky Italia. Because the female protagonist of the scandal worked here, the ratings of the few shows hosted by Ilaria during this period reached new highs, and even the advertising fees increased.

Alessandro Crialese made a lot of money, but no one paid attention to Zhang Jun's losses.

In confusion and helplessness, Zhang Jun watched the once infinitely beautiful vision turn into what it was now. Since his father's death, things had become uncontrollable for him. He wanted to do something to save the current situation, but what could he do now?

He couldn't play in the games, his relationship with others in the team wasn't good, the coach didn't like him from the beginning, and countless media outlets he had rejected were laughing at him… Zhang Jun didn't know what else he could do here.

Even when he was seriously injured, it wasn't as bad as it was now. At least at that time, he still had a love for football. What about now?

Countless people said that when a hobby becomes a job, you will find that it is not cute at all. You will feel tired and painful. You will find that the things that once brought you countless happiness will one day bring you endless troubles and worries.

Now Zhang Jun deeply understood the meaning of this sentence.

He was training and playing football every day. Was he just aesthetically fatigued?

In fifteen days, it would be Christmas. Zhang Jun thought that maybe taking a vacation would be a good idea, taking advantage of the holiday to relax himself. When he returned to the team again, he believed that his form would be back.

Just as he was thinking this, he received a call from Baggio.

"Robbie? Shouldn't you be hunting in Argentina at this time of year?"

"Surprised, aren't you? Hehe. This year I want to spend Christmas in Italy." Baggio said with a smile.

"I haven't heard from you in a long time. Are you okay?" Zhang Jun was very happy to receive Baggio's call, so he put all his unhappiness behind him.

"I'm fine. But you, you seem to have run into some trouble recently, haven't you?"

Zhang Jun was silent for a moment: "Even you know about it? There are indeed some small troubles, but I can handle it. I think maybe I'm just too tired. Fortunately, Christmas is coming soon. After a vacation, there will be no problems…"

"No, listen to me, Zhang. Your problem isn't this." Baggio interrupted Zhang Jun.

"This…"

"I know all those things and I'm very clear about them. I have a lot of friends in the football circle. Regarding the penalty kick in the Milan Derby, I can't say who is right and who is wrong between you and the club. You both have your own reasons, which is understandable. I just want to ask you one question, Zhang, do you regret your initial choice of kicking that follow-up shot and leading to your current situation?" Baggio asked seriously on the phone.

"I don't regret it. I think… I have never regretted my choice at that time, even if it meant losing my starting position." Zhang Jun said firmly.

"Hmm, Zhang. Do you remember what I told you after you were rejected the first time you came to Milan?"

"What… words?" Zhang Jun searched hard in his mind, but he still couldn't remember what Baggio had said to him.

"If you can't go to AC Milan, then go to Fiorentina. I think Fiorentina, which is still in Serie B, may be more suitable for you." Baggio said to him. He repeated what he had said two years ago.

"Go… to Fiorentina?" Zhang Jun was stunned. He had never thought about this question.

"Yes, I still give you this advice now. Leave Milan, no matter what way, whether it's a loan or a transfer, leave there and come to Fiorentina."