The afternoon sun of Madrid streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into Lu Chuan's apartment, where he was intently staring at his laptop screen.
Esther walked over with two cups of coffee and gently placed them on the coffee table.
"Good news?" She noticed the smile on Lu Chuan's face.
Lu Chuan turned the screen, which displayed a detailed investment report.
"L&E Capital's first investment has achieved a return rate of 30%."
Esther leaned in to look, her eyes flashing with surprise. "That fast? We only invested two months ago."
"The technology of that AI pharmaceutical company has shown great potential in pandemic-related research."
Lu Chuan pointed to the key data in the report, "The Germany government has just approved a 5 million euro research fund."
Esther carefully read the technical description, her brows slightly furrowed. "How exactly does this AI-assisted drug screening technology work?"
Lu Chuan put down his coffee cup and began to explain patiently. "Traditional drug development takes over a decade and costs billions of dollars.
But this AI technology can screen out the most promising compounds within a few months, significantly shortening the research and development cycle."
"It's like giving scientists a pair of X-ray eyes?" Esther's eyes gradually brightened.
"You could say that." Lu Chuan nodded, "AI can analyze millions of molecular structures, predict their binding effects with disease targets, and then screen out the most promising drug candidates."
Esther was captivated, unconsciously leaning forward. "
It turns out technology really can change the world; this is more exciting than making any science fiction movie."
The two began to discuss the company's future development direction in depth. Lu Chuan showed the investment strategy charts made by the fund managers, while Esther offered unique insights from the perspective of the entertainment industry.
"We should consider increasing our investment in the biotechnology field." Lu Chuan marked key points on his notebook, "Population aging is a global trend, and the prospects for the medical and health industry are limitless."
Esther nodded thoughtfully. "I've recently met several Hollywood producers, and they are all discussing the application of virtual reality technology in film production. Perhaps we can focus on this direction."
"VR and AR technologies indeed have huge potential." Lu Chuan added new entries to the investment list, "Not just entertainment, but also education, healthcare, and sports training can apply them."
The coffee on the coffee table had long gone cold, but neither of them noticed.
Esther wrote down "virtual production" in her notebook, while Lu Chuan drew an arrow next to it, pointing to "sports broadcasting" which he had just noted down. They exchanged a smile, everything understood without words.
"You know what?" Esther suddenly stopped writing and looked at Lu Chuan, "Our relationship has gone beyond that of ordinary lovers."
Lu Chuan's gaze shifted from the documents to Esther's face, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up: "With you here, I don't feel like I'm playing football alone."
Esther's cheeks flushed slightly. She stood up and walked to the window, looking at the distant Madrid skyline. "After the season ends, come home with me once."
"Home?" Lu Chuan put down the documents in his hand.
"I want my parents to meet the man who fascinates me so much." Esther's voice was as light as a feather, but every word clearly conveyed her feelings.
Lu Chuan stood up and walked behind her, gently stroking her shoulders. "Of course. Then, you also come back to China with me once to meet my parents."
Esther turned to face him, her eyes filled with tears. "Really?"
"This is our promise." Lu Chuan tightly held her hand, "We will face our future together."
This promise brought their hearts closer, as if they could hear each other's heartbeats.
In the evening, Lu Chuan's phone rang. The screen displayed Coach Paco's name.
"Lu, tomorrow's tactics class is moved up to 9 AM." Paco's voice was serious, "We need to focus on analyzing Deportivo La Coruña."
"Okay, Coach." Lu Chuan replied.
"Don't be fooled by their current ranking." Paco continued to caution, "Riazor Stadium is a nightmare for any team, and their heritage and experience should not be underestimated."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Chuan's expression became serious. Deportivo La Coruña, once a Champions League giant, although now relegated to segunda división, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.
"Going to battle again?" Esther noticed the change in his expression.
"The next match is against Deportivo La Coruña; this is a crucial battle to reach 12 consecutive wins." Lu Chuan walked to the balcony, needing fresh air to clear his thoughts.
As night fell, Lu Chuan sat alone in his study, opening the system panel to check his status.
[Host: Lu Chuan]
[Current LP Balance: 1620]
[Activated Skills: Full Field Vision (Permanent), Big Heart (Permanent), Direction Change Acceleration Master (Beginner Level)]
[Mission Progress: Return of the Storm! (10 / 12)]
Looking at the 1620 LP balance, Lu Chuan fell into deep thought. He still needed 580 points to exchange for Penalty Box Finisher, a core skill whose importance to him was self-evident.
He opened the training space and began to simulate a scenario against Deportivo La Coruña.
The virtual Riazor Stadium unfolded before his eyes, and the opponent's defensive system gradually became clear.
Deportivo La Coruña's defensive line, though aging, was experienced.
They were adept at using anticipation and tactical fouls to disrupt the opponent's attacking rhythm. Center-back Michele Somma was an outstanding example, his defensive positioning was textbook-level.
Lu Chuan repeatedly practiced various breakthrough methods in the virtual space, looking for weak points in the opponent's defense. Each attempt was recorded by the system, forming detailed data analysis.
Late at night, Lu Chuan lay in bed, his mind still replaying the scenes from the training space. Esther was already asleep, her breathing soft and regular.
He thought of the fans' expectations. On social media, countless Rayo Vallecano supporters were discussing whether he could extend the record to 11, 12 games, or even further. This expectation was both motivation and pressure.
"I can't let them down." Lu Chuan murmured to himself.
The next morning, Lu Chuan and Esther went to the airport together.
The team was about to fly to Deportivo La Coruña, preparing for an away challenge against this fallen giant.
A short film reviewing the history of La Liga was playing on the TV screen in the waiting lounge.
Classic scenes from the "Super Depor" era appeared on the screen: Bebeto's goals, Fran's breakthroughs, and that eye-catching Champions League trophy.
"The former king." Esther sighed softly.
Lu Chuan looked at that trophy, but what he was thinking about was Coach Paco's reminder and Gaku Shibasaki's passing lines.
Past glory commanded respect, but his eyes were only on the ninety minutes of the next match.
Before boarding, Esther hugged Lu Chuan tightly. "Go conquer Riazor, I'll be cheering for you on TV."
"Wait for me to come back." Lu Chuan whispered in her ear, "Come back with the 11th goal."
The plane slowly ascended, and the lights of Madrid gradually faded below.
Lu Chuan looked at the stars in the night sky through the porthole, his fighting spirit burning.
Deportivo La Coruña, this once glorious football sanctuary, was about to witness the birth of a new record.
And he, Lu Chuan, would leave a significant mark on football history in his own way.
His teammates discussed tactics on the plane, and Trejo occasionally cast encouraging glances at Lu Chuan. The entire team understood that the significance of this match went far beyond an ordinary League game.
"Brothers, tomorrow we face more than just Deportivo La Coruña."
Trejo stood up, facing the whole team, "We face history, legend, and everyone's expectations."
"But we are not afraid." Comesaña chimed in, "Because we have the best striker, the most united team."
Lu Chuan felt the trust and support of his teammates, and a warm current surged through his heart.
No matter how many challenges lay ahead, he would not face them alone.
The plane soared through the night sky, carrying the dreams of these young men to a distant future.
Tomorrow's Riazor Stadium would witness the birth of another legendary moment.