Spain, Barcelona
In the early morning, Bojan, waking up from his dreams, seemed to have forgotten about the youth Champions League defeat. He had become a member of Barcelona and would participate in the latest training session.
After a simple breakfast, Bojan, holding the newspaper to check the news, already imagined the sensation of wearing the red and blue jersey.
However, as he flipped through the newspaper, he could hardly believe his eyes.
"How could this be?"
Bojan looked at the newspaper in his hand, feeling a chill that went straight to his head, leaving him dizzy. He initially wanted to see how the media reported his training with the first team.
But shockingly, there was a photo of Chen Zhong on Barcelona's mouthpiece, the "Daily Sports," alongside a comment that upset Bojan.
"Daily Sports": "The genius from Real Madrid, Chen Zhong, has been selected for the first team. This Castilla talent, during direct confrontations with Bojan, achieved incredible defensive moves. Perhaps, his presence is Real Madrid's strategy against Messi. His playing style is rough, actions are brutal, and on the field, he is like a butcher."
The locally renowned Barcelona media "World Sports Newspaper" also covered news about Chen Zhong: "Real Madrid's secret weapon, he restricted Bojan in a match, and now he has joined the first team. It is said that he was handpicked by the new Real Madrid manager. We all know his purpose in the first team, but we all know they will not succeed."
Four characters were mentioned in both newspapers: Chen Zhong, Messi, Bojan, the new Real Madrid manager.
Chen Zhong and Messi were undoubtedly the protagonists. Bojan was portrayed as a contrast to Chen Zhong, the "replacement" for Messi, while the new Real Madrid manager's role was minor.
But these don't matter, what's important is...
He, actually made it to the first team! Bojan flipped the newspaper back and forth several times, hoping the words would change. He knew he shouldn't think this way, but a dreadful thought kept surfacing in his mind.
Could it be that beating me gave him the chance to join the first team?
Bojan felt extremely uncomfortable. He even imagined Chen Zhong looking down at him, coldly smirking and saying, "I joined the first team at 16."
Chen Zhong was unaware of Bojan's mental struggle. He was sitting in a car driven by a gentle man, feeling his heart racing uncontrollably.
Raul Gonzalez Blanco, captain of Real Madrid, pride of Castilla, resurrected Lord of the Rings.
Raul's family had been fans of Atletico Madrid since childhood, but he accidentally joined Real Madrid's youth training and eventually became the "Lord of the Rings" for Real Madrid.
Thick brows, high nose bridge, curly hair, though his bangs appeared a bit sparse, Raul seemed in a good mood now that many stars had left Real Madrid, making him once again an essential team member.
Injuries, troughs, uncertainties were all behind him, along with one significant matter...
Looking at his "junior brother" from the same school, Raul couldn't contain his happiness, beginning to share his joy and impart wisdom as a mentor.
"Chen."
"I'm here."
Chen Zhong looked at Raul, who always wore a smiling face, and at this moment, Raul seemed submerged in happiness, while Chen Zhong lacked any aggression on the field.
"You know..."
"What a lifetime contract is?"
Raul's voice trembled slightly, undoubtedly signifying the extraordinary meaning of the lifetime contract to him, with a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, he explained its significance to Chen Zhong.
As long as one plays over 30 times in a season, the contract automatically extends indefinitely.
Raul focused on driving, but his mouth unconsciously curved into a smile. He softly said, "This is Real Madrid. As long as you're loyal to your promise, the team, yourself, you'll eventually receive everything. I will end my days here, and I hope you will too."
Raul couldn't predict the future, but at this moment, he truly felt immersed in sweetness, unable to withdraw.
Chen Zhong looked at Raul, wanting to ask, what if there are no 30 appearances?
He felt that the contract didn't sound as perfect. If it were a true lifetime contract, why include such a clause?
Could it not just automatically renew after the contract expiration unless one wants to retire?
But outwardly he could only say things like: "I envy you! I will work hard, I want a lifetime contract too."
Meanwhile, he thought, if I too had a "lifetime contract," I wouldn't care about the appearances! A lifetime contract should indeed be lifelong...
Aiming to secure a lifetime contract with Real Madrid became one of Chen Zhong's life goals.
Raul drove Chen Zhong into the garage. Just as Chen was getting out, Raul placed his hand on Chen's shoulder. Chen turned to look at Raul, who was intensely focused on a solitary figure in the garage.
"It's okay now."
After a moment, Raul finally spoke: "Get out! The teammates are eager to see you!"
The car held a subtle atmosphere, seeming to dilute the joy, expectations, and fantasies just now. Raul believed Chen Zhong didn't know who the person was, but Chen recognized him as the past prominent figure immediately.
Unbuckling the seatbelt, getting out, Chen Zhong followed Raul without any desire to speak.
Juan Mata, Alvaro Negredo, and just moments ago in the garage, Francisco Pavin, within merely two or three days, three players had been eliminated by Real Madrid.
Chen Zhong also fantasized, maybe Pavin left due to some personal reason?
But when all players were set to gather, this protagonist of the former "Zidane + Pavin" policy appeared alone in the underground garage ready to drive away.
It seemingly foreshadowed the outcome.
Having played sparingly last season, Pavin finally "endured" until his contract with the team ended, becoming a stray dog without a home.
They were all geniuses.
Yet none stayed in Real Madrid.
So, what about me?
Chen Zhong followed Raul ahead, first noticing a man with a head full of golden hair, visibly irritated by something. Seeing Chen Zhong, he merely responded perfunctorily.
Through Raul's introduction, Chen Zhong learned this was Real Madrid's head coach Schuster.
He didn't seem to like me.
But why did he promote me to the first team?
Schuster watched Raul lead Chen Zhong away, inwardly sighing upon officially taking over Real Madrid; he truly felt the weight of responsibility.
The signings, 14 million Euros for Drenthe, 27 million Euros for Sneijder, 30 million Euros for Pepe, 36 million Euros for Robben, and free transfer for Metzelder.
It was then Schuster realized, this was Real Madrid, which could purchase any star.
These player additions couldn't entirely pacify fan anger over the departures of Ronaldo, Beckham, Carlos, and other world stars.
Moreover, Schuster's preferred tactic for the new season, 4-4-2 formation, meant even Royston Drenthe, who led the Netherlands Team U21 to claim the U21 European Cup and earned the best player title, might not have stable positioning in Real Madrid.
Let alone Chen Zhong, the 16-year-old kid.
Whether he will get playing time remains uncertain! Even if he plays, what would his performance be?
"Kiddo! Kiddo." Schuster ruffled his blonde hair, muttering: "I'll provide some opportunities, but whether you can take them is up to you. Haha, I'm insane, he..."
Schuster clearly understood that for young players, not making mistakes on their debut was considered excellent, hoping Chen Zhong wouldn't be crushed like Pavin!
Perhaps, promoting him to Real Madrid's first team wasn't correct.