Could he really be a genius? (Please bookmark)
Port of Funchal.
As Lu Deyang prepared to board the ship, he rubbed the little curly-haired boy’s head and said, “One day, you must become a great star and play for the team I’m with.”
Cristiano Ronaldo pouted.
Mrs. Dolores, holding a check, thanked Lu Deyang, “Thank you for your help.”
“No need to thank me. Cristiano and I just get along well,” Lu Deyang replied with a smile, waving his hand before turning to board the ship.
The Ronaldo family stood on the shore, their faces tinged with reluctance.
A friend who genuinely helps without expecting anything in return is truly rare.
Especially after Dias fell into alcoholism, they had hardly any friends left.
Once on board, Lu Deyang took a look at the rewards.
[Beginner’s Gift Pack 2]
Elegant Genius — Cristiano Ronaldo’s idol, Rui Costa, a representative of Portugal’s Golden Generation, known for his light, swan-like dribbling and deadly precise through passes. His seemingly effortless touches often led to brilliant assists and goals. He is one of the epitomes of the classic attacking midfielder. Possessing this skill greatly enhances your passing ability when playing in the attacking midfield position.
!!!
Finally, a bonus that applies on the pitch.
Damn it.
If there were matches now, Lu Deyang would definitely want to try it out.
With this skill, starting in the fourth division should be more than enough.
There was also the [Portugal Golden Generation Gift Pack].
Opening it, Lu Deyang’s eyes widened.
[Luís Figo Template Card (Age 12)]
What the hell is this?
A 12-year-old Figo?
The good news was that Lu Deyang himself was truly gifted.
The bad news was that he might be a late bloomer.
Even a 12-year-old Figo was not yet fully mature.
But on second thought, that was a blessing in disguise. Ball sense is innate; no amount of training can break through the natural limit.
Even at twelve, Figo was a super talent with ball control far beyond ordinary players.
Although Figo’s absolute speed wasn’t blazing, the modern game no longer favored whirlwind fast plays.
Figo’s style still suited this era; these days, wingers who blindly sprint down the flanks were just child’s play.
Continuing to read.
[Activation Task 3: Claim upon winning the championship…]
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Alright.
There were no further tasks.
From the looks of it, winning the fourth division championship seemed feasible to complete the mission.
Just need to work hard once back.
The current system still awarded 2 points for a win.
2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
With defensive tactics improving, more teams aimed for draws when victory was out of reach.
It wasn’t until the 1994 World Cup in the United States that FIFA changed it to 3 points for a win to encourage attacking play, a system soon adopted by national leagues.
Although he hadn’t kept up recently, the team’s condition was likely stable, not far behind the leader.
January 4th, 1989.
At Calabria Train Station, Lu Deyang stepped off the train, arms wide open, drawing curious glances from nearby travelers.
Finally, back to his loyal Calabria.
Traveling far these days was no easy feat.
He hailed a taxi at the station entrance to go home.
Lu Deyang casually struck up a conversation with the driver.
“How’s the team doing lately?” he asked.
“What?” The driver was surprised by his fluent Italian.
“I mean Reggina’s situation. I’m a local,” Lu Deyang explained.
The driver, initially planning to take a detour, now looked at Lu Deyang seriously, then said in surprise, “You’re that Chinese player, Lu’s nephew.”
“…That’s me.”
Lu Deyang’s mouth twitched.
To be known as a businessman uncle’s nephew rather than by his own name showed the locals’ impression of him.
“You haven’t been around, but the team’s been doing well. We thought you returned to China. By the way, it’s a pity about your uncle,” the driver said excitedly.
Lu Deyang: …
He had only appeared twice, yet it seemed as if he had dragged the team down.
Arriving home, Lu Deyang paid and quickly got out.
The team’s stability was unsurprising; coach Nevio Scala was talented.
Though not famous yet, he would later lead Borussia Dortmund to the Toyota Cup and European Super Cup titles, becoming a club legend.
Later, coaching Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, he even secured a domestic double.
His resume might not impress the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsène Wenger, but for a fourth-division coach, this was quite an achievement.
Once inside, Lu Deyang opened the window to let fresh air in.
---
After a brief rest, he packed his bags, ate dinner, then lay in bed listening to the radio.
The Sony radio was last year’s model, but the sticker of Cherie Chung on it was already faded.
“…Matthäus has once again clashed with teammates. Several Inter Milan players have expressed concerns about his attitude. Perhaps that’s why Bayern sold him off…”
Early the next morning, he went to the team.
Reggina’s training ground was quite old.
Having been absent for months, Lu Deyang’s return caused a stir.
“Mate, I thought you were going to be a business tycoon.”
“Fishing trip tonight? I invited two nurses.”
“Party at my place after the weekend match? I just bought an expensive Japanese sound system!”
“There’s a new game console out. Want to go to Milan to buy it? I saved up some money!”
From afar, Nevio Scala observed the training and told his assistant, “Deyang is very popular with the team. No one’s held any grudges despite the long absence.”
This was Scala’s first season with Reggina; he had barely met Lu Deyang.
The assistant joked, “Anyone would like a teammate who’s rich, generous, and doesn’t steal your spot.”
Scala smiled and nodded.
Indeed.
He tolerated having a player with connections because the team lacked depth.
Besides, Lu Deyang took only the minimum wage.
Every field has its insiders; Scala was not inflexible.
At least this young man could act as a lubricant in the locker room.
That was some use, at least. But then, Scala’s eyes widened.
Someone passed the ball to Lu Deyang. Lu beckoned a teammate over with a finger, then, with a drag-back and several feints, he dribbled past two players.
A fluke?
Then Lu executed a Marseille turn, using his back to shield the ball before chipping it over an opponent, leaving Scala dumbfounded.
Such skill shouldn’t appear in a fourth-division player.
Even Serie A players rarely pulled off moves like that, save for the very top talents—like that Argentine who was rumored to have ties with the Neapolitan underworld.
Nevio Scala grew very curious about what Lu Deyang had experienced during his leave.
Had he suddenly blossomed?
Could it be that he really was a genius?