"New Manchester United wins Droisten 3:0 and secures the first victory in its history!
This inconspicuous report appeared on the Sports Edition of the Manchester Evening News on the second day. If you don't pay attention, you might miss the news entirely. Despite its small space, the content is complete.
After Karl Markinson scored in the 23rd minute, New Manchester United followed up with another goal by striker Jonathan Maiten in the 31st minute. This time, Smith's shot led to a turnover error by a Droycedon defender.
In the second half, New Manchester United continued to dominate, scoring again just 5 minutes after the restart. Rodriguez Giggs assisted Jonathan Maten twice. After that, New Manchester United slowed down the pace and began making substitutions consciously.
Although Droysten attempted to equalize, they failed to break through the backline organized by Steve Bruce and the goalkeepers Robert Kane and David Green, despite New Manchester United's relentless onslaught.
3:0! New Manchester United achieved a near-perfect victory in its first game since the club's establishment!
However, unlike the short report on New Manchester United's game, the front page of the Manchester City Evening News featured pictures of Manchester United stars at Butcher's Knife Stadium. The headline read, "Manchester United Stars Supporting the Opponent!"
Below this report was the breaking news that Steve Bruce had signed with New Manchester United and become its first head coach.
"Damn it!" Levi slammed the newspaper on the table. "The female reporter made me a promise, but the result is a front-page headline. No wonder they say that reporters are reliable; even sows climb trees!"
Levi was alone in the office, so he naturally spoke Chinese.
After some thought, he decided to call Steve Bruce.
"I knew you'd call, Levi!" Bruce chuckled over the phone.
There seemed to be a lot of people around, laughing together as if they had anticipated Levi's call.
"Steve, I can only say I'm sorry," Levi said with a wry smile.
"It's okay, I expected it. Besides, I'm used to this front-page treatment," Steve replied casually.
"But what about David and Roy..." Levi was a bit concerned, given the strained relationship between New Manchester United and Manchester United.
"It's fine, everyone expected it. We're having dinner now. Oh, David asked if you want to join. He brought his fiancée and wants you to meet her!" Steve said with a smile.
Clearly, the report hadn't affected their relationship. Otherwise, they wouldn't be dining together so happily.
"I'd love to, but I can't. I have to move; Jim is waiting for me!" Levi resisted the temptation to meet Victoria.
No matter how others judged Beckham, Levi had to admit he was an expert in publicity. Otherwise, he wouldn't have indirectly created such a golden brand as Beckham.
"Alright, maybe next time!" Steve said before hanging up.
Levi felt relieved. As someone from another world, he felt pressured interacting with these big-name stars. After all, he didn't want to offend any of the stars he admired. Fortunately, they were all pretty decent people.
Shortly after hanging up, Jim arrived at the gate.
After helping Levi load everything into the car, Jim took Levi to his newly rented address.
"Why didn't you choose somewhere closer?" Jim asked, puzzled by the address within Manchester city limits.
"When the Newton Heath training grounds are set up, we'll train there. We'll only come here on match days. Living in the city is convenient," Levi explained.
Newton Heath's training ground had been isolated. The rest was the layout of some basic training facilities and simple buildings for players to rest and bathe. Levi believed they'd be able to move in before the start of the new season.
Jim had only asked out of curiosity, and the taxi started on its way to the city.
"Levi, yesterday's match was very exciting. I think at least 3,000 people were there, right?" Jim asked as he drove.
"Well, according to the statistics, 3762 people, including some children," Levi replied with a smile. He felt proud of this number.
It was the first time Butcher's Knife Stadium had been full. It would not only set a record for the stadium but also for all amateur games in the Northwest Division B and the entire North District League group.
The attendance of nearly 4,000 people would be considered impressive even in the professional leagues of Britain.
"I had many guests today, and they were discussing yesterday's game. They all said there's no need to compete for promotion in the Northwest Division B League this year!" Jim said excitedly.
"It was just a warm-up match, Jim. We can't be complacent. There will always be teams better than us, not to mention it's just the Northwest Division B and the 10th league. If we celebrate winning the 10th league championship too much, what will we do after winning the Premier League and the Champions League? It would be madness!" Levi said.
"Premier League? Champions League?" Jim was incredulous. "Do you think we can?"
"Yes, Jim!" Levi looked out the window and muttered to himself, "If you're going to do something, do it right. In this life, I must achieve something significant. That's the only way I'll have no regrets!"
Levi's newly rented apartment was on the edge of the city, near Newton Heath. It was a dedicated single apartment for rent, with each building having only three floors. The second and third floors were for rent, while the first floor was shared with an independent courtyard.
As Levi searched for his rental house according to the house number on the address, he spotted Scarlett Elaine beside the taxi when he came out again.
"Oh, how did you end up here, Miss Honest Reporter!" Levi immediately recognized Scarlett Elaine, emphasizing the word 'honest' with irony.
Scarlett's mood didn't look good either, glaring at Levi provocatively. "I live here too, why wouldn't I come?"
Levi froze. Looking at the third floor, he saw it was rented out. He patted his forehead, feeling distressed and regretful.
"Hey, what are you implying? Don't compare me to a thief!" Scarlett exploded.
Levi shrugged. He didn't like arguing with women, especially a future neighbor. However, he regretted agreeing to pay a year's rent in advance. If it were just a month, things would be much easier!
Though Levi didn't say it aloud, the guilty look in Scarlett's eyes made it seem as if he was mocking her: 'you're not a thief.'
This assumption made Scarlett feel hurt and wronged!
Last night's report wasn't meant to expose a picture of Manchester United stars. She had simply submitted her report to the editor for review. But unfortunately, a colleague found the film in the camera, leading to the discovery by the editor-in-chief. The editor-in-chief even praised Scarlett and commended her for capturing such a sensational news scoop.
Consequently, a senior football reporter used these photos for a full-page feature report, revealing the intentions of the Manchester United stars and exposing the division within Manchester United.
Scarlett was just a frivolous intern reporter; she couldn't intervene in any of this. She could only stand by silently, feeling regret and shame.
However, now that Levi had been provoked, the anger that had been building up in Scarlett's heart suddenly erupted.
"You, you better not give me any reason to criticize you, or I'll make sure to expose your true nature!" Scarlett glared fiercely at Levi's retreating figure.
Though she prided herself on being a lady, Scarlett couldn't resist the urge to publicly confront Levi. She wanted to use her position to attack him in the newspaper.
But what she didn't realize was that Levi and New Manchester United had no intention of giving Scarlett such an opportunity!
In the following four warm-up matches, despite facing opponents of higher ranks and playing away, New Manchester United surprised everyone by winning all four games. Two of them were 2:0, one was 3:1, and the other was 1:0.
Their outstanding performance in these warm-up matches made many clubs in the Northwest Division B regret their decision to allow New Manchester United to join. With a squad composed of players from higher-level leagues, and even some professionals, New Manchester United's strength was undoubtedly higher than other teams.
Despite this, Scarlett refused to say a single positive word about New Manchester United. Her animosity towards Levi only grew stronger.
Sometimes, hatred can accumulate like this!