Chapter 1 After the Match

Post-match press conference.

A red backdrop plastered with logos of various automobile brands under the Volkswagen Group.

Several bottles of Coca-Cola were placed on the podium.

Clearly, Wolfsburg's business development capabilities were several levels above those of an average Bundesliga team.

Heijin's complexion had returned to normal, and he said dejectedly, "Wolfsburg's pre-match preparations were very thorough, detailed to the point of knowing what each player should do at each time interval. We were originally full of confidence in winning the game, but Li Kang disrupted our plans. The only difference between him and De Bruyne is who is more curved... I mean the arc!"

The reporters nodded in agreement, scribbling furiously in their notebooks.

The questions quickly shifted to the Leverkusen coach.

A male reporter asked, "Mr. Topp, the Champions League quarter-final draw is about to begin! Which team are you most afraid of facing?"

In the Champions League quarter-final stage, all rules regarding avoiding teams from the same league or group would be lifted.

An open draw.

Any two teams could potentially meet.

For example, Leverkusen could very well face Bayern again, or...

Old Man Topp fell into thought, tapping the table lightly with his finger.

Afraid of which team?

What kind of stupid question is that?

Apart from Leverkusen, any of the eight teams this year are at the level of a Champions League semi-final or final!

After a moment, he said calmly, "Opponents should fear Leverkusen. No team can escape North Rhine unscathed!"

Hearing this, the media reporters were deeply moved: This is the kind of spirit our Bundesliga teams should have on the European stage!

Thunderous applause erupted in the room!

Dino, standing beside him, was stunned: Isn't the boss so nervous that he can't sleep every night as the draw approaches?

.....

Lower Saxony was slightly warmer than North Rhine.

The entire Leverkusen team arrived at their hotel.

The older players followed Wolfsburg striker Kruse to the "Stone Gate Avenue" to experience the local customs and culture.

Havertz took out his game console from his backpack.

Brandt tapped on his phone, trying to salvage the relationship with his first love who was determined to break up.

Li Kang returned to his room alone.

A system notification sounded quietly.

[Ding! Congratulations on completing the weekly random treasure chest mission!]

[Mission Reward: Golden Treasure Chest!]

[Treasure chest opening...]

[Congratulations on obtaining: "B-grade Environmental Adaptation" module!]

[Permanent passive module: External factors such as heat, rain, and cold have a reduced negative impact on your performance in matches!]

Very useful.

But there are few opportunities to use it.

Modern European stadiums have very comprehensive facilities. Just considering the issue of cold, underfloor heating systems can greatly alleviate it.

The most advanced stadiums in the world are probably in the oil kingdoms of the Middle East, where they use the most advanced cooling technology to protect tens of thousands of spectators from the heat.

His phone suddenly vibrated.

Li Kang glanced at it. It was a message from the Southeast Asian girl.

It turned out that Zhee Phu had become a spokesperson for a certain Volkswagen automobile brand in Southeast Asia.

She happened to be invited to Wolfsburg headquarters today.

And coincidentally, she was staying at the same hotel as the Leverkusen club.

She said she was bored and wanted to go for a walk with Li Kang to relax.

It had to be said that 23-year-old Zhee Phu was graceful, had a hot figure, and was beautiful and generous... like a ripe purple grape.

Spring has come, and it's the season of rejuvenation.

Towering and robust pine and cypress trees supported the moist, lingering snow, exuding vigorous vitality.

Gurgling streams...

Pui, pui, pui!

Li Kang refused without thinking.

He had to be self-disciplined.

His most important task at the moment was to play football well.

Why did he have to meet girls after every game? There was nothing to see in the car city at night anyway.

So.

He took out two dumbbells from his backpack and started doing strength training in his hotel room.

....

On the other side.

Zhee Phu had mustered a lot of courage to send the invitation message, and she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed after being rejected.

She couldn't help but start thinking and examining herself.

After a long while.

Deep down, the Southeast Asian girl inexplicably felt even more fond of Li Kang.

This super genius football star was discreet in his private life, and his character and sportsmanship were impeccable. He was definitely the most ideal person to befriend.

....

Two days later.

The little assistant rushed to the training ground in a panic.

"Li! You forgot again! Today is the Champions League quarter-final draw!"

"Hurry up and take a shower! Put on a suit!"

"This time we're going to UEFA headquarters!"

Li Kang had really forgotten about this. He immediately passed the ball to Son Heung-min and ran towards the first team dormitory.

Club parking lot.

Old Man Topp sat in the business car, anxiously saying, "Damn it, the draw is torture for me!"

Voller put down the newspaper in his hand and smiled, "I quite like this kind of occasion."

The Champions League zoning rules of the 2015/16 season were canceled, and the zoning rules were not reintroduced until the 2018/19 season.

It would be too verbose to explain.

In short, if Leverkusen could advance to the semi-finals, then Old Man Topp would have to endure another round of torment.

....

In 2016, Nyon, Switzerland did not have direct flights, and no airport had been built.

The plane passed through thick clouds.

Arriving at Geneva Airport.

The representatives of the Champions League quarter-finalists needed to land here and then transfer to vehicles to travel to UEFA headquarters, fifty kilometers away.

Li Kang and Voller walked out of the arrival gate.

The media reporters swarmed forward, and many fans wore black and red jerseys, holding up posters of the number 10 core player.

"Lee!!!"

"Lee!!!"

"Lee!!!"

Times had changed.

The Leverkusen club representatives, who had been ignored half a year ago, had now become a sought-after source of attention!

Before the reporters could ask any questions, Li Kang was escorted by Voller and staff into UEFA's business car.

The Leverkusen coach, walking at the back of the group, was surrounded at some point!

"Mr. Topp, which opponent are you most looking forward to facing in the quarter-finals?"

Old Man Topp really wanted to curse, but considering his current identity, he had to pay attention to his demeanor.

After brewing and carefully choosing his words, he prepared to answer this question properly.

The crowd suddenly dispersed and rushed towards the back!

"Messi!!!"

"Cristiano!!!"

"Hazard!!!"

"..."

Old Man Topp stomped his feet and got into the business car angrily.

Voller laughed, "What's there to be angry about, you old geezer? They are the most dazzling superstars on Earth..."

......

In the distant East, CCTV5 broadcasted the Champions League quarter-final draw live.

-[This year's quarter-finals are very high quality, full of stars!]

-[Do you think it's possible for Leverkusen to meet Barcelona again?]

-[Not very likely. Although President Pu is under investigation, Barcelona will definitely draw their most favorable opponent.]

-[No matter how it's drawn, all four matches will be of the highest level! A life-and-death battle!]

-[Time flies so fast. Half a year ago... I was still watching Li Mingdeng beat up the Monchengladbach youth team.]