At a certain moment, Gu Ran had the sudden urge to knock Lampard over.
Eating a Premier League superstar raw... now that would be exciting.
Of course, he controlled himself and stopped just in time.
No rush… there would be another opportunity.
Gu Ran took a deep breath and looked at Lampard with an intense gaze.
Lampard, feeling the shift in atmosphere, instinctively tensed up, his body preparing to brace against Gu Ran, muscles reacting on their own.
Fortunately, Gu Ran stopped, and so did Lampard.
The two locked eyes.
At this moment, it felt as if they stood atop the Premier League, facing off as representatives of their respective teams.
Lampard's gaze was deep and composed, carrying the presence of a seasoned superstar.
Gu Ran's eyes, on the other hand, shone with determination, excitement, and a youthful eagerness to make his mark.
Something in that look made Lampard feel a strange sense of déjà vu—like, in the future, they would meet again on the field in a true battle.
Clearing his throat, Gu Ran spoke first.
"Mr. Lampard, do you remember? I warned you a long time ago… not to become a coach."
That should sting, right?
Gu Ran waited expectantly for Lampard to drop a negative emotion bubble.
But instead, Lampard chuckled.
"No, I don't think so. I didn't lose to your Bucks Steel Horns team because of my coaching—it's just that you were too strong. Gu Ran, congratulations. This is your victory. You played very well today."
Gu Ran: …
Wait, what? Genie, you're actually praising me?
No, no, no! You should be angry! You should be fuming! You should want to punch me!
How am I supposed to milk your negative emotions if you're acting all magnanimous?!
Gu Ran was suddenly both amused and exasperated.
Lampard, still smiling, continued, "Objectively speaking, you're still far from the level of top professional leagues. Your physical fitness, strength, flexibility, balance, and jumping ability all need work. Your body isn't strong enough, and your ability to withstand challenges is lacking. With your current physical condition, you'd be crushed in every match in a professional setting. Your skills are average, though your long shots and through passes stand out… but, of course, in an amateur competition like this, you can already dominate the game."
Gu Ran: …
Damn, Genie, you're really good at backhanded compliments! You're hyping me up while listing all my flaws at the same time!
You're complimenting me so much that I almost feel like I should say thank you…
But if I do that, it'll ruin my whole tough-guy act!
Should I just start singing There's a Handsome Oriental Man Named Gu Ran?
No, no, that would be too much…
I really wasn't born to play the cool guy!
Gu Ran was torn inside.
Lampard then narrowed his eyes and said, "Besides, I feel an inexplicable connection between us. Your heavy shots and through balls seem oddly familiar—let me make a bold guess!"
Gu Ran's heart skipped a beat.
Shit! Lampard is a genius with a 150 IQ!
What if he figures out that I—
Lampard stared directly into Gu Ran's eyes and said firmly, "You… are my die-hard fan!"
Gu Ran nearly choked.
… I almost had a heart attack!
For a second, I thought he had figured out that I transmigrated!
Damn it! As if he could ever guess that!
Gu Ran quickly waved his hands. "No, no! Lampard, you're a Premier League superstar—you're strong, of course, I pay attention to you. I admit that. But I'm really not your fan! I just want to play football!"
Lampard laughed and clapped Gu Ran on the shoulder affectionately. "No need to explain. I know it in my heart. You deliberately attracted my attention from the start, didn't you? And now you've succeeded—I've noticed you. Happy?"
"I didn't, I really—"
Gu Ran was speechless!
Lampard grinned. "Brother, you must have trained in a youth academy or a professional team before, right?"
Gu Ran shook his head. "No, I really haven't. In fact, I've only been playing football for less than a month."
Lampard's eyes widened. "What? You're joking."
Gu Ran shrugged. "If you don't believe me, go investigate."
After his rebirth, this young body had, quite literally, only been playing football for a month.
Lampard sucked in a sharp breath. "Less than a month? My God! Okay, I take back what I said earlier about your fitness and skill gaps! If you've only been playing for a month, then you're undoubtedly a super, super, super genius!"
Ah… hearing this from Premier League legend Lampard feels damn good!
Gu Ran maintained a composed face, but inside, he was over the moon.
Then Lampard added, "A super, super, super genius who admires me—man, I must be amazing."
Eh?
Why are you suddenly praising yourself?!
When did I say I admired you?!
Genie, don't be so self-absorbed!
Gu Ran sighed and covered his face.
Lampard, eager as ever, said, "Gu, my little brother, since you admire me, why don't you come to Chelsea? Are you interested in joining our team?"
Gu Ran froze. "What?"
Lampard repeated, "Do you want to come to Chelsea?"
Chelsea!
A team stacked with superstars like Terry, Lampard, Drogba…
If I join now, in a year or two, I could be rubbing shoulders with De Bruyne and Courtois!
Gu Ran felt like he was dreaming. "Seriously?"
The gateway to a top club is this easy?
Lampard smiled. "Of course! But with your current ability, you won't be able to enter the first team yet—not even the reserves. Fortunately, you're still under 18. You can join Chelsea's U21 youth team. In three years, you could become a true Blue!"
The fire in Gu Ran's heart was instantly doused.
The youth team? Play there for three years before even considering a spot in the main squad?
Sure, training at a giant club's youth team had its advantages. Their facilities and methods were top-notch.
But…
Gu Ran's system wasn't based on training. It was based on picking up, with training as a secondary method.
Playing in the youth team for three years might not even be as effective as playing in League Two for one.
Of course, Lampard's invitation was still a huge opportunity.
Without a work permit, spending three years in Chelsea's youth team was one way to break into European football.
Chelsea was also known for loaning young players out—maybe he could use that to gain experience elsewhere.
Gu Ran was about to answer when Coach Carter came sprinting over, looking like he'd seen a ghost.
"Gu—!"
Carter was so out of breath that it was probably the hardest he'd run since becoming a coach.
"Gu! Why are you still here? Get back to the locker room! Everyone's waiting to celebrate with you!"
Gu Ran blinked. "Oh, Coach, Mr. Lampard was just talking to me about joining Chelsea's youth team."
Carter's expression turned horrified. "Oh, no… you didn't agree, did you?"
Gu Ran shrugged. "I haven't answered yet."
"Thank God!" Carter immediately crossed himself. "Gu, listen to me. This is a huge decision, and not something you should rush into. You must think this through carefully."
Gu Ran nodded. "Understood, Coach."
As if I'd say yes immediately.
With my experience, I know better.
Besides, we're only in the Round of 16. If we go further, more clubs will come knocking.
Why settle so soon?
It's always better to choose!
(End of this chapter)