111: Chapter 111 England's New Number 7? North London Derby: Yu Bai Faces Arsenal Again!

Yu Bai's villa, study.

From the phone on speakerphone came the excited voice of Manager Roy Hodgson and the faint cheering of Gareth Southgate.

Wen Wan had been sitting quietly by his side. When she heard Yu Bai clearly say, "I will play for The Three Lions," she was stunned at first, then suddenly covered her mouth with her hands. Her beautiful eyes widened instantly, quickly filling with tears, and then, large, hot teardrops, like pearls on a broken string, rolled down uncontrollably.

She hadn't expected that Yu Bai would have her stay just so she could be the first to hear this major decision with her own ears! This meant that he regarded her as the most trusted person with whom to share his most important moments!

Excitement, relief, heartache, and worry about the storm he might face in the future... all sorts of complex emotions intertwined, making it impossible for her to control herself any longer.

She stood up, walked over to Yu Bai, and through tear-blurred eyes, hugged him tightly and firmly! Burying her face in his shoulder, she said in a choked but incredibly firm voice:

"Yu Bao..."

Mimicking Yu Bai's fans, she called out this affectionate nickname for the first time.

"No matter if what you face next is flowers and applause, or storms and cyberbullying..."

"I will be with you!"

"Always, always, by your side!"

Yu Bai was stunned by her sudden hug and confession-like words, but then, a huge wave of warmth and emotion surged in his heart. He also reached out and hugged her back tightly, feeling her soft, warm body and slight trembling.

"Thank you."

He whispered in her ear, his voice filled with unprecedented tenderness and reliance.

"Having you... is so good."

On the other end of the line, Manager Roy Hodgson was still talking about the squad selection, press conference arrangements, and other matters, but at this moment, neither Yu Bai nor Wen Wan could really listen. This hug, these words "I will be with you," were more powerful than any promise or support.

After hanging up the phone, Yu Bai continued to hold Wen Wan, and the two of them just hugged each other quietly under the dim light of the study for a long time.

Outside the window, the night in London was deep, but in their hearts, it was as if a lamp had been quietly lit, dispelling the gloom and cold of the past few days.

The decision had been made.

The road ahead might be rough.

But at least for this moment, they had each other, and they had this unspoken warmth and support.

...

The next day, March 3rd.

The Football Association (The FA) simultaneously released a major announcement on its official website and all social media platforms:

[Official: Welcome Yu Bai to The Three Lions!]

"We are incredibly excited and proud to announce that, following friendly negotiations with the player himself and his team, and with the permission of FIFA, the talented attacker Yu Bai has officially committed to play for the England men's national football team!"

"Yu Bai will be included in the latest England National Team squad this month to prepare for the upcoming friendly matches. We look forward to him wearing The Three Lions jersey and writing a new chapter for England football!"

Attached image: A composite photo—a handsome image of Yu Bai wearing a Tottenham jersey, perfectly blended with the England Three Lions emblem. Below it was a line of small text: "New Number 7? To be revealed soon!"

A single stone stirred up a thousand ripples!

[England side] Completely boiling over!

"YESSSSSS! A historic moment! Welcome Yu Bai!"

"The final piece of the puzzle for The Three Lions is here! European Cup, here we come!"

"Number 7 or 10? I bet on 7! The successor to the heartthrob! Yu Bai's looks are no less than Beckham's!"

"Manager Roy Hodgson did a great job! The attacking line is now picture-perfect!"

"Yu Bai + Rooney + Kane + Raheem Sterling... This attacking lineup, I could wake up laughing in my dreams!"

[Chinese National Football Team side] Public opinion exploded completely, presenting an extremely complex and torn state:

Rational analysis camp: "From the perspective of professional development, choosing England is wise. The platform, teammates, and opportunities for major tournaments are all top-tier. Best wishes to Xiao Bai, I hope he can reach even greater heights."

Angry condemnation camp: "Traitor! Sellout! For money and a future, he's even abandoned his ancestors! Blacklisted for life!"

Regretful and heartbroken camp: "Sigh... although I understand, it's still so sad. Chinese football has lost a once-in-a-century talent. The Football Association is trash!"

Support and blessing camp: "Go Yu Bao! No matter which country's jersey you wear, you are our pride! Show yourself on a bigger stage!"

Spectator camp: "Fight, fight! I expected this long ago! Waiting for the young master to dominate in the European Cup and slap the faces of the domestic trolls!"

Reflective inquiry camp: "Why can't we keep our talents? Besides cursing Yu Bai, shouldn't we reflect more on the environment and system of Chinese football?"

"I told you so" camp: "See, I told you he would choose England. If the Football Association had taken even a little action, it wouldn't have come to this."

Major social media, forums, and Tieba were instantly flooded with related topics, occupying seven of the top ten trending searches.

Support and opposition, understanding and insults, blessings and curses, rational analysis and emotional venting... various voices collided fiercely, turning into a complete mess.

Yu Bai and his family's, and even Shen Muwan's entertainment company and their artist Dilraba's social media, were quickly flooded with various comments and private messages.

The storm had already arrived.

...

March 5th, Premier League Round 29, the focus of the focus—North London Derby! Tottenham vs Arsenal!

This already heated derby was given unprecedented attention and drama because of the explosive news of Yu Bai choosing England, and because it was the first time Yu Bai, as a "Tottenham player," faced his old club and childhood team Arsenal in an official match!

White Hart Lane stadium was destined to be a sleepless night.

How would Yu Bai face the possible boos from the fans of his former club? How would he respond with his performance to the immense pressure brought on by choosing England? How would he prove himself in this crucial derby, for himself and for the future of The Three Lions?

Everything would be revealed after 90 minutes.

[North London Derby! The gunpowder smell is at its peak!]

[Go Yu Bai! Use your goals to make everyone shut up!]

[I can't wait! This plot is so exciting!]