With two short and one long final whistles, the second round of the English League One match between Southampton and Notts County at home finally came to an end.
The score was fixed at Southampton 6:0 Notts County! This was a hearty victory! It was a feast for all Southampton fans!
Gu Ran started the game and played the entire match. He made 3 assists and 3 goals, and scored a double hat trick. He completely dominated the game at home! Such dazzling data also made all Southampton fans crazy! The English League One championship promised before the game is just around the corner!
All Southampton fans, including 8 club executives who came to watch the game, stood up and applauded Gu Ran!
The Nottingham Forest players were so upset after being kicked that almost all of them left the field with sad faces.
Gu Ran and his teammates walked around the field and bowed to the fans to express their gratitude.
Southampton's male fans cheered for Gu Ran, and Southampton's female fans cheered for Gu Ran.
The comments and gifts in the live broadcast room were scrolling like crazy, and highlights of Gu Ran's goals and assists were immediately played on major platforms.
Gu Ran's name once again topped the domestic hot search list in the middle of the night! After nearly half an hour of leaving the stadium, Gu Ran returned to the home team's locker room amid warm applause.
The atmosphere in the locker room was still warm. Every player and staff member took the initiative to high-five and hug to congratulate Gu when they saw him.
Team doctor Mike and physical therapist Gregory stepped forward impartially and pulled Gu Ran into the therapy room.
Just as Maverick took off Gu Ran's shoes to check his ankle, personal assistant Rick rushed in.
"Hey, Gu! You did a great job today!"
Gu Ran smiled, "Oh, thank you, Rick."
Mave frowned and said, "Rick, get out! Can't you see we are working?"
Rick pulled out a note, "I'm in a hurry! I'm here to give Gu a note."
Only then did Maf stop having the attack.
You know, those who can pass notes to players through club staff after the game are all important people.
Rick must have obtained approval from the club's top management before bringing the note here.
Gu Ran, who was lying on the therapy bed, was a little curious. "What's the note? Read it to me."
Rick asked, "Gu, are you sure?"
Gu Ran smiled and said, "There are no outsiders here, we are all family. Rick, just read it, and Mai Fu, you continue to help me check, let's save time."
"Okay, Gu." Mai Fu felt happy - it felt so good to be treated as one of his own by Gu Ran.
Rick unfolded the note, cleared his throat, and then his face turned slightly awkward.
Gu Ran waited for a long time and couldn't help asking, "What did you write? Is it so difficult to say? Is it a dirty word?"
Rick said: "I don't know if it's a swear word... I, I don't recognize these words."
Gregory burst into laughter. "Rick, are you kidding me? You can't read? Is there some shocking secret you're too embarrassed to read out? Here you go!"
Gregory snatched the note and immediately looked embarrassed, "Oh my god, I was careless, it's Chinese characters... I can't even recognize them."
Oh shit~ Are you two, Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chick?
Gu Ran was suddenly at a loss for words, "Alright, alright, it's nothing! Give it to me."
Gregory quickly handed the note to Gu Ran.
Gu Ran picked up the note with a smile on his face, and then his expression became serious.
Mai Fu asked curiously, "Gu, what's written on it? Is it a swear word?"
Gu Ran exhaled, "...It's worse than swearing."
Gregory said angrily, "Fuck! Who wrote this note? How dare he say something worse than a curse word? Let's call our brothers to deal with him!"
Gu Ran waved his hand, "Don't worry about it, Rick, take me to find the person who gave you this note."
Rick quickly said, "Okay, Gu."
Mai Fu said, "Gu, your routine physical examination is not yet complete, and you haven't had physical therapy yet!"
Gu Ran said in a deep voice: "The person behind this note is more important than the physical examination. I must go see him immediately."
Gregory said, "Gu, do you really not need us to go with you to fight him? I've practiced this too!"
Gu Ran smiled and said, "No need..."
After saying that, Gu Ran wiped the sweat off his body, put on a casual training suit, and hurriedly followed Rick out of the locker room.
Watching Gu Ran leaving, Mai Fu frowned and shook his head, "I've never seen Gu Ran so serious and anxious."
Gregory also shook his head and said, "Yeah, who is the other party? Can a note make Gu Ran so nervous? What exactly is written on the note?"
Mave said, "I'm pregnant."
Gregory looked back at Mave in astonishment.
Mave said, "I mean, what the note said might be: I'm pregnant."
"Oh, I thought..." Gregory cleared his throat, "Ahem, it turns out that you, Maf, often read The Sun as well... So, is it Abby? Or Linda? Or Sister NO?"
Mave sighed, "It's time to learn Chinese characters..."
Under Rick's guidance, Gu Ran walked through the internal passage of the stadium and headed for the VIP room.
Along the way, Gu Ran's expression was more solemn than ever before.
Rick couldn't help but asked cautiously, "Gu, are you okay? Do you need me to ask Old Rice to intervene?"
Gu Ran smiled and said, "No need, I'm fine, don't worry."
Rick asked again: "So, what exactly is written on the note?"
Gu Ran handed the note to Rick, "It says here - Xinghui Sports Agency."
"Agency?" Rick blinked in surprise. "Your Chinese one?"
Gu Ran nodded, "Yes."
Rick smiled and said, "It seems like a good thing, Gu. Aren't you in need of an agent? Your domestic agent should be more convenient to communicate with, right?"
Gu Ran smiled, did not respond to Rick, and reached out to push open the door of the box.
The door opened, and two middle-aged men in suits and ties, with dark hair and reeking of alcohol, stood up from the luxurious sofa and came out to greet them.
The two men were of medium height and had harmless smiles on their faces.
As soon as they saw Gu Ran, they greeted him warmly like family members who hadn't seen each other for a long time:
"Gu Ran! Hello, hello! I finally meet you!"
"Before, we only saw you play on the Internet, but today we saw you play live. You are really amazing!"
The two of them shook hands and hugged Gu Ran one after another.
Gu Ran naturally felt very close to meeting fellow Chinese speakers in a foreign country.
but……
Gu Ran knew clearly that these were all false courtesies.
Xinghui Sports is not an ordinary agency.
In Gu Ran's memory of his previous life, it was a famous white glove company. Many future international players came from this company.
This company is normally very low-key. If it weren't for the later exposure of the “sea cucumber endorsement” incident, few people would have known that such a company existed.
Gu Ran said calmly, "I am also very happy to meet you two in a foreign country. I should have taken a shower and changed into more formal clothes, but I was worried that you two would be anxious waiting, so as soon as I saw the note, I rushed over immediately."
"Haha, it's okay!"
"We don't mind you being dirty."
The two of them held Gu Ran's hands affectionately.
Gu Ran laughed in his heart: It's hard to say who thinks who is dirty.
"Come on, come on, come in first, let's talk behind closed doors."
The two men pulled Gu Ran into the box and closed the door.
"Sit down, Xiao Gu."
After entering the door, the middle-aged man who was not very tall and had a round face leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs.
Another middle-aged man, who was in good shape and had a body shape very similar to that of a player, very tactfully took out a cigarette and handed it to the leading middle-aged man, then swiftly took out a lighter and helped light it.
He was so skilled in this set of movements that he was even more skilled than Gu Ran's one-on-one move on the left side.
When people first meet, they are all polite. It is the call of "Xiao Gu" that reflects each other's true identity.
Gu Ran was mentally prepared for this and stood still. "Thank you, both of you. I just finished the game and it's not convenient for me to sit down."
"Okay, whatever you want."
"Xiao Gu, you may not know us, so let me introduce us to you first."
The middle-aged man who was lighting a cigarette extended his hand respectfully to the man with his legs crossed and introduced him, "This is the boss of our Xinghui Company, Mr. Guo Shan."
The big boss came in person, so the treatment is quite high.
The man lighting a cigarette behind Guo Shan did not forget to add a few more flattering words, "Many of the current well-known domestic players, as well as many young players of the National Olympic Team, were all promoted by our boss Guo with his keen eye for talent. For example, Ji Hai, Tie Zi, Xiao Zhi, and so on, they all regard our boss as their mentor."
"Xiao Gu, actually according to your level, Boss Guo doesn't need to come here in person, but Boss Guo is very optimistic about you. Recently, your highlights have been very popular in China. After watching it, Boss Guo immediately felt that you are very good and have a great chance to become a pillar of the country. Boss Guo is famous for his love of talent! So, Boss Guo took the trouble to fly here in person, just to promote you!"
"Xiao Gu, you should understand what I mean, right?"
Gu Ran glanced at the bottle of Romanee-Conti on the table in the box, which cost 200,000 yuan, and sneered in his heart, "I understand."
Guo Shan waved his hand pretentiously and said with a smile: "Hey, what do you mean by promotion? Our company is also selecting talents for the country. We really don't like ordinary players. Besides, it's mainly because Xiao Gu is really good at playing football. As a talent scout, I am naturally willing to help Xiao Gu get on the horse and send him off."
The man lighting the cigarette exclaimed in admiration, "Listen, Boss Guo is so noble! Xiao Gu, let me tell you, you are lucky. I have been running around with Boss Guo for so many years, and this is the first time I have seen Boss Guo care so much about a young player! You have it figured out!"
Gu Ran smiled, "Really? I didn't ask you, right?"
The man who lit the cigarette smiled and said, "Oh, my name is Wang Faqiang, and I'm the head of the overseas department of Xinghui Company. If nothing goes wrong, I'll be your agent in the future."
Gu Ran immediately said coldly: "I don't think I have agreed to sign a contract with your company yet?"
"Hahaha!" Wang Faqiang laughed proudly, "Xiao Gu, what are you hesitating about? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Our company's operational capabilities are second to none in the industry. Let me put it this way - if you want to join the national team, of course you have to sign a contract with us first."
Gu Ran's brows twitched uncontrollably! Why is the Chinese national football team so bad?
Is it true that 1.4 billion Chinese people cannot select 11 players who can play football?
No! Really not! Even if the level of youth training in China is low, even if the upward path in China is poor, it is definitely not the case that there are not even 11 people who can play football in a population of 1.4 billion!
It is not because Chinese people are physically weak and unsuitable for sports. Olympic athletes can win so many gold medals, and the average height of primary and secondary school students has been rising. How can it be that Chinese people are physically weak? When it comes to poor youth training conditions, when Dayu, Datou and other first-generation Jianlibao players were studying abroad in Brazil, the local youth training conditions in Brazil were so harsh that even these rural children could not stand it. But the Brazilian children played football barefoot on hard ground with empty stomachs, but they became five-star Brazilians, didn’t they?
It is true that both youth training and promotion channels are not good, this is an objective fact, but the truly fatal reason is the selection channel!
The selection channels are firmly controlled by these dirty guys! They turned a project that brought glory to the country into a way to make money for themselves and their descendants!
Damn!!! Gu Ran felt a tightness in his chest, and a dangerous thought suddenly popped up in his mind - would killing these two people save the future of the national football team? This thought disappeared in an instant.
When you find two cockroaches in your home, it means that the house is already full of cockroaches.
Stepping on these two cockroaches won't change anything.
Seeing that Gu Ran was silent, Xinghui's boss Guo Shan smiled and said, "Little Gu, it seems that you don't quite believe in our strength. It doesn't matter, you will understand when you join our Xinghui company. To be honest, I just watched your game live and I really like you. If talents like you don't serve the country, it will really be a loss for our country."
There is nothing wrong with what you said.
After his rebirth, Gu Ran also thought about serving the country.
This is a problem that no player can avoid, especially as their popularity in the country increases, it is absolutely normal to be found and invited by the country.
For Gu Ran, even though he knows that the Chinese national football team will be on a downward spiral in the next decade or so, and will lose face after losing to Thailand and Vietnam, as long as the country calls, as a Chinese man, no matter what the result will be, Gu Ran will accept the call without hesitation and contribute all his abilities!
This is an obligation, a duty, and a sense of mission engraved in our blood.
Even if he would lose, even if he would be blamed, even if he would be criticized by thousands of people, even if he knew that he was jumping into the frying pan, Gu Ran would do it without hesitation.
But... as a reborn person, Gu Ran knew clearly what it meant to sign an agent contract with Xinghui Company.
Guo Shan flicked the ash on the ground and continued, "Xiao Gu, you have to believe in the strength of our company. Since I can come to talk to you in person, I dare to promise you that as long as you sign a contract with us, you will get what you want. Playing football for the country is a matter of honor for the family. Many well-known players are scrambling for it. You also know the situation in our country. You have to give face to the major local clubs, the major senior coaches, and the former meritorious players. If you don't have a coach who has a say in the country, the support of the local clubs, and a senior background, it will be very difficult to squeeze into the national team."
This is quite realistic.
The reality is that all the fans are cursing the Chinese national football team, but the Chinese players are still aiming to join the national football team.
No player dares to say that he will never join the Chinese team because the Chinese team is so bad. He just wants to be a sophisticated egoist and join Brazil and Argentina so that he can win the World Cup championship.
Gu Ran did not respond, but just watched Guo Shan's performance quietly.
Guo Shan continued, "The competition is fierce, Xiao Gu! Therefore, as a grassroots person without any platform, you can only squeeze in if you sign a contract with us."
Gu Ran sneered, "Really? If you sign your contract, you can join the national team? No need for multiple rounds of selection? No need for the head coach's approval?"
Wang Qiang beside him laughed, "Xiao Gu! You're right! It's just a matter of one word from Boss Guo!"
Guo Shan waved his hand in a low-key manner, "Don't be so direct. I really like talents. I believe Xiao Gu has the ability and talent to join the national team. Our company will also do its best to help you fight for it and help you operate. As for the finalization of the big list, it is up to the higher-ups to have the final say."
Oh, how ironic!
Now that things have come to this, even a fool can understand what's going on here.
Gu Ran consciously loosened his clenched fists that were about to bleed, and tried to suppress the anger in his heart, "What exactly do you need me to do?"
Guo Shan said with a smile: "Xiao Gu, look at what you said, what can I need you to do? But... I do have a few questions that I must ask first. This is also the basic process of our company."
"First question: Are you still a Chinese citizen? Do you have any other nationalities? Have you ever played for another country?"
Gu Ran shook his head firmly and said, "No, my motherland is my only nationality, and I will never change it until I die. I do not have a second nationality, and I have never played for another country in a national team match."
Guo Shan nodded in satisfaction. "Very good! Second question, are you willing to give up your game in the British club for the national team's training?"
Gu Ran pursed his lips.
This is indeed a rather troublesome problem.
The domestic training arrangements are actually not scientific. In addition, the UK is far away from China, and the flight alone takes more than 24 hours. Frequent domestic training will definitely affect the club's games.
However, national interests come first. When it comes to the relationship between the club and the country, national interests must be prioritized, even if it is likely to cause unpleasantness with the club.
Gu Ran said in a deep voice: "As long as the motherland calls me up, I am willing to give up the club's game."
Du Wangcai nodded again with satisfaction, "One last question, do you have an agent and an agency now?"
Gu Ran said coldly: "No."
"Great! That's no problem at all!" Guo Shan turned around and said to Wang Faqiang, "Give him a contract, and then we'll have a drink together to celebrate in advance!"
Wang Faqiang immediately took out a contract that he had prepared long ago and handed it to Gu Ran with a smile, "Xiao Gu, congratulations, you have now stepped into the door of the national football team!"
Gu Ran took the contract calmly.
The contract was only three pages long, and the content was very simple. That was, all commercial endorsements were arranged by Xinghui Company, and players were not allowed to violate it. They were allowed to endorse whatever they were asked to endorse, even if it was sea cucumbers. In addition, the income from commercial endorsements was split 30% to 70%, with the players taking 30% and Xinghui taking 70% as operating expenses. In addition, players could not terminate the contract unilaterally, and the players' own commercial projects must also give Xinghui Company a share...
This is simply a blood-sucking certificate, no, it's a marrow-sucking certificate!
Gu Ran then asked with a cold face: "What if I refuse to sign the contract with you?"
Wang Faqiang laughed, "Xiao Gu, don't be ridiculous! Don't you want to play football for your country?"
Gu Ran said coldly: "Of course I am willing to play for the country. This is the most noble goal in my heart. But whether I can join the national team has anything to do with your agent contract?"
Wang Faqiang frowned and said, "Necessary relationship? The inevitable relationship is that if you don't sign us, you don't want to come in."
Guo Shan waved his hand, "Don't be so blunt! But Xiao Gu, that's the truth. There are some things I can't tell you too bluntly, but you can think about it carefully - how can you get this opportunity among the major clubs and agencies competing for the national team quota? On your own? No, young man, don't be too confident in your own abilities! You have to have resources and a backer. Otherwise, do you think that the national team's players rely solely on their strength? Xinghui Company is your resource and backer. With our operation, you will have a chance to get in."
Wang Faqiang said: "Xiao Gu, our boss has been very open with you! He has made it very clear. If you still don't know our boss's good intentions, then you are wrong!"
Gu Ran sneered and said, "I understand. In other words, if I don't sign this Xinghui agent contract today, I won't be able to get in."
Guo Shan narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone already somewhat unfriendly, "That's right, Xiao Gu, this is reality, don't be too idealistic."
Wang Faqiang also said, "That's right! Xiao Gu, you are still young, listen to your big brother's advice, this is a good opportunity for you to change your destiny. How many people have tried their best but couldn't catch the eye of our boss Guo! Boss Guo favors you so much, don't be ungrateful! Come on, sign the contract, and then you can wait for the national football team to recruit you!"
Gu Ran's teeth were clattering, and he no longer used realistic acting to cover up his feelings. He said with a righteous indignation, "As long as the motherland calls me, I, Gu Ran, will be ready to serve at any time! However, I will never sign this crappy agent contract! I join the national team to play for the country, not for my own reputation as a national player! And I will not work hard for your personal interests!"
Gu Ran threw the Xinghui agent contract back in a domineering manner! "You!" Guo Shan slapped the coffee table heavily, and the bottle of Romanee-Conti on the coffee table shook a few times.
"No, no, no, boss, please don't be angry," Guo Shan said with a smile, "A child doesn't know the depth of the situation. He may not understand the seriousness of this matter. Boss, please take a break first and let me talk to Xiao Gu alone."
Guo Shan snorted and turned his face away.
Wang Faqiang wanted to pull Gu Ran to the corner of the box, but Gu Ran pushed Wang Faqiang's arm away without any hesitation, "If you have anything to say, say it here openly! No need to be so coy!"
The muscles on Wang Faqiang's face twitched slightly, "Xiao Gu, you... Haha, young people are really a little naive. Okay, okay, it's okay, I used to be as passionate as you. Then I'll say it here. Xiao Gu, look at you, this is a great thing, a win-win for both of us, how could you make it like this? You want to play for the country, fine, just sign this agent contract, right? Do you know that other agencies, other clubs, if they want to send players to the national team, they have to spend real money! The amount I tell you will scare you to death!"
"Boss Guo and I are really here to help you. We sincerely believe that you can improve the combat effectiveness of the national football team. We are also doing this for the country. Otherwise, why would Boss Guo and I come here in person? If you are not satisfied with the terms in the contract, you can talk to me and we can modify it. However, if you are determined not to sign and insist on confronting us, then I really can't help you."
"Let me give you another lesson in reality. You are very strong, but you are too young. Even if you have fans who support and like you in China, it is useless. Fans are not your foundation. You have no foundation in China. The selection of national team players is decided by the top, not the fans below. You have no qualifications, no connections, no background. Let me put it this way - even if you want to give money to play for the country, you don't have the means to do so!"
"Let me put it more bluntly. If you sign the Xinghui contract, it's like you're on Boss Guo's luxury yacht! You don't have to spend a penny! You can also make a lot of money from the endorsement projects we get for you! Just be happy! From now on, fame, wealth, and status will all be within your reach! But if you don't sign this contract, you will never be able to join the national team."
Guo Shan said in a clear threatening tone: "This is your future. I advise you to think about it carefully and don't be stupid."
Gu Ran said contemptuously: "Don't think about it. I still say the same thing - as long as the national team recruits me, I will go without hesitation! But if you want me to play for the interests of you, a bunch of scumbags, and want to tie me together with you, then go to hell!"
Guo Shan stood up in shame and anger, pointing at Gu Ran's nose and yelling, "Gu! You have guts! I gave you a chance and you refused! I, Guo Shan, am putting my words here today. As long as I, Guo Shan, am here, you will never be able to join the national football team!"
Gu Ran raised his head, his murderous eyes staring straight at Du Wangcai, his voice like a dragon-slaying sword being unsheathed:
"In life, ten years of good fortune can change the course of the Yellow River. Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west."
"Do you think... you will have a good end?"
After saying that, Gu Ran turned around, kicked open the door of the box, and walked out without looking back.
The door of the box room was kicked away, leaving a 45-yard footprint on the door! Guo Shan and Wang Faqiang couldn't help but tremble slightly.
Half out of shame, half out of fear.
The words "Do you think you will have a good end?" roared in their minds like the Yellow River water coming from the sky... —— [PS: Manual dog head saves life. ]
(End of this chapter)
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