72: Chapter 72: All of England Focuses on King Power Stadium – Has Yu Bai's Revenge Script Been Written? (Two Chapters Combined)

North London, White Hart Lane.

The North London Derby in the third round of the League Cup—Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal—concluded in a fiery atmosphere.

Mauricio Pochettino chose to rotate his squad for this match, with the attacking line led by Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli, and Andros Townsend, while Son Heung-min, who had been in red-hot form recently, was not given a start.

Although both sides rotated their squads, the intensity of the Derby did not diminish in the slightest. Arsenal veteran Mathieu Flamini became the surprise hero, scoring twice. Tottenham only saw a glimmer of hope thanks to an own goal by Chambers, but ultimately lost 1-2 at home and were eliminated.

The much-anticipated Son Heung-min came on for Townsend in the 67th minute, but against Arsenal's compact defense, he found few opportunities and was unable to change the outcome.

...

At the post-match press conference, undercurrents were surging.

In the visiting Arsenal area, when a reporter linked "the weekend League match against Leicester City" with "Yu Bai" in their question, the atmosphere in the room instantly became subtle.

"Professor, your restriction of the Tottenham attacking line in this match was very successful. For the weekend League match, facing Yu Bai, who is in explosive form recently and is very familiar with Arsenal (emphasized tone), has the team formulated a specific defensive strategy?"

Wenger adjusted his glasses, a classic, slightly awkward, and helpless "Professor-style smile" appearing on his face. He pondered for a moment and gave an answer that was full of diplomatic language yet sparked endless speculation:

"Regarding Yu Bai..."

"He is a very outstanding young man, and we have been following his growth."

"As for the strategy for the weekend match..."

Wenger paused, his gaze sweeping over the eager reporters below, and said slowly:

"I think the answer will be revealed in the match this weekend."

"You will know when the time comes."

...

In the home Tottenham area, the reporter's question was more direct, even carrying a hint of gunpowder:

"Mauricio Pochettino, first regarding Son Heung-min's performance today... and this weekend, Yu Bai will face Arsenal at the Leicester City home ground. This seems to be the topic that fans and media love to compare the most recently. May I ask this?"

Mauricio Pochettino was not displeased; on the contrary, he revealed a confident, even slightly controlling smile. He leaned forward slightly towards the microphone, his voice clear and powerful:

"Of course you can!"

"Son and Yu, they are both Tottenham players, now and in the future, they both are."

He specifically emphasized "now and in the future," "They are both young players I highly appreciate and value, they are my favorites."

"As for the comparison," Mauricio Pochettino shrugged, his tone relaxed but the content explosive, "Yu certainly has the ability to do anything he wants in a match, to create miracles. We all know this."

The reporter followed up: "Then will you be watching the match between Leicester City and Arsenal this weekend?"

Mauricio Pochettino admitted generously: "Yes, of course. If the match were at Arsenal's home ground, I might consider attending in person. But since it is in Leicester City... then I can only support from in front of the TV."

He smiled and added: "I will be watching closely."

These words seemed to be answering about watching the match, but in reality, every sentence was a public declaration, asserting ownership over Yu Bai—he is our person, I value him, I care about him.

...

Leicester City vs. Arsenal, the day before the match, at the King Power Stadium training base.

Total Soccer reporter Chi Shuxin had already finished a large amount of filming. Her camera was filled with photos of Yu Bai training—sprinting, Shooting, juggling the ball, wiping sweat, laughing with teammates... The angles were varied, but every single one was ridiculously handsome.

Chi Shuxin reviewed the photos and silently complained in her heart: Which window did God actually close for this guy? This face, this physique, this skill... wouldn't he be more than qualified to debut as an idol?

She first interviewed NGolo Kanté, who was stretching. The French defensive midfielder was a bit shy, but when Yu Bai was mentioned, he clearly talked more.

"Yu is very popular in the team, he works very hard, and always stays for extra training until the end."

"Nickname? Everyone sometimes calls him 'The Director,' because he can always deliver incredible Passing on the pitch."

"Habits? Before a match, he likes to eat a kind of Chinese... candy? It's called 'Chenpi Candy,' he says it helps him stay calm."

Chi Shuxin was amused by Kanté's honest and serious answer, and finally asked: "Tomorrow's match is of extraordinary significance to Yu Bai, as one of his best partners, do you have any advice for him?"

Kanté thought for a moment, revealing his signature, simple yet powerful smile: "Advice? None. But I will support him with actions. I will try my best to cover every corner, so he can move forward with peace of mind. I think he will very, very much need this victory."

Next, Chi Shuxin found head coach Claudio Ranieri.

"Mr. Ranieri, for tomorrow's match, do you have any special requirements or expectations for Yu Bai personally?"

Ranieri's expression was serious: "Be himself. My philosophy on using him has never changed—young people should not be defined too early. He has infinite possibilities and a bright future. I just need him to show himself."

"Then," Chi Shuxin asked the question that all Chinese fans were most concerned about, "Yu Bai's recent performance has been so outstanding, what level does he need to reach to consistently secure a starting position?"

Hearing this question, a big smile, with a hint of "mischief achieved," suddenly bloomed on Ranieri's serious face. He extended his index finger and gently tapped the microphone in Chi Shuxin's hand, word by word, clearly and incomparably:

"Tomorrow afternoon."

After saying this, he said no more, turned around with a smile, and left.

Chi Shuxin was stunned in place, digested it for two seconds, and then her eyes widened sharply!

Tomorrow afternoon?

This means... Yu Bai will start in tomorrow's focus battle against Arsenal?!

Ranieri is... directly showing his cards?!

...

After training ended, Chi Shuxin waited by the side of the field for Yu Bai, who was still practicing set-pieces. When he finally finished and walked to the sidelines, Chi Shuxin went up to greet him.

However, Yu Bai just shook his head slightly at her, with no smile on his face, and even with a rare, almost solemn seriousness, his voice was calm but firm: "Sorry, Reporter Chi, I won't be accepting interviews today."

After speaking, he nodded slightly and walked straight away.

Chi Shuxin watched his back, not feeling offended, but instead, her heart tightened slightly. She could feel the pressure and determination that was almost materializing from Yu Bai's tightly pressed lips and exceptionally focused eyes.

He wanted to play this match well so badly.

He wanted to prove, wanted to respond, and perhaps... also wanted "revenge."

...

Soon, Chi Shuxin's article and photos were published via Total Soccer and social media. The two seemingly contradictory topics, #Yu Bai Refuses Interview with Solemn Expression# and #Yu Bai Handsome Training Photos#, both surged to the top of the trending list!

In the photos, he is a sunny and handsome football youth; in the text, he is an avenger carrying immense pressure and moving forward in silence. This contrast gave this drama of "Yu Bai battles his former club" unprecedented hype and attention.

At this moment, Yu Bai's influence in China has surpassed the vast majority of entertainment stars. If not for his persistence in "playing football first," refusing almost all commercial endorsements, he would likely have swept away more than half of the resources in the entertainment industry.

Everyone is looking forward to a standard "satisfying novel script"—

The former castoff, the king returns, to strike down his old master!

Of course, rational fans know how difficult this is. Arsenal is definitely not willing to become the background board. Restricting Yu Bai will be their strategic goal above all else in this match.

Even in the forums of extreme Arsenal fans, slogans have already been shouted:

"The match can be lost, but Yu Bai must be silenced!"

"Better to die standing than to let that kid shine!"

A battle of face, on the verge of breaking out.

...

September 26th, morning, match day.

Wen Wan drove the Maybach S600, taking Yu Bai to the King Power Stadium. Along the way, she chattered endlessly, telling the "hell-level" cold jokes she had stayed up all night searching for on the internet.

"Once upon a time there was a polar bear, it felt too bored, so it started pulling out its own fur. Guess what happened? It pulled and pulled... and then there was no then, because it felt so cold."

Yu Bai: "..."

"Xiao Ming was walking and accidentally stepped on a lemon, and then... then he turned into Xiao Meng!"

Yu Bai: "... Drive your car."

"Xiao Bai, do you know what cloth and paper are most afraid of?"

"Not (cloth) afraid of ten thousand, only (paper) afraid of just in case."

Yu Bai remained expressionless throughout, even feeling like his ears were being tortured. These jokes were so cold that even a polar bear would have to put on a cotton jacket after hearing them.

But deep down, he was very clear, and very grateful. Wen Wan was using this method to try to dispel his unavoidable pre-match nervousness.

Arriving at the perimeter of the stadium, Wen Wan parked the car, turned around, and towards Yu Bai, who had already unbuckled his seatbelt, she swung her little pink fist forcefully, her face full of unreserved trust and encouragement:

"Young Master!"

"Good luck in the match this afternoon!"

"If you win..." She gritted her teeth, as if having made a huge resolution, "I'll give up alcohol for a week!"

"No sincerity!"

"Then, then I'll quit for a month! No more than that!"

Yu Bai looked at her "huge sacrifice," cute appearance, and finally couldn't help it, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, he nodded at her, and then pushed the door open to get out of the car.

On the way to the player tunnel, the morning air was slightly cool. Somehow, a vision of that hazy night suddenly flashed through his mind, that dragonfly-touch, fleeting kiss, as well as Wen Wan's panic-stricken, crimson-cheeked appearance at that time...

In the heart of which seventeen-year-old boy has there not lived a gentle, beautiful, occasionally a bit willful, yet wholehearted "older sister" who treats him well?

He shook his head, suppressed the distracting thoughts, his eyes became sharp again, and his steps grew firmer.

...

In the visiting locker room, Arsenal area.

There was still some time before the match started, but the atmosphere was already quite serious.

Laurent Koscielny—the team captain for this match—gathered the defensive coach and the confirmed starting backfield players Héctor Bellerín, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal, as well as the defensive midfield duo Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini.

Koscielny's expression was exceptionally grave, and he lowered his voice, getting straight to the point:

"Brothers, listen."

"If in this match, we let Yu Bai play like he did in the last few matches, or even let him score or provide an assist..."

"Then for our club, for each of us, it will be a disaster. We will become the laughingstock of all England, no, the whole world."

"I don't want, and absolutely cannot allow, this situation to happen."

He looked around at everyone, his gaze like a torch.

"So, before the match starts, we need to reach a consensus and make a plan."

"I have privately contacted Francis (Bournemouth) and Richards (Aston Villa) and asked them about their experience in defending against Yu Bai. They told me some of Yu Bai's technical characteristics and habits..."

"Now, let's discuss properly how to restrict him, lock him down, and make him disappear from in front of our penalty area."

"In this match, restricting Yu Bai is our number one priority."

Inside the locker room, it was deadly serious.

The Arsenal players had already regarded Yu Bai as the number one threat and were prepared to strangle him.

...

In the home locker room, Leicester City area.

Yu Bai had already changed into his training kit and was sitting quietly in his seat.

He felt that time was Passing particularly slowly, every minute and every second seemed to be stretched out. Inside his chest, it felt like a flame was burning, mixed with excitement, nervousness, desire, and a hint of indescribable complex emotions.

He wished it were three o'clock in the afternoon right now, immediately, at once! To start the battle directly!

Just as he was silently adjusting his breathing, trying to calm himself down, the mobile phone placed in the locker suddenly vibrated lightly.

He took it out and took a look.

It was a number he hadn't seen in a long time, with almost no label, but he could recognize it at a glance.

Liu Haocun.

The content of the message was very simple:

[Good luck in the match!]

[PS: A little nervousness before the match is normal, it will be fine once it starts~ I am like this every time before I go on stage to perform, my heart beats so fast. Sharing this little experience with you, hope it's useful to you! Good luck!]

Yu Bai looked at this message and was slightly stunned.

This was the first time she had taken the initiative to message him since their unpleasant argument three years ago.

An indescribable warm current, mixed with more complex emotions, quietly flowed through his heart.

He locked the phone, held it in his hand, feeling the slight residual warmth on the screen, and then, slowly and deeply, took a breath, and exhaled.

His gaze turned back to the tactical board hanging on the wall of the locker room, and the opponent's name that was highlighted—

Arsenal.

All the buildup was ready.

All eyes were focused.

All emotions were brewed.

Just waiting for the opening whistle.