The morning sun in Madrid streamed through the blinds onto Lu Chuan's face, while his phone screen displayed messages from all over the world.
"Lu Chuan is about to challenge for 12 consecutive goals, setting a new record for Asian players in Europe!" This was the headline of "Asahi Shimbun."
"Can the Chinese striker surpass Son Heung-min?" The headline from South Korea's "Sports Chosun" was particularly striking.
"Asia's new hope in football is shining in Spain." Thai media also joined the ranks of reporting.
Lu Chuan put down his phone and walked towards the kitchen. The clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen, where Esther was fumbling with a fried egg in a pan.
"Did you see those reports?" Esther asked without turning her head, her spatula flipping the fried egg in the pan.
"I saw them." Lu Chuan walked behind her and gently stroked her shoulder, "The whole of Asia is watching this match."
"A lot of pressure?" Esther turned around, her voice filled with worry.
"A little." Lu Chuan admitted honestly, "But more than that, it's excitement."
Esther stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed his lips. "I believe in you."
At breakfast, Carlos's call rang on time. The agent's voice was filled with excitement and tension.
"Lu, do you know what happened last night?" Carlos spoke quickly, "Son Heung-min mentioned you in an interview with the BBC!"
Lu Chuan put down his coffee cup and motioned for Esther to turn up the TV volume. The screen was playing clips from last night's interview.
"I watched his match footage." Son Heung-min faced the camera, his expression serious, "He is an incredible striker. I hope he can make history and bring glory to us Asian players."
"What does this mean?" Lu Chuan asked Carlos.
"It means you have been recognized by Asia's top player." Carlos's voice was full of excitement, "If you can achieve 12 consecutive goals, you will set the record for the longest continuous scoring streak by an Asian player in a major European League. The significance of this record goes beyond the Segunda División itself."
Lu Chuan was silent for a moment. He knew the weight of this honor and understood the responsibility that came with it.
"One more thing." Carlos continued, "The Football Association contacted me again. They expressed their congratulations to you and hinted that the national team's door is always open for you as long as you nod."
"We'll talk after the season ends." Lu Chuan's answer remained firm.
After hanging up the phone, Esther walked over to him. "National team matters?"
"Yes." Lu Chuan nodded, "But now is not the time."
"Why?" Esther asked curiously.
"Because I'm not ready yet." Lu Chuan looked out the window, "I want to face those doubts with my best form and strongest ability."
On the training ground in the afternoon, the teammates all looked a bit nervous. The upcoming match not only concerned Lu Chuan's personal record but also the team's promotion prospects.
"Relax." Trejo patted Comesaña's shoulder, "We've pretty much secured a playoff spot."
"Pretty much secured doesn't mean completely secured." Comesaña shook his head, "Sporting Gijón is also fighting hard for the playoffs."
Paco Jémez called the entire team to the center circle. He stood with his arms crossed, saying nothing, just scanning each player's face with his eyes.
"gentlemen, in the next match, we are not playing for records, not for individuals." Paco's voice echoed across the training ground, "We are playing for one thing—to secure our playoff spot early! Let's end our regular season with a perfect victory!"
The players responded in unison, their voices shaking the ground.
After training, Lu Chuan stayed on the field alone to practice shooting. Every shot aimed for perfection, every movement was meticulously refined.
"Still practicing?" Esther appeared on the sidelines, holding a sports drink.
"One last time." Lu Chuan took the drink, "Tomorrow is match day."
"Oh," Esther drew out her words, her eyes twinkling, "How about we make a bet?"
"What kind of bet?" Lu Chuan looked at her curiously.
"If you can score in the next match and complete 12 consecutive goals." Esther deliberately prolonged her voice, "I'll learn to make you the most authentic Chinese dish, like… Kung Pao Chicken?"
Lu Chuan was amused by her and pretended to shake his head seriously. "That's not enough."
"Then what do you want?" Esther asked, raising an eyebrow.
"If I do it." Lu Chuan leaned close to her ear, "You have to wear my record-breaking number 10 jersey and watch match footage with me all night."
"Deal!" Esther extended her pinky finger, "Pinky promise!"
Their pinky fingers hooked together, and the childish gesture made them both laugh.
In the evening, the two walked hand in hand near their apartment. The streets of Madrid looked particularly warm in the sunset, and melodious music drifted from the cafes along the road.
"There's a car following us." Lu Chuan suddenly lowered his voice, gesturing behind them with his eyes.
Esther didn't look back, just nodded slightly. "Paparazzi?"
"Probably." Lu Chuan tightened his grip on her hand, "Let's split up at the next intersection."
The two tacitly separated at the next intersection, Lu Chuan to the left, Esther to the right. The car behind hesitated for a moment, then ultimately chose to follow Lu Chuan.
Ten minutes later, Lu Chuan successfully shook off the follower by taking a detour. When he returned to the apartment, Esther was already waiting for him.
"It seems our secret is getting harder to keep." Esther leaned on the sofa, her expression a bit helpless.
"This only strengthens my resolve to protect you." Lu Chuan sat beside her, "I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I won't let anyone hurt you either." Esther hugged him tightly, "We'll protect this relationship together."
Late at night, Lu Chuan lay in bed, unable to sleep. Tomorrow's match replayed in his mind, every player of Sporting Gijón vivid in his memory.
"Can't sleep?" Esther asked softly.
"Thinking about tomorrow's match." Lu Chuan turned over, "Sporting Gijón won't be easy to deal with."
Esther looked at him quietly: "You know what? The first time I watched you play from the stands, I told my friend that person would definitely be extraordinary in the future."
"Why?"
"Because of your eyes." Esther gazed at him, "That kind of hunger for victory, that pursuit of perfection, can't be faked."
Lu Chuan kissed her forehead. "Thank you for always believing in me."
"Always." Esther closed her eyes, "Now sleep, and tomorrow go make history."
The next morning, Lu Chuan's phone was bombarded with various messages. Red Bull officially sent a sponsorship contract, and a top Asian airline also expressed interest in cooperation.
"You are a true international star now." Carlos said excitedly on the phone, "The value of these contracts already exceeds many La Liga players."
"First, focus on the match." Lu Chuan's answer remained calm, "Other matters can be discussed after the season ends."
On the way to the stadium, the bus was unusually quiet. Every player was mentally preparing for the upcoming battle.
"Brothers." Trejo suddenly spoke, "No matter what happens tonight, we are one unit."
"For Rayo Vallecano!" Álvaro García responded loudly.
"For promotion!" Comesaña shouted next.
"For our dreams!" Everyone shouted in unison.
Listening to his teammates' shouts, Lu Chuan felt a warmth in his chest. No matter how important personal records were, team victory was the ultimate goal.
Outside Vallecas Stadium, thousands of fans had already gathered.
They waved red and white flags and sang the team anthem. Although they couldn't enter the stadium, their enthusiasm was undiminished.
"Lu Chuan! Lu Chuan!" The fans erupted in thunderous cheers when they saw the bus.
"12 consecutive goals! 12 consecutive goals!" The chants rose and fell.
Lu Chuan looked at these passionate fans through the car window, and his sense of responsibility grew stronger. He could not disappoint these supporters.
In the locker room, Paco was giving his final tactical instructions. His expression was serious, but his eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"Sporting Gijón will use the tightest defense against us." Paco pointed to the tactics board, "But we have speed, skill, and the drive of youth."
"Lu Chuan." Paco turned to him, "Everyone will be watching you tonight, but remember, you are not fighting alone."
Lu Chuan nodded, his gaze firm. "I understand, Coach."
"Then." Paco surveyed the team, "Let's go make history!"
The players cheered in unison, their voices shaking the entire locker room.
The moment he walked out of the player's tunnel, Lu Chuan felt an unprecedented pressure.
Although the stands were empty, he knew the whole world was watching this match.
During warm-ups, Sporting Gijón's players occasionally cast scrutinizing glances. Their head coach, Miroslav Đukić, stood on the sidelines, observing Lu Chuan's every move with sharp eyes.
"Ready?" Trejo walked up to Lu Chuan.
"Never been more ready." Lu Chuan stretched his shoulders, "Let's go make history."
The match was about to begin, and Lu Chuan stood in the center circle, taking a deep breath.
The chance for 12 consecutive goals was right before him, and he would not let it slip away.