Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• China scores two early goals through Li Weifeng and Lin Feng's corner kick setup.
• Japan struggles to adjust and counterattack, failing to score despite several chances.
• Lin Feng's powerful free kick hits a Japanese defender, Yuji Nakazawa, causing injury.
• Japan resorts to unsportsmanlike tactics, launching a quick attack after an injury, angering Chinese fans and players.
• China responds with aggressive attacks, coming close to scoring again before halftime.

Character Developments

• Li Weifeng redeems himself from the previous Asian Cup Final by scoring a crucial goal.
• Lin Feng continues to demonstrate his leadership, tactical acumen, and goal-scoring threat.
• Japanese players, despite their initial dominance in Asia, show vulnerability and struggle under pressure.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of expectations and redemption (Li Weifeng's goal).
• The impact of unsportsmanlike behavior on team dynamics and fan reactions.
• The importance of mental fortitude and resilience under pressure (Japan team's struggles).

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and the Chinese team players work together, creating scoring opportunities and supporting each other's attacks.
• Japan team players struggle to communicate and coordinate effectively under pressure.
• Fans from both sides engage in heated discussions and reactions, reflecting their teams' performances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first half ends with China leading 2:0 against Japan.
• Both teams start the second half without substitutions.
• Japan struggles to create chances due to China's defensive tactics.
• China makes a substitution, bringing on Chen Tao for Han Peng, strengthening their attack.
• Japan responds by taking off Kengo Nakamura and bringing on Yano Takanori.
• China scores their third goal in the 67th minute, leading 3:0.

Character Developments

• Zhu Guanghu, the Chinese coach, remains focused and strategic, making timely substitutions to strengthen China's attack.
• Ivica Osim, the Japanese coach, appears indecisive, taking too long to make substitutions and not effectively addressing Japan's struggles.
• Lin Feng continues to be a key player, orchestrating China's attacks and scoring opportunities.
• Chen Tao scores his first goal in the Asian Cup after coming on as a substitute.

Significant Themes

• Redemption: China seeks to redeem themselves after their loss in the previous Asian Cup final to Japan.
• Underestimation: Japan underestimates the Chinese team, paying the price with a significant scoreline against them.
• Adaptability: Both teams struggle with adapting their tactics in response to the other's strategy.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Guanghu interacts with his players, motivating them and making strategic decisions.
• Ivica Osim interacts with his players, but his decisions seem to lack the same impact as Zhu Guanghu's.
• Lin Feng interacts with his teammates, particularly Shao Jiayi and Chen Tao, creating scoring opportunities.

Lin Feng dominated the Asian Cup Final against Japan, scoring twice more to give China a 5–0 lead and make history with a hat trick. The chapter ended with the crowd celebrating his performance as football officials applauded and Zhang Jilong reflected on China’s rise in the tournament.

• At the 75th minute, Lin Feng dispossessed Shunsuke Nakamura, beat several Japan players on a solo run, and scored to make it 4–0.
• Japan struggled to withstand China’s attacks, and its players resorted to wasting time as the crowd booed.
• In the 83rd minute, Lin Feng earned a penalty after his shot struck Akira Kaji’s arm, then converted it past Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi to make the score 5–0 and complete a historic Asian Cup Final hat trick.
• The stadium’s fans and officials, including Blatter and Zhang Jilong, stood and applauded Lin Feng’s performance.
• Blatter praised Chinese football, while Zhang Jilong credited Lin Feng’s talent and considered how the tournament’s fairer officiating had affected Asian teams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chinese team defeats Japan team 5-0 in the Asian Cup Final.
• Lin Feng scores a record-breaking twelve goals in the tournament, winning the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards.
• FIFA President Blatter attends the awards ceremony and presents medals to the Chinese team.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng's dominance and leadership lead Chinese team to victory, solidifying his status as a national hero.
• Japan team suffers a humiliating defeat, leading to introspection and a desire for revenge.
• Zhang Jilong, as the Chinese Football Association chairman, showcases his political acumen by inviting Blatter to balance the influence of the West Asian Football Association within the AFC.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and redemption: Chinese team's victory over Japan team serves as revenge for past defeats and a redemption of national pride.
• Youth development: The lack of a robust youth development system in Chinese football is highlighted, with Lin Feng's success being attributed to China's large population rather than effective youth training.
• International relations: The interaction between Blatter and Zhang Jilong reflects the potential influence of FIFA on the AFC and the desire to use this influence to promote Chinese football's development.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng interacts with Blatter, showcasing his confidence and ambition.
• Zhang Jilong interacts with Blatter and Saburo Kawabuchi, displaying his political maneuvering and desire to improve Chinese football.
• The Chinese team players interact with Blatter, displaying their surprise and lack of familiarity with the FIFA president.

After the Chinese team won the Asian Cup, Lin Feng pledged to lead the national team to the 2010 World Cup, accepting the pressure that came with being its leader. FIFA’s latest rankings placed China 35th in the world and second in Asia, as fans looked ahead to the 2008 World Cup Qualifiers and Olympics.

• Chinese fans celebrated the national team’s 5–0 Asian Cup final victory over Japan team after CCTV confirmed the result.
• Lin Feng told a live CCTV interview that the team would fight for a place in the South Africa World Cup.
• Zhu Guanghu questioned Lin Feng’s public pledge, but Lin Feng said a team leader had to shoulder responsibility and pressure.
• Fans praised Lin Feng’s confidence and analyzed the national team’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
• FIFA’s latest rankings placed Chinese team 35th in the world and second in Asia, while Japan team remained 30th.
• The chapter explained that Chinese team would enter the twenty-team stage of the Asian World Cup Qualifiers in February next year.

After the National Football Team returned to Beijing as Asian Cup champions, Lin Feng joined Liu Yifei to record Beijing Welcomes You for the Olympics. Lin Feng impressed the recording team with his singing but struggled with the outdoor filming, where Liu Yifei offered to teach him acting.

• The National Football Team received an enormous crowd of fans at the airport, and Lin Feng and his teammates helped security calm the crowd before leaving.
• After a series of commendations and awards, the national team disbanded on August 1, and Lin Feng went to record the Olympic promotional song.
• Lin Feng unexpectedly met Liu Yifei at the recording venue, where Director Wang Jiuping explained they wanted an advance release around the Olympics’ one-year countdown.
• Lin Feng recorded his song in three takes, surprising Wang Jiuping and composer Ke Zhaolei with his professional-level singing, then declined Ke’s invitation to become a singer.
• Liu Yifei spent the morning repeating her two lines until Ke approved them, while Lin Feng later needed hours to finish lip-syncing at the Forbidden City.
• Liu Yifei finished her outdoor shots quickly and offered to teach Lin Feng acting if he called her big sister.

After Lin Feng’s singing on “Beijing Welcomes You” won over listeners, he returned to Europe and discovered that top clubs were competing to sign him. Inter Milan gave no indication whether it would accept the increasingly huge offers, leaving his future uncertain as preseason approached.

• Listeners praised Lin Feng’s performance on “Beijing Welcomes You,” and online debate grew over whether he should pursue singing alongside football.
• Wang Pingjiu discovered that Lin Feng drew widespread attention overseas and regretted not having him record more songs.
• Lin Feng flew to Europe and read about major transfers, including Henry’s move from Arsenal to Barcelona and Real Madrid’s and Manchester United’s expensive signings.
• Manchester United and other European powerhouses made offers for Lin Feng, with Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly raising their bids to 70 million Euro.
• Inter Milan neither accepted nor rejected the offers, while rival clubs stood ready to increase their bids to 80 or 90 million Euro.

Moratti considered selling Lin Feng after Real Madrid and Manchester United made huge bids, while both clubs pursued him for different reasons. Lin Feng arrived at Inter’s training camp to find reporters and fans demanding to know whether he would leave, and he realized something was wrong with the club’s transfer plans.

• Moratti weighed the financial appeal of selling Lin Feng but initially kept him because Inter needed his star power and commercial value.
• Ferguson pursued Lin Feng as leverage in Manchester United’s efforts to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Real Madrid had tempted with a transfer offer.
• Calderón raised Real Madrid’s offer for Lin Feng to 80 million Euro and also increased its bid for Cristiano Ronaldo to 60 million Euro.
• Moratti rejected Real Madrid’s 80 million Euro offer and leaked it to the media to pressure Manchester United into bidding higher.
• Lin Feng reported to Inter’s training camp on August 11 and was met by reporters asking about the bids and fans pleading with him to stay.
• Lin Feng recognized that the commotion confirmed his suspicions about Inter’s transfer-market decisions.

As Inter Milan considered selling Lin Feng amid financial pressure, Real Madrid and Manchester United competed to sign him. Mendes visited Lin Feng to offer his services as an agent and claimed Mourinho was very likely to become Real Madrid’s next head coach.

• Lin Feng reassured Zanetti and his teammates that he had not chosen to leave Inter Milan, while Vieira suggested the club might be behind the transfer rumors.
• Branca urged Moratti to reject the bids, but Moratti explained the club’s and his family’s financial troubles and said he would not obstruct Lin Feng’s transfer.
• Branca argued Lin Feng was worth at least 100 million Euro, but Inter Milan responded to Real Madrid’s bid by signaling it wanted a higher offer.
• Calderón raised Real Madrid’s offer by five million Euro, and Ferguson decided Manchester United should continue bidding despite the cost.
• Mendes visited Lin Feng and offered to become his agent, then revealed that Mourinho had a ninety-percent chance of becoming Real Madrid’s next head coach.

Lin Feng hired Jorge Mendes as his agent and discussed whether Barcelona or Real Madrid would best suit his future. He asked Mendes to contact Inter Milan and Real Madrid about his options, leaving his transfer decision to be resolved before the new season.

• Lin Feng dismissed Mendes's information about Mourinho taking over Real Madrid as obvious and asked him to give a professional career assessment.
• Mendes recommended Barcelona for its attacking system and named Real Madrid as a strong alternative, while warning Lin Feng about the club's demanding fans and divided locker room.
• Lin Feng asked whose side Mendes would take if he clashed with Mourinho, and Mendes said he would mediate and, if necessary, advise Mourinho to leave.
• Lin Feng accepted Mendes as his agent, and Mendes promised to protect his interests and help him pursue football's top honors.
• Lin Feng tasked Mendes with finding out Inter Milan's position and approaching Real Madrid about its terms before the new season began.

Mendes negotiated Lin Feng’s transfer from Inter Milan to Real Madrid, persuading Calderón to meet Moratti’s 100-million-Euro price. Real Madrid announced the record-breaking signing of the 19-year-old Chinese attacking midfielder.

• Mendes met Moratti, learned Inter Milan’s asking price, and persuaded him to demand 100 million Euro from Real Madrid.
• Mendes told Calderón that Moratti would not sell Lin Feng for less than 100 million Euro, and argued the young player’s sporting and commercial value justified the fee.
• Calderón agreed to the price and told Mendes to have Lin Feng prepare to sign the contract.
• Mendes explained to Lin Feng that he had pushed the fee past 100 million Euro to increase his profile and commercial value.
• On August 17, Real Madrid announced that they had signed Lin Feng from Inter Milan for 100 million Euro.

Lin Feng’s record-breaking move to Real Madrid sparked worldwide attention, and the club welcomed him and completed his medical examination and contract negotiations. He agreed to a five-year deal with the squad’s highest salary, but insisted on keeping all his Portrait Rights as the negotiations reached their key sticking point.

• News of Lin Feng’s 100-million-euro transfer to Real Madrid spread across the Football World, prompting celebration in China, disbelief among South Korean fans, and admiration in Japan.
• On August 19, Lin Feng passed a thorough medical examination at Moraleja Hospital, and team doctor Carlos reported that he was in excellent health with no old injuries.
• President Calderón personally welcomed Lin Feng at the club and publicly promised to handle any problems on his behalf.
• Lin Feng and Real Madrid settled on a five-year contract with an initial annual salary of 6.5 million euros, rising by 10% each year, along with performance bonuses.
• Lin Feng refused Real Madrid’s offer of only 50% of his Portrait Rights and was willing to forgo a 10-million-euro signing bonus to retain them all.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng signs with Real Madrid, securing all portrait rights but losing the ten-million signing bonus.
• Real Madrid hosts an unprecedented grand welcome ceremony for Lin Feng, attended by 90,000 fans and broadcast to 500 million worldwide.
• Lin Feng gives an official interview and makes a lap around the stadium, greeted by enthusiastic fans.
• Real Madrid's current captain, Raul, feels threatened by Lin Feng's arrival and plans to isolate him.
• Real Madrid's new coach, Mourinho, is announced, promising to maintain control of the Locker Room.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates shrewdness in negotiations and gains President Calderón's respect.
• Lin Feng shows confidence and charisma during his welcome ceremony, winning over fans.
• Raul feels threatened by Lin Feng and plans to isolate him, showing his insecurity as a leader.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics within a football club, including the relationship between players, coaches, and management.
• The impact of a new player's arrival on the team's hierarchy and dynamics.
• The importance of a player's public image and fan support.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and President Calderón: They negotiate Lin Feng's contract, and Calderón teases Lin Feng about his shrewdness. Lin Feng responds by pointing out the potential revenue from sponsors from his homeland.
• Lin Feng and Real Madrid Fans: Lin Feng is overwhelmed by the fans' enthusiasm during his welcome ceremony and feels a sense of belonging to the club.
• Raul and Lin Feng: Raul feels threatened by Lin Feng's arrival and plans to isolate him, showing a lack of confidence in his leadership.
• Lin Feng and Real Madrid Players: While not explicitly shown, the other Real Madrid players have varying reactions to Lin Feng's arrival, ranging from hostility to welcome.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mourinho, Real Madrid's new coach, arrives early to prepare for the new season, focusing on fitness tests and analyzing opponents.
• Lin Feng, Real Madrid's newest signing, is already training at the base when Mourinho arrives.
• Cannavaro, Real Madrid's captain, arrives early to make a good impression on Mourinho and finds Lin Feng training. They engage in a friendly one-on-one drill.
• Lin Feng activates his second template, Ronaldinho's, and discovers he can enhance his first template's development beyond 100% once the second reaches full development.

Character Developments

• Mourinho: Showcases his work ethic, decisiveness, and strategic thinking as he takes charge of Real Madrid.
• Lin Feng: Demonstrates his dedication and hard work by training early and engaging with Cannavaro. He also activates his second template, showing growth and adaptability.
• Cannavaro: Initially wary of Lin Feng due to their past rivalry, he warms up to him after their friendly drill, showing a willingness to improve and adapt.

Significant Themes

• Work ethic and dedication: Both Mourinho and Lin Feng display an unwavering commitment to their work, setting an example for their teammates.
• Adaptability and growth: Lin Feng's activation of his second template and Cannavaro's willingness to engage with Lin Feng despite their past rivalry highlight the importance of adaptation and growth in football.
• Rivalry and camaraderie: The initial tension between Cannavaro and Lin Feng gives way to camaraderie, showing the power of sports to bridge divides.

Character Interactions

• Mourinho and Lin Feng: Mourinho watches Lin Feng train, impressed by his dedication and work ethic. This sets the stage for a positive coach-player relationship.
• Cannavaro and Lin Feng: Despite their past rivalry, Cannavaro and Lin Feng engage in a friendly one-on-one drill, leading to mutual respect and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players arrive at the training base, including Dudek, Brazilian, Dutch, Argentine, and Spanish cliques.
• Raul confronts Lin Feng, warning him about his position in the team.
• Mourinho arrives and gives his first speech, criticizing the team's recent performances and declaring his intent to lead them to victory.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows confidence and assertiveness in his exchange with Raul, but also displays humility by offering to provide assists.
• Raul: Demonstrates leadership and protectiveness of his position but backs down when challenged by Mourinho.
• Mourinho: Establishes his authority by criticizing the team's recent performances and setting high expectations.
• Other Players: React defensively to Mourinho's criticism, but ultimately acknowledge his point about their lack of hunger for glory.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Hunger for Glory: Mourinho emphasizes the importance of ambition and drive in winning, criticizing the team's complacency.
• Leadership and Authority: Mourinho asserts his leadership and challenges the established hierarchy within the team.
• Team Dynamics: The interactions between players from different nationalities and cliques highlight the complex dynamics within the team.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Raul: Their exchange sets the stage for competition and tension between them.
• Mourinho and the Players: Mourinho's criticism challenges the players' pride and forces them to confront their complacency.
• Players from Different Cliques: Interactions between players from different nationalities reveal their dynamics and relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mourinho makes an example of Robinho to establish his authority, leading to Robinho's departure.
• Real Madrid's opening match against Atletico Madrid ends 1:1, with Lin Feng providing the assist for Raul's goal.

Character Developments

• Mourinho demonstrates his ruthless and authoritative side.
• Lin Feng shows his impact on the pitch, living up to his 100-million-euro transfer fee.
• Calderón realizes the importance of Lin Feng's influence on the global market.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of living up to expectations and high transfer fees (Lin Feng).
• The ruthless nature of professional football and the consequences of poor performance (Robinho).
• The importance of a strong start to the season for a new manager (Mourinho).

Character Interactions

• Mourinho's harsh treatment of Robinho sets an example for the rest of the team.
• Lin Feng's assist to Raul helps Real Madrid equalize, showcasing their understanding on the pitch.
• Calderón's satisfaction with Lin Feng's influence on the global market, particularly in Asia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid scores the equalizer with Lin Feng's assist to Raul.
• Lin Feng scores the third goal with a Flip-Flap move, defeating Atletico Madrid 3-1.
• Real Madrid fans chant for Lin Feng to score.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates exceptional skills in both attack and defense, winning the approval of Real Madrid fans.
• Some Real Madrid veterans, like Guti, try to isolate Lin Feng by not passing to him.

Significant Themes

• Lin Feng's adaptability and versatility on the field.
• The tension between Lin Feng and some Real Madrid veterans.
• The importance of teamwork and passing in football.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Raul develop a good understanding on the field, with Raul scoring from Lin Feng's assist.
• Lin Feng feels snubbed by Guti and other teammates who refuse to pass to him.
• Real Madrid fans show support for Lin Feng, chanting for him to score.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng scores a stunning goal on his debut with Real Madrid, using a Flip-Flap move that leaves everyone amazed.
• Real Madrid leads 3-1 at halftime, but Mourinho scolds the team for conceding the first goal.
• In the second half, Real Madrid scores two more goals, winning 5-1. Lin Feng scores another goal and assists twice.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng proves himself to Real Madrid fans and the team with his outstanding performance.
• Mourinho demonstrates his tough coaching style, trying to assert his authority over the team.
• Pepe shows his aggressive playing style, earning a yellow card.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a strong debut for Lin Feng to win over Real Madrid fans and his teammates.
• Mourinho's authoritarian coaching style and his attempt to control the team.
• The tension between Lin Feng and Raul, with both wanting to prove themselves as the team's key player.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng interacts positively with his teammates, encouraging Pepe and passing to Van Nistelrooy instead of Raul.
• Mourinho's harsh words during halftime affect the team's morale, but they comply with his orders.
• Raul and Guti try to outdo Lin Feng, with Guti passing to Raul more often.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng's debut for Real Madrid is a resounding success with two goals and two assists, leading to a 5-1 win against Atletico Madrid.
• Real Madrid tops the La Liga standings after the first round, while Barcelona struggles, causing unrest among their fans.
• Mourinho increases training intensity to prepare for the long season ahead.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng proves his worth with a stellar performance, silencing critics and earning widespread praise.
• Mourinho shows his commitment to the team by moving into the training base and increasing training intensity.
• Pepe considers moving into the training base for convenience and to save money.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of high expectations and the need to prove oneself (Lin Feng's debut).
• The long-term perspective required for success in football (Mourinho's approach to the season).
• The importance of hard work and dedication (Mourinho's increased training intensity).

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Mourinho have a conversation about Mourinho's tactics, hinting at a potential shift in Real Madrid's playing style.
• Lin Feng and Pepe bond over their living situations and Pepe's background.

Real Madrid’s early-season success delighted Mourinho, while Inter Milan struggled after Lin Feng’s departure. During the international break, Liu Yifei arrived in Madrid to visit Lin Feng, who began considering how he could help her music career.

• Mourinho praised Lin Feng’s three goals against Villarreal and explained how his flexible tactics had created several ways for him to attack.
• Inter Milan lost players including Figo, Beckham, and Cruz, drew with Udinese, and faced rumors that Moratti might sell the club.
• Real Madrid remained atop La Liga as the international break left Lin Feng alone at the training base.
• Liu Yifei arrived at Real Madrid’s training base, and Lin Feng embraced her before driving her and her luggage inside.
• Liu Yifei told Lin Feng about her film The Forbidden Kingdom and her plans to release an album, prompting him to consider giving her unreleased hit songs.