Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key plot points and events

• In July, while staying in southern China with the national-team staff, Li Luo reads the football news at breakfast. Neymar’s China appearance is canceled because of his impending €222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, confirming the breakup of Barcelona’s famed MSN trio.
• Paris coach Hecking calls Li Luo about Manchester United forward Adnan Januzaj. PSG wants to sign him—eventually for a reported €98 million—as a compatible center-forward for Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. Hecking’s notes make clear that Cavani, Neymar, and Mbappé have conflicting ideas about how their attack should work, while Januzaj can play a selfless supporting role.
• Li Luo also learns that Ivan Rakitić is joining Manchester United as part of Barcelona’s deal for Marcus Rashford. Other major transfers dominate online discussion, including Lingard’s move to Real Madrid, Paulinho’s arrival at Barcelona, and Maguire’s signing for United.
• Seeking some time alone, Li Luo explores the city by shared bicycle, eats spicy noodles, tries “Duck Shit Fragrance” milk tea, and visits a mall cinema. These mundane outings offer a humorous contrast to the extraordinary transfer market and his celebrity status.
• His Manchester United teammates send him messages from their vacations. Januzaj and Lingard apologize for leaving, while Morata boasts that his finishing has improved.
• At a night market and later in a taxi, Li Luo hears fans discuss Neymar’s transfer, Barcelona’s prospects, and his own spectacular performance for China at the Confederations Cup. The taxi radio’s wildly embellished retelling of China’s semifinal against Germany leaves him baffled.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Luo remains observant and understated. He reflects on the absurdity of Januzaj’s enormous transfer fee, enjoys ordinary food and city life, and is quietly touched that Chinese fans followed his national-team performances despite their busy lives.
• Hecking treats Li Luo as a trusted sounding board, explaining why PSG needs Januzaj and discussing the shortage of traditional target forwards.
• Tom and the Manchester United staff keep Li Luo informed about transfer negotiations, while the national-team staff react with awe to the prospect of Neymar and Hecking joining PSG.
• Januzaj and Lingard show regret at leaving Manchester United, though both transfers reflect the players’ rising value and ambitions. Their messages also underline Li Luo’s personal connection to the departing teammates.
• The taxi driver and radio commentator reveal the intensity and playful exaggeration of Chinese football fandom: the driver admires Li Luo, and the commentator turns his match-winning performance into absurd martial-arts-style legend.

Significant themes

• Football’s inflated transfer market: Players once viewed as supporting or rotation options command astonishing fees, prompting Li Luo to question how much their value reflects ability versus team systems and market forces.
• Tactical fit and teamwork: PSG’s star forwards have incompatible preferences, showing that talent alone does not guarantee a cohesive attack; Januzaj is valued for complementing others.
• Fame alongside ordinary life: Li Luo is internationally renowned, yet he still wants to wander, eat street food, and enjoy a mall’s air-conditioning.
• Fandom and national pride: Ordinary fans follow Li Luo’s achievements closely, while the exaggerated radio commentary humorously celebrates his impact on China’s team.

Key events

• A Middle Eastern delegation visits China, bringing the little princess to see Li Luo. She arrives in the everyday clothes and shoes he gave her the previous year, carrying a sensational book about his alleged romantic exploits.
• The princess admits the stories had upset her, but seeing Li again makes her doubts and resolve fall away. Li reassures her indirectly, gives her the match ball from his four-goal performance, and they arrange to meet again in the capital.
• Li leaves for a major commendation ceremony at the Great Hall. A documentary recounts China’s historic sporting moments—from the 1952 Olympics, through Ping-Pong Diplomacy and women’s volleyball, to Li’s performances at the Confederations Cup.
• The ceremony honors Li not only for his results but for his courage and perseverance, presenting him as an emblem of Chinese sportsmanship and national spirit.
• Afterward, the national team’s Confederations Cup preparations officially end. Li and the staff part ways, looking ahead to the 2018 World Cup.

Character developments and interactions

• The little princess reveals her vulnerability and deep attachment to Li. Though she tries to accept the possibility that he loves others, their reunion overwhelms her doubts. She treasures the clothes he gave her and is initially reluctant to accept his match ball because of its value.
• Li Luo is warm and considerate toward her, offering the ball as a lucky keepsake. He also shows discipline about his diet and remains focused on his responsibilities.
• Translator Zhao and the Manchester United staff provide comic relief, but their respect for Li is evident. Zhao’s teasing answer about Lippi’s motives contrasts with the ceremony’s solemnity; Tom recognizes that Li represents more than football to China.
• Lippi and the national-team staff show pride and affection as they say goodbye to Li, reflecting on the team’s journey and accomplishments.

Significant themes

• Sports as diplomacy and national representation: The ceremony argues that sport can bridge political divides and shape how the world remembers a country.
• Perseverance and courage: Li’s refusal to surrender against stronger opponents is celebrated as a symbol of national resilience.
• Affection, jealousy, and trust: The princess’s struggle with the book’s claims shows the pain of loving someone whose life and romantic history seem complicated.
• Recognition and farewell: The commendation honors past achievement while closing one chapter and turning attention toward the World Cup ahead.

Key plot points and events

• On Malibu Beach, agent Mino Raiola tries to persuade Paul Pogba to join Real Madrid. Pogba refuses, insisting he wants to stay at Juventus and beat Li Luo himself. Lukaku and Umtiti think Madrid would give him his best chance, but Pogba is unmoved.
• In China, a ninety-minute documentary about Li Luo’s performance at the 2017 Confederations Cup premieres. It combines his goals and struggles during the tournament with the history of China’s place in international sport, presenting him as part of the country’s sporting legacy. Online viewers and state media celebrate him as a national role model.
• A few days later, Li Luo takes on the formal duty of hosting a visiting young princess. At the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, he guides her through the sights while trying to maintain professional distance. She is more interested in asking questions, feeding koi, and spending time with him than in the landmarks themselves.

Character developments

• Pogba shows pride and independence: he rejects the prestige and money of Real Madrid because he wants to prove himself against Li on his own terms.
• Li Luo feels the pressure of being elevated into a national role model and is careful not to behave improperly. His awkwardness around the princess reveals that he is also trying to manage his feelings and the attention surrounding them.
• The princess is affectionate, curious, and increasingly direct about wanting to be close to Li. Now eighteen, she asks whether he has a girlfriend and presses to see him again after his official duties end.

Character interactions

• Raiola argues with Pogba over Madrid’s offer, while Lukaku and Umtiti reinforce the idea that joining the club could help him challenge Li.
• During the tour, Li patiently answers the princess’s questions, stops her from touching artifacts or trying to catch a koi, and gently keeps their interactions within official boundaries.
• The princess repeatedly seeks Li’s attention, while translator Zhao and Tom discreetly give them space. A small exchange over her windblown cap and her question about Li’s romantic life hint at their growing closeness.

Significant themes

• Sport and national identity: The documentary links Li’s tournament effort to the historical struggle for recognition in Chinese sport.
• Ambition and self-respect: Pogba values a personal victory over Li more than joining a powerful club.
• Fame and responsibility: Li’s public status makes him cautious about his behavior.
• Young affection and restraint: The princess’s open feelings contrast with Li’s efforts to remain professional, creating gentle romantic tension.

Chapter summary

Key plot points and events

• The chapter opens with a comic Sun report, assembled from paid informant Tarik, about Li Luo escorting a young princess around Beijing. The paper fixates on small gestures—loosening her water-bottle cap, warning her not to sit too close, and insisting he has no girlfriend—and interprets them as signs of mutual attraction. Li remains formally restrained, while the princess seems pleased by his answers.
• In summer 2017, Li Luo’s success with Manchester United has transformed the commercial appeal of Chinese football. European clubs fear losing the Asian market to United, so major teams arrange China tours and promise to donate their Chinese earnings to the country.
• Manchester United arrive in China to a huge welcome. The players are delighted by their popularity, and the chapter notes how Li’s achievements have raised the standing and market value of his teammates.
• During Li’s visit with Louis van Gaal, the Dutch coach reports finding several promising Chinese youths and plans to take them to Ajax and Southampton for trials. He is optimistic about their football intelligence but cautions that they still need sufficient physical ability.
• Li reunites with his teammates at United’s open training session. The squad trains seriously, as promised to the fans. In a practice match, Li anticipates the opposition, evades pressure with ease, and directs a precise counterattack that ends in a goal.
• The chapter closes with Juventus arriving in China. Pogba expects Li to play especially hard on home soil and anticipates a fair contest.

Character developments

• Li Luo is shown as both a disciplined public figure and an exceptional footballing leader. He keeps proper boundaries with the princess, while at United he controls the team’s play with effortless authority.
• The princess appears personally interested in Li, testing his romantic availability and responding happily when he says he has no girlfriend.
• Van Gaal continues his role as a talent scout and mentor, identifying potential in Chinese youth while remaining realistic about the demands of elite football.
• Manchester United’s players show gratitude toward Li and enthusiasm for their reception in China. De Bruyne is shy, Morata is excited, and Lukaku tries out Chinese phrases.
• Pogba is eager to face Li and frames the coming match as an even contest.

Significant themes

• Li’s influence on Chinese football: His success has redirected the commercial attention of European clubs toward China and made him a symbol of national pride.
• Talent and opportunity: Van Gaal’s discovery of young Chinese players suggests that ability may be overlooked by flawed development systems, though potential alone is not enough.
• Team structure versus individual burden: Li’s role differs between the national team, where he carries much of the responsibility, and Manchester United, where the whole side is organized around his control.
• Media sensationalism: The Sun turns ordinary interactions into romantic “evidence,” parodying paparazzi speculation and the hunger for scandal.
• Respect and reciprocity: The clubs’ more attentive behavior in China reflects their recognition of Chinese fans’ influence and spending power.

Character interactions

• The Sun reporter and Tarik exchange increasingly detailed gossip, while a paid relationship consultant gives comic interpretations of Li and the princess’s behavior.
• Li and the princess share teasing, suggestive exchanges, but Li repeatedly maintains a boundary.
• Van Gaal discusses young Chinese prospects with Li and his assistant, combining enthusiasm with caution.
• At training, Li’s teammates greet him warmly; Ancelotti insists they reward the fans with serious work, and Li then demonstrates how he organizes and elevates the team.
• The Chinese fans’ enthusiastic response to the session contrasts with their growing realization of how much United’s system depends on Li.

Key plot points and events

• Manchester United face Juventus at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest in a 2017 International Champions Cup match. The packed stadium is overwhelmingly red, and Chinese fans greet Li Luo as a homegrown star on a stage once reserved for visiting international teams.
• Both clubs field strong lineups, including new signings: Harry Maguire and Ivan Rakitić for United, and Medhi Benatia and Blaise Matuidi for Juventus. Paul Pogba treats the match as a chance to avenge earlier defeats by Li.
• Maguire’s shaky debut nearly gives Juventus an immediate goal when he miscontrols the opening pass. Rakitić blocks Gonzalo Higuaín’s shot, and Malanda clears the danger.
• United settle into possession. Li drops deep in coordination with his teammates, then bursts through Juventus’s midfield and draws several defenders. He passes to Rakitić, whose cross finds Álvaro Morata—but Morata’s volley sails into the stands.
• Li increasingly controls the match through precise passing, movement, and occasional dribbles. United dominate possession, while Rakitić and Malanda also make important recovery runs to stop Higuaín after a dangerous Pogba pass.

Character developments

• Li Luo is shown as relaxed and authoritative in a well-functioning club side. Unlike his overburdened role with China’s national team, he can focus on being Manchester United’s midfield leader, bringing his teammates together through his play.
• Rakitić adapts quickly to United’s system, showing tactical intelligence and defensive commitment. Li’s pass and movement impress him.
• Maguire looks raw and unsettled, particularly when turning to chase attackers, and the coaches recognize that he needs time to fit into the team.
• Pogba is intensely motivated to beat Li, but United’s passing and defensive organization frustrate him.
• Morata makes a promising run but wastes the chance, responding with a comically untroubled thumbs-up.

Significant themes

• Collective football versus individual burden: At Manchester United, Li thrives as part of a coordinated system; with the national team, he is forced to do nearly everything himself.
• Belonging and national pride: Li’s reception reflects Chinese fans’ desire to see one of their own command the international stage.
• Integration and adaptation: The match highlights how new signings can fit—or struggle to fit—into a team’s established structure.
• Space and teamwork: United’s coordinated movement creates attacking openings, while Li’s ability to draw defenders makes space for others.

Character interactions

• Li’s connection with Malanda and Luke Shaw helps initiate his breakthrough, and his movement creates the opening Rakitić exploits.
• Rakitić protects Maguire after the early mistake; Maguire’s grateful thumbs-up is met with Rakitić’s restrained exasperation.
• Rakitić and Malanda later combine to stop Higuaín, compensating for Maguire’s defensive difficulties.
• Buffon responds warmly to Morata’s miss, while Pogba vents his frustration as Li and United take control.

Concise chapter summary

Key plot points and events

• In this exhibition match at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest, Manchester United face Juventus. Early on, Harry Maguire clears a dangerous Juventus corner, using his strength and aerial ability to good effect.
• Manchester United launch a rapid counterattack. Rakitic, adapting to his new team, passes back to Li Luo rather than forcing a forward ball. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba believes the defense has contained the attack—but Li Luo unexpectedly threads a precise through ball into the area. The ball deflects off Morata’s foot and goes in, giving United a 1–0 lead.
• Juventus respond after halftime. Pogba drives forward and sets up Dybala behind Maguire, but David de Gea saves the shot.
• In the 63rd minute, Li Luo dribbles past Pogba and evades a second defender before scoring a powerful long-range goal to make it 2–0.
• Li Luo adds a third in the 70th minute, curling a spectacular falling-leaf free kick over the wall and into the net.
• Manchester United win 3–0.

Character developments

• Li Luo shows that his influence goes beyond conventional tactics: he reads situations instantly, creates chances with unexpected decisions, and scores through individual brilliance. The chapter portrays him as playing with extraordinary confidence and freedom.
• Pogba begins the match convinced that his improved tactical awareness lets him control the game. Li Luo’s first goal shatters that confidence; Pogba recovers his fighting spirit after halftime but is again beaten by Li’s dribbling and shooting.
• Rakitic learns what it means to play alongside Li Luo. Initially assessing the team through tactical principles, he begins to trust Li as the solution in possession and is repeatedly astonished by his ability.
• Maguire demonstrates his strength in aerial defense, although Juventus later exploit the space behind him.
• Morata jokes that he merely “lent” Li Luo his foot for the opening goal, reflecting the team’s relaxed camaraderie.

Significant themes

• Talent beyond tactical calculation: Pogba’s careful analysis and Juventus’s defensive organization are undone by Li Luo’s instinctive, unconventional play.
• Adaptation and teamwork: Rakitic’s adjustment to United is shown through his decisions and the support of teammates who help him settle in.
• Different kinds of strength: Maguire’s physical power is useful in specific situations, while United’s system relies more broadly on Li Luo’s intelligence and the team’s coordinated movement.
• Spectacle and home support: The Chinese crowd treats Li Luo’s performance as a gift, and the match becomes a celebration of his skill.

Character interactions

• Ancelotti rejects Giggs’s suggestion that Li Luo is meant to compensate for Maguire’s weaknesses, emphasizing that United rely on Li’s intelligence rather than asking him to cover teammates physically.
• Pogba and Li Luo engage in an increasingly lopsided contest: Pogba tries to anticipate and challenge him, but Li repeatedly outplays him.
• Rakitic comes to understand Li Luo through playing alongside him, while United’s players gather around and celebrate Li’s goals.
• The commentators and crowd frame Li Luo’s performance as both athletic brilliance and a kind of art.

After Manchester United’s exhibition match against Juventus in Beijing, Li Luo received an Inzaghi template and reviewed the squad’s performances before joining his teammates on a tour of the Great Wall. The chapter ended with Lukaku scrambling for water after tasting spicy strips while Malanda calmly ate another.

• Manchester United and Juventus thanked the Chinese fans and donated the match’s commercial proceeds and players’ shirts to support education in China.
• Maguire, Morata, Rakitic, Ancelotti, and Allegri spoke to reporters about Li Luo and the match, while Pogba insisted he would catch up to Li.
• Li Luo received a Serie A Cursed Chest, obtained the Super Pippo template, and recorded his assessments of Rakitic, Maguire, the young substitutes, and Pogba.
• Li Luo declined a one-on-one interview with Miriam Leone and objected to an interview with a female presenter from China Central Television.
• The Manchester United squad toured the Great Wall, where Li Luo posed for photos with fans and Lukaku’s attempt to eat a spicy strip sent him running for water.
• Malanda tried a spicy strip and calmly ate a second.

Li Luo hosted Miriam Leone for a late-night interview in his hotel room, and the two grew intimate after she hid in his wardrobe when a staff member came to the door. The Sun later published a sensational account based on a travelling chef’s gossip, while Sir Ferguson dismissed the story and invited the chef to Cheshire.

• Li Luo finished his match review and added a note about Malanda and the spicy strips.
• Miriam Leone arrived alone for an interview, brought warm chestnuts, and flirted with Li Luo as they talked in his room.
• When a staff member rang the doorbell, Miriam Leone hid in Li Luo’s wardrobe until the visitor left, and the pair then became intimate.
• The Sun reporter Graham Smith published the chef Mustafa Kemal Öztürk’s account of the chestnuts, the rumpled sheets, and Miriam Leone leaving early the next morning.
• Sir Ferguson heard the report, defended Li Luo’s privacy, and invited Mustafa to Cheshire to cook his kebabs.

Manchester United overwhelmed Dortmund 7-1 in a preseason match in Yangcheng, with Li Luo directing the attack and helping the new signings and academy youngsters shine. After the match, Li Luo received a Reus template absorbed by the Cursed Stone and turned down Dembélé's request to swap shirts.

• Aubameyang, Dembélé, and the other players warmed up as the chapter introduced Dembélé's failed attempt to force a transfer to Barcelona, which had signed Rashford instead.
• Dortmund pressed aggressively after kickoff, but Borré disrupted Papastathopoulos and helped Manchester United break forward, where Li Luo assisted De Bruyne's opening goal.
• Li Luo controlled the midfield and set up De Bruyne's second goal, then beat Dortmund's midfielders and squared the ball for Greenwood to make it 3-0.
• Li Luo dribbled past Castro and sent a diagonal pass to De Bruyne, who scored Manchester United's fourth goal; Manchester United eventually won 7-1.
• Li Luo received a Bundesliga Cursed Chest after the match, and its Cursed Stone absorbed a Reus template while displaying a countdown.
• Dembélé asked Li Luo to swap shirts, but Li Luo explained that the match-worn shirts would be donated, and Dembélé walked away disappointed.

Manchester United finished their China tour, and Li Luo returned to Europe as Gareth Bale’s transfer to a Chinese Super League club and loan to Manchester United stunned fans. In Skopje, Manchester United crushed Ajax 8-1 in the UEFA Super Cup, and Li Luo saw the Klose Cursed Stone crumble after its countdown fell to 3,146 days.

• Li Luo and Manchester United left China amid a huge fan farewell, while China National Team representatives lamented how domestic clubs had blocked Wu Lei from moving abroad.
• Real Madrid’s Bale joined a Chinese Super League club for €90 million and was immediately loaned to Manchester United with a priority purchase option.
• Ancelotti reviewed Ajax’s aggressive tactics before Manchester United met them in the UEFA Super Cup in Skopje.
• Ajax attacked boldly, but Li Luo orchestrated Manchester United’s dominance as they led 4-0 by the sixtieth minute and brought on Bale and Maguire.
• Manchester United defeated Ajax 8-1, and Li Luo noticed the Klose Cursed Stone’s countdown had fallen before the stone crumbled into sparks.

After Manchester United won the UEFA Super Cup, Li Luo spent the next day exploring Skopje’s Old Bazaar with Lauren and gave her his winner’s medal. The Sun’s Graham Smith reported on their date and rumors about Manchester United’s ownership and Suarez’s possible move to China.

• Manchester United celebrated its UEFA Super Cup victory, while Lineker and Rakitic jokingly competed to praise Li Luo.
• Giggs suggested buying Ajax youngsters to develop alongside Li Luo, and Ancelotti joked that Manchester United was becoming a football racket.
• Li Luo met Lauren in Skopje, shared ice cream with her, and walked with her through the Old Bazaar.
• Lauren asked what Li Luo had said he would admit, and he gave her his UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal instead.
• Graham Smith recounted spying on Li Luo and Lauren for The Sun and reported rumors that the Glazer Family might sell Manchester United and Suarez might move to China.
• Graham Smith claimed the Albanian Pigeon Party took his camera while he was watching Li Luo and Lauren in the Old Bazaar.

Manchester United defeated Chelsea 5-2 to win the 2017 Community Shield, and Li Luo received a goalkeeper template from a cursed chest. The chapter ended with reporter Graham Smith investigating Luis Suarez’s transfer negotiations in Barcelona, where Suarez bit a director after reading a contract clause.

• Manchester United supporters protested the club’s transfer spending, while Tom learned that some supporter leaders used unrest to demand money.
• Conte prepared Chelsea to take revenge on Manchester United in the Community Shield, and both teams fielded their strongest lineups.
• Li Luo scored the opening goal by exploiting space between Moses and Azpilicueta, and Manchester United went on to beat Chelsea 5-2.
• Manchester United lifted the Community Shield, and Li Luo’s mission reward granted him a Cursed Stone containing Petr Čech’s goalkeeper template.
• Graham Smith learned that Suarez had agreed to leave Barcelona for a Chinese Super League club but bit director Abidal after spotting a clause in the contract.

Li Luo led Manchester United to two emphatic Premier League victories before learning that Barcelona, Napoli, and RB Leipzig had joined them in Group H for the 2017/18 Champions League. The chapter ended with Ancelotti and Hecking fielding questions after the draw.

• Li Luo watched a film at Altrincham Manor while Tom presented Manchester United's match-preparation report.
• Manchester United defeated newly promoted Huddersfield 5-0 in the Premier League opener.
• Manchester United beat Newcastle United 6-0 in the second round, with Benitez praising their attacking chances.
• Li Luo attended the Champions League draw in Monaco and was seated between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Totti and Shevchenko drew Barcelona into Manchester United's Group H, alongside Napoli and RB Leipzig.
• Ancelotti and Hecking answered reporters' questions after the group-stage draw.

Li Luo met Beiya in Monaco, where she asked to become his girlfriend and have children with him so they could help China win the World Cup. He then led Manchester United to a 6-3 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, scoring three goals and providing an assist.

• Li Luo left the UEFA Garden banquet and met Beiya at Monaco harbor, where she thanked him for helping renew her Volkswagen contract.
• Beiya asked Li Luo to be her girlfriend and proposed having three children with him so they could play for China and win the World Cup.
• Manchester United’s squad traveled to Liverpool, where Rakitic surprised Carrick by volunteering detailed information about Barcelona.
• Liverpool started brightly at Anfield, but Salah’s shot went straight to De Gea as Manchester United weathered the attack.
• Li Luo’s one-touch pass split Liverpool’s defense and set up Rakitic to score Manchester United’s opening goal.
• Li Luo scored three goals and assisted once as Manchester United beat Liverpool 6-3 at Anfield.

After Manchester United defeated Liverpool, Li Luo received a useless skill module and filmed another outlandish Bayer insecticide commercial. As Manchester United prepared to face Barcelona, a sensational report claimed that Beiya wanted three children with Li Luo to help China win a future World Cup.

• Li Luo exchanged shirts with Firmino after Manchester United beat Liverpool, then received Salah's "Pharaoh's Left Foot" module from a golden treasure chest.
• Rakitic praised Li Luo in the mixed zone, and the Manchester United squad toured Liverpool before Li Luo fell asleep on the coach.
• Li Luo attended a Bayer commercial shoot featuring bikini-clad models and giant mutant mosquitoes, while Valverde discussed Barcelona's approach ahead of their upcoming match.
• A leaked Bayer commercial showed Li Luo facing giant mosquitoes amid a chaotic tropical cruise party, prompting online jokes about the ad and Manchester United's match against Barcelona.
• Graham Smith's report claimed that Beiya asked Li Luo to have three children with her so they could play for China's national team, and that Li turned her down until after winning the World Cup.
• Monaco harbor patrol caught Smith spying, beat him, and locked him up; Smith then promised to report on Li Luo in Barcelona.