Zhang Xu was on fire!
And it was not just a little flame, but a blazing inferno of success!
The day after the match, still in an excited state, he and the James couple celebrated at home until 9:30 in the evening before collapsing into bed.
Early the next morning, Zhang Xu, as was his habit, got out of bed, put on his workout clothes, and went for his usual morning run along the roadside.
There weren't many pedestrians or early-morning exercisers, but to Zhang Xu's surprise, almost everyone who saw him on the street had an expression of joy and excitement. They greeted him warmly.
"Hi, Zhang Xu!"
"Hey, Zhang, you were amazing yesterday!"
"Hey Zhang, you were fantastic yesterday man, keep it up!"
"I swear, I'll attend every one of your matches from now on. I'm now a loyal fan!"
Zhang Xu absentmindedly touched his smooth chin, a proud smile on his face. It seemed that this was what they meant by making a name for yourself! Wow, it feels incredible!
Isn't it amazing?
Feeling elated, he lost track of time and ended up running an extra three kilometers.
When he finally returned home, it was almost 7:30. Zhang Xu didn't want to face the stern expressions of Philip or Mr. Mazu, so he quickly showered, changed clothes, packed his training gear into his backpack, grabbed a piece of bread, and hurriedly greeted the James couple before leaving home.
Fortunately, the distance between the club and his home wasn't too far. When Zhang Xu arrived at the club's gate, it was still five minutes to 8:00.
Luther, the gatekeeper, stood up as soon as he saw Zhang Xu and waved a newspaper in his hand. "Hey there's, our young handsome star, our White Star 'Iron Gate' Mr. Zhang! Your performance yesterday was absolutely spectacular!"
In his hurry, Zhang Xu hadn't paid much attention to what Luther was saying. He simply smiled and waved back before rushing into the club. When he entered the locker room, most of the first-team players were already dressed and ready, preparing to start the day's training.
As Zhang Xu walked in, there was a moment of surprise followed by laughter from his teammates. "Haha, it seems our 'Iron Gate Zhang' partied a bit too hard last night. He's late for the first time today!"
"I can understand. If it were me, I might not even be able to get up!"
"You definitely wouldn't, because you wouldn't even know whose bed you're lying in! Haha!"
"Zhang won't end up like you. Don't corrupt the kid!"
Captain Driss patted Zhang Xu, who was still laughing at the doorway, and scolded him with a smile. "You little rascal, don't let success get to your head! You have two minutes to change into your kit and shoes, or 'Iron Gate Zhang', will be in trouble today!"
"Ah!" Zhang Xu suddenly realized and let out a miserable cry. He hastily opened his locker, changed into his kit in a flash, and followed his teammates out to the training ground.
When Zhang Xu arrived, he was the last one on the field, which was unusual. However, instead of teasing him, his teammates smiled and welcomed him. "Haha, our 'Iron Gate Zhang' was probably too excited after yesterday's game. This is the first time he's been slower than us, haha!"
Under the amused gazes of his teammates, Zhang Xu quickly made amends and joined in the warm-up.
After the morning training session, which was conducted in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere, Zhang Xu was having lunch in the cafeteria when Philip approached him with a stack of newspapers and placed them on his table. Philip grinned and said, "These are for you to read, 'Iron Gate Zhang!' Haha!"
Just as Philip was about to leave, he remembered something and turned back. "Oh, by the way, after you've read them, come to my office. I have a few things to discuss with you."
"Sure, Mr. Philip," Zhang Xu replied respectfully before Philip left.
Zhang Xu unfolded the newspapers. The first one was a local newspaper and also the sports tabloid, "Football Gossip." The headline featured a large photo of him, fiercely tackling the ball away from an opponent's striker. The headline read, "19-Year-Old Chinese Debut 'Iron Gate Zhang' Steps Up in a Crisis, And Helps His Team Make a Comeback!"
The article went on to describe the match from the previous day:
"In the 7th round of the Second Division, the White Stars challenged Tienen, who were unbeaten at home. The team struggled in the early stages, conceding two goals. However, the turning point came when the Chinese debut, Zhang Xu, who joined the team no less than three months ago, was subbed in. His resilient defending and active running immediately turned the game around, and he provided a breathtaking assist that signaled the team's comeback. In the end, White Star won 3-2, securing three points and rising to 15th place in the league table. They had also shattered Tienen's record of being unbeaten at home."
In addition to this article, there were several others that praised Zhang Xu's performance.
"Super Scholar from the University of Paris VI Turns Midfield Dynamo to Secure Victory!"
"Who Says China Can't Play Football? Zhang Xu Shows What an 'Iron Gate' Midfielder Is!"
"19 Successful Tackles, 1 Assist, 8300+ Meters Covered in 63 Minutes – Zhang Xu's Success Is No Accident!"
"After a Year of Failed Trials and Three Months of Training, Zhang Xu's Success Highlights The Importance Of Persistence!"
These articles were all full of praise for Zhang Xu's performance in the match. Zhang Xu started to understand why Luther and his teammates, including Mr. Philip, playfully called him "Iron Gate Zhang."
Philip had given him several newspapers, including some from neighboring Brussels and Tienen. When Zhang Xu opened "Tienen Football Daily," his good mood was instantly ruined.
"China's Zhang Xu, Lucky to Succeed, Boasts: I Will Break All Records!"
"Failed 74 Trials at 74 Clubs! China's Zhang Xu Proves Chinese Aren't Cut Out for Football!"
As Zhang Xu encountered the disparaging headlines, a storm of emotions initially engulfed him. The articles, particularly the one asserting that Chinese people lacked the innate ability for football, struck a deep, infuriating chord. It wasn't just an attack on his dreams; it felt like a direct assault on his identity and heritage. The urge to physically rip apart the newspaper surged through him, a visceral response to the blatant disrespect and prejudice laid out in black and white.
But in the heat of that moment, Zhang Xu's thoughts took a sharp turn. He began to question the underlying motive behind these harsh words. Why would his detractors spend their time and energy criticizing and attacking him? An insight dawned upon him – perhaps their actions stemmed from fear. Fear of his potential, fear of what he represented – a challenge to their preconceived notions and stereotypes.
With this realization, Zhang Xu's fury began to dissipate, giving way to a more controlled and strategic mindset. He understood that reacting in anger would only play into the hands of his critics. Instead, he chose to harness his emotions, transforming them into a source of strength and resolve. This shift in perspective was crucial; it wasn't just about controlling his immediate anger but about adopting a mindset that would serve him in the long run. He couldn't help but to think himself this was probably what Phil had wanted when handing the newspapers over to him.
With a newfound sense of purpose and a wry smile playing on his lips, he meticulously folded each newspaper, a symbolic act of taming the chaos and disrespect they represented. Placing them carefully in his backpack, he turned his steps towards Philip's office. This action was more than just physical movement; it was a deliberate stride towards confronting the challenges head-on, armed with the power of self-control and confidence.
.....
"Come in!"
Zhang Xu pushed open the door, but he froze as he entered because Philip's office wasn't empty. There was an elderly man in his sixties sitting on the couch.
"Mr. Philip, is there something you need from me?" Zhang Xu greeted Philip with a polite bow before taking a seat across from him.
"Have you read the newspapers?" Philip didn't introduce the elderly man or explain the situation. He asked casually.
"Yes, I have."
"What are your feelings? Good or bad, you can tell us."
"I'm happy! Whatever they say, it means they recognize my abilities. So, I'll work even harder to prove myself!"
"Oh?" Philip hadn't spoken yet when the elderly man on the couch let out an amazed sound. He had been watching Zhang Xu with great interest since he entered the room and was impressed by Zhang Xu's mature response.
"Haha! Gill, you lost this time!" Philip pointed at the elderly man and burst into laughter. "Our Zhang Xu is remarkably mature. You'll never have to worry about his emotional fluctuations. You see, this guy is a top scholar from Paris VI University, his mental state is impenetrable!"
After laughing, Philip controlled himself and explained to Zhang Xu, who was still bewildered, "Before you arrived, I made a bet with Mr. Gill here to see if you could handle the positive and negative news reports correctly. Mr. Gill thought that at 19, you wouldn't be able to control your emotions. It's clear that he lost. Haha, Zhang Xu, you've made me a hundred euros richer!"
The man called Gill turned to Zhang Xu and asked, "Did you feel angry when you read those articles that criticized you?"
"Hello, Mr. Gill." Zhang Xu stood up politely, greeted him with a bow, and then sat down again. "I did get angry at first, but then I thought about it. My opponents criticize and attack me precisely because I pose a significant threat to them, right? That means I'm doing well! So, when I looked at it that way, I felt happy instead."
"Haha! Gill, didn't expect that, did you? This is called, what was it again? Oh, right, high IQ & EQ! Haha!" Philip laughed heartily, completely ignoring Gill's darkening expression. When Gill was about to explode, Philip finally stopped laughing and introduced him to Zhang Xu formally. "Zhang, this is Gill, my good friend. He also has another role: he's a professional scout for Sheffield United, a team in League One, in England."
"English Football - League One? Sheffield United? A scout?" Zhang Xu looked surprised.
"Oh, I remember now. Sheffield United has an affiliated club in our country. It's called Chengdu Sheffield United, right? I heard you guys were relegated from the English Championship last year, is that true?"
"Uh," Gill coughed awkwardly, "yes, that's right. But we were once a Premier League team, so I believe we'll be back in the Championship soon."
Philip took over the conversation. "Our White Star team is Sheffield United's satellite/feeder club. Mr. Gill here serves as the liaison between our club and Sheffield United, and he also plays a crucial role in discovering and sending outstanding young players to Sheffield United."
"Indeed," Gill added, "based on your performance in the last game, I believe you have great potential. So, I wanted to meet with you and see if you're interested in coming to England, to Sheffield United, to continue your development."
"Go to Sheffield United? Mr. Philip, are you selling me?" Zhang Xu stood up, his voice raised in astonishment.