106: Chapter 106 A Show of Sincerity: Number 7! Number 10 will do too! An English-style sycophantic recruitment drive!

At the Enfield training ground, the sunlight managed to pierce through the late winter clouds of London, spilling onto the pitch where the "one-on-one competition" had just concluded.

Yu Bai was ultimately no match for the in-form Harry Kane (the pitch isn't just about fighting and killing; it's also about human relationships). In the final, he was defeated by a tricky low shot from the "Star of England," sadly losing his £100, though it drew a round of good-natured laughter from his teammates.

This relaxed atmosphere allowed him to temporarily forget the shadow of last night's red card.

In the locker room, he had just come out of the shower and was drying his hair when the team's press officer, James, walked over with a relaxed smile on his face:

"Yu, good news."

"The UEFA preliminary disciplinary results are out."

"Because the Fiorentina player (Bernardeschi) made the first move and the nature of it was malicious, your red card stands, but you won't face additional suspension; you will only be automatically suspended for one match."

"This means you will only miss the second leg against Fiorentina in the middle of next week. Considering the huge advantage we established in the first leg, this is the best possible result."

Upon hearing this, Yu Bai raised an eyebrow. He felt relieved and even a little happy. A suspension for an inconsequential second leg in exchange for a revenge without regrets, plus being able to deter those potential players who wanted to kick him maliciously... This deal didn't seem too bad.

"Thanks, James." Yu Bai nodded, his mood brightening significantly.

He quickly changed into comfortable casual clothes—a simple black hoodie paired with dark jeans and sneakers, with a thick down jacket on top. In late February in London, the evening wind still carried a bone-chilling cold.

Walking out of the training base gate, that familiar black Maybach S600 was already parked quietly by the roadside. And leaning against the car door was none other than Wen Wan.

She was clearly dressed up today, yet there was still a sense of casual laziness about her.

She wore a well-tailored dark grey long wool coat open at the front, revealing a close-fitting off-white turtleneck cashmere sweater underneath that accentuated her slim waist.

Below, she wore a pair of slim-fit light grey yoga pants, perfectly showcasing the straight and slender leg lines she maintained through long-term exercise, with a pair of white sneakers on her feet.

Her hair was draped loosely over her shoulders, fluttering slightly in the evening breeze. She wore light makeup, her complexion looked excellent, and in the cold twilight, she exuded a kind of healthy, vibrant, and gentle, intellectual beauty.

However, Yu Bai's brow furrowed the moment he saw her.

He quickened his pace as he walked over, his tone filled with undisguised reproach and heartache:

"Are you crazy? It's so cold outside; why didn't you wait in the car after working up a sweat? Why do you have to stand outside in the wind?"

"What if you catch a cold?"

Wen Wan was looking down at her phone. Hearing his voice, she looked up and saw Yu Bai frowning with a look of disapproval. She was stunned for a moment, then the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upwards, a look of helpless yet sweet amusement rippling in her eyes.

She had recently discovered that Yu Bai was not only more mature and steady than before, but also increasingly "naggy," more and more like a "little old man," always "lecturing" her, his sister who was six years his senior.

"I was hot..."

She stuck out her tongue and explained with a slightly coquettish tone, "I practiced yoga at home for a while, I was a bit sweaty, and the car was stuffy, so I wanted to come out for some fresh air..." Her voice trailed off, sounding a bit guilty.

Yu Bai wanted to say something more, like "You can open the car windows for air" or "Don't you know your body is weak?" but before the words could leave his mouth, a gentle and familiar voice with a British accent came from behind him:

"Good afternoon, Yu. I hope we aren't disturbing you."

Yu Bai and Wen Wan turned around simultaneously.

There, at the entrance of the Tottenham training base, stood Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate, with perfectly appropriate smiles on their faces.

Roy Hodgson was wearing a well-tailored dark coat with a scarf, still as elegant as ever; Gareth Southgate was in a casual suit, looking capable.

The assistant carrying a briefcase stood quietly a little further back.

The head coach and assistant coach of the England National Team had arrived together.

Yu Bai immediately reined in his expression, put on a polite and calm smile, and walked up to greet them, shaking hands with both: "Good afternoon, Roy Hodgson, Mr. Gareth Southgate. I didn't expect to meet you here."

He knew clearly in his heart that this was by no means a "chance encounter."

Roy Hodgson smiled, his gaze sweeping kindly over Yu Bai, then glancing at Wen Wan who was walking over behind him, a trace of imperceptible appreciation flashing in his eyes. He then said: "We happened to be in the area handling some matters, and thinking you were training here, we decided to come by and see you. Last night's match was fantastic; your performance was amazing."

"Thank you." Yu Bai nodded modestly.

Roy Hodgson paused, glanced at the pedestrians occasionally Passing by, and suggested: "I wonder if you and... this beautiful lady, would be available to have dinner together? We have some matters regarding football that we would like to discuss with you."

His tone was very natural, but the phrase "matters regarding football," in this context, carried significant weight.

Yu Bai's mind raced. Go to a restaurant? They would inevitably be photographed, sparking more speculation. He barely hesitated, glanced at Wen Wan, who was slightly nervous but still maintaining her graceful and gentle demeanor, and then said to Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate:

"If you don't mind, why don't we go to my place?"

"It's quieter and easier to talk. I'll have dinner prepared at home."

This proposal was clearly somewhat unexpected for Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate. The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes, but more of it was satisfaction and a sense of "playing right into their hands." A private, quiet environment was far more suitable for the potentially in-depth conversation that was to follow.

"Of course, if it's no trouble." Roy Hodgson nodded with a smile, going along with the suggestion.

"Then we shall impose upon you." Gareth Southgate also smiled.

Thus, the two cars drove away from Enfield, one after the other. Wen Wan drove Yu Bai in the front, and the England assistant drove Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate in the back, heading towards Yu Bai's villa.

In the car.

Wen Wan was driving with focus, but her slightly pursed lips and the glances she cast at the car behind through the rearview mirror revealed her inner nervousness and worry.

She certainly knew who was sitting in the car behind, and she also knew their purpose in coming to find Yu Bai.

This meal was by no means as simple as just "chatting about football."

Yu Bai sat in the passenger seat, turning his head to watch the London streetscape rapidly receding outside the window, his expression calm, lost in thought.

"Xiao Bai..."

Wen Wan finally couldn't help but speak softly, her voice filled with worry, "They... came for that matter, right?"

Yu Bai turned his head to look at her with a calm gaze and gave a hum of affirmation.

"Have you... made up your mind?" Wen Wan asked cautiously.

Yu Bai was silent for a few seconds, then slowly shook his head: "I haven't fully decided yet."

"But listening to what they have to say certainly can't hurt."

Wen Wan didn't ask any more questions, just gripped the steering wheel tighter.

She knew that no matter what choice Yu Bai made, she would support him.

But she also knew that this choice itself was fraught with pressure and unpredictable consequences.

... Yu Bai's villa.

The cars drove into the garage. Wen Wan parked, took a deep breath, tried to make her expression look more natural, then got out and opened the villa door for Yu Bai and the guests behind.

Yu Bai led Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, and the assistant into the villa. The warm lighting and the simple yet stylish decor made one feel comfortable.

"Welcome, please make yourselves at home." Yu Bai greeted them, gesturing for them to sit on the spacious sofa in the living room.

Wen Wan gave Yu Bai a look, then walked quickly towards the kitchen.

The nanny at home was already preparing dinner, but clearly hadn't expected three important guests to arrive suddenly, and judging by the situation, they were going to dine at home.

Wen Wan immediately felt immense pressure. While discussing adding dishes with the nanny in low tones, she scrambled to check the ingredients in the refrigerator, calculating what to make that wouldn't be impolite but could also be served quickly. At the same time, her inner worry hadn't diminished in the slightest.

In the living room, Yu Bai poured tea for the three guests.

Roy Hodgson looked around the living room, his eyes sweeping over several art paintings on the wall and the trophies in the display cabinet (mainly the Player of the Month trophies Yu Bai had won at Leicester City), and spoke in a gentle tone:

"A very cozy house. Yu, you seem to have managed your life very well."

He paused, glanced pointedly in the direction of the kitchen (where the sound of Wen Wan and the nanny talking in low voices could be vaguely heard), and said with the concern of an elder: "And, it seems your love life is also quite stable. This is good, very good. For a professional player, a stable and warm family is the most important backing for their career."

"Gareth and I both believe that it is a good thing for players to settle down early. Once a family is established and stable, the mind can be settled, allowing for greater focus on the pitch, and the ability to go further."

Gareth Southgate also nodded in agreement: "Yes, many great players have proven this point. The support of a family is irreplaceable."

They had obviously mistaken Wen Wan for Yu Bai's "girlfriend" or even "fiancée" and were happy to see it, attempting to use this angle to close the distance and express their recognition and blessings for Yu Bai's personal life.

Yu Bai heard their misunderstanding, opened his mouth, but for a moment, didn't know how to explain.

Say "She is just my agent and nutritionist"? It seemed too distant and not entirely accurate.

Say "Our relationship is quite complicated"? That was even less appropriate.

He discovered that he couldn't find a suitable, concise word that wouldn't embarrass Wen Wan to define her current status.

In the end, he chose silence, just smiled, neither admitting nor denying it.

To Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate, this attitude seemed more like tacit consent and a kind of Eastern reserve.

After the pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to the core issue.

Roy Hodgson put down his teacup, his expression becoming solemn and sincere. He looked into Yu Bai's eyes and got straight to the point:

"Yu, our purpose in coming here this time is very clear."

"We represent the Football Association of England, as well as all members of the England National Team, in formally and sincerely inviting you to join The Three Lions and fight for England."

He didn't beat around the bush at all, directly throwing out the most core olive branch.

Yu Bai sat up straight, his expression also becoming serious, listening quietly.

Roy Hodgson began to clearly and multi-dimensionally elaborate on England's advantages and sincerity, clearly having done his homework:

"First, it's the platform and the opportunity. England is the birthplace of modern football, and the Premier League is the most competitive and most-watched League in the world. Playing for the national team means you will showcase yourself on the world's top football stage, participating in the ultimate feasts like the European Cup and the World Cup. This is an honor and experience every player dreams of."

"Secondly, it's about teammates and tactical fit. Look at your current teammates at Tottenham: Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker, as well as Raheem Sterling, Rooney... In the future, you will collaborate with these top Premier League attackers in the national team. You are familiar with each other, have high chemistry, and can create wonderful chemical reactions."

"Our tactical system focuses on being fast, direct, and aggressive, which fits perfectly with your technical characteristics—Dribbling, Passing, Shooting, and the ability to change the game at critical moments."

"You will become the sharpest blade in our frontcourt, as well as the core hub connecting the midfield and forward lines."

"Third, it's about commercial value and global influence. Playing for the England National Team means you will have unparalleled exposure and commercial potential. Your image will be transmitted to every corner of the world along with The Three Lions. This not only brings huge economic benefits but also allows you to become a true global icon, maximizing your personal value."

"Fourth, and most importantly," Roy Hodgson said, his tone deepening, "we need you. The England National Team needs you."

"We have a solid defense and a vibrant midfield, but in the frontcourt, we lack an 'explosive point' who can tear through dense defenses with individual effort and decide games with personal ability, and an 'organizing core' with top-tier Vision and Passing ability. I see both in you. You are the most perfect and critical piece in our tactical puzzle."

He paused, and from the briefcase his assistant had already opened, he solemnly took out a brand-new, snow-white England home jersey embroidered with The Three Lions crest, holding it with both hands to display it before Yu Bai.

The number on the back was a huge, legendary—7!

"Three months from now, in France, the European Cup will kick off."

Roy Hodgson's voice carried an unquestionable sense of trust and expectation: "This number 7 jersey represents heritage, and it also represents our positioning and expectations for you."

"In my mind, Yu, you are the frontcourt attacking core and organizing core for The Three Lions in the European Cup, the key man who breaks the deadlock and creates miracles."

"Without you, England's goal might be to strive for the top four."

He looked at Yu Bai with burning eyes, and said clearly and forcefully, word by word: "But with you, Yu Bai—our goal is to win the championship! To lift the Delaunay Trophy! You are the final answer that The Three Lions have been searching for in the frontcourt!"

These words were extremely inflammatory and tempting. Platform, teammates, tactical status, core promises, championship goals... Roy Hodgson depicted a glorious picture of Yu Bai wearing the England jersey from almost every positive angle imaginable.

Yu Bai looked at the number 7 jersey, his eyes flickering slightly, but he did not express his stance immediately.

At this moment, Gareth Southgate took over. He took out another England jersey from the briefcase and unfolded it just as solemnly. The number on the back was the one symbolizing the team's soul and attacking core—10!

"Yu, we know that the number 7 carries huge commercial value and legendary color," Gareth Southgate said with a sincere tone, "but we hope the role you play on the pitch is the true number 10—the commander of the frontcourt, the initiator and finisher of attacks. So, we have also prepared the number 10."

"If you prefer this number," Gareth Southgate looked at Yu Bai and gave a promise that would move any player: "We will make Rooney—our current captain and the flag of the England National Team—make a concession. Let him give up the number 10 jersey to you."

"This is not a simple number exchange; it represents our unreserved trust in you and our firm determination to establish you as the future core. This is our sincerity, and this is our attitude."

Number 7 and number 10, the two most heavyweight numbers in the history of the England National Team, were left for Yu Bai to choose! They were even willing to let the current captain and top star Rooney give up the number 10! This sincerity, this determination, this 'simp-like' recruitment posture, had been fully displayed, almost to the point of being 'humble.'

After Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate finished speaking, the two snow-white jerseys were placed side by side on the coffee table, the numbers 7 and 10 particularly striking under the light. They stopped talking, only staring closely at Yu Bai with eyes full of expectation, sincerity, and even a hint of nervousness, waiting for his answer. The air in the living room seemed to solidify at this moment. Only the slight crackling of burning firewood in the fireplace remained.

Yu Bai looked at the two jerseys, then at the two heavyweight figures of English football in front of him, and fell into a brief silence. He needed to digest this massive amount of information and sincerity.

Just at this most solemn and critical moment— "Yu Bai, Mr. Roy Hodgson, Mr. Gareth Southgate, dinner is ready, it is time to eat." Wen Wan's gentle and slightly nervous voice came right on cue from the dining room entrance, breaking the silence.

She stood at the dining room entrance, with a polite but barely concealed worried smile on her face, wearing an apron with tiny beads of sweat on her forehead. Clearly, this hastily prepared dinner had taken quite a bit of effort.

Yu Bai was practically 'reprieved.' He immediately raised his head, revealing a slightly exaggerated 'saved' smile on his face, and said to Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate: "Let's eat first! No matter how big the matter is, we have to finish eating first. Try the beautiful lady's craft; her cooking is very delicious."

He stood up and made a 'please' gesture, cleverly and unrefusably postponing this crucial answer. Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate looked at each other, seeing a trace of helplessness in each other's eyes, but they did not force it. They also stood up with a smile: "Alright, let's try Mrs. Yu's craft first."

Yu Bai: "???" Wen Wan: "!!!"

The atmosphere at the dining table was much more relaxed. Wen Wan and the nanny had prepared a table of sumptuous and authentic Chinese food: steamed sea bass, braised pork ribs, blanched bok choy, Mapo tofu, corn and pork rib soup, and a pot of fragrant rice.

Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate were clearly quite fond of Chinese food, eating with endless praise, especially complimenting the spicy and fragrant Mapo tofu and the tender steamed sea bass. They frequently praised Wen Wan's culinary skills, even 'exaggeratedly' stating that this was the most authentic and delicious Chinese home-cooked meal they had ever eaten in the UK.

"Mrs. Yu is the most beautiful Oriental lady I have ever met, with outstanding temperament and such excellent culinary skills. Yu, you are truly blessed." Roy Hodgson exclaimed sincerely, his gaze lingering on Wen Wan. This wasn't entirely just politeness; in the past two or three months, Wen Wan had quit drinking, adjusted her schedule, and stuck to yoga. Her overall state and temperament had indeed risen to a new height. Her skin was fair and translucent, her eyes clear and bright, and her figure well-proportioned and upright. It was a healthy, confident, and gentle beauty radiating from the inside out, particularly outstanding among Oriental women.

"Yes, Miss Wen Wan is one of the most beautiful and charming Oriental women I have ever seen." Gareth Southgate also chimed in, his tone sincere.

They hoped these compliments could blow some 'pillow talk' through this 'Mrs. Yu' to help persuade Yu Bai.

However, although Wen Wan maintained a polite smile on her face, she couldn't feel relaxed at all in her heart. She could feel the undercurrents of pressure beneath the dining table, and the expectations implied in the words of Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate. In her view, this was not a pleasant family dinner, but a 'forced palace coup,' using massive sincerity, tempting prospects, and heavy expectations to force Yu Bai to make that choice which might affect his entire life while at the dining table and under pressure.

She looked with heartache at Yu Bai, who was sitting in the main seat and calmly serving food to Roy Hodgson. She knew that regardless of whether Yu Bai chose England or China, he would inevitably face huge public opinion pressure and controversy. Choosing England would lead to some countrymen calling him 'forgetful of his roots'; choosing China might lead to accusations of 'wasting talent' and 'delaying his future,' and he would also have to face the desperate environment of the Chinese National Football Team... She didn't want him to carry these burdens, and she didn't want him to be unhappy.

Just then, Yu Bai seemed to sense her gaze. He raised his head and looked at Wen Wan, who was sitting opposite him with worry written all over her brows. Then, in the moment when Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate were looking down at their food and not paying attention— Yu Bai suddenly winked his left eye at Wen Wan, quickly and mischievously! The corners of his mouth curled into an extremely subtle arc with a hint of mischief, and he even made a lightning-fast, funny grimace!

Although he returned to normal in an instant, that fleeting cunning and relaxation were clearly imprinted in Wen Wan's eyes. Wen Wan was completely stunned, and her chopsticks almost slipped from her hand. He... What was he doing?!

At a time like this, under this kind of atmosphere, he actually still had the mind to wink and make faces at her?! Was this still the Yu Bai she knew—the one who was domineering on the pitch, increasingly mature and steady off the pitch, and occasionally a bit 'naggy'?

This sudden, childish act formed an extremely strong, even somewhat absurd, contrast with the solemn atmosphere and the seriousness of the topic at the dining table. But what... did this mean? Was he telling her not to worry, that he had it under control? Or was he implying that he had already made a decision and his mood wasn't heavy? Or was it just simply wanting to tease her and relieve her tension?

Wen Wan looked at Yu Bai's profile as he returned to calm and continued to discuss some tactical details of the Premier League with Roy Hodgson. The tightly stretched string in her heart inexplicably loosened a little bit. Although her doubts remained and her worries hadn't vanished, that wink and grimace were like a giant stone thrown into a lake, rippling out a circle of something called 'peace of mind.' Perhaps... he really had already made up his mind?