128: Chapter 128 A pleasant online connection! A feast for the eyes! A death question?

Outside Yu Bai's villa in London.

At exactly noon, the sun finally managed to disperse the continuous overcast clouds over London, spilling onto the black Maybach that had just parked steadily at the villa's entrance.

The car door opened, and Yu Bai stepped out from the passenger seat, carrying his backpack, his face showing exhaustion mixed with the relaxation that comes after a match.

The dual torture of long-distance travel and an intense match made him want to return home, take a hot shower, and then sleep until he dropped.

Just as his foot stepped onto the doorstep and his hand hadn't yet touched the key in his pocket—

"Buzz—Buzz—Buzz—"

The phone vibrated, emitting a continuous and rhythmic humming sound in his trouser pocket.

Yu Bai frowned and took out his phone to glance at the screen.

It was a familiar number. Although there was no name saved, he recognized it at a glance. This was the number he had specifically noted down earlier for a certain "special matter."

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and a flash of realization and amusement crossed his eyes. Without hesitation, he pressed the answer button, held the phone to his ear, and said in a tone deliberately kept very relaxed:

"Hello, Auntie, good evening."

From the other side of the phone, a somewhat nervous middle-aged female voice with a distinct Northern accent came through: "Oh, Xiao Bai, hello, hello! It's noon for you, good noon!" The woman's voice was a bit hurried; one could tell she was genuinely nervous.

Yu Bai felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that this auntie was aware of the time difference between China and London. 8 PM in China was exactly 12 PM in London, which was lunchtime, so it wouldn't disturb his rest.

This careful consideration moved him and made him even more convinced that his previous decision was correct.

"Auntie, you have something you want to ask me about, right?" Yu Bai asked proactively, his tone remaining gentle.

"Eh, yes, yes, it's like this..."

The woman seemed to have found her opening, lowering her voice a little, "His father and I... tried to give money to Cuncun, but she refused, and she even sternly criticized us... I was thinking... is it possible to tell her that you have already lent us the money to pay it off, and that we have been hiding it from her... Hiding it like this, we don't feel right, watching her struggle so much outside alone..."

The woman's words were filled with heartache and guilt for her daughter, as well as infinite gratitude for the young man before her.

Yu Bai listened quietly, the smile on his face gradually receding, becoming serious. After the other person finished speaking, he pondered for a moment and said in an unquestionable tone:

"Auntie, I know you feel heartache. However, one thing is one thing."

He paused and emphasized his tone, "You absolutely cannot tell her."

"As for your worry that she will suffer..."

A trace of imperceptible mockery and determination entered Yu Bai's voice, "Let her suffer. You should suffer a little too."

"..."

On the other side of the phone, there was a long silence.

Only the sound of slight breathing could be heard, as if one could see the other person's shocked and helpless expression.

Silence was the Cambridge of this evening.

A few seconds later, the other person seemed to want to say something else, but Yu Bai didn't want to explain any further. He softly said, "Auntie, you and Uncle take care of your health," and then hung up the phone.

"Beep, beep, beep..." The busy tone sounded.

Yu Bai stood on the steps in front of the villa holding his phone, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile that was slightly smug and like a successful prank.

Little Cuncun, don't you like to be stubborn? Isn't it because of family matters that you want to draw a line with me, and even refuse to contact me?

If it weren't for him keenly discovering that there was no trace of her in the life of his "32-year-old self," raising suspicions, and specifically spending money to hire professionals to investigate, he really wouldn't have known about this whole affair.

Since you want to be strong, to be independent, and are unwilling to accept help.

Then you should suffer a little.

Yu Bai thought this in his heart, but the smile on his face was not cold; on the contrary, it carried a kind of helplessness and expectation like an older brother.

Of course, he didn't really want to see her suffer; he just hoped that through this method, that stubborn girl would understand some principles, and also make her parents stop being so indulgent and permissive.

At this moment, Wen Wan stepped out of the driver's seat. She had deliberately stayed in the car for a while, not to eavesdrop, but because she didn't want to disturb Yu Bai's phone call. She looked at Yu Bai standing at the door with a strange smile on his face and walked over suspiciously.

"Whose call was that? From China?"

Wen Wan asked, her eyes filled with inquiry.

Could it be Yu Bai's mother, Shen Muwan? Thinking of that noble lady with extraordinary temperament and sharp eyes, Wen Wan couldn't help but shudder.

"It's no one, just an elder."

Yu Bai put away his phone and said nonchalantly, the expression on his face having returned to calm.

"Let's go in, I'm exhausted."

He didn't say more and turned to open the villa door with his key.

Wen Wan looked at his back, her doubts deepening, but she didn't ask further.

She knew that when Yu Bai wanted to say something, he would say it naturally.

She only vaguely felt that this phone call might be related to the special attention Yu Bai occasionally revealed toward a certain "old friend" in China.

...

Weekend, Premier League Round 30.

Leicester City, having played one game early, encountered stubborn resistance from Manchester United at the King Power Stadium. Martial opened the scoring for the Red Devils, but Leicester City captain Wes Morgan received an assist from Drinkwater and headed in the equalizer. In the end, the 1:1 score held until the final whistle.

This draw was undoubtedly a small setback for the League leaders, Leicester City. And for Tottenham, who had a game in hand and trailed by 8 points, it was an excellent opportunity to close the gap!

[Foxes City have braked! The opportunity for Tottenham has arrived!]

[Is Manchester United trying to be the judge?]

[The pressure is on Tottenham now!]

...

Villa Park Stadium.

Aston Villa hosted Tottenham.

Mauricio Pochettino fielded a full-strength lineup.

In his heart, the League title was always the fundamental goal, the most direct manifestation of the team's hard work over a season, and it could never be easily given up.

The attacking group consisting of Harry Kane, Yu Bai, Dele Alli, and Erik Lamela intended to take all three points away from home.

However, the progress of the match was not as smooth as expected.

Aston Villa, fighting for relegation, set up a defensive wall from the very beginning, supplemented by extremely fierce defensive actions. Their goal was clear: get one point if they could, and never let Tottenham pass easily.

In the first half, both sides failed to score.

Tottenham controlled the situation, but facing Villa's dense defense and rough confrontations, it was difficult to execute effective penetration.

Yu Bai encountered double-teaming and lumberjack-style fouls in the middle repeatedly.

[Villa's defensive actions are too much!]

[Referee Anthony Taylor's whistle is biased beyond measure!]

[Kane is too miserable, being kicked like a sandbag.]

...

Back in the dressing room, Yu Bai couldn't help but compare.

Borussia Dortmund was undoubtedly a stronger team than Aston Villa, with technique, coordination, and individual ability all on a higher level.

But playing against them, Yu Bai still felt that the away game against Villa was harder to play.

Why?

Because these SOBs sometimes really weren't playing football! The actions were rough, the fouls were frequent, and the referee for this match, Referee Anthony Taylor, was truly blind! It would be better if he had the "star treatment" special ability.

But look at Harry Kane, his jersey was torn, and the whistle didn't even blow! Dele Alli and Erik Lamela were no better, frequently being knocked down.

Changing sides for the second half.

In the 47th minute, Tottenham finally got a decent attacking opportunity in the dangerous area in the front court.

Yu Bai got the ball on the left side near the midfield line. Facing the Villa defender rushing up to tackle, he didn't choose to force a breakthrough, but took the initiative!

He dribbled horizontally and cut inside! This was one of his most threatening moves on the left flank!

Villa's defensive players immediately retreated inward, preparing to block his cut-in line or Passing angle.

However, at the moment they shifted their center of gravity!

While running, Yu Bai suddenly exerted force with the inside of his right foot, curling the shot!

Unexpected! Taking them by surprise!

About 28 meters from the goal! Position slightly to the left!

Yus Curve! Reappeared!

The ball seemed to have been cast with magic, carrying a violent spin, drawing a dazzling and strange arc, bypassing all the defensive players who tried to block it, and Heading straight for the absolute dead corner of the goal's top right!

Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan had already focused his attention, but facing such an unsolvable "top corner" world-class goal, he had no way to stop it! He even moved his feet only symbolically, then watched the ball drill into the net like precision guidance!

1:0!

"Goooooooooooooooooooooooooal!!!"

"World-class goal! Less than two minutes into the second half, Yu Bai broke the deadlock for Tottenham with a signature curling shot!"

"An unsolvable shot! Guzan is helpless!"

Yu Bai rushed excitedly toward the corner flag and performed a textbook knee-slide celebration!

His face wore a look of cathartic joy!

Such an unreasonable goal is the most effective way to break down a parked bus!

Just as he finished celebrating and was walking back— [Ding—]

That familiar prompt sounded deep within his mind once again!

[At 32 years old, your curveballs have reached perfection! After countless trials and sublimation in actual combat, your curving technique has achieved mastery!]

[Beckhams Curve (Superstar) upgraded to Beckhams Curve (Legendary)!]

[Shooting 91 → 93]

[Overall Rating 93 → 94]

Yu Bai secretly gave himself a thumbs up in his heart!

An indescribable sense of relief and enlightenment flowed through his entire body, as if his understanding of footwork, rotation, and curves had reached a brand new level.

Beckhams Curve, from the lowest "Player" level at the beginning, through his own step-by-step, continuous practice, actual combat, and summarization, had finally become the highest "Legendary" level!

Yu Bai knew better than anyone how difficult this journey had been.

Of course, it was inseparable from the help of "Carloss Shooting Power (Superstar)".

It was because he had sufficient foot strength and explosive power that he could shoot various unbelievable curveballs without any reservations.

Collecting his emotions, Yu Bai fought with increasing courage.

After the upgrade, his touch seemed even hotter, and his coordination with his teammates became more in sync.

In the 64th minute, Tottenham executed a delicate combination play in the frontcourt.

Harry Kane received the ball with his back to the goal inside the penalty area, and facing the double-team of two defenders, he calmly laid the ball back to the edge of the penalty area!

There, Yu Bai had already arrived!

He met the incoming ball without any adjustment, driving a low shot with the inside of his right foot!

The ball, like a bullet leaving the chamber, hugged the turf, rapidly passed through the gaps in the crowd, and headed straight for the bottom corner of the goal!

2:0! Yu Bai scored a brace! The "Yu-Kane" connection struck again!

"It's Yu Bai again! A brace! Kane's setup was perfect, and Yu Bai's shot was calm and precise! This duo is getting more and more in sync!"

[Yu-Kane connection! A feast for the eyes!]

[Yu-Bao's touch is red-hot today!]

In the 69th minute, Yu Bai faced Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton one-on-one on the left flank.

He didn't perform any unnecessary flashy moves; he simply dribbled two steps toward the byline and suddenly crossed the ball!

A "small lob" with extreme speed and a steady arc was sent to the middle of the penalty area!

Harry Kane had been waiting there for a long time!

He beat the Aston Villa center-back to the ball and delivered a powerful header!

3:0!

"Yu Bai returns the favor, assisting Kane to score! It's the familiar Yu-Kane connection! The two have assisted and scored for each other in this match, combining for three goals, completely killing off the suspense of the game!"

With the victory sealed, Mauricio Pochettino substituted both Yu Bai and Harry Kane in the 70th minute to save energy for the Europa League Round of 16 second leg do-or-die match against Borussia Dortmund three days later.

Surprisingly, when Yu Bai and Kane were substituted, quite a few home fans from Aston Villa stood up and applauded.

This applause was to thank the "Yu-Kane" duo for the brilliant goals, and also a sign of respect for the stars.

This is the charm of stars, and the hope for the future of The Three Lions!

In the end, Tottenham won 3:0 away against Aston Villa, taking all three points.

On the League table, the gap with Leicester City has narrowed to 5 points!

The suspense of the title race has returned!

...

At the post-match press conference, Yu Bai and Mauricio Pochettino attended together.

This was Yu Bai's first official post-match press conference.

A middle-aged reporter was the first to get the chance to ask a question.

He asked Yu Bai, "Yu, congratulations on another brilliant performance, a brace and an assist. This is your first time attending a post-match press conference, right? How does it feel? Are you nervous?"

Yu Bai sat in front of the microphone, looked at the sea of reporters and cameras below, scratched his head, revealed a slightly embarrassed smile, and answered honestly in English, "Um... I am a little nervous. I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. It feels more nerve-wracking than playing the match."

His slightly embarrassed and honest appearance caused the entire room of reporters to burst into laughter.

Even Mauricio Pochettino beside him couldn't help but smile, patting his shoulder.

The atmosphere instantly became much more relaxed.

Next, another reporter stood up, but his question caused the laughter in the room to come to an abrupt halt.

This was an experienced-looking, sharp-eyed veteran reporter.

"Yu, congratulations again. I have an interesting question."

He pushed up his glasses, "Currently on the League table, Leicester City and Tottenham are direct rivals for the title. And you have played for both teams this season. According to the rules, regardless of whether Leicester City or Tottenham wins the title, you will receive a League champion medal and honor. So, setting aside the rules, purely from a personal emotional standpoint, which team would you rather see have the last laugh and lift the championship trophy?"

As soon as the question was asked, the scene instantly went quiet, and everyone's eyes were focused on Yu Bai.

This was a classic "death question," full of traps and sensationalism.

Mauricio Pochettino's expression also darkened slightly, and he looked at that reporter with some hostility.

After hearing the question, Yu Bai was stunned for a moment, then his face revealed an extremely exaggerated expression, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

He widened his eyes, looked at the reporter, then slammed the table (a big motion, but not much force), and using a tone raised by eight octaves, filled with "absurdity" and "anger," he said loudly into the microphone:

"Fk! Who do you work for? I want to complain about you!"

"I'm not doing this press conference anymore! Anyway, I'm a champion either way, so why would I do this?"

After saying this, he actually stood up, pushed his chair away, and under the stunned gaze of all the reporters who hadn't yet reacted, he turned and walked toward the side door of the press conference hall!

His footsteps were hurried, almost looking like he was "fleeing in panic"!

Leaving behind a room full of reporters looking at each other, who then burst into even louder laughter, and Mauricio Pochettino, who wore a helpless, bitter smile and began to clean up the mess while shaking his head.

This reporter was too evil!

How is this question any different from asking who you would save first if your wife and mother fell into the water?

Time to run, this question is out of bounds!

Yu Bai wasn't really angry, of course; he just used an extremely humorous and witty way to avoid this hot potato that would cause controversy no matter how he answered.

His reaction, instead, became another hot topic and joke after the match.

...

On the eve of the Europa League Round of 16 second leg, at the press conference hall of White Hart Lane.

The atmosphere was completely different from the League press conference; the air was filled with a heavy scent of gunpowder.

Thomas Tuchel attended first.

His expression remained serious, but flames of unwillingness burned in his eyes.

"The result of the first leg was disappointing, but that is already in the past."

Tuchel's voice was firm, "We made mistakes at Westfalenstadion and paid the price. But a football match is 180 minutes long. Tomorrow, at White Hart Lane, we will correct our mistakes. We came here with the belief that we must win; we only have one goal—to advance."

"For Yu Bai, we will have targeted arrangements. He is a very outstanding player, but football is an 11-man sport. We respect our opponent, but we are absolutely not afraid."

Mauricio Pochettino, who appeared afterward, seemed full of confidence.

"We returned home with victory and confidence. White Hart Lane will be our strongest backing."

He said, "Yu Bai is in great form, and the whole team is in great form. We know the strength of our opponent, but that won't change our plan—we will take the initiative, strive for goals, strive for victory, and advance to the next round in our own way."

"This will be a very open and very exciting match. Both teams like to attack and are full of vitality. I believe the fans will enjoy it. Of course, our goal is to be the side that has the last laugh."

The statements from both managers have set a tense and intense tone for tomorrow night's do-or-die battle.

All eyes are focused on White Hart Lane.

The focus of the focus is undoubtedly the No. 52 in white who scored a Hat-trick and created the winning goal in the first leg.

[5000-word chapter, includes 6.1 bonus update. Tell a joke: When I started this book, it was to catch the World Cup traffic, but the World Cup is about to start, and I'm reading 18,000! So funny! Promoting Mexico and Czech Republic! Play for fun, don't play too seriously! During the World Cup, welcome to chat about football!]