Brightsea No. 2 High School, school sports field. The central rostrum was already lined with rows of tables and chairs.
In the front row sat a middle-aged man in his forties. Watching the students enter, he smiled at another middle-aged man beside him: "Chief Qi, having you here to watch the Summer Cup is a real honor for our school."
Principal, don't mention it. Your school's Summer Cup is specially supported by the government. For activities that benefit students' physical and mental health, our Education Bureau will always give strong support." Chief Qi wore a white shirt and smiled: "By the way, I heard your school has produced another soccer prodigy—Ethan Yi, right?"
That's right, he's from Grade 11, Class 3. Recently, the provincial soccer team has taken notice of him, and he may go there for training next semester." Principal Liu Botao nodded, his face beaming: "This student is one we've focused on cultivating. He might even become another Gavin Gu."
At this, Principal Liu waved to Ethan Zhang on his left. Seeing this, Ethan Zhang hurried over, smiling: "Principal, you called for me?"
Yes. Chief Qi, this is Ethan Yi's homeroom teacher, Mr. Ethan Zhang. He knows Ethan's situation even better than I do." Principal Liu smiled, recalling how Gavin Gu once brought fame to Brightsea No. 2 High School.
If we produce another Ethan Yi this year, Brightsea No. 2 High School's reputation might even surpass First High.
Hello, Chief Qi." Ethan Zhang extended his hand to Chief Qi.
Chief Qi nodded to him: "Mr. Zhang, the Education Bureau always emphasizes all-around development—morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor. You've done well in this regard, and I admire your work."
Also, today our deputy director was supposed to attend, but I received word that Coach Peter, the national soccer team's special consultant, happened to be in Brightsea. So I invited him to observe as well.' Chief Qi spoke gravely: 'Coach Peter is a legendary European coach, once with Chrisbill FC, and has produced stars like Ronaldsi and Zidall. He even led a national team to a World Cup runner-up finish.
If Ethan Yi performs well today, he might be directly selected for the national team. I believe this will benefit not only Ethan personally, but also greatly enhance your school's reputation." Chief Qi nodded slightly.
Peter! That soccer madman! Principal Liu was shocked, then overjoyed. "Chief Qi, don't worry. We've scheduled Ethan Yi's match for this afternoon, against Class 7."
Class 7? How strong is Class 7?" Chief Qi looked at Principal Liu.
The meaning was simple—if Class 7 is too strong, it could hinder Ethan Yi's performance.
Principal Liu then waved to his right, where Mr. Zheng, Class 7's homeroom teacher, had been watching the proceedings. Seeing Ethan Zhang called up and chatting happily with the Education Bureau Chief, Zheng couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.
Now, seeing Principal Liu wave him over, Zheng Changhe's face lit up and he hurried over, thinking something good was about to happen.
Chief Qi, let me introduce—this is Mr. Zheng Changhe, Class 7's homeroom teacher." Principal Liu introduced him to Chief Qi.
Hello, Chief Qi." Zheng Changhe smiled happily.
Mr. Zheng, your class's strongest soccer player, Victor Feng, is still in the hospital, right?" Principal Liu looked at Zheng Changhe and asked.
Zheng Changhe's expression faltered: "Yes, the doctor said his condition is serious. He'll need some time before he can be discharged, so he can't play in today's match." Zheng spoke cautiously.
Originally, Class 7 couldn't beat Class 3, and now things were even worse. Class 7 was destined to lose even more miserably.
Zheng Changhe thought Principal Liu would be upset, but instead Liu smiled slightly and looked at Chief Qi: "Chief Qi, as you can see, Class 7's best player is injured and hospitalized, so today Ethan Yi will surely win big and kick Class 7 to pieces."
You can rest assured about that." Principal Liu smiled, and Chief Qi nodded approvingly: "Good, then during the afternoon match, have Mr. Ethan Zhang accompany Coach Peter and help point out Ethan Yi."
I'll arrange for a dedicated translator." Chief Qi was in high spirits.
Ethan Zhang was also full of pride. Looking at the frustrated Zheng Changhe, he chuckled: "Old Zheng, don't feel bad if Ethan Yi kicks your class full of holes this time. It's just fate."
Principal Liu glanced at Zheng Changhe and said, "Go back to your seat. The mobilization rally is about to start."
Zheng Changhe returned to his seat, feeling bitter inside.
Whether it was the principal or Chief Qi, it seemed like both wanted to see his Class 7 get crushed.
And the look Ethan Zhang gave him at the end made Zheng Changhe feel even more uncomfortable. He already had issues with Ethan Zhang, and now he'd just been openly looked down on, but there was nothing he could do about it. It was infuriating.
If Victor Feng hadn't been injured, even if Class 7 was weaker, at least they wouldn't lose so badly. Now, they're really going to get crushed.' Zheng Changhe sighed.
Looking down from the rostrum, all the students had already entered the field, lined up by class in neat rows.
Zheng Changhe's gaze swept over to Class 7's position and soon spotted Evan Lin standing calmly in the middle of the lineup.
Seeing Evan Lin, Zheng Changhe felt a surge of resentment. If not for Evan, Class 7's Victor Feng wouldn't have been injured.
And no one had been able to find out exactly how Victor Feng got hurt, which only made Zheng Changhe even more frustrated.
This Evan Lin—after the match, I'm going to give him a good talking-to. He doesn't study or behave, and students like him aren't worth keeping!
Zheng Changhe made up his mind: no matter what, after the match, he'd find a chance to talk to the principal and get Evan Lin transferred to another class.
Evan Lin stood among the crowd, looking calmly at the rostrum ahead.
In my previous life, I once stood here just like this, watching the teachers above—a completely ordinary face in the crowd. But in this life, the Summer Cup means nothing to me.
It's just a bunch of trash showing off in a pointless contest. I'll show them what real soccer is.