One million euros?
Pierre's expression darkened.
Zhao Chen, however, seemed oblivious to the change in his demeanor. Instead, he continued speaking with a tone of persuasion.
The three naturalization spots are reserved for the highest bidders, he explained. But because I believe in your talent, I'm offering you one. One million euros is a small price to pay.
You should understand that in this era, skill alone isn't enough.
This also covers the costs of introducing you to a club and handling public relations for you.
Pierre's voice turned cold. So if I don't pay, I can't be naturalized?
The smile on Zhao Chen's face instantly vanished. His expression hardened, his tone turning harsh.
Are you being ungrateful? he snapped.
We're giving you an opportunity. Don't overestimate yourself—you're just a discarded player that Barcelona kicked out. No club in Europe will want you.
This is your only way forward.
If you don't pay, don't even think about playing in China.
By now, Zhao Chen's words were barely masked threats. He was certain Pierre would comply.
After all, in his mind, a young player with a bad reputation would never be welcomed back in Europe. Naturalization and playing in China was Pierre's only viable option.
But Pierre smirked.
Who said I want to play in China?
One million euros? You think too highly of yourself.
Do you really believe you're worth that much?
Zhao Chen slammed his hand on the table.
What do you mean by that? he growled.
You don't want to make it in Chinese football? Fine. Then let me tell you something—one million euros isn't enough anymore. If you don't pay three million, I'll make sure you're banned.
This is the national team. If you want to play here, you follow the rules.
Pierre, unfazed, stared him down.
Ban me if you want, he said flatly. I'm done with this.
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the training facility.
Zhao Chen's furious shouts echoed behind him, but Pierre didn't care.
On his way back to the hotel, Pierre leaned against the car seat with his eyes closed, appearing to rest.
In reality, he had already opened his system interface.
Negative emotion points: 20,021
Seeing the number, his frustration disappeared.
So this naturalization trial wasn't entirely useless after all.
Even if the points gained from those players were small, there were so many of them that it added up.
System, I want to draw a lottery.
Initiating lottery...
20,000 points available. You can draw four times. Confirm?
Pierre winced.
5,000 points per draw? That was expensive.
But he confirmed anyway.
A large spinning wheel appeared in his mind.
Congratulations. You have won a silver treasure chest.
Congratulations. You have won a bronze treasure chest.
Congratulations. You have won a bronze treasure chest.
Congratulations. You have won a legendary treasure chest.
Pierre almost groaned at the two bronze chests—until he saw the last one.
A legendary treasure chest?
Excitement surged through him.
Would you like to open all chests?
Open them.
Silver chest: Wu Lei's shooting template. (Wu Lei is a chinese Football player)
Bronze chest: Stamina recovery potion.
Bronze chest: Injury recovery potion.
Legendary chest: Steal king template.
All rewards stored in system inventory.
Pierre quickly accessed the inventory and selected the steal king template.
Merging... Success. The steal king template has been applied.
Zhao Chen wasted no time.
Less than 30 minutes after Pierre left, the Football Association issued an official statement.
Regarding the naturalization of player Pierre
Pierre does not meet the naturalization criteria.
Insufficient ability.
Expelled from Barcelona for violent conduct.
Repeated misconduct during the nationalization trials, including insubordination and bullying teammates.
After thorough consideration, the following decisions have been made.
Pierre is permanently blacklisted by the Football Association.
He is banned from all domestic leagues and competitions.
Following the announcement, certain media outlets—aligned with the Football Association—quickly followed up with headlines like:
Can naturalized players really help the national team?
An in-depth look at Pierre: La Masia's problem child, abandoned by Barcelona.
Online discussions erupted.
Pierre had drawn interest from Chinese Barcelona fans when he was promoted to the first team. But after his sudden contract termination, followed by this latest controversy, public opinion turned against him.
Many fans lashed out.
I knew this guy was trouble.
Good riddance. We don't need someone like him.
Support the Football Association. Ban him forever.
But Pierre?
He didn't even check the news.
If he had, he would have just laughed.
Thinking that Chinese football could be fixed? That was his mistake.
Back at the hotel, he packed his bags and prepared to book a flight back to Europe.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was his agent.
Pierre, how did the trial go?
Pierre told him everything.
What? A million euros? Are they insane?
His agent was stunned.
I told you not to bother with them. There's no future for you in Chinese football.
Pierre smiled wryly. Yeah, I see that now.
Forget it. I didn't call to talk about that, his agent continued. I have good news.
Liverpool has agreed to sign you. I've already booked your flight.
Come straight to England. I'll be waiting.
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