Levi isn't a kidnapper, nor does he abduct children. What he's done is simply invited Curtis Davis to stay at his own house, and that's it.
In fact, even if Curtis wasn't the future England international, Levi wouldn't let him sleep on the street after sneaking away from London for training. Perhaps because they both have feelings for New Manchester United, they easily accepted each other.
Levi's family lives on Templeton Avenue in the urban area. This area is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. So when you get to the intersection, you'll see a bustling street filled with colorful murals and artistic displays.
"Wow, do you live here?" Curtis asked in amazement.
Levi nodded, leading him into Templeton Avenue and admiring the vibrant street art and eclectic mix of shops. English and other languages intermingled on signboards, reflecting the diverse community.
Levi felt a sense of warmth hearing people greet each other in different languages.
"My dad says the food here is amazing. Can you cook?" Curtis inquired eagerly.
Judging by his appearance, it seems like staying at Levi's house will straighten him out!
Levi glanced at the boy and replied, "Not really," before continuing to walk ahead.
As they passed by one of the local markets, they noticed renovation workers removing signboards outside a supermarket undergoing renovations.
The 56-meter-long lightbox signboard was being dismantled, revealing two Chinese characters written with a brush: "Li's Mart." Several workers were struggling to remove it before hanging it elsewhere.
Levi watched silently as the process unfolded.
"He's a true fan, so passionate about football and Manchester United!" Levi thought to himself.
Curtis stood beside Levi quietly. Initially puzzled as to why Levi was fixated on the signboard, he soon remembered seeing "Li's Mart" in the news. Levi had led the Red Rebels supporters to protest at Old Trafford, announcing his intention to establish a new club in opposition to Manchester United.
British tabloids seized upon the story, digging into Levi's background and family history. Later, Levi severed ties with his family and founded New Manchester United, causing quite a stir.
Some might think Levi was crazy for being so obsessed with football, but Curtis didn't share that sentiment. He believed that anyone who truly loved football and Manchester United wouldn't think so.
"So, you're the head of the Red Rebels!" Curtis said with a smile, his voice tinged with respect.
He silently resolved that from that moment on, the seemingly eccentric Chinese man staring at the signboard would become another object of his respect, if only for his passion.
Levi had no idea what Curtis was thinking and simply smiled. "Don't compare us to terrorists; we're different!"
"I know," Curtis replied, lifting his head.
Levi was taken aback, but Curtis continued, "Because of extreme love, I chose to rebel. That's what my dad said!"
Levi pondered for a moment but didn't say much. He took Curtis and headed directly to a nearby building from an alley next to Li's Mart.
The lower floors housed various shops, most of which Levi had already sold. Even the third floor had been sold off. Levi was only staying there temporarily and would be moving soon.
At times, Levi couldn't help but think that his past self was truly a lunatic!
"Take a seat!" Upon entering the door, Levi gestured for Curtis to go to the living room, while he headed to the kitchen.
If memory served him right, there should be some drinks in the refrigerator.
"Wow, you can't do anything? Isn't this place a mess?" Curtis observed the clutter in the living room.
Football magazines were strewn about, peanuts and beer bottles littered the floor, and dirty clothes lay scattered around. Even the few pairs of shoes had beer bottles in them. Who drinks beer like that?
"Oh, sorry, I've been busy lately and haven't had time to clean up. Just a moment, you know, single men and their habits. I'll clean up right away!" Levi couldn't stand being judged by a 13-year-old kid.
Entering the kitchen, Levi opened the refrigerator and found several drinks besides Coke.
"Curtis, what do you drink?" Levi called out.
Curtis glanced around the living room, noticing the lack of space to sit and the unpleasant odor.
"Do you have boiled water? I don't drink beverages!" Curtis replied.
Levi hesitated for a moment before realizing that the boy was very disciplined and serious about becoming a professional player.
He turned on the gas stove and boiled water in the kettle. While waiting, Levi noticed some noodles in the refrigerator and decided they would make for a decent meal that night.
But tomorrow, he would definitely order something or eat out; otherwise, it wouldn't be suitable for this future England international.
Returning to the living room with two cups of hot water, Levi found Curtis wearing an apron and cleaning up.
"Wow, aren't you polite? That's quite the trick to make yourself feel superior!" Levi remarked.
Curtis shot him a glance. "I clean my room at home," he retorted.
Levi chuckled and rolled up his sleeves to help. Otherwise, he felt like he'd want to crawl into a hole.
It must be said that Levi's life used to revolve around football from start to finish. He read football magazines, ordered football-related newspapers, and even turned on the TV to watch football.
"I can't escape it; you must watch football news every day!" Curtis commented as he saw Levi turn on the TV.
Levi nodded nonchalantly. He had only turned on the TV out of boredom, not expecting it to broadcast football news.
"Here's an update. Steve Bruce, hailed as the best legendary center-back in Manchester United history, held a press conference in Manchester this afternoon and officially announced that he would not renew his contract with the Bundesliga club Birmingham."
"Although the former Manchester United captain is 38 years old, he played 72 times in the Premier League and scored two goals on behalf of the team in the two seasons at Birmingham. He was the core of the club's defense and made significant contributions to Birmingham's successful relegation. However, the legendary center-back said at a press conference that he believed it was time to move on."
"When asked by reporters whether he would stay in football, Bruce casually mentioned that he was considering it but hadn't made any decisions yet. He didn't rule out the possibility of continuing as a player or transitioning into coaching."
"Birmingham regrets Bruce's departure, but a club spokesperson stated that Birmingham respected Bruce's decision!"
Levi and Curtis were engrossed in the TV. Both being football enthusiasts, they were easily drawn in by football news.
"Steve Bruce, he's my idol!" Curtis exclaimed admiringly.
Levi didn't idolize Steve Bruce as much as Curtis did, but he remembered what happened after Steve Bruce left Birmingham.
The Manchester United legend played for the club for nine years and was a cornerstone of their defense. He left Manchester United in 1996 and joined Birmingham in the English League, serving as both a player and head coach.
However, Steve Bruce's time at Sheffield United didn't go as planned. He was even booed by Sheffield United fans, prompting him to move to several lower-tier teams. Finally, in 2001,
Birmingham once more and led the team back to the Premier League. Later, he managed teams like Wigan, Sunderland, and others, showcasing his coaching prowess and earning a reputation as one of England's top local coaches, often touted as a potential successor to Ferguson upon his retirement.
"The future Premier League manager, currently lounging at home; what a coincidence!" Levi smirked mischievously.
Curtis, witnessing Levi's expression, couldn't help but feel unsettled. "Hey, why are you smiling like that?"
"What's it to you? Little devil, go take a bath. I'll be downstairs!" Levi shooed him away.
Once Curtis had left, Levi wasted no time and immediately called Andy Walsh.
"Hey, Andy, do me a favor!" Levi said eagerly.
"What's up?" Walsh responded.
"I've found the perfect head coach for us. He's skilled, deeply passionate about Manchester United, and carries considerable weight with the fans," Levi explained.
"Why haven't I heard of him?" Walsh sounded skeptical.
"Because you haven't guessed yet..." Levi teased.
"Are you talking about Sir Ferguson?" Walsh guessed.
"No, no, no! It's not Ferguson. I'm talking about Steve Bruce, the former Manchester United captain and legendary center-back!" Levi revealed.
"Is it him?" Walsh realized.
"Yes, I believe the reason he didn't renew his contract with Birmingham is because he's considering transitioning into coaching. This could be our chance!" Levi exclaimed.
"But will he be willing to join us? We're just an amateur team!" Walsh voiced his concern.
"You won't know until you try. I've heard he's currently in Manchester. Can you help me find his address? I want to visit him in person! The sooner, the better!" Levi urged.
For a club founded by Manchester United fans, hiring a former Manchester United star as head coach would be a massive coup. Despite being a Premier League coach in a few years' time, Levi didn't doubt that Steve Bruce could manage an amateur team.
"We don't need to find his address. I'll take you there tonight!" Walsh's confidence was palpable.
Levi was taken aback. "You know him?"
"I'll explain later. Be ready; we're heading out soon!" Walsh hung up before Levi could ask any more questions.
Levi couldn't contain his excitement. This could be the beginning of something truly remarkable for New Manchester United.