London Train Station.
The train back to Southampton hadn't arrived yet. The Bucks Horns players were chatting and laughing on the platform, fantasizing about how they would party at the bar tonight and how they would spend up to ten thousand pounds.
Meanwhile, their head coach, Carter, stepped away from the crowd, found a secluded corner, and pulled out his phone to call old Les.
After two busy tones, the call connected.
"Hey, Lamar," came old Les's unhurried voice from the other end. "How did the match go?"
Coach Carter said nervously, "Old Les! Something big has happened!"
Old Les's voice tightened, "Lamar, don't tell me you lost the match—although it's normal for you to lose, we had an agreement. If you're not even in the national top eight, then I really can't do anything about the work permit issue. The Saints' board won't consider using the only 'special talent' slot for an amateur player who isn't even in the national top eight."
Coach Carter quickly said, "No, old Les, you misunderstood! We didn't lose! Not only did we not lose, but we won 3-1, two goals ahead! This result is even better than my match back in the day when we made it to the top eight! What's even more amazing is that Gu Ran played exceptionally well. He had two incredible runs down the flank, just like Bale, a thunderous long-range strike, and a Lampard-esque through ball! I've recorded all his brilliant performances, and you'll see them when I get back!"
Old Les laughed, "Haha! Congratulations! That's fantastic! Isn't it? But why are you so nervous?"
Coach Carter said urgently, "Of course, I'm nervous! When you have a super, super, super huge piece of gold, aren't you afraid of thieves eyeing it? Listen, old Les, do you know who the opposing team's temporary coach was? It was Frank Lampard!"
Old Les said, "Oh? St. Paul's Boys' School has always had a good relationship with Chelsea. It's not too surprising they invited Lampard. You beat Lampard, shouldn't you be even happier?"
Coach Carter said, "No, no, the point isn't that they invited Lampard as their coach, and the point isn't that we beat Lampard. The point is that Lampard discovered Gu Ran is a super, super, super huge piece of gold! After the match, Lampard directly approached Gu Ran and invited him to join Chelsea's youth team!"
"What!!!"
There was a clattering sound on the other end of the line, clearly from old Les knocking over a cup in his excitement.
That's Chelsea we're talking about!
Who can refuse Chelsea?
Basically, Chelsea can get whoever they want!
All because their owner is Abramovich!
And what is Southampton FC?
A working-class port club that almost dissolved in 2009 due to severe financial crisis, with a large number of talented young players sold off cheaply, and the board of directors repeatedly reshuffled and fragmented. It only survived after being acquired by the Swiss Liebherr Group!
With the injection of life-saving funds, Southampton FC had a decent performance in the 09-10 season and recently won the English Youth League Championship (a highly prestigious domestic competition in England).
But Southampton FC is still in League One next season, just one tier above the lowest League Two.
Southampton's transfer budget isn't even a fraction of Chelsea's.
Although Southampton FC was founded 20 years earlier than Chelsea and had its glorious moments in the top league, the current Southampton really, really can't compare to Chelsea.
Old Les didn't bother to clean up the broken cup and asked urgently, "Did Gu Ran agree?"
Coach Carter said, "Do you know who I am? How could I let Gu Ran agree to that? Gu listens to me."
"Praise the Lord!" Old Les said excitedly, "Well done, Lamar!"
Coach Carter said, "Don't rush to praise the Lord yet! Our situation is becoming more and more urgent! I don't think Lampard's invitation to Gu Ran was just casual talk. I can predict that Chelsea will definitely take action. Of course, Chelsea has never valued youth training much, and their higher-ups won't show much interest in Gu Ran, so we still have a chance! If your club's board hasn't finalized the plan to activate the 'special talent' clause for Gu Ran this week, then Gu Ran might really be poached! Yes, this is not an exaggeration. Right now, it's just Chelsea, but in the future, more big clubs will join the race for Gu Ran! All because Gu Ran is truly a super, super, super huge piece of gold!"
Old Les said solemnly, "I know—but these kinds of power struggles aren't as easy to resolve as you think. The Saints' board is still in chaos, which is why I stepped down from management. I need to slowly sort out all the relationships. The only fortunate thing is that although the old guys on the Saints' board can't stand each other and are constantly fighting, none of them want Southampton to miss out on a talented player. I believe a true genius can unite the fragmented Saints' board. Lamar, let's meet tonight. Don't go to the bar; it's not the right place for serious discussions. When will you be back in Southampton? I'll send a car to pick you up at the station. Remember to bring your DV tapes!"
"Alright! I should be back around 6..."
After hanging up, Coach Carter let out a long sigh of relief.
At this moment, the national high school championship is in full swing, and the 2010 World Cup is about to begin.
But for Coach Carter, the real battle is the fight to secure Gu Ran, and this battle has already quietly begun.
Coach Carter couldn't help but feel his blood boiling!
...
6 PM.
The sky had already darkened.
Gu Ran accompanied Anne as they strolled through a well-known luxury department store in London.
Gu Ran wasn't in a hurry to eat, and neither was Anne.
Both of them were trying to delay until it got dark.
Anne was delaying to prepare a mysterious reward for Gu Ran.
And Gu Ran was delaying to receive that mysterious reward from Anne.
Anne rarely went shopping. As a big star, being a big star means living under the spotlight, rarely able to enjoy the freedom of an ordinary person. Her clothes and shoes were usually bought by her assistant.
But now, she could shop with Gu Ran by her side, and naturally, she was as excited as a "country girl who had never seen the world," constantly touching and looking at everything.
Gu Ran patiently accompanied Anne.
Accompanying a Hollywood princess-level star shopping was itself a kind of happiness.
Besides... there was still that mysterious reward tonight.
What could it be?
It probably wouldn't be *that*.
After all, my goddess wouldn't be so direct.
But if the goddess really was that direct, I could handle it.
Hmm... I'll eat more tonight.
Gu Ran followed behind Anne, his eyes fixed on her graceful figure, while happily fantasizing.
In crowded areas, Gu Ran considerately moved closer, using his strong arm to shield Anne's waist and hips to prevent her from being bumped by passersby.
After all, a Hollywood princess-level star is very precious and must not be touched by others.
Anne didn't say anything, not even refusing.
Because Anne knew that Gu Ran was a good person, and he was just purely protecting her.
Through this soccer match and shopping trip, Anne's fondness for Gu Ran deepened by two levels.
Anne said shyly, "I'm your life assistant. Actually, I should be the one protecting you from being bumped by others."
Gu Ran smiled, "Don't be polite. Just do more work for me later to repay me."
"Okay..." Anne replied softly.
Gu Ran felt his bones melting, and the hand on Anne's waist and hips didn't feel tired at all.
He could keep it there all day without feeling tired!
Anne's natural sway as she walked was simply innate, both delicate and charming, and her face was so pure. The combination of purity and allure was truly a top-tier experience...
Even in less crowded areas, Gu Ran couldn't bear to take his hand off.
Anne also seemed to forget that there was a warm, youthful, and wild hand on her waist and hips, continuing to walk naturally.
Both of them were acting.
When they reached a luxury store, Gu Ran suddenly stopped.
"Balenciaga..." Gu Ran looked up at the sign, then smiled slightly, "Shall we go in?"
Anne nodded obediently, "Okay."
Balenciaga is also a world-class luxury brand, but compared to Prada, Balenciaga is still a bit lacking.
Anne's endorsements are mostly from Prada, and most of her clothes, shoes, and hats are also from Prada. Naturally, Anne's taste wouldn't be satisfied with a "small brand" like Balenciaga.
But since Gu Ran wanted to shop, she was willing to follow.
As soon as the two entered the Balenciaga store, a high-nosed female sales assistant approached them.
"Welcome... ma'am, sir."
The sales assistant first glanced at Gu Ran's attire, and her eyes immediately showed disdain. Then she glanced at Anne, and her expression became even more contemptuous.
Anne's sun hat covered her face, and she was wearing a professional LO outfit—the sales assistant thought Anne had come from some construction site, so she looked down on her even more.
Gu Ran could see the sales assistant's disdain, but he didn't care about the gaze of an insect. Gu Ran directly asked, "Can you tell me what kinds of stockings you have here?"
Yes, they were here to buy stockings for Anne.
Gu Ran had ruined Anne's stockings on the train and promised to buy her new ones.
And Balenciaga's stockings, especially the black ones, are top-tier.
When Anne heard that Gu Ran was here to buy her stockings, she quickly declined, "No, no, there's no need. I have plenty at home! Really, there's no need to buy more."
Gu Ran smiled, "No, I promised you on the train. I must buy them for you."
"Ah, really, it's not necessary. Ruining the stockings wasn't entirely your fault..." Anne said softly.
The sales assistant beside them crossed her arms and said disdainfully, "Sorry, we have too many types of stockings. It would take a lot of time to explain, and our stockings are very expensive. I'm afraid you can't afford them."
...Oh ho!
So arrogant!
I didn't want to show off, but you're forcing me to slap you in the face!
Gu Ran chuckled coldly in his heart and was about to speak when Anne couldn't take it anymore, "What kind of attitude is that? What do you mean we can't afford it? Who do you think you're looking down on?"
The sales assistant sneered, "A pair of stockings costs at most 200 pounds, and you're here hesitating and making a fuss. If you can't afford it, just leave. Turn left and then left again, there's a discount store where you can get two pairs of stockings for 3 pounds!"
"You!" Anne was so angry that she almost took off her hat to let this snobbish sales assistant see who she was.
"Fine! Let's see if I can afford it!" Anne angrily pulled out her Centurion Black Card.
The sales assistant was stunned. She clearly knew the power of the Centurion Black Card, but... stockings are the cheapest item at Balenciaga, and the cheapest items mean the least commission for the sales assistant. So, this sales assistant still wasn't interested.
However, it was still a sale, so the sales assistant arrogantly reached for the black card.
At that moment, Gu Ran stopped Anne and took the black card, "Anne, I said I would buy them for you. How can I let you pay?"
Anne said angrily, "Gu, don't worry about this. I just can't stand her arrogant face."
...This isn't the right way to slap someone in the face.
Let me teach you the correct way.
Gu Ran smiled, "Let me handle it."
Although he hadn't read many web novels in his past life, he knew all the cliché face-slapping tropes by heart.
He just didn't expect that after being reborn, he would have to put them into practice and teach Anne Hathaway in person.
"First, we need a more pleasant sales assistant," Gu Ran cleared his throat and turned to another sales assistant with a "Trainee" badge, "Can you tell me what colors and types of stockings you have here?"
"Uh..." The trainee sales assistant cautiously glanced at the previous sales assistant.
The previous sales assistant scoffed, "Whatever, this sale is yours. It's just a pair of stockings."
Luxury store sales assistants don't have high base salaries, but they get a 5% commission on each sale.
A pair of Balenciaga stockings costs around 100-200 pounds, so selling one pair earns them 5-10 pounds.
—No wonder the previous sales assistant looked so disdainful.
The trainee sales assistant immediately smiled and said, "Well, ma'am, sir. Our stockings come in black, white, nude, pink, red, gray, and the latest gradient colors. In terms of styles, we have standard thigh-highs, sexy garters, pantyhose, knee-highs, and ankle socks. In terms of appearance, we have plain, patterned, polka-dot, fishnet, and more."
Damn...
Just listening to these types and colors could make any pervert imagine the corresponding scenes.
Gu Ran nodded in satisfaction, "Good, ankle socks—"
The trainee sales assistant quickly said, "Oh, you want ankle socks? Ankle socks are the cheapest, only 65 pounds."
The previous sales assistant let out a disdainful laugh.
Gu Ran shook his head, "No, I mean, I don't want ankle socks."
The trainee sales assistant was stunned.
The previous arrogant sales assistant couldn't help but sneer, "After all that, you can't even afford ankle socks!"
Gu Ran continued, "Except for ankle socks, I want three pairs of every other type of stocking, no matter how many styles there are."
"Huh?"
Both the trainee and the previous sales assistant were stunned.
Anne was also shocked, "Gu..."
"Oh," Gu Ran added, "And for the black garter style, give me ten more pairs of each."
Anne said urgently, "Gu, that's too much! There's no need to buy so many!"
Shut up, woman! What do you know?
These aren't for you; they're for me. You're just responsible for wearing and taking them off!
Gu Ran gave Anne a charming smile, "No, Anne, you deserve it."
The trainee sales assistant kindly reminded him, "Sir, our stockings aren't cheap! Based on what you just ordered, I estimate there are at least 80 pairs! Even at an average price of 150 pounds per pair, this order will cost at least 12,000 pounds!"
Gu Ran sighed, "Okay, that's a bit cheap—Anne, just make do with them."
Given Anne's status as a Hollywood princess, a pair of Prada stockings would cost at least 500 pounds. Balenciaga stockings are indeed relatively cheap.
Anne also smiled, "Yes, they are quite cheap, but there's really no need for so many. Goodness, 80 pairs of stockings? When will I ever wear them all?"
...That depends on how often I use my stocking-removal skills.
Gu Ran cleared his throat, "Anyway, this is my gift to you. You have to accept it."
Anne obediently nodded and stopped arguing with Gu Ran—this feeling of being forced by Gu Ran was actually somewhat sweet.
Why is that...
Anne herself couldn't explain it.
The previous sales assistant, seeing that Gu Ran was about to buy 80 pairs of stockings, immediately approached with a flattering smile, "Sir, this trainee isn't up to the task. Let me serve you instead!"
Gu Ran said coldly, "No need."
Anne also said excitedly, "Yes! No need!"
The previous sales assistant's face fell, and a blue skill bubble dropped at her feet!
Gu Ran didn't even glance at it—although he still had one pickup opportunity left today, there was no need to waste it on someone like her.
The trainee sales assistant quickly calculated the total price, which was indeed around 12,000 pounds.
For a luxury brand like Balenciaga, this was definitely a big order.
Gu Ran swiped his card without hesitation.
The trainee sales assistant said excitedly, "Sir, it will take some time to pack all these stockings. Would you like to rest here for a while?"
Gu Ran waved his hand, "Just give me your phone number. We'll go eat first, and I'll call you when we're done. You can deliver them to us."
"Of course, sir, no problem. I'd be happy to serve you."
Gu Ran then took out two 50-pound notes and handed them to the trainee sales assistant, "This is for your travel and service fee."
The trainee sales assistant excitedly accepted the tip, "Thank you, sir! You're so generous! This lady must be very happy to have a boyfriend like you!"
Damn...
Just for that sentence, the 100-pound tip was worth it!
Gu Ran secretly glanced at Anne, who didn't refute the "boyfriend" comment.
"By the way," Gu Ran asked, "Do you have... maid outfits here?"
The trainee sales assistant's mouth fell open, "...Sorry, sir."
Gu Ran said, "If not, that's fine. Just hurry up with the packing."
Then he turned to Anne, "Anne, don't overthink it. I just wanted to buy you some suitable work clothes for doing housework, so you don't have to wear Prada while cleaning."
Anne nodded, "Mm-hmm, Gu, you're so thoughtful."
Haha!
This is amazing!
Not only did Anne not refute the "boyfriend" comment, but she also didn't object to the maid outfit!
Gu Ran was so excited inside that he could barely contain himself.
"Welcome back—"
Amid the sales assistants' cheerful farewells, the two walked out of Balenciaga.
As soon as they stepped outside, Anne excitedly grabbed Gu Ran's arm, "Gu! That was so satisfying! Really, really satisfying! I've never, ever experienced such satisfaction before!"
Damn...
It was just a cliché face-slapping scene.
Anne, you really haven't... read web novels, have you?
Gu Ran smiled coolly, "Heh, it was alright."
Anne said excitedly, "Ahhh! Gu, you're so calm, so composed! I was about to lose my mind from the satisfaction, and you just said it was alright? Did you see the look on that arrogant sales assistant's face? Hahaha, when you swiped your card, she was practically gasping for air! And when you tipped the trainee, she was about to collapse! She missed out on the biggest order of the day! Gu, how did you even think of such a way to retaliate against her arrogance?"
Gu Ran was both amused and embarrassed:
Anne, don't admire me so much. This is just a cliché trope in China.
If any web novel author still wrote scenes like this, they'd be buried alive by readers!
Gu Ran cleared his throat and said, "I can only say that I took inspiration from life and elevated it just a little."
Anne wholeheartedly praised, "I understand! This is art! Gu, your actions are art! Gu, you're amazing!"
...I just slapped someone's face, and now I'm an artist?
Anne, please stop praising me. I still have some dignity left.
Gu Ran sighed softly, "Anne, as long as you're happy."
Anne took the initiative to hold Gu Ran's arm, "I'm more than happy. I swear, this is the most satisfying day of my life so far!"
Damn...
This is the real satisfaction...
The face-slapping in Balenciaga was nothing!
This is the real satisfaction!!!
Anne's fondness for Gu Ran was rapidly heating up!
At this rate, would the mysterious gift tonight be... hehehe.
Gu Ran's soul was about to float away from sheer joy.
"Gu, it's getting late..."
"Mm."
"Shall we go eat?"
"Sure!"
Gu Ran and Anne got into a taxi and headed to their dinner destination—the Chiltern Firehouse, a high-end Western restaurant located in the heart of London's Marylebone affluent district, frequented by celebrities and socialites.
...
(End of Chapter)