c21 - Task Completion One/Three
While at the training ground, Vardy was pulled aside by Gravesen.
Looking at the serious expression on the bald veteran's face, Vardy had a sudden thought. Does this guy have some special intentions toward me?
"Jamie, don't get too close to the reporters, especially the beautiful ones. They're good at their job, and they can trick you into saying something you shouldn't. Don't think you can take advantage of them—more often than not, they'll turn things against you. You're young and inexperienced; trust me, you don't want to learn this lesson the hard way!"
Vardy rolled his eyes but understood Gravesen's meaning. He hadn't expected this rough-and-tough midfielder to be so… considerate.
So, he saw me talking to that beautiful reporter and came to warn me?
Well, this unexpected brotherly love was appreciated!
But Vardy didn't believe Anne would manipulate him so easily. Sure, people lied, but their eyes didn't. When Anne looked dejected earlier, it didn't seem like an act.
"Relax, baldy. I won't be fooled!" Vardy nodded seriously. He had no intention of letting a teammate's good intentions go to waste.
"Wait… what did you just call me?" Gravesen's face darkened instantly, like storm clouds forming over Goodison Park.
Vardy quickly covered his mouth and mumbled, "Slip of the tongue, my mistake!"
But one look at Gravesen's expression told him that if he didn't run now, he might not get another chance!
A comical scene unfolded as Gravesen chased Vardy around the training ground, shouting threats. Unfortunately for him, his short legs were no match for Vardy's pace. Even if he was fuming, catching the quick-footed striker was another matter entirely.
From the sidelines, Moyes chuckled. "If you two want to warm up that way, I have no objections!"
---
Inside the dressing room, players were getting ready for training. Gravesen pulled on his kit quickly, but Vardy was hesitating.
Find three teammates to dress me?
The mere thought of it made him cringe. He wasn't a child; this was embarrassing!
Then, a memory hit him.
Balotelli!
Back in his past life, Mario Balotelli once struggled so much with putting on a bib that his teammate Edin Džeko had to help him daily.
Am I supposed to become the next Balotelli? Or was Balotelli actually the host of some kind of "Ultimate Prankster" system in his past life?
Vardy was lost in thought when Gravesen called out to him.
"Jamie, what's taking you so long?" Gravesen asked, only to see Vardy holding his jersey with a sorrowful look.
"Are… are you struggling to put on your shirt?" Gravesen was dumbfounded.
Vardy put on a pitiful expression. "Yeah, it's just so complicated! Maybe I should bring my mum to the stadium!"
Gravesen nearly choked.
Mate, you're seventeen! A prospective adult! And you can't put on a shirt?
After a brief internal struggle, Gravesen sighed, grabbed the jersey, and pulled it over Vardy's head. As he did so, he grumbled, "This is the most embarrassing thing I've ever done. Please get your act together—I don't want Everton to be mistaken for a special needs club!"
As soon as the jersey was on, a system notification popped up.
Task Progress: 1/3 Completed!
Vardy grinned. Not only had he made progress, but he'd also confirmed something important—Gravesen was a great teammate!
---
After training, Moyes gathered the players to announce the squad list for the next Premier League fixture.
Everyone waited anxiously. Even though Vardy had his doubts about making the squad, he still couldn't help but hope.
Sure enough, Moyes named an unchanged starting lineup from the previous two matches—Duncan Ferguson and Marcus Bent led the attack. James McFadden and Kevin Campbell made the bench, while Vardy and Chadwick were left out entirely.
"Don't let it get to you," Gravesen said with a reassuring pat on Vardy's shoulder. "You're still adapting. Moyes specifically asked for you on loan, which means he sees something in you. Keep training hard, and your chance will come."
Vardy was briefly disappointed, but he quickly shook it off. He wasn't the type to dwell on setbacks.
---
As he left the training ground, Vardy pushed his bicycle towards the exit. Just as he was about to mount it, he noticed something blocking his way.
He looked up—and his eyes were met with a very prominent sight.
A perfectly fitted blouse, struggling to contain what lay beneath.
Vardy swallowed. Damn…
Then he realized—it was Anne!
"Hello, Mr. Vardy," Anne said with a charming smile. "Now that training is over, are you free for that interview?"
Her wide eyes and slightly pouting lips made her look irresistibly cute.
Vardy smirked. "So, you're the unlucky reporter that no player wants to talk to. And I'm the unlucky player that no reporter wants to interview. I think we're a perfect match!"
Anne giggled, instantly warming up to him. They started walking and talking, settling into a lighthearted conversation.
Vardy briefly considered offering her a ride on his bicycle. It would've been a perfect TV drama moment.
But then he thought about his cycling skills. If he crashed and sent both of them flying, it would be beyond humiliating.
"It's probably not convenient to walk in those heels," Vardy said kindly. "Let's find a place to sit down."
Anne sighed. "I was actually planning to treat you to dinner."
Vardy grinned. "No worries. We can do that next time—maybe after I buy a car, or you do. Riding a bike to a date would be tragic!"
He patted his bicycle and shook his head in mock dismay.