However, after calming down, Zhang Xu thought about it and realized that the system was inside his body. Even the most advanced scanning equipment wouldn't detect it. It was unlikely Mr. Philip could have noticed it; it was probably just a guess. Indeed, Philip's next words confirmed his prediction and completely eased his mind.
"Actually, official matches are indeed very important for a player. Most players do improve during official matches. But in my experience, no one improves as dramatically as you do after each match. It's like you're on a rocket, which is astonishing! I suspect you might be one of those players who thrive in big matches. The higher the stakes of the match, the more and faster you improve!" Philip concluded confidently.
Zhang Xu smiled inwardly, of course, he was a big-match player. The system issued more tasks and rewarded more generously during significant competitions.
Seeing Zhang Xu's silence, Philip took it as acceptance of his theory and continued, "So, I believe official matches are crucial for you. If you're choosing a team, it must be one that guarantees playing time and opportunities! Ideally, they should assure you a starting position!"
"Mr. Philip, I completely agree with your opinion. What I need are opportunities to play. Whatever team offers me the best conditions, that's where I'll go. Of course, I won't consider too low-level leagues."
"I understand," Philip paused and said somewhat awkwardly, "Actually, my old friend Gill called me yesterday. Sheffield United is very interested in you. They need a strong defensive midfielder to fortify their defense."
"Their offer is quite good: first, they'll apply for a special talent clause for you for free, and the club guarantees they can report it successfully within ten days once the contract is signed; second, they promise you a starting position in the first team; third, the salary is 2000 pounds per week, which is mid-range for the team. Of course, you don't care about this."
"I understand Crystal Palace from the Championship has also made you an offer, but they haven't promised you a starting position, nor mentioned the special talent clause. However, their salary is slightly higher, at 2500 pounds per week. Of course, this is before negotiations, and it might change afterward."
"For the other Bundesliga 2 or Ligue 1 clubs, I haven't been in contact yet, so you'll have to wait until I've talked to each one."
Zhang Xu nodded in agreement: "Mr. Philip, I'll leave it to you to handle this for me!"
"Alright, I've said what I needed to say. Let's head back. Also, a reminder, although transferring is normal for players, you should consider the fans' feelings. Think about how to give them a proper explanation before you leave the club!" Philip tightened his coat and turned back.
"Fans?" Zhang Xu suddenly remembered the James couple, the fans cheering for him, the echoes of "Zhang" and "Xu" shouts in the Stade Stadium... Now that he was about to leave, all of this would disappear with his departure.
He suddenly felt a sense of reluctance.
Perhaps he really should consider how to explain his transfer to the fans.
Back home, the James couple hadn't gone to bed and were still excitedly watching TV. Seeing Zhang Xu enter, they smiled at him, "Hey, Zhang, you're back? Did Philip have something to discuss with you?"
"Uh, nothing much, just some trivial matters about the team!" Zhang Xu avoided James's gaze and quickly retreated to his room.
The next day, Zhang Xu, with his luggage, bade farewell to the James couple and hurriedly boarded the bus to Brussels International Airport.
After 9:50 a.m., Zhang Xu arrived at the airport lobby and saw Nicole surrounded by two trendily dressed youths, looking annoyed.
Zhang Xu chuckled and walked up to them, taking Nicole's right hand and walking away, smiling at the two youths, "Hey, guys, thanks for looking after my girlfriend. See you!"
The youths exchanged a glance and left, shaking their heads.
Half an hour later, Zhang Xu and Nicole, hand in hand, passed through security and boarded the plane to Beijing.
On the plane, Zhang Xu was calm, but Nicole was excited, bombarding him with questions about famous Chinese sights, tasty food, and customs at his home she should be aware of...
Zhang Xu was worn out by her relentless inquiries and eventually resorted to pretending to sleep to escape her endless barrage.
At 10 p.m. Belgium time, around 4 a.m. in China, the plane arrived at Beijing International Airport.
Zhang Xu and Nicole didn't leave the airport, waiting an hour before boarding the flight to Xiangzhong City.
After 11 hours in the air, Nicole was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as they boarded the plane to Xiangzhong City.
Two hours later, the plane landed at Huanghua International Airport in Xiangzhong City.
It was already 7 a.m. in China, and the sky was bright, but Nicole was still struggling with jet lag and dozed off on Zhang Xu's shoulder.
Seeing Nicole so tired, Zhang Xu felt a pang of sympathy. He carried both their luggage and supported Nicole as they walked towards the exit.
Huanghua International Airport was busy from morning to night due to Xiangzhong City being the entertainment capital of China, frequented by business travelers and celebrities.
Despite their close interaction, Zhang Xu wasn't worried about being recognized by the media. He hadn't notified Dai Dong of his return, so it was unlikely the domestic media knew he was back.
As Zhang Xu and Nicole reached the exit, he was shocked by the scene outside. A large group of reporters with cameras were aiming at the exit.
Seeing Zhang Xu and Nicole emerge, the reporters paused but continued looking towards the exit.
Oh, they're not here for me!
Zhang Xu breathed a sigh of relief, then saw hundreds of young fans beyond the reporters, many holding various signs.
The signs were large enough for Zhang Xu to read easily.
But after reading them, he was dumbfounded!
The signs read "Yang Zi, Yang Zi, I love you!" "Yang Zi, you're my goddess!" "Yang Zi, welcome to Xiangzhong City!"...
They were welcoming Yang Zi? Zhang Xu stood frozen, his emotions swirling.
"Yo! Kid, move aside, don't block the exit! Miss Yang Zi is about to come out!" A bodyguard in a black suit emerged from behind Zhang Xu, pointing at the exit and scolding.
However, Zhang Xu was lost in thought and didn't hear him.
The bodyguard, angry, pushed Zhang Xu.
Zhang Xu staggered, nearly causing the dozing Nicole to fall. If not for his quick reflexes, Nicole might have tumbled.
Zhang Xu was also angry. He steadied Nicole and glared at the bodyguard, saying sternly, "I think you owe my friend and me an apology!"
"Apologize? Why should I? You were blocking the exit!" The bodyguard scoffed, and three more bodyguards approached, looking menacingly at Zhang Xu.
"Apologize!" Zhang Xu, containing his anger, growled lowly.
Nicole, now fully awake, asked, "Zhang, what happened?"
"Nothing much, they just pushed us, nearly making you fall. I asked them to apologize. Don't worry, it's fine!" Zhang Xu gave Nicole a reassuring smile, then continued to glare at the offending bodyguard.
Seeing Zhang Xu's unwavering gaze, the bodyguard felt a bit intimidated, but with four of them there, he grew bolder: "What are you looking at? Move on, or you'll regret it!"
"Oh? Really?" Zhang Xu laughed in fury, ignoring Nicole's attempts to calm him. He positioned her behind him, dropped their luggage, and flexed his hands, saying coldly, "Then I'd like to see how you plan to make me regret it!"
The reporters, seeing the confrontation at the door, became excited. Yang Zi's bodyguard was arguing with a traveler, and a conflict seemed imminent—a substantial piece of news!
"What's happening?" Just as the reporters prepared to enjoy the show, a crisp voice came from inside the exit.
A fashionably dressed woman emerged first, looking puzzled at the standoff.
"Li Jie, this kid wouldn't move from the exit. I asked him to leave, and he wanted to fight!" The bodyguard explained half-truthfully.
"Hmph, you can't even handle such a small matter. You're more trouble than you're worth! Miss Yang is about to come out. Go handle other things; I'll take care of this."
After arranging her team, Li Jie approached Zhang Xu, first looking curiously at the beautiful Nicole, then politely saying to Zhang Xu, "I'm sorry, sir. My subordinate was rude. I apologize to you and your girlfriend! But could you please make way? My lady is about to come out. Thank you!"
Zhang Xu thought it wasn't worth escalating the situation with Yang Zi's staff, so he picked up their luggage and led Nicole away.
But as soon as he turned, he saw the reporters' cameras flashing wildly, and the young fans behind them suddenly screamed and rushed towards the exit.
Zhang Xu didn't need to look back to know, Yang Zi had arrived!