Evan Lin followed behind Zheng Changhe, but instead of heading to the language office, they went to the principal’s office.
“Go on in.”
Standing outside the principal’s office, Zheng Changhe clasped his hands behind his back, turned to glance at Evan, and spoke.
His gaze toward Evan was complicated—none of the previous contempt remained. It was as if he’d already forgotten about being beaten by Evan yesterday.
Evan pushed open the door and walked in. There were three people inside the principal’s office.
Principal Liu was sitting on the couch, pouring tea for Director Qi. Next to them sat Coach Peter, who looked visibly impatient. The moment Evan walked in, Peter jumped up, ignored both Director Qi and Principal Liu, and strode straight over to Evan. In clumsy but earnest Chinese, he said, “Hello, nice to meet you, soccer genius. My name is Peter.”
Evan looked at the blond, blue-eyed foreigner in front of him, his expression calm as he reached out to shake hands. “Evan Lin.”
“I watched your match yesterday! You’re an absolute genius—born for football! I sincerely invite you to join the Chinese National Team, and I promise, after half a year of training, I’ll personally take you to Crisbeal FC. I’ll recommend you and make sure you get in!” Peter’s eyes blazed with excitement. His Chinese was awkward, but he enunciated every word carefully.
The way Peter looked at Evan was as if he’d found a priceless piece of raw jade.
“I give you my word, Evan Lin! You’ll be the king of Chinese football and have the right to compete with international stars on the world stage!”
“Your future belongs to the kingdom of football—you’ll be its undisputed emperor! With proper training, you’ll become the heart and soul of Crisbeal FC!” Peter’s golden eyes were wild with excitement, as if already picturing Evan ruling the pitch. “Just imagine! Tens of thousands of fans chanting your name, hundreds of millions across the world worshipping at your feet! They’ll all be proud of you!”
The more Peter spoke, the more worked up he became, spittle flying as his thin face lit up with excitement. His eyes seemed to shine as he looked at Evan.
Seeing Peter like this, Zheng Changhe outside the door was stunned. He hadn’t expected Peter to value Evan so highly.
Director Qi and Principal Liu both looked delighted. As a world-famous player and coach, Peter’s every word was as good as a promise.
Brightsea No. 2 High School had already become famous for producing Gavin Gu. If another star made it into Crisbeal FC, it would be an enormous honor for both the school and the city’s Education Bureau.
Not only that, but every player at Crisbeal FC earned at least a million euros a year—tens of millions of yuan! That kind of income was enough to make ordinary people green with envy. In just one year, you could become a multimillionaire!
Director Qi and Principal Liu both looked at Evan with wide smiles. This student was destined to bring the school glory. If he really became an international star as Peter said, No. 2 High would instantly surpass First High, and even the Education Bureau would allocate special funds to the school.
“Well, Principal Liu, it looks like you’ll need to start the paperwork for this student. Our Education Bureau will give this special treatment too. After all, cultivating a soccer genius for the country is a huge deal,” Director Qi said, beaming at Principal Liu.
“Of course, Director. Don’t worry,” Principal Liu replied with a hearty laugh.
“Sorry, I’m not interested in football.” Evan’s sudden words instantly chilled the previously warm atmosphere in the office.
Peter, still wild-eyed, froze for a moment, his foreign face exaggerated in disbelief. “OH! Are you joking? Your skills are amazing—you must have worked hard! If you don’t truly love football, why did you train so much?”
Peter clearly couldn’t believe it. He’d traveled all over, searching for talented young players, and every time he praised someone, they were always thrilled—especially when he promised a club recommendation. Most would jump for joy.
But Evan, even after hearing Peter’s offer to recommend him to Crisbeal FC—the holy temple of world football—remained perfectly calm.
It was a calmness that came from deep inside, not a fake front.
“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? This is Crisbeal FC! If you get in, you’ll have a door to your football dreams!” Director Qi’s smile faded as he looked at Evan, frowning slightly.
He couldn’t figure out this student at all. Normally, any student called to the principal’s office and facing the head of the Education Bureau would be nervous. But none of that showed on Evan.
There was no trace of fear or respect for authority in him.
“Sorry, not interested.” Evan shrugged. “Football might be war for you guys, but for me, it’s just a simple single-player PC game. No matter who stands in front of me, nobody can stop me from scoring.”
“There’s zero challenge for me—no one can receive my shots, and no one can get the ball past me. It’s just boring.” Evan finished, looking at Peter, who was still staring wide-eyed. “Besides, I have no interest in being king of the pitch. Thanks for the invite.”
With that, Evan nodded to Peter, didn’t linger, and turned to leave the principal’s office.
Just as he stepped out, he ran into Old Man Liu passing by. Old Man Liu adjusted his glasses, nodded lightly at Evan, and said, “Perfect timing. Come with me for a math test.”
With that, Old Man Liu clasped his hands behind his back and led Evan toward another classroom.
Inside the principal’s office, you could hear a pin drop.
Zheng Changhe was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected Evan to be so bold—just leaving the principal, Director Qi, and Peter behind like that!
“This student…” Director Qi’s face was dark. “Is he really that good at academics? He just threw away such a golden opportunity! And those last words—way too arrogant!”
Director Qi was so angry his face went pale. No student had ever treated him like this—Evan clearly didn’t care at all that he was the bureau chief!
Principal Liu looked awkward, about to say something, when Peter suddenly clapped his hands. “Oh! What a personality—such a unique student!”
Peter’s eyes burned. “Only someone this wild deserves to sit on football’s supreme throne!”
“Coach Peter, you’re not mad?” Principal Liu asked cautiously.
“Mad?” Peter raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Why would I be? His skills are truly strong. Sure, his words are wild, but I’ve only ever met one player like him—he’s got the right to be arrogant!”