Chapter Summaries

China pressed Japan through several missed chances before Tang Ye curled a corner directly into the goal to put China ahead. Japan’s players and coach were left facing a sudden deficit late in the first half.

• Wei Shihao shot straight at Shuichi Gonda after Tang Ye created a clear chance, and Japan cleared the rebound.
• Wataru Endo’s free-kick pass struck Jiang Guangtai, allowing China to launch a counterattack that ended with Tang Ye missing Wu Lei’s cutback.
• After Wei Shihao was injured, Escribá substituted Luo Guofu and ordered Tang Ye to keep the team disciplined.
• Tang Ye tackled Takumi Minamino, then started an attack that ended with Shuichi Gonda saving Wu Lei’s shot.
• Tang Ye took China’s third corner and curled the ball directly into Japan’s goal.

Tang Ye scored directly from a corner to put China ahead of Japan, then injured his shins while attempting a knee-slide on the rubber track. Japan rallied after Hajime Moriyasu’s halftime speech, but China defended its lead through the 72nd minute.

• Tang Ye scored straight from a corner, then scraped both shins when he tried to knee-slide on the rubber track.
• Tang Ye returned to the bench with a superficial injury as China finished the first half leading Japan 1:0.
• Escribá urged China to adjust its strategy and press its advantage, while Hajime Moriyasu rallied Japan around teamwork and unity.
• Japan began the second half with greater urgency, but Jiang Guangtai cleared Yuya Osako’s volley and China’s defense held firm.
• Zhang Linpeng tackled Takumi Minamino in the 72nd minute as Hajime Moriyasu worried that Japan might still be unable to win.

China defeated Japan 2–0 to secure first place in Group B, with Tang Ye setting up Wu Lei’s late goal after Japan’s equalizer was ruled offside. The chapter ended with uncertainty over whether Tang Ye and China’s other core players would travel for the match against Oman or return early for club commitments.

• Japan’s goal from Tanaka Ao was disallowed for offside, and Tang Ye urged China’s players to focus on protecting their 1–0 lead.
• Tang Ye launched a counterattack in the 88th minute, struck the crossbar with a curling shot, then combined with Wu Lei for a goal that VAR confirmed was onside.
• China beat Japan 2–0 and secured first place in Group B, while fans stormed the pitch to celebrate Tang Ye.
• Hajime Moriyasu reflected on Tang Ye’s rise, while Escribá and Tang Ye praised Japan and discussed China’s prospects.
• After China’s win and Manchester United’s cup progress, reporters questioned whether Tang Ye would play away against Oman or return in time for the Champions League.

Tang Ye and the China national team’s other key players chose to return to their clubs instead of playing Oman, and Tang Ye rejoined Manchester United. He left Zhang Yuning and Wu Lei to continue onward, then arrived at the training base, where Ousmane Dembélé teased him.

• Sky Sports pundit Dawson Jason argued that Tang Ye should stay with China for the FIFA ranking points, while Erik ten Hag said Tang Ye needed to return to Manchester United.
• Escribá and Mati proposed that either all the starters play Oman or all of them return to their clubs, leaving the decision to the players.
• The China players looked to Tang Ye, who told Escribá that every key player wanted to leave, including himself.
• Tang Ye flew to Manchester with Zhang Yuning and Wu Lei, then sent them onward and reported to Manchester United’s training base.
• Ousmane Dembélé called Tang Ye a stat-padder and joked that tourists were not allowed at the training base, and Tang Ye told him to shut up.

With most of Manchester United’s starters away on international duty, Tang Ye carried the depleted side against Inter Milan in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg. Manchester United won 2:1, completed Tang Ye’s current mission, and received a new challenge to reach the semifinals while surpassing the combined knockout-stage goal contributions of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

• Tang Ye returned early to Carrington, where Erik ten Hag told him that several key players would miss the Inter Milan match and that the team would rely on him.
• Van der Gaag joked with Tang Ye about his playing career before Erik ten Hag asked Tang Ye to hold the depleted team together.
• Against Inter Milan, Tang Ye covered nine kilometers, urged Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to defend, and kept playing despite exhaustion.
• Tang Ye scored Manchester United’s equalizer and collapsed onto the grass; Greenwood later scored the winner in the 2:1 victory.
• Tang Ye completed his Champions League mission and received a new quest requiring a perfect route to the semifinals and more knockout-stage goals and assists than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo combined.

Manchester United prepared to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final as Tang Ye learned that Cristiano Ronaldo had failed to gain his teammates’ support for a return to the starting lineup. China finished its qualifiers with a reserve-team loss to Oman, and the chapter ended with the teams’ final preparations and Wang Chao predicting a Manchester United win.

• Tang Ye and Dembélé joked about their Transfermarkt valuations before Rodri told Tang Ye that Cristiano Ronaldo had asked teammates to help him regain his starting role, but Dembélé and Rodri refused.
• Tang Ye considered Ronaldo’s wish to win the Champions League but stopped short of saying whether he would help him.
• De Jong watched China lose 1-3 to Oman with its reserve lineup, while Tang Ye criticized Ivanković’s substitutions; China still finished first in its qualifying group and directly qualified for the World Cup.
• Erik ten Hag defended Tang Ye’s early return to Manchester United, and the club announced Tang Ye, Dembélé, and Rodri in its EFL Cup final lineup, with Marcus Rashford on the bench.
• Wang Chao livestreamed ahead of the North West Derby, predicted Manchester United would win, and wagered that Tang Ye would score a hat-trick.

Manchester United took a 2–0 lead over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final after Tang Ye missed an early penalty but later scored from a scramble. Liverpool pulled one back through Luis Díaz, leaving the match 2–1 as the chapter ended.

• Tang Ye won a penalty in the seventh minute, but his shot struck the post and Jesse Lingard’s follow-up was cleared by Andy Robertson.
• Tang Ye combined with Haller and Ousmane Dembélé to set up Mason Greenwood, who scored to put Manchester United ahead 1–0.
• Tang Ye recovered a loose ball in Liverpool’s box and scored with his trademark toe-poke to make it 2–0.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a long pass to Luis Díaz, who beat the Manchester United defenders and scored past David de Gea.

Manchester United held a 2–1 lead over Liverpool at halftime before Mason Greenwood scored again to make it 3–1. Tang Ye improved his stats and weighed how to use a Fine-grade Talent Optimizer, while the match ended with Manchester United winning a penalty.

• Luis Díaz scored for Liverpool to cut Manchester United’s lead to 2–1, and Jürgen Klopp celebrated as Erik ten Hag considered changes.
• Tang Ye’s Far-Corner Curl leveled up, and he reviewed his upgraded stats before deciding to postpone using his Fine-grade Talent Optimizer.
• Ten Hag brought Marcus Rashford on for Haller and moved Ousmane Dembélé to center forward; Greenwood later scored, but the referee ruled the goal offside.
• Tang Ye took a direct free kick that Caoimhin Kelleher punched away, and Greenwood headed in the rebound for his second goal and Manchester United’s 3–1 lead.
• Manchester United continued pressing, and Rashford was fouled in the penalty area, earning the team another penalty.

After Manchester United beat Liverpool 3–1 to win the EFL Cup, Tang Ye used his Talent Optimizer to raise his defending to Unparalleled. The Champions League quarterfinal draw began, but Manchester United’s opponent had not yet been revealed when the chapter ended.

• Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3–1 at Wembley, with Mason Greenwood scoring twice and Tang Ye providing an assist, and celebrated the EFL Cup victory.
• Tang Ye comforted Andy Robertson and Jesse Lingard before lifting the trophy with his teammates as Erik ten Hag promised the fans that the trophy was only the beginning.
• On the train, Tang Ye used his Talent Optimizer on defending, raising the talent to Unparalleled and the attribute from 78 to 81.
• Erik ten Hag told reporters that Tang Ye’s early return to his club had nothing to do with China’s World Cup qualifying results.
• The Champions League quarterfinal draw paired Bayern Munich with Liverpool, then revealed Villarreal CF as Manchester United’s opponent, though the draw scene ended before the pairing was confirmed.

Manchester United drew Villarreal in the Champions League quarterfinals, while Tang Ye worried about China’s World Cup prospects. Cristiano Ronaldo grew increasingly furious over his lack of playing time and dreamed that Tang Ye was whipping him.

• Manchester United drew Villarreal, and Tang Ye joked that his national teammate Wu Lei might have to be sacrificed in the quarterfinals.
• Portugal qualified for the World Cup, while Tang Ye and the press discussed China’s ranking and likely placement in Pot 3.
• Erik ten Hag shifted Manchester United’s preparation toward their April Premier League matches and away from Villarreal.
• Tang Ye noticed Cristiano Ronaldo enter the cafeteria and stopped discussing his World Cup worries with Juan Mata.
• Cristiano Ronaldo argued with Jorge Mendes, blaming Erik ten Hag and his teammates for his lack of playing time and regretting his move to Manchester United.
• Cristiano Ronaldo woke from another dream in which Tang Ye whipped him for trying to claim a starting place at Manchester United.

China’s World Cup draw placed Japan in a difficult group with Spain, while China landed in Group C alongside Argentina and Germany. Escribá’s knockout-stage ambition was left under pressure as the draw continued.

• Chinese fans debated whether China had squandered a chance to earn a Pot 2 place by resting starters against Oman, while Tang Ye watched a video about Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles at Manchester United.
• Escribá told Mati that China had to reach the knockout stage and said he would pursue that goal regardless of the draw.
• At the Doha ceremony, the draw placed England in Group B, Argentina in Group C, and the Netherlands in Group A.
• Japan drew Spain, prompting Escribá to laugh at Hajime Moriyasu’s difficult draw and fans to celebrate Japan’s misfortune.
• Iran joined England in Group B, and China was drawn into Group C with Argentina and Germany, freezing Escribá’s expression as Moriyasu smirked.

The World Cup draw placed China in a group with Argentina, Germany, and a European playoff winner, leaving Escribá furious and doubtful about their knockout-stage chances. He blamed Erik ten Hag for keeping Tang Ye from playing against Oman and said he wanted to confront him.

• Escribá watched China draw Argentina and Germany, with Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine still to join Group C.
• Escribá told reporters that China had probably missed a chance to become a second-pot team by not going all out against Oman.
• Escribá claimed Erik ten Hag had interfered with Tang Ye’s decision to return to Manchester United, costing China the chance to beat Oman and improve its draw.
• Escribá said he regretted trusting Erik and believed China’s World Cup efforts had been wasted.
• After a reporter suggested they meet for dinner, Escribá said he would punch Erik in the head once the food had been served.

Manchester United defeated Yellow Submarine 4–1 in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, with Tang Ye scoring a hat-trick against his former club. After seeing Cristiano Ronaldo distressed in the restroom, Tang Ye went to Erik ten Hag to talk about Ronaldo.

• Escribá claimed his earlier threat against Erik ten Hag had been made while drunk, but Erik ten Hag responded that he would not refuse a dinner or back down from a fight.
• Marcus Rashford scored first for Manchester United, Tang Ye added a spectacular goal, and Serge Aurier pulled one back for Yellow Submarine.
• Tang Ye scored twice more, including from a free kick, while Yellow Submarine fans urged him to stop scoring against his former club.
• Cristiano Ronaldo came on as a substitute, fell while carrying the ball, and watched Tang Ye complete his hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé’s pass.
• Tang Ye found Cristiano Ronaldo red-eyed in the restroom, then went to Erik ten Hag’s office and said he wanted to talk about Ronaldo.

Tang Ye urged Erik ten Hag to give Cristiano Ronaldo more time on the pitch, then reflected on his regret at not helping Ronaldo sooner. Ronaldo continued to suffer nightmares about Tang Ye and planned to speak out against Erik, but Erik named him in Manchester United’s starting lineup for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Villarreal.

• Tang Ye told Erik ten Hag that Ronaldo was improving his pressing and could help the team with more playing time, and asked Erik to be less biased against him.
• After leaving Erik’s office, Tang Ye regretted letting the [Nine Lords Unite] mission keep him from helping Ronaldo earlier.
• Ronaldo woke from a nightmare about Tang Ye and complained to Jorge Mendes that his treatment and the psychologist had not stopped the dreams.
• Ronaldo said he would wait until the right moment to hold a press conference about Erik and asked Mendes to arrange another interview with Wes Morgan.
• Erik ten Hag announced the lineup for the Villarreal match and included Ronaldo among the forwards alongside Marcus and Ousmane Dembélé.

Ronaldo questioned Erik ten Hag about his surprise start against Villarreal, while Tang Ye dismissed theories that it was a political move. Manchester United began the Champions League quarterfinal second leg with a three-goal lead, and the chapter ended with the match still underway and Lisandro Martínez receiving a loose ball outside Villarreal’s penalty area.

• Dembélé and de Jong asked Tang Ye why Ronaldo had been named in the starting lineup, and Dembélé guessed Erik ten Hag was trying to shift blame.
• Ronaldo confronted Erik ten Hag, who said he had started him for his scoring ability and warned that he might substitute key players if United led comfortably.
• Escribá avoided commenting on Ukraine during an interview and insulted Erik ten Hag, prompting Erik and Mitchell van der Gaag to discuss the remarks before their match.
• Tang Ye checked his Champions League mission, which needed one more goal or assist to reach its target, and told Dembélé to focus on playing well.
• Manchester United began the second leg against Villarreal, and Ronaldo’s early heel flick went straight to Trigueros.
• Villarreal threatened through Wu Lei, Serge Aurier, and Arnaut Danjuma, but Martínez saved Danjuma’s shot; later, Lisandro Martínez collected a cleared set piece.

Manchester United dominated Villarreal in the second leg, with Tang Ye setting up attacks and scoring as the aggregate lead grew. Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a late goal, but the referee waited for an offside check, leaving its status unresolved.

• Martínez injured his left ankle after a collision with Capoue, and Eric Bailly replaced him before the fifteenth minute.
• Trigueros fouled Tang Ye and received a yellow card, then Tang Ye’s free-kick feint let Marcus Rashford score to make it 1–0.
• Tang Ye scored from a layoff by B. Fee to put Manchester United 2–0 ahead at halftime and extend the aggregate score to 6–1.
• Wu Lei won a penalty in the second half, and Danjuma scored to make it 2–1 before Erik ten Hag brought on Rodri.
• Tang Ye sent a long pass to Ziyech, who scored to make it 3–1.
• Tang Ye delivered a long cross for Cristiano Ronaldo to head into the net, while the referee awaited confirmation of a possible offside.

Manchester United defeated Villarreal 4-2 to advance to the Champions League semifinals with an 8-3 aggregate score, and Tang Ye upgraded his speed talent after the match. The chapter left Tang Ye facing the final stage of his Champions League quest: win the competition or become its best player.

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored Manchester United's fourth goal, and the team later conceded a late goal to Arnaut Danjuma before winning 4-2 and advancing 8-3 on aggregate.
• Cristiano Ronaldo said he was unsure why Erik ten Hag had rarely started him and postponed confronting the manager about his grievances.
• Tang Ye visited Villarreal's dressing room, where he greeted Wu Lei, Trigueros, Asenjo, and other players and joined them for a photo.
• Tang Ye received a Legendary Talent Optimizer and used it to raise his speed talent from One in a Hundred to Unparalleled, increasing his speed attribute from 83 to 86.
• Tang Ye's Champions League Knockout Chain Quest entered its final stage, requiring him to win the Champions League or become that season's Champions League Best Player.

Manchester United remained unbeaten and held a 12-point Premier League lead as they approached a difficult run of fixtures, while Cristiano Ronaldo reconsidered his conflict with Erik ten Hag. In their match against Arsenal, Tang Ye equalized after Bukayo Saka scored, and Ronaldo confronted Tang Ye at halftime for not passing to him.

• Ten Hag dismissed concerns about Manchester United's injured players and predicted that his team would win the Premier League title soon.
• Manchester United's 95-point total put them 12 points ahead of Manchester City, leaving them four points from clinching the title with two matches to spare.
• Tang Ye explained that he was selling PPBond shares to help the company develop, despite remaining bullish on its prospects.
• Jorge Mendes urged Ronaldo to postpone his planned interview and conflict with Ten Hag, and Ronaldo reluctantly considered keeping the peace while he could still win the Champions League.
• Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a 27th-minute lead at the Emirates Stadium, but Tang Ye equalized with a free kick five minutes later.
• At halftime, Ronaldo accused Tang Ye of refusing to pass to him and demanded the same chances as the other strikers, while Tang Ye defended his decisions.

Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2, leaving them one point from the Premier League title, while Cristiano Ronaldo planned to expose Erik ten Hag after the season. Before the Chelsea match, Ronaldo overheard Ten Hag say he had only been starting him because of Tang Ye and reacted with anger and fear.

• Tang Ye greeted Bukayo and Ødegaard before Manchester United took a 2-1 lead through Ziyech early in the second half.
• Zaka sent Eddie Nketiah through to equalize for Arsenal, but Cristiano Ronaldo scored after a Manchester United counterattack to secure a 3-2 away win.
• Cristiano Ronaldo told Jorge Mendes he would speak out after the season about unfair treatment, and Mendes warned him to prepare for the consequences.
• On April 29, Manchester United prepared to face Chelsea needing only a draw to win the Premier League title.
• Cristiano Ronaldo hid in a restroom stall and overheard Erik ten Hag tell Mitchell van der Gaag that he had been starting Ronaldo because of Tom; Ronaldo kicked the stall door and then slapped himself.

Manchester United and Chelsea traded attacks in their Premier League title clash, with Tang Ye opening the scoring before Chelsea equalized and then took the lead. The chapter left Manchester United trailing as Erik ten Hag urged his team to respond.

• Tang Ye fouled César Azpilicueta to stop Chelsea’s counterattack and received a yellow card.
• Tang Ye drove Manchester United forward on a counterattack and scored from Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass to put United ahead.
• Rodri sent a long-range shot over the goal after Ousmane Dembélé cut inside and laid the ball back.
• Kai Havertz equalized for Chelsea after Werner and Mount helped create an opening, and Tuchel received a yellow card for arguing with home fans.
• Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shoot during a Manchester United attack, then Chelsea countered and Mount scored to put Chelsea ahead.