102: Chapter 102 The Most Enduring Confession! A Top-Tier Contract Extension with Tottenham Opens a New Chapter

London, Yu Bai's detached villa.

Time seemed to have been set to slow motion here.

Outside the window, it was the gloom and damp cold of a London winter, yet inside, a methodical and hopeful warmth permeated the air.

Yu Bai's rehabilitation life had begun.

This was no longer a simple recovery, but a scientific battle that required precise planning, strict execution, and even a race against time.

And Wen Wan was the strictest yet tenderest "commander" and "logistics officer" for Yu Bai in this battle.

She had completely given up alcohol.

Not just temporarily, but from the night Yu Bai was injured, she hadn't touched a single drop.

The once well-stocked wine cabinets in the house were now empty, replaced by a refrigerator stuffed with fresh fruits, vegetables, high-quality proteins, and various nutritional supplements.

She had become unprecedentedly serious and professional.

On the living room wall, a huge, beautifully printed daily rehabilitation schedule was posted, accurate to the minute:

7:00 Wake up, measure body temperature, resting heart rate, nutritional breakfast prepared by Wen Wan.

8:30-9:30 Under the guidance of a professional rehabilitation therapist, perform ankle non-weight-bearing range-of-motion training, ice packs, and lymphatic massage.

10:00 Snack, high-protein shake.

10:30-12:00 Upper limb strength training, core stability training (avoiding lower limb weight-bearing).

12:30 Lunch, precisely calculated ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

14:00-15:00 Nap, or psychological counseling, match footage analysis (Wen Wan accompanies him to watch).

15:30-16:30 Under the guidance of a rehabilitation therapist, attempt very slight, assisted ankle isometric contraction training to stimulate muscles and prevent atrophy.

17:00 Ice pack, dinner.

19:00-20:00 Flexibility training, physical therapy (such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation).

21:00 Pre-bed snack, wash up, rest.

Beside the schedule, there were also daily trend charts for Yu Bai's weight, body fat percentage, resting heart rate, and ankle circumference (swelling degree). Wen Wan would carefully mark them with different colored pens.

Every day, she accompanied Yu Bai to complete each item as if executing military orders.

When Yu Bai was so tired from upper limb training that his arms trembled, she would silently hand him a towel and water, offering soft encouragement;

When Yu Bai felt irritable because he couldn't put force on his ankle, she would rack her brains to tell dad jokes or chat about interesting things happening outside to distract him;

When Yu Bai needed an ice pack, she would prepare it in advance, wrapping it in a soft towel at just the right temperature.

Everything he ate and drank came from her hands.

She enrolled in online nutrition courses to study dietary combinations for athletes during injury periods, constantly varying the recipes to make food that was both healthy and delicious.

From exquisite Japanese set meals to stomach-warming Chinese soups, from high-protein soufflés to vitamin-supplementing fruit and vegetable salads... She seemed to be compensating doubly for the care she had missed during the time she was "absent."

It was exhausting.

Every morning she had to get up before dawn to prepare, and by the time she finished everything at night, it was often late.

She had to learn new knowledge, deal with Yu Bai's occasional mood swings, manage the villa, and handle some affairs that were inconvenient for Yu Bai to deal with personally.

But in Wen Wan's heart, she felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and... happiness.

This happiness had nothing to do with the tasks assigned by her cousin Wen Qing, nothing to do with Yu Bai's illustrious family background or his status as a star player, and it didn't even have much to do with her career plans as an "agent" or "nutritionist."

She simply felt that being able to stay by Yu Bai's side like this, taking care of him, watching him get better day by day, and working hard for the goal of returning to the pitch... was in itself a huge happiness.

Watching the satisfied smile he showed after completing a set of exercises, hearing his occasional praise while eating, or even seeing his slightly furrowed brows after he fell asleep... a certain soft spot in her heart would always be gently touched.

She began to realize clearly that she might very well... be truly in love with Yu Bai.

It was not care for a "young master," not looking up to a "star," and not just being responsible for an "employer."

It was love.

A pure love, one she had never experienced in her life before, a desire to spend time with him and share all his joys and sorrows.

This feeling made her a little panicked, yet she was incomparably willing to accept it.

Even if she was so tired from doing this and that every day that her back ached, she was willing, and even enjoyed it.

...

Yu Bai's recovery, under the careful care of the professional team and Wen Wan, was progressing at an astonishing speed.

Days 1-3: Primarily reducing swelling and relieving pain, immobilization.

Yu Bai spent most of his time lying in bed or on the sofa, his ankle wrapped in a thick cast, relying entirely on a wheelchair and crutches to move around.

His mood was a bit low, but Wen Wan's company and meticulous care made him feel it wasn't so unbearable.

Days 4-7: Swelling subsided significantly, pain lessened.

After evaluation by the rehabilitation therapist, the heavy cast was removed and replaced with a lighter, adjustable specialized ankle brace.

He began non-weight-bearing ankle range-of-motion training in all directions; at first, the movements were very slight, like a baby learning to walk.

Yu Bai was very careful and very patient.

During his training, Wen Wan would hold his foot, helping him feel the correct angle of force and cheering him on.

Days 8-10: Range of motion improved significantly.

With the help of the rehabilitation therapist and equipment, he began attempting very slight ankle isometric contraction training (muscles exerting force but joints not moving) to activate the atrophied calf muscles.

Upper limb and core training were also being strengthened. Yu Bai's mental state improved significantly, a smile returned to his face, and he even began to joke with Wen Wan, teasing that he had "gained a blessing in disguise and trained some unicorn arms."

Day 11: December 31, 2015, New Year's Eve.

A cold drizzle drifted through the London night sky, but inside the villa, it was as warm as spring.

Dinner was a New Year's Eve feast carefully prepared by Wen Wan; although it was still healthy, the plating was exceptionally exquisite, and she had even lit candles.

Yu Bai could already walk short distances on flat ground quite freely with a single crutch, and the ankle brace had been changed to a lighter sports version.

He looked at the drizzle outside the window and the faint lights in the distance, then suddenly turned his head and said to Wen Wan, who was clearing the table:

"Tonight is New Year's Eve..."

He rubbed his nose and smiled a little embarrassedly, "I kind of want to... have a light drink. Just one glass. To celebrate, and also... thank you."

Wen Wan's hand, which was wiping the table, stopped. She looked up at Yu Bai. Candlelight danced in her clear eyes.

She didn't immediately object or worry as she had before, but just looked at him quietly for a few seconds, then the corners of her mouth slowly lifted, revealing a gentle and knowing smile.

"Okay." She said softly, "Just one glass. I'll go buy some."

She didn't choose spirits; instead, she drove to a nearby boutique wine cellar and bought a bottle of Pinot Noir red wine with a smooth texture and rich fruity aroma.

The two did not stay in the living room, but wrapped themselves in thick blankets and went to the small, covered terrace in the backyard of the villa.

Wen Wan thoughtfully placed a heater by Yu Bai's feet.

The rain had stopped, and the clouds had dispersed, revealing a clear night sky studded with stars, a rare sight in London. In the distance, the music and cheers of New Year's Eve parties could be faintly heard.

Yu Bai and Wen Wan sat side by side on lounge chairs, with the bottle of wine and two crystal-clear wine glasses on the small table between them. Wen Wan only poured a small half-glass for Yu Bai and poured about the same for herself.

Yu Bai picked up the glass, swirled it gently, and watched the deep ruby-red liquid in the glass flow under the starlight. He took a small sip, and the mellow fruity aroma melted in his mouth, carrying a slight warmth.

"It's almost 2016."

Yu Bai said softly, gazing at the starry sky.

"Yeah."

Wen Wan also gazed at the starry sky and replied.

After a moment of silence, Yu Bai turned his head to look at Wen Wan's side profile, which was rendered exceptionally soft by the starlight and distant lights, and said very seriously:

"This year... thank you. Really."

"In the new year, do you have any... unfulfilled wishes? Or anything you particularly want to do, or want to buy?"

He paused, his tone carrying sincere gratitude and a hint of "nouveau riche" generosity:

"These past few days... you've worked hard. I can... help!"

"No matter what it is."

Wen Wan heard this and also turned her head to meet Yu Bai's earnest gaze.

She didn't answer immediately, just looked at him quietly for several seconds; her emerald-green eyes reflected the starlight and his clear image.

Then, she suddenly smiled, her smile incredibly bright under the starlight, as if it dispelled all the chill of the winter night.

She picked up her own glass and gently clinked it against Yu Bai's, making a crisp "ding" sound.

"Thank you." Her voice was very soft, yet carried incomparable satisfaction and firmness.

"But, I don't have any~"

Wishes? Things she wanted to do? Things she wanted to buy? She had them. Of course she did. And there was only one, incomparably clear, incomparably intense.

She wanted to confess to someone.

Not the lightweight "I like you" spoken with the mouth.

But with actions, with time, with every day of companionship, with every bit of care, with the firmness of being by his side every time he needed it—to complete a confession that was the longest and deepest in the world.

Companionship was the method she had chosen.

Therefore, she didn't need any other wishes. Being able to be like this now, by his side, looking into his eyes, spending the last moment of the old year with him, and welcoming the first starlight of the new year... this was in itself her greatest wish, and it was coming true.

Yu Bai looked at the complex, indescribable, yet shockingly bright light in Wen Wan's eyes; although he didn't quite understand exactly what it was, he could feel the unreserved sincerity and warmth within it.

He also smiled, raised his glass, and drank that half-glass of wine in one gulp.

"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year."

Under the starlight, the two smiled at each other, everything unspoken.

...

January 1, 2016, the winter transfer window officially opened.

Almost the moment the window opened, the official website and all social media accounts of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club updated simultaneously, releasing the official announcement that had been prepared long ago:

[Official Announcement: Welcome Home, Yu Bai!]

"We are pleased to announce that the player Yu Bai has ended his loan at Leicester City Football Club early and has officially returned to the Tottenham Hotspur first team!"

"This 17-year-old talented attacker performed extremely well in the first half of this season's Premier League, and we look forward to him quickly integrating into the team after he returns from injury, contributing to the club's season goals! Welcome home, Yu!"

[Image: A handsome photo of Yu Bai wearing the Tottenham home kit, and an old photo of him hugging Mauricio Pochettino.]

A stone creates a thousand ripples!

The Tottenham fanbase was instantly plunged into an ocean of ecstasy!

"Finally back! Our King!"

"White Hart Lane awaits your performance! Hurry up and recover from your injury, lead us to the title!"

"Harry Kane + Yu Bai + Son Heung-min + Christian Eriksen! This attacking line is the best in the Premier League! None other!"

"Leicester City's good days are over! The top spot should be returned to us!"

"Daniel did a great job this time!"

The Leicester City fanbase, on the other hand, was filled with deep reluctance and gratitude.

"Although I knew this day would come, I'm still so reluctant..."

"Thank you, Yu Bai, for bringing us the most beautiful dream for half a season."

"No matter where you go, the King Power Stadium will always welcome you home."

"I wish you all the best at Tottenham, except when you play against us!"

"No one will blame him for leaving, only gratitude. He has done enough for us."

Almost no one mentioned things like "the title race situation is dire after losing Yu Bai"; there was only the purest, most sincere gratitude and blessings.

In the utilitarian world of football, this atmosphere seemed particularly precious.

Immediately after, the official website and social media of Leicester City Football Club also published a long, heartfelt, and beautifully written article:

To Yu Bai: Thank you, the blue Demon of Dribbling!

"When that teenager in the number 52 jersey, with clear eyes and a hint of stubbornness, arrived in Leicester from London in the summer of 2015, perhaps no one could have predicted what an incredible journey he would bring us."

"He was like a bolt of blue lightning cutting across the sky above the King Power Stadium, igniting our passion with magical Dribbling, organizing our offense with scalpel-like Passing, and interpreting what it means to be a genius with earth-shattering long-range shots."

"From that glimpse against Sunderland, to conquering Manchester United at Old Trafford, to the last-minute winner against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, to the Hat-trick at Stamford Bridge... He left behind too many classic moments worthy of the club's history books, and moments that brought tears to our eyes."

"He is 'Director Yu', 'Telescope Boy', the creator of three consecutive Player of the Month awards, and even more so, our beloved blue number 52."

"Now, the journey has come to a temporary pause, and the wanderer is about to return home. Parting is always accompanied by sadness, but even more so, by gratitude."

"Thank you, Yu Bai, for every drop of sweat and every struggle you gave to Leicester City. Thank you for bringing us half a season of glory and dreams with your unparalleled talent and hard work. Thank you for letting the whole world remember the blue of Leicester City, and remember our miracle."

"Your future is at White Hart Lane, on a broader stage. But please remember, in Leicester, at the King Power Stadium, you will always have a home and a group of family members who will always cheer for you and bless you."

"Wish you a speedy recovery and a return to the pitch. Wish you a bright future and boundless radiance."

"Goodbye, Yu Bai. Thank you, blue magician."

"Once a Fox, always a Fox."

[Image: A nine-grid photo of Yu Bai during his time at Leicester City, including goal celebrations, hugging teammates, receiving the Player of the Month trophy, and being hugged by a young fan who rushed onto the pitch, among other touching moments.]

This long article, without playing the victim or moral kidnapping, only had the most sincere review, gratitude, and blessings. It instantly hit the tear ducts of countless Leicester City fans and neutral fans, and was widely shared and liked.

The class and human touch of the Leicester City club won widespread praise.

[Leicester City's copywriting is amazing! It made me cry!]

[Once a Fox, always a Fox... crying so hard!]

[The actions of both clubs are quite endearing!]

...

The official announcement of his return was just the first step. The real highlight was the contract renewal.

During Yu Bai's recovery, his agent Jonathan Barnett and Tottenham chairman Daniel engaged in a protracted, tit-for-tat, "epic" negotiation.

Daniel, the famous "miser" and master negotiator of European football, was facing a player who had proven himself to be a historic genius at 17, but had just suffered a serious injury and was being eyed by all the giants in Europe.

The pressure was three-dimensional:

Must keep the genius: The potential Yu Bai showed was visible to the naked eye; he could be the cornerstone of the team for the next decade and absolutely could not be let go.

Cannot destroy the locker room: Giving a top salary directly to a 17-year-old injured player who hadn't played many official games for Tottenham, how to balance the emotions of team veterans and core players (such as Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane)?

Resist the poaching of giants: Real Madrid, Barça, Bayern, Manchester City, Manchester United... almost all the European giants sent "subtle" inquiry faxes after the winter transfer window opened. Regarding the comments from those "experts" on the internet questioning Yu Bai's post-injury form, Daniel highly suspected they were hired by certain clubs to create confusion!

In the end, with the strong support of Mauricio Pochettino and his stance of "keeping Yu Bai at all costs," Daniel made the boldest and most "painful" decision of his chairmanship.

The negotiation reached this "3+2" top-salary renewal contract that shocked England and even shook European football:

Basic weekly salary: 100,000 pounds. (Monthly salary about 430,000 pounds)

Tottenham captain and French national goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had a weekly salary of 80,000 pounds; top scorer and England's current hotshot Harry Kane had a weekly salary of 45,000 pounds; Son Heung-min, who was often compared to Yu Bai, had a weekly salary of only 18,000 pounds.

17-year-old Yu Bai jumped to become the historic top earner within Tottenham and even in the same age group in the Premier League!

Daniel announced with real money: Yu Bai is Tottenham's future core, indisputably.

Goal/Assist Bonus: 20,000 pounds for every goal scored; 10,000 pounds for every assist.

Monthly Best Player Trigger Bonus: As long as Yu Bai is under contract, every time he wins the official Premier League Player of the Month award, a one-time 500,000-pound bonus is immediately triggered!

Image rights: 100% personally owned.

This was one of the most critical clauses Jonathan Barnett fought for for Yu Bai.

At Tottenham, Daniel usually controls part of the players' image rights, but this time he was forced to let go completely.

This meant that Yu Bai's commercial endorsement income off the field would belong entirely to him. With his current influence and the potential of the Chinese market, his commercial value might even exceed his club salary monthly!

Release clause: Daniel initially refused to agree, but under the threat of Jonathan Barnett that "without a release clause, it will be harder to keep him when giants poach him in the future" and the pressure of giants eyeing him, he finally compromised on an extremely complex, conditional "super release clause":

Effective time: Summer transfer window of 2019.

Amount: 150 million pounds!

Condition: If Tottenham fails to qualify for the Champions League in the 2018/19 season, this release clause will be lowered to 80 million pounds in the summer of 2019.

This contract, every clause full of game theory, compromise, and foresight, could be called a textbook case of professional football contract negotiation.

When the photo of Yu Bai, Daniel, and Mauricio Pochettino sitting in the meeting room of the Tottenham training base, smiling and signing, was made public, and the general details of the contract were disclosed by the media —

The entire football world exploded!

"100,000 weekly salary! 17 years old! Is Tottenham crazy?!"

"100% image rights! Daniel really bled out this time!"

"150 million release clause?! Who can afford that?!"

"The most expensive 17-year-old player in history! None other!"

Netizens started joyful conversions and meme-making:

"Can Yu Bai's weekly salary buy a square meter of luxury house in central London? Oh, it seems a bit short, but add the goal bonus and it's enough!"

"His bonus for one goal is enough for me to pay a year's rent (crying)."

"Assuming he averages one goal and one assist per game, the weekly salary is 10+2+1 = 130,000 pounds! The monthly salary is... let me calculate... oh my god, I dare not calculate!"

"Daniel: This is the most painful contract I have ever signed in my life. But for the future, I endured it!"

"Harry Kane: I suddenly feel my 45,000 isn't fragrant anymore... Son Heung-min: What did I say with my 18,000?"

"100,000 weekly salary! 17 years old! I'm jealous!"

"The contract terms are so detailed, Jonathan Barnett is awesome!"

"Daniel: Heart is bleeding, but face must keep smiling."

...

After the contract was signed, messages of congratulations poured in.

Dilraba sent a message: "Congratulations on the signing! Saw the news, super awesome! Recover well, looking forward to you returning to the pitch and dominating soon!"

Yu Bai looked at the text message, thought of the "credit" of that 1 "Freedom Breaking Definition Point", the corner of his mouth hooked into a mischievous smile, and his fingers replied quickly:

"Thank you, Miss Dilraba~"

"Want to buy you a bag."

Yu Bai's inner OS: The relationship must be maintained, after all, it's an "ex-girlfriend" mission line, who knows if it will be useful in the future. Sweet talking is low cost, high potential return.

Almost at the same time, Ella Walker's message popped up, the style as direct and hot as ever:

"Hey! Congratulations, big star! Mr. 100,000 Weekly Salary! (Starry eyes)"

"If you ever need a 'rumored girlfriend' to help you hype up, or just want to find someone to eat with... I'm very happy to accompany you."

"Having a meal, or... kissing, both are fine~ (Wink)"

Yu Bai looked at this bold and explicit message, almost choked on his own saliva. This top British girl is too fierce!

He rubbed his forehead and calmly replied:

"OK."

Yu Bai's inner OS: I appreciate the good intentions, but for now... thanks but no thanks. This sister is too high-level, can't afford to play, can't afford to play, save the file first, talk about it later.

After replying to the messages, Yu Bai put down his phone and looked at the streets of London outside the window.

Injuries, partings, sky-high contracts, new beginnings... 2016 just kicked off in such a dramatic way.

At his feet, Wen Wan was squatting on the ground, carefully helping him adjust the tightness of his ankle guard, her expression focused and gentle.

Yu Bai reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

A new battlefield, a new challenge, a new chapter.

But some warmth and companionship remained unchanged.