Shenyang, Liaoning Province - Northeast China
"After a month of intense competition, the 2014 World Cup has reached its final stage, with the German powerhouse and the Pampas Eagles facing off in the final."
"Klose has broken Ronaldo's World Cup goal record, topping the all-time scoring list with 16 goals."
"Germany's head coach, Löw, spoke ahead of the match…"
Kai sat on the sofa, watching the broadcast, emotions stirring within him.
More than ten days had passed since China's World Cup journey ended, and the initial sting of disappointment had begun to fade.
The World Cup, held every four years, was a football festival; China hadn't been the brightest star, but they left a mark.
Taking host Brazil all the way to penalties had already been considered a triumph.
Still, for the players themselves, the memory of that match lingered vividly.
Guo Liang had missed the decisive penalty. Brazil advanced to the quarterfinals, and China's campaign ended abruptly.
That midsummer would no longer shine with the red of the East.
There was regret, frustration, even helplessness—but no remorse.
Every second of those 120 minutes, every penalty taken, China's team had poured everything into the game.
The applause from the Brazilian crowd after the match was proof—they had earned respect.
Undoubtedly, it had been an incredible match.
Afterward, the captain suggested a simple dinner, but no one had an appetite. That night, unusually quiet, weighed heavily on their hearts.
Even in the noisy World Cup, quiet moments were rare—and this day, filled with tears from the fire escape, confirmed that their summer had truly ended.
The next morning, Guo Liang emerged with swollen eyes, sunglasses hiding the evidence. No one teased him. They simply let him be.
The team boarded their flights home, greeted warmly by cheering fans.
Though they hadn't advanced, their performance had been commendable. Until the final whistle, they had never given up—a spirit the fans would remember.
For China, facing a five-star Brazil team and reaching this stage was already extraordinary.
Kai's thoughts were drifting when Wang Peipei appeared at his door, holding two pairs of thermal pants—one red, one white.
"Which do you want? Or both?" she asked.
Kai snapped back to reality, smiling wryly. "Mom, it's not that cold over there."
Wang Peipei shook her head. "Even so! I've seen you play in just shorts during winter. You can handle it now, but when you're older… you'll regret it! Take both. Wear them when you get there."
Kai could only shake his head helplessly. Who could argue with a mother's love?
Le Jianguo entered, carrying two plastic bags. "The tea you wanted—half a catty of each. Check which your teammates prefer, and I'll mail the rest."
"How much was it?" Kai asked.
"You brat, making money at last, huh?" Le Jianguo laughed, waving his hand. "Keep it for yourself—we don't need it."
"Exactly!" Wang Peipei reappeared, hands on her hips.
"I…" Kai started, but Wang Peipei interrupted, " That female reporter who interviewed you before wasn't bad."
Kai froze.
Le Jianguo chuckled. "He's only 21. Plenty of time to find someone excellent."
Kai gave an immediate thumbs-up.
Wang Peipei muttered, "Do you want us to drive you tomorrow?"
"No need," Kai said. "I'll take a taxi. First, Beijing for an ad shoot, then straight to London."
Wang Peipei nodded. After a pause, she added, "Want me to pack some dumplings? Made them today—they're really good."
Kai shook his head, smiling wryly. "No, thanks. I can grab some over there."
He had already overindulged at home; once back abroad, it would be time to control his diet and focus on training.
The next morning, under his parents' reluctant gaze, Kai rolled his suitcase out. He hailed a taxi and headed to the airport.
Disguised with a baseball cap and sunglasses, the driver didn't recognize him—but couldn't stop praising Kai and the other Chinese players during the ride.
Although the World Cup had ended, the Chinese players' performance had left a strong impression.
It had been an unforgettable summer for the fans.
Arriving at the airport early, Kai waited in the VIP lounge. With few people around, he no longer bothered to hide, removing his sunglasses and hat.
His hair was a little tousled under the cap, and a thick goatee-beard framed his chin. After weeks of growth and care, the thing finally looked presentable.
He didn't want a full beard—this was perfect.
"Passengers bound for Beijing, Qingdao…"
The boarding announcement echoed through the lounge. Kai slid his hat and sunglasses back on and headed toward the gate.
Once in first class, he was met with waves of attention from flight attendants. Patiently, he posed for photos and signed autographs. Only after handling them did he feign sleep—though before long, he actually drifted off.
Less than an hour and a half later, the plane touched down at Capital Airport.
Kai slipped quietly out of the aircraft. Since he hadn't publicized his travel plans, the airport was unusually calm, much to his relief.
Barnett was already waiting, stepping forward immediately to take Kai's luggage.
"The hotel's been arranged, and your shoot starts at 10 AM tomorrow."
Kai nodded. "I have to leave the day after tomorrow. Will that be enough time?"
Barnett raised his eyebrows. "So soon? It's still early July, and Arsenal hasn't called you up yet."
"I need to go back and continue recovery training," Kai explained. "The World Cup's over, and the Premier League's about to start. Better to prepare ahead."
Barnett glanced at him and let out a quiet sigh. "If Gareth were as disciplined as you…"
Kai frowned. "Bale? What's he doing?"
Barnett smiled wryly. "Obsessed with golf lately. Every day on the course, no training at all."
Kai just chuckled and let it slide.
The two headed to the hotel. After dropping his luggage in the room, Kai decided not to go out. He rested for the day and went to the ad shoot on time the next morning.
This was his new Coca-Cola endorsement, a major contract making him the brand's spokesperson in Asia.
Though he didn't drink cola, he still had to perform—business was business.
The shoot took a full day. The content wasn't difficult, but Kai's acting skills weren't polished; he flubbed multiple takes and ended up downing nearly three bottles of cola before they got it right.
By the end, the man was virtually burping out his intestines. He swore he'd never touch cola again.
With filming finished, Kai and Barnett flew to London the following day.
After the long flight, Kai finally stepped back into his London home.
"I'm back!" he muttered, tossing his luggage aside and collapsing onto the sofa.
The house had been empty for almost two months, but it was spotless. Barnett clearly had someone maintaining it. As an agent, Barnett was meticulous, always looking out for his players.
After a short rest, Kai unpacked, took a shower, and sank back onto the sofa. Later, he stepped into the yard to juggle a ball, trying to regain his touch.
Feeling a sheen of sweat, he went back inside, toweled off, and finally prepared to lie down and sleep, body and mind completely drained.
. . .
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