70: Chapter 70: The Battle of the Team's Aces: The Director of Passing and Shooting Advances! First Encounter with a Beautiful Chinese Reporter!

King Power Stadium, third round of the League Cup.

Leicester City played at home, facing West Ham United, who were also in the Premier League.

Claudio Ranieri made significant rotations; Mahrez was on the bench, and the team's top scorer, Jamie Vardy, didn't even make the matchday squad.

But one name appeared prominently at the very front of the starting lineup — No. 52, Yu Bai.

And his position was listed as: Attacking Free Role.

This was the first time Claudio Ranieri had explicitly established Yu Bai as the team's absolute attacking core in an official match and built the lineup around him.

It was also the first time in Yu Bai's 17-year professional career that he had become the central piece on a team's tactical board.

Standing at the center circle, waiting for kickoff, Yu Bai felt his blood heating up slightly.

He could feel the gazes from his teammates behind him, filled with trust and expectation, and even more so, he could feel that gaze from Claudio Ranieri in the stands, full of anticipation.

Just at this moment —

[Ding —]

[At 32 years old, you have gained the absolute trust of the team's head coach. You play the most important role in the team, bar none.]

[Triggered Mission: Lead the team to win this match and be named the Man of the Match.]

[Mission Reward: 5 Free Definition Points.]

The system's notification sound rang out like a war drum.

5 Definition Points!

Yu Bai's heart skipped a beat.

His Shooting had already reached 89, just one step away from the superstar threshold of 90.

Once it reached 90, it could no longer be improved by using free points.

These 5 points were crucial! He had held back from adding to his relatively "lower-yield" Speed and Explosiveness, waiting for such a "key reward" to max out his Shooting, after which he would focus on Speed and Explosiveness.

Plus, before the match in the locker room, Claudio Ranieri had patted his shoulder and said unreservedly in front of the whole team: "Listen, guys, our tactics tonight are simple — give the ball to Yu, then make your runs and wait for his magic. Yu, go for it, we believe in you!"

This heavy, unreserved trust surged within Yu Bai, creating a burning impulse to repay it.

Must win! Must be the best!

...

After the match began, Yu Bai, granted unlimited Shooting rights and command, was like a tiger released from its cage, stirring up monstrous waves before West Ham United's semi-main defensive line.

In the 13th minute.

Yu Bai was knocked down by a West Ham United defender with a subtle move at the left edge of the penalty area arc.

Referee Peter Banks blew his whistle and pointed to the spot of the foul — a Free kick in a perfect position, about 25 meters from the goal, slightly to the left.

The perfect starting point for a "Yus Curve"!

Yu Bai stood in front of the ball, rightfully taking charge.

King Power Stadium went quiet instantly, with tens of thousands of eyes focused on him.

Run-up, leg swing, the inside of his right foot curled out a curve so perfect it was breathtaking!

The ball bypassed the jumping wall, carrying intense spin and obvious dip, grazing the underside of the crossbar, and drilled into the top right corner of the goal!

West Ham United's goalkeeper, Spain's national keeper, and a player worth 10 million euros, Adrian, was helpless to reach it!

1:0! Yu Bai scored directly from a Free kick!

"Gooooal! Yu Bai! A beautiful curve! An unsolvable Free kick!"

"The 'Yus Curve' reappears at King Power Stadium!"

"This curve, this angle, masterclass!"

"It's here, it's here! The iconic Banana Kick!"

"This goal reminds me of a certain heartthrob!"

The barrage was boiling over:

[Heartthrob! My Yu Bai is so handsome!]

[Was this curve raised on Dove chocolate? So silky!]

[Young Master: I heard someone questioned my footwork? (Smirks)]

[Adrian: Who am I? Where am I? Where's the ball?]

In stoppage time of the first half, the final attack.

Leicester City won a corner kick.

Yu Bai stood at the corner flag, took a deep breath, and scanned the penalty area.

He raised his left hand and made a gesture only his teammates understood.

Run-up, kick! A cross with perfect speed, spin, and placement flew straight to the near post!

No. 10 Andy King understood, shook off his defender, and with a clever glance-back Heading at the near post, flicked the ball toward the goal!

The West Ham United defensive players completely didn't expect this coordination, watching helplessly as the ball drew a reverse parabola, crossed over goalkeeper Adrian, and dropped into the net!

2:0! Andy King Heading goal! Yu Bai corner assist!

"A perfect corner kick tactic! Telepathy between Yu Bai and King!"

"Scoring and assisting! Yu Bai directed two goals in the first half!"

...

In the 62nd minute of the second half, the overall situation was decided.

Claudio Ranieri protectively substituted the scoring and assisting, outstandingly performing Yu Bai, as well as Kante, who was omnipresent on the defensive end, to save energy for the Premier League hard battle against Arsenal on the weekend.

The substitute, West Ham United core Dimitri Payet, pulled one back in the 77th minute with a world-class goal, but it was too little, too late.

Ultimately, Leicester City won 2:1 at home against West Ham United, successfully advancing to the next round of the League Cup.

Yu Bai was indisputably named the Man of the Match.

[Mission accomplished! 5 Free Definition Points have been issued!]

The system's notification made Yu Bai feel settled.

But before he could immerse himself in the joy of "Deep Blue point adding", he was led to the sidelines by staff.

In the interview area for CCTV5's "Total Soccer", a Chinese female reporter, dressed in a professional suit, with a clear and beautiful appearance and an intellectual temperament, was already holding a microphone, smiling and waiting for him.

"Hello, Yu Bai!"