Ch. 361When Self-Torture Becomes a Habit
Key Plot Points and Events
- The international break arrives, and Ajax's national team players leave for their respective duties.
- Yang Yang surprises everyone by not transferring to a top-four league, choosing to stay at Ajax to focus on improving his performance.
- The Chinese National Team plans its World Cup warm-up matches, excluding Yang Yang and other overseas players to allow them to establish themselves at their clubs.
- Yang Yang stays in Amsterdam during the break, training at De Toekomst with occasional visits from friends like Louis van Gaal.
Character Developments
- Yang Yang: He demonstrates maturity and long-term planning in his career, choosing to stay at Ajax to improve his skills and gain more bargaining power for future transfers. He reflects on his journey and feels fortunate for his achievements, appreciating the hard work that got him there.
- Louis van Gaal: He shows concern for Yang Yang's well-being, encouraging him to take a proper break. He also shares insights into his coaching methods and his plans for Gao Lin.
Significant Themes
- Hard Work and Diligence: Yang Yang's success is attributed to his hard work and self-discipline, which have become almost instinctual habits.
- Fortune and Luck: Yang Yang feels fortunate for his achievements and appreciates the opportunities that have come his way.
- Coaching and Mentorship: Van Gaal's coaching methods and his approach to helping young players like Gao Lin develop are highlighted.
Character Interactions
- Yang Yang and Louis van Gaal: They share a friendly and respectful relationship, with Van Gaal acting as a mentor figure to Yang Yang. They discuss Yang Yang's career, Van Gaal's coaching methods, and Yang Yang's former teammates at Almere.
- Yang Yang and Gao Lin: Yang Yang shows concern for his national teammate Gao Lin's progress at Alkmaar, offering to help supervise him and provide encouragement.